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health insurance agent in Sullivan's Island, SC
Trying to find the right health insurance plan for you or your family can be a complex, often difficult task. Just trying to find the best carrier can be stressful and confusing on its own. That is why the Health Insurance Solutions was founded - to take the stress and confusion out of the health insurance process. Our goal is to help hardworking men and women find the best protection for their unique needs.
Unlike some health insurance brokers, we make every effort to learn about the kind of health insurance you really need. When you speak with an agent from The Health Insurance Solutions, know that we will never try to upsell you on a plan that you can't afford. Instead, your knowledgeable, helpful health insurance agent in Sullivan's Island, SC will help you navigate the uncertain waters of the health insurance world. Once we understand the health insurance plan you need, we will explore your options. That way, you can leave our conversation feeling informed about your health insurance options and confident that you are making the best choice possible.
We are proud to have served people just like yourself for more than 15 years at the Health Insurance Solutions. We have helped countless individuals, families, and business owners find the coverage they need at a price that won't send them into bankruptcy. If you know that you need health insurance but don't know how to start or what to look for, we've got good news - you're in the right place.
Do You Really Need Health Insurance?
Before we talk about the solutions that our health insurance broker in Sullivan's Island, SC provides, we should address the elephant in the room. Everyone regardless of age or health, can benefit from a health insurance plan. Even the healthiest of people want to maintain their health and have protection in the event of a catastrophe. One of the best ways to stay healthy and plan for unexpected events is to visit your doctor for an annual check-up. When you have a health insurance plan, these visits are often fully covered by your insurance carrier when you choose an in-network doctor. Without health insurance, you will be responsible for the full cost of any medical care - even routine check-ups with your primary care physician. If something horrible happens, and you don't have health insurance, you may have to pay the full amount for the emergency care you receive. Even young, healthy individuals can benefit from the right health plan. After all, nobody plans on getting sick or injured, but bad things can happen to anyone. Something unexpected like a broken leg can cost more than $7,000 to treat when you don't have coverage. A three-day stay in a hospital can cost upwards of $30,000. That can be an incredible amount of money to pay out of pocket. Having a health insurance plan set in place can help you get quality care at a much more affordable price, especially if something unforeseen happens.

Who We Serve
At the Health Insurance Solutions, our mission is to educate and empower our clients so that they can get the best access to medical care possible. Because everyone has their own unique set of needs when it comes to health plans, we serve a wide range of clients.
Individuals
Individual plans, also called personal health plans, are health insurance policies that you can purchase solely for yourself. When you work with Health Insurance Solutions, your health insurance agent in Sullivan's Island, SC will go over your health plan options and help find the best fit for your needs. Individual health plans are not tied to your employer, so you can make a career change without having to worry about losing your health insurance. For individual plans, we offer major medical, short-term, and fixed benefit plans that include life, dental, vision, and other coverage options.
Families
Finding the right health plan for your family can be a real challenge, but our experienced health insurance agents are here to help. We understand that not all members of your family will have the same needs. To help your family get the best coverage possible, we search for custom plans that will meet each of your family members' needs. Whether you're looking for major medical coverage or fixed-benefit plans with no deductibles, our experts are here to serve you. Common coverage options include vision, dental, life, STD and LTD, long-term care, and more.

Self-Employed
Entrepreneurs have their own set of needs in terms of health plans and how much they can afford to spend on coverage. Once thought of as a small percentage of the workforce, 57 million Americans freelanced in 2019 alone, according to the Upwork and Freelancers Union. If you are a consultant, independent contractor, or freelancer, the Health Insurance Solutions will find a plan that caters to your current needs and future endeavors. Common health insurance plans for self-employed people include vision, life, dental, and stand-alone prescription coverage. We also offer major medical, supplemental, short-term, and fixed-benefit plans at a range of prices that you can afford.

Small Business
Offering health insurance to your employees is one of the best ways to keep your team happy and attract diligent workers to your company. If you are a business owner who wants to provide health insurance to your employees but cannot do so because the cost of benefits is too high, worry not. Our experienced health insurance agents will work directly with your employees to help them find the coverage they can afford. We also offer hybrid plans that can be customized so that both you and your employee's needs are met. Whether you need a major medical package or voluntary benefits only, the Health Insurance Solutions has got you covered. Common small business health insurance plans include life, LTC, medical, vision, 401K administration, and dental insurance.

Travelers
If you travel regularly for business or pleasure, it pays to plan ahead and protect yourself. Because unexpected events happen all the time, you could lose a lot of money if your business trip or vacation is canceled at the last minute. Situations like this can be particularly concerning on international business trips and on long vacations. Whether you get sick before your trip or have valuables within your baggage stolen, traveler's insurance can help minimize expensive cancelation fees and costs.
Most Popular Types of Coverage
Figuring out the kind of insurance you need is a crucial part of the health insurance process. Do you have a prescription for eyeglasses or contacts? Do you have a condition that requires you to visit the doctor on a regular basis? Health insurance plans change depending on what you need. At the Health Insurance Solutions, we will provide you with a trusted health insurance agent in Sullivan's Island, SC to help you choose the best plan for your budget.
Here are a few of the most popular types of coverage that our clients ask about:
Major Medical
This type of insurance covers minimum essential benefits and meets the standards of the ACA for family and individual coverage. Major medical insurance is a fantastic option to choose if you want to be sure all of your medical expenses are covered. Major medical plans usually cover ten essential benefits:
- Outpatient Procedures or Ambulatory Care
- Hospitalization
- Check-Ups and Preventative Care
- Prescription Medications
- Emergency Services
- Pediatric Care Services
- Laboratory Services
- Newborn and Maternity Care
- Addiction Counseling and Mental Health Care Services
If your goal is to cover a full range of care, major medical plans are often the best choice. We recommend you contact our office today to learn more about the major medical plan options available to you. As a licensed, private health insurance broker in Sullivan's Island, SC you do not need to wait until Open Enrollment to protect yourself with a major medical insurance plan.


DENTAL
From basic cleanings to complex procedures like root canals, dental work can be awfully expensive. When you have dental insurance, you will have peace of mind knowing that you won't have to pay for your procedure out of pocket. In general, a quality dental insurance policy will cover some or all of the following:
- Routine cleanings and checkups (copay may be required)
- X-Rays
- Filling Cavities
- Bridges, Implants, and Crowns
- Root Canals and Repair Work
- Emergency Services Oral Surgery, etc.)
It should be noted that some types of dental equipment and services may be covered at higher levels of coverage. While preventative work like cleanings is typically covered, some procedures require out-of-pocket costs.
VISION
Usually purchased as an addition to your medical insurance, vision insurance helps cut back on costs associated with eye care Like dental insurance, vision insurance is great if you know that you will regularly visit the eye doctor or just want to protect yourself for a "worst case scenario." In general, a quality vision plan will cover some or all of the following:
- Routine Eye Exams
- Medical Eye Care
- Vision Correction Products (Eyeglasses, contacts, etc.)
- Surgeries for Vision Correction (LASIK, etc.)
It should be noted that not all types of vision insurance will cover medical issues related to eye care. For instance, if your optometrist discovers a medical problem during your eye exam, they may refer you to a different doctor. While vision insurance may not cover all eye-related medical services, major medical health insurance often does.


LONG-TERM CARE
It might be hard to imagine at this stage of your life, but as you age, there is a chance that you will need long-term care services. The question is, how will you or your loved ones pay for this kind of care? Many people choose to eliminate the burden of senior care by purchasing long-term care insurance. Services like meal preparation, medication assistance, and help with day-to-day activities like bathing are not covered by regular health insurance plans. Long-term care insurance will help you or your children lessen the expense of care when you have chronic medical conditions, dementia, or disabilities. When you speak to one of our health insurance agents, ask if you can purchase a policy that reimburses you when you receive care in the following locations:
- Routine cleanings and checkups (copay may be required)
- In a nursing home
- In your own home
- In an assisted living center
- At a long-term residential senior facility
Expert Help Is Only a Phone Call Away
We call ourselves the Health Insurance Solutions because we are committed to finding you the best, most affordable options for your health insurance needs. We work with all the major insurance carriers, such as:
- Aetna
- Advent Health
- United Healthcare
- National General
- Humana
- Transamerica
- Many More
Unlike some health insurance brokers who only care about making a sale, we don't view you as a financial transaction. We believe that serving others never goes out of style. That's why we prefer to educate you on your health coverage options so that you can make an informed decision. As your health insurance agent in Sullivan's Island, SC we would be honored to help you seek out a plan that is the perfect fit for your life. You will receive the same excellent level of service whether you are a business owner with employees or a single individual.
When you're ready to protect yourself and your family with quality health insurance, we will be here to help guide you along the way. Contact us today so that we may discover your insurance needs and provide you with a quality insurance solution that will give you peace of mind for years to come.

Call us 843-364-9155 for a complimentary consultation and evaluation of your healthcare coverage.
Latest News Near Me Sullivan's Island, SC
14 hotspots to celebrate the Fourth of July and watch the fireworks around Charleston
Wyatt Barczakhttps://www.postandcourier.com/charleston_scene/events/fireworks-fourth-of-july-charleston-sc/article_518a84e2-2cd8-433d-a8c5-28811b1b05aa.html
Firecrackers will flash across Charleston's stunning skyline once again this year, offering yet another spectacular Fourth of July for the Lowcountry.If you're looking for a special setting to embrace the patriotic holiday, consider watching the dazzling light shows aboard the flight desk of the USS Yorktown. This year's event will feature two separate stages with local bands, the opportunity to explore parts of the Yorktown museum and more fun family activities to honor the national holiday."Every adult hits that point wh...
Firecrackers will flash across Charleston's stunning skyline once again this year, offering yet another spectacular Fourth of July for the Lowcountry.
If you're looking for a special setting to embrace the patriotic holiday, consider watching the dazzling light shows aboard the flight desk of the USS Yorktown. This year's event will feature two separate stages with local bands, the opportunity to explore parts of the Yorktown museum and more fun family activities to honor the national holiday.
"Every adult hits that point where you think you've been to every kind of fireworks show," said Sam Elkin, Patriots Point's director of marketing and communication. "If you've seen one, you've seen them all, right? That is until they've seen this one — which is the most unique fireworks show in Charleston — with unmatched views and sightlines of multiple fireworks shows across Charleston harbor. It's truly something special."
If you're in Summerville, head to the Fireworks and Freedom Festival, where there will be glow sticks for the little ones and the shuttle buses running from behind town hall to Gahagan Park.
"It's really a great event for Summerville, as well as for those from Moncks Corner or North Charleston looking for something a little different from what they're used to," said Rigel Kocur, Summerville Parks and Recreation Department's marketing and events manager.
With so many captivating celebrations to choose from, we've got 14 hotspots for your Fourth of July festivities and fireworks.
Fireworks and Freedom Festival
What: Enjoy a curated fireworks display, tasty food trucks, inflatable obstacle courses and community fun hosted by the Summerville Parks and Recreation Department.
When: 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Gahagan Park, 515 W. Boundary St., Summerville
Price: Free
Red, White and Palm
What: Get together at this pre-fireworks gathering and enjoy a live DJ, light bites, chilled cocktails and a stunning view of the fireworks over Charleston's skyline. Patriotic attire is encouraged.
When: 6-9 p.m.
Where: Little Palm, 237 Meeting St., Charleston
Price: Free
Fabulous Fourth in the Creek
What: Goose Creek hosts their annual Fourth of July celebration and fireworks show, featuring live music, tasty food vendors and plenty of family-friendly activities to explore.
When: 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Goose Creek Municipal Center, 519 N. Goose Creek Blvd.
Price: Free
Fourth of July Fireworks Blast
What: Watch Charleston harbor light up with fireworks aboard the historic USS Yorktown with live music, tasty food vendors and unmatched views.
When: 7-10 p.m.
Where: USS Yorktown, Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, 40 Patriots Point, Mount Pleasant
Price: $109
What: This annual parade which will march down Dunvegan Drive, turn left on Shadowmoss Parkway and travel around Muirfield before wrapping up at the starting line. Expect patriotic floats, some vintage cars and more.
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Shadowmoss Golf & Country Club, 21 Dunvegan Drive, Charleston
Price: Free
Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise
What: Board The Carolina Girl yacht for an exclusive night on Charleston harbor to view the annual fireworks shows, featuring a live DJ, light bites, an open bar and incredible views.
When: 8-11 p.m.
Where: St. Johns Yacht Harbor, 2408 Maybank Highway, Johns Island
Price: $170
July 4th Family Picnic and Fireworks
What: Bring out your family and friends for an outdoor picnic with fun games, live music and fireworks.
When: 6-9 p.m.
Where: Bay Creek Park, 3706 Dock Site Road, Edisto Island
Price: Free
4th of July Festival
What: Break out the lawn chairs for North Charleston's annual festival featuring a stunning fireworks show after dark and live music from Motown Throwdown alongside DJ Natty Heavy and DJ D-Nyce.
When: 5-9:30 p.m.
Where: Riverfront Park, 1061 Everglades Ave., North Charleston
Price: Free
4th of July Juke Joint Jam
What: Celebrate Independence Day with some Gullah Geechee food and culture alongside some groovin' funk by DJ Kwame Sha as well as Beth Inabinett & For the Funk of It Band. All proceeds support the Penn Center's heritage program.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Penn Center, 16 Penn Center Circle E., St. Helena Island
Price: $28
Isle of Palms Fourth of July Fireworks Show
What: Isle of Palms will host their annual fireworks show on the beach with incredible displays across the entirety of Charleston harbor.
When: 9 p.m.
Where: Front Beach, 1118 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms
Price: Free
Independence Day Celebration
What: Celebrate Independence Day with a fun bike parade, cookout, live music, watermelon-eating contest, breakdancing and fireworks.
When: 5-9 p.m.
Where: Night Heron Park, 1 Kiawah Island Parkway, Kiawah Island
Price: Free
Daniel Island Independence Day Celebration
What: Sign up for Daniel Island's golf cart parade, which begins at Bishop England High School and continues to Daniel Island School parking lot. A celebration will follow at Smythe Park with live DJs, dance performances, music from Wildflower Station and the East Coast Party Band.
When: 4-9 p.m. July 3
Price: Free
Sullivan's Island 4th of July Golf Cart Parade
What: Join in on the annual golf cart and bike parade, starting at the Sunrise Presbyterian Church and heading to Sullivan's Island Elementary School. Registered participants will be judged for most-festive golf cart at the finish line.
When: 8:30 a.m.
Price: Free
Sullivan's Island Independence Day Party
What: Following the annual parade, break out a lawn chair or picnic blanket and watch the fireworks fly over Sullivan's Island while listening to jams from the Shem Creek Boogie Band.
When: 6 p.m.
Where: J. Marshall Stith Park, 2058 Middle St., Sullivan's Island
Price: Free
‘It helped make America’: Sullivan’s Island celebrates Carolina Day
Caroline Spikeshttps://www.live5news.com/2025/06/28/it-helped-make-america-sullivans-island-celebrates-carolina-day/
SULLIVANS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - As Saturday marks Carolina Day, it also marks one step closer for America to gain its independence.A commemorative event, The Fighting for Independence, was held on Sullivan’s Island at Fort Moultrie for a day of history and celebration.“It helped make America and if it wasn’t for all these people, we wouldn’t be here today,” attendee Nate Fine said.A Georgia man took a trip to the Lowcountry to see where the historic battle took place at Fort Moultrie....
SULLIVANS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - As Saturday marks Carolina Day, it also marks one step closer for America to gain its independence.
A commemorative event, The Fighting for Independence, was held on Sullivan’s Island at Fort Moultrie for a day of history and celebration.
“It helped make America and if it wasn’t for all these people, we wouldn’t be here today,” attendee Nate Fine said.
A Georgia man took a trip to the Lowcountry to see where the historic battle took place at Fort Moultrie.
Given the kind of power behind the British navy, it wasn’t expected for the fort to stand strong 249 years ago.
“The guy that was in charge, Commodore Sir Peter Parker, has literally had his pants blown off. The reports say that his backside was laid bare,” Park Ranger, Christopher Reid said. “So, they have to turn around and leave. And we’ve been celebrating that victory ever since.”
The battle on Sullivan’s Island at Fort Moultrie is a historic moment, not just for locals in the Lowcountry but for the nation as a whole.
“There are things that everyone can relate to. An underdog story is one of them. Victory, loss, war is still a thing that we talk about and people can find a connection to it,” Reid said.
He also added that the interactive history lessons and the reenactments help find that connection.
“Having something for everyone helps step back in time and helps you kind of see what was happening rather than just having someone tell you in 1776 and then immediately falling asleep,” he said.
As people from the Palmetto state and out of towners joined Carolina Day, Fine said it was a step towards freedom, something a history junkie will never forget.
“It helps you learn what happened in the past and what all our forefathers did and all those brave men and women that did for our country and freedom’s awesome,” Fine said.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Restaurants, residents raise money to restore Sullivan’s Island Club
Anna Harrishttps://www.live5news.com/2025/05/17/restaurants-residents-raise-money-restore-sullivans-island-club/
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - With the goal of restoring one of Sullivan’s Island’s main areas for events, hundreds of people are giving back to The Island Club one bite at a time.For “Taste of Sullivan’s Island,” the club’s biggest public event of the year, over 200 tickets were sold to people who wanted to try food from nearly every restaurant on the island. Plus, folks had a chance to enter a silent auction for raffle prizes from local businesses and vendors.Sullivan’s Islan...
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - With the goal of restoring one of Sullivan’s Island’s main areas for events, hundreds of people are giving back to The Island Club one bite at a time.
For “Taste of Sullivan’s Island,” the club’s biggest public event of the year, over 200 tickets were sold to people who wanted to try food from nearly every restaurant on the island. Plus, folks had a chance to enter a silent auction for raffle prizes from local businesses and vendors.
Sullivan’s Island Club President Trey Sedalik says the money is going towards renovating the clubhouse, which has been around since 1946. He says it was neglected ten years ago, sitting idle, and he hopes the town will help fix it up.
“Well, it’s very important to the people that live around here,” Sedalik said. “This is the only community center on Sullivan’s Island. And so, there’s nowhere really for residents to gather. To have kids’ events or to have wellness — any type of community event that you want to have. This is the only place to do it.”
Some of the renovation projects include adding a porch, a new ADA ramp and parking space, hot water, insulation and completing the bathrooms, bar and interior fixtures. The club’s website says they need to raise $500,000 to complete the full renovation and they have about 20% of it raised.
Sedalik says they don’t have the total amount of money raised for this year yet, but their first “Taste of Sullivan’s Island” raised around $20,000 last year.
“It’s just a small, humble building,” Sedalik said. “Couple of thousand square feet. But this is the only place for residents to gather and build relationships and foster community.”
Sedalik says he welcomes any current or past resident of Sullivan’s Island to join the club and help make their goal a reality.
Click here to learn more about their membership and future events.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Efforts are underway to rebuild famed Battle of Sullivan's Island log fort before next Carolina Day
Anna Sharpehttps://www.postandcourier.com/charleston_sc/palmetto-log-fort-rebuild-carolina-day/article_bcfd1134-48d8-49cb-9230-ea9ebc160fe6.html
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND – Palmetto logs chopped down by Dominion Energy could find new life in a tribute to a pivotal battle in the American Revolution.Thirty palmetto trees deemed unsafe by the electric utility last year were cut down, part of routine power line maintenance. Today the log...
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND – Palmetto logs chopped down by Dominion Energy could find new life in a tribute to a pivotal battle in the American Revolution.
Thirty palmetto trees deemed unsafe by the electric utility last year were cut down, part of routine power line maintenance. Today the logs are piled beside Battery Logan on Sullivan’s Island, awaiting their second act in a re-creation of the log fort that absorbed blows from British cannonballs and helped guide Patriot troops to a decisive victory over the Royal Navy.
The island is preparing for Carolina Day celebrations on June 28, the annual commemoration of the famed battle. While plans to rebuild a portion of the iconic fort is underway, they are still are largely conceptual.
Mike Walsh, president of the Battery Gadsden Cultural Center, discussed the slow-going efforts to bring the fort to life once more in the Edgar Allen Poe Library on Ion Avenue.
Inside the converted Spanish-American War-era battery, Walsh said the idea to rebuild the fort is a "dream worth pursuing," although many details, like its location and construction, are still undecided.
"In the general sense of trying to up the awareness of the Battle of Sullivan's Island, you have to include the Palmetto log fort, because therein lies the story," Walsh said.
Palmetto logs were used by soldiers and enslaved laborers from nearby plantations in the early days of the American Revolution. Col. William Moultrie, the man for whom Fort Moultrie is named, oversaw the construction of the structure as the British Royal Navy closed in on Patriot soldiers.
The fort consisted of two parallel rows of palmetto logs about 16 feet apart. Inside, brick pillars supported a cannon platform. Thousands of cubic yards of sand were shoveled in and packed between the logs.
The fort was not complete by the time the battle began on June 28, 1776, and there was wavering faith in the fortitude among high-ranking military officials.
Maj. Gen. Charles Lee arrived in Charleston on June 8, 1776, to command the Continental Army's Southern Department. He dubbed the fort a "slaughter pen," and warned Moultrie the defense would quickly succumb to the Royal Navy's expansive weaponry.
But the palmetto logs embedded in sand were sturdy, yet pliable. Cannon fire bounced off the fort, the logs absorbing the blows like a sponge.
It held up through the night. By morning, over 200 British causalities were recorded, and the Loyalists surrendered.
The fort did not stand the physical test of time. It disappeared in the months after the battle, eaten away by the tides and salty air.
Yet the symbol of the fort and the palmetto persists, added to the South Carolina flag in 1861. It's unknown who came up with the idea to use the logs for the fort, Walsh said, but it proved to be indispensable in the battle.
Had Moultrie listened to Lee and abandoned the idea, "I might be speaking with a British accent and sipping tea," Walsh said.
"That's how important the Battle of Sullivan's Island was, and to us who care about that, that means that the Palmetto log fort was important."
Recreating history
Walsh and the cultural center, a nonprofit preservation society dedicated to Sullivan's Island, are working with SC250 Charleston, the local branch of SC250 that's planning events to recognize the 250-year anniversary of the American Revolution. The organizations are teaming up to, hopefully, rebuild a section of the fort.
There are still several hurdles to jump through before the dream is realized, SC250 Charleston President Brett Bennett said June 26. Funding for the project has to be finalized, and Sullivan's Island's town council has yet to sign off on where the fort will stand for the duration of the exhibit.
A 3D-model of the fort was printed by the Clemson Design Center. By having a tangible, scaled vision of the fort, Bennett said he hopes buy-in from Sullivan’s Island residents and leaders will follow.
"We, meaning SC 250, nor the Battery Gadsden Cultural Center, or any of the other nonprofit entities like SC 250 Charleston, would want to impose on the residents of the area," Bennett said. "But we also are eager to see the project forward so that people can better visualize what that original fortification looked like."
Longtime Charleston residents may recall the 1976 reconstruction of the fort, which was housed on National Park Service property at Fort Moultrie. Built to commemorate the 200th anniversary, photos of the re-creation show it was a towering structure, where visitors could explore the fort by climbing inside.
If the latest version is successful, Walsh said the newest version would be much smaller and akin to an educational exhibit or art display.
Walsh said they hope to have the fort complete in time for the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island in June 2026.
10 Scenic Beaches Near Charleston For A Sunny Escape
Betsy Cribb Watsonhttps://www.southernliving.com/travel/south-carolina/beaches-near-charleston-south-carolina
There are plenty of good reasons to make the trip to Charleston, South Carolina: Historic homes make for colorful photo ops, the restaurant scene is fresh and inventive, and locally owned stores and boutiques make for unparalleled shopping. Some of the Holy City's greatest assets, though, aren't actually within the city limits...
There are plenty of good reasons to make the trip to Charleston, South Carolina: Historic homes make for colorful photo ops, the restaurant scene is fresh and inventive, and locally owned stores and boutiques make for unparalleled shopping. Some of the Holy City's greatest assets, though, aren't actually within the city limits.
Pack the sunscreen and load the car because the scenic beaches near Charleston are a gem. You won't find ultra-crowded beaches, just a quiet spot to relax and soak up the sunshine. The smooth sand, cool water, and near-perfect weather will make you think you've found pure bliss. Here, find our guide to the sun-drenched beaches that are just a quick drive from the Charleston Peninsula. They're worth the detour.
The 28 Best Things To Do In Charleston, South Carolina
1. Kiawah Island
While the 23-mile drive from the peninsula out to Kiawah Island takes about 40 minutes on a good day, the pristine stretch of sand at Kiawah's public Beachwalker Park is well worth it. It's quiet, especially for a public park, fronts the ocean, and also offers views of the Kiawah River. Beach chair and umbrella rentals are available seasonally, and dogs are welcome, as long as they're on a leash. Explore Kiawah Island's private beaches by renting a house or villa on the island or booking a stay at the Sanctuary, the island's luxurious oceanfront hotel.
2. Folly Beach
Just 12 miles from downtown, the "Edge of America" is the grooviest of Charleston's nearby beaches. It's a popular hangout for surfers, who frequent "The Washout," a stretch of coast known for having the area's best waves. Center Street, the bohemian beach town's colorful main thoroughfare, is lined with surf and souvenir shops and good eats, like Taco Boy and Rita's Seaside Grille, and is just steps away from Folly's 1,045-foot fishing pier.
3. Isle of Palms
The oceanfront county park on this barrier island has picnic tables, a sand volleyball court, and a playground for the littlest beach bums, making it a great place to take the whole family. Venture a little farther down the beach, beyond the park, to discover a number of fun beachfront bars and eateries, like family-friendly Coconut Joe's Beach Grill and The Windjammer, a classic dive bar and music venue that's as salty as they come. Paddle the intercoastal waterway from Isle of Palms where you may encounter dolphins and get up close to coves and marshes.
4. Seabrook Island
Though the island's nearly 4 miles of unspoiled beaches are private to residents and rental guests only (book your stay here), Seabrook is still worth a stop if you're already making the trip out to Kiawah's Beachwalker Park, which is just a few miles away. An Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary, Seabrook is home to a variety of wildlife, including foxes, bobcats, deer, sea turtles, and bottlenose dolphins. Head to Bohicket Marina for a sunset stroll by the river, then plop down at an outdoor table at the Salty Dog Cafe for water views, East Coast peel-and-eat shrimp, and a cold beer or two.
5. Sullivan's Island
When it comes to old-school cottages, small town charm, and a spotless beach to boot, you won't find a dreamier destination than Sullivan's Island. While neighboring Isle of Palms has a lively resort feel, 3.3-square-mile Sullivan's tends to fly under the radar–and the locals like it that way. Be sure to stop by Poe's Tavern on Middle Street for a burger before you head back toward town. Flip-flops and salty hair are always welcome on the front porch.
15 Small Towns In South Carolina We'd Move To In A Heartbeat
6. Bulls Island
Accessible only by ferry, this barrier island is 45 minutes away from downtown Charleston and feels far away from the comforts of civilization. A good way to see the birds of this untouched island, and perhaps a playful dolphin if you're lucky, is on a guided paddling tour. Comb the beach for shells, walk Boneyard Beach where a forest is being recalled by the sea, or track foxes, bobcat, and deer.
7. Edisto Island
About 60 miles from Charleston, Edisto Beach's unspoiled coastline makes it worth the drive. Stay beachside for a dreamy vacation, or take a day trip from Charleston. One of four oceanfront state parks in South Carolina, palmetto-lined Edisto Beach State Park provides the picture-perfect backdrop for swimming, hunting for shells and sharks' teeth, fishing, or strolling. After a day on the island's trails, savor some seafood at the Waterfront Restaurant or the tacos at McConkey's Jungle Shack.
8. Morris Island
Hunt for shells and fossils near the candy cane–striped lighthouse on this uninhabited island just minutes from Charleston. Accessible only by boat, visitors can opt for several tour options, including riding out on a 55-foot power catamaran that's for the more adventurous traveler. For photography buffs, view the lighthouse from the shores of Folly Beach.
9. Pawleys Island
It takes a bit longer to reach from Charleston than some of the other beaches, but the slower pace on Pawleys Island is instantly soothing. This barrier island packs a lot into its four-mile stretch. Set off in a canoe or kayak to explore the salt marsh that separates this island from the mainland, or settle in for a day at the beach. There's shelling, fishing, and crabbing to be done. Sign up for surfing lessons—some of the best waves are near Pawleys Island Pier.
10. Capers Island
Similar to Bulls Island, Capers Island has its own forest of forgotten sea-bleached trees covering the shoreline. At low tide, you may see feeding dolphins and water birds like egrets and herons searching for a meal. Discover tide pools as you walk the beach, hike the island to see gators and deer in their natural habitat, or paddle along the shores and see jellyfish and crabs. Reach this undeveloped island by chartered boat, or take a kayak tour to learn about the area's ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
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