Beaches Closest to Columbia, SC: 10 Best Ocean Spots (2023)

View of Folly Beach Sand Dunes Sunset and Lighthouse in background

Columbia, South Carolina offers a lot of outdoor recreation and fun in the sun. Given the warm climate, you can enjoy Carolina beaches well into the Fall and Winter months.

Although Columbia, SC does not have an ocean beach, there are 10 popular beaches that average a 169-mile or 2-hour and 53-minute drive. These beaches run along the Atlantic coast and stretch from St. Simons Island, Georgia up through the Charleston area and into Carolina Beach, NC.

All 10 of these beaches near Columbia, SC offer something unique and are worth a day trip or weekend getaway.

South Carolina Beaches Nearest to Columbia, SC

The closest ocean beaches to Columbia are within the state of South Carolina. The Charleston-area beaches of Folly and Isle of Palms are the nearest SC beaches at just under a 2.5-hour drive down I-26.

1. Folly Beach, SC

Folly Beach Waves

Folly Beach, SC is the closest ocean beach to Columbia, SC at 126 miles away. As such, Folly Beach is the first beach near Columbia SC on our list!

This beach is located on Folly Island and is a laid-back spot that offers one of the most popular surf spots on the east coast. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Folly River, visitors can enjoy an array of beach activities from surfing, kayaking, and boating.

There are plenty of eclectic shops in downtown Folly to explore as well.

Plus, some amazing local food options! After a long day at the beach, walk over to Chico Feo for some fusion tacos, a cold drink and live music on the patio.

Tacos at Chico Feo Restaurant at Folly Beach

Folly Beach is home to the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage, which is a perfect spot to take in some history and other activities such:

  • beachside strolls
  • wildlife observation
  • photography

Drive Time from Columbia: 2 hours and 15 minutes

Distance from Columbia, SC: 126 miles

Visitors’ Website for Folly Beach

Vacation Rentals at Folly Beach

2. Isle of Palms, SC

Pier at Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms Pier

Isle of Palms Beach, SC is the second closest beach at a 129-mile drive from downtown Columbia. Like nearby Folly, it is in the Charleston area and is also a popular destination for locals from Augusta.

The Isle of Palms offers 50 beach access paths to visitors and is 18 miles from downtown Charleston. On the island, the Wild Dunes Resort has a golf course that can be played by the public and a beautiful pier that is fun to walk and relax at.

You can find additional shopping, entertainment, and dining in nearby Mt. Pleasant and the downtown Charleston area.

Drive from Columbia: 2 hours and 20 minutes

Distance from Columbia, SC: 129 miles

Visitors’ Website for Isle of Palms 

Vacation Rentals at Isle of Palms

3. Edisto Island Beach, SC

Edisto is perfect for a quieter experience because Edisto Island is not as developed as many of the other South Carolina beaches.

The Town of Edisto Beach provides 37 public access points to the beach along Palmetto Boulevard.

Additionally, there is a 1,255-acre state park that borders the town and provides both camping and hiking trails. You can’t beat the views of the marsh and Southern Lowcountry feel here!

Drive Time from Columbia: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Distance from Columbia, SC: 138 miles

Visitors’ Website for Edisto Beach

Vacation Rentals at Edisto Beach

4. Hilton Head Island, SC

Aerial view of Hilton Head Island Golf Course
Golf Course at Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head is one of the most popular beach communities in the state and is under a 3-hour drive from Columbia, SC.

You’ll find 8 points of access to public beach property. From the more secluded Alder Lane to Coligny Beach Park’s shops and restaurants, Hilton Head offers a lot of variety and plenty of ocean access for the public.

Hilton Head is known for its great shopping and golf courses. There’s something for the whole family here!

Additionally, historic downtown Savannah is only 31 miles away for Hilton Head Island. As Georgia’s oldest city, Savannah has a lot worth exploring, such as:

Drive Time from Columbia: 2 hours and 45 minutes

Distance from Columbia, SC: 154 miles

Visitors Website for Hilton Head Island

Vacation Rentals

5. Pawleys Island, SC

Pawleys Island has a long history and is nicknamed “the original beach vacation.” It is a quieter beach, similar to Edisto Island. There are some great local shops and restaurants here that are worth exploring after a day at the beach!

When taking a break from relaxing at the pristine beaches, you can try:

  • crabbing
  • fishing
  • kayaking
  • golfing (9 courses to choose from)

Drive Time from Columbia: 2 hours and 50 minutes

Distance from Columbia, SC: 139 miles

Visitors Website for Pawleys Island 

Vacation Rentals

6. Myrtle Beach, SC

Oceanfront view of Myrtle Beach SC
Myrtle Beach Coastline and Ferris Wheel

Myrtle Beach is the furthest SC beach from Columbia at almost a 3-hour drive. But if you make the trip, you’ll discover why Myrtle Beach is South Carolina’s most popular beach town.

Myrtle Beach is great for families with younger children since there are so many family-friendly attractions here.

There are three main beaches:

  1. Myrtle
  2. North Myrtle
  3. Surfside

This spot is full of ocean activities like jet ski rentals, banana boat trips, and parasailing. Other popular activities include:

Drive Time from Columbia: 2 hours and 45 minutes

Distance from Columbia, SC: 152 miles

Visitors Website for Myrtle Beach

Vacation Rentals at Myrtle Beach

Georgia Beaches Near Columbia, SC

Georgia beaches average a 3 to 3.5-hour drive from Columbia, SC. The two closest Georgia beaches to Columbia, SC are Tybee Island and St. Simons Island.

7. Tybee Island, GA

Tybee Island is the closest Georgia beach to Columbia, South Carolina. Tybee Island has five main beach areas: the North, Mid, South, Back River, and Little Tybee beaches.

If you want to explore great restaurants or the arts in a historic downtown after hitting up the beach, I recommend Tybee Island since it is only 18 miles from Savannah.

For the golf enthusiast, there are over 20 golf courses near Tybee Island.

Drive Time from Columbia: 3 hours

Distance from Columbia, SC: 177 miles

Vacation Rentals at Tybee Island

8. St. Simons Island, GA

Details on St. Simons Island Beaches Graph

St. Simons is near the Florida border and is almost a 4-hour drive from Columbia. But even though it’s a longer drive, it’s worth visiting.

It is the largest of the barrier islands known as the Golden Isles. These isles are made up of:

  • St. Simons Island
  • Sea Island
  • Little St. Simons Island
  • Jekyll Island

Linked is a more detailed guide on the 4 most popular beaches at St. Simons Island.

Drive Time from Columbia: 3 hours and 45 minutes

Distance from Columbia, SC: 239 miles

Vacation Rentals at St. Simons Island

North Carolina Beaches Near Columbia, SC

Aerial view of Oak Island Beach North Carolina
Aerial view of Oak Isalnd, NC

North Carolina has two beach options that are worth visiting if you’re traveling from Columbia. Oak Island Beach and Carolina Beach average a 217-mile and 3-hour and 20-minute drive from downtown Columbia, SC.

9. Oak Island Beach

Oak Island is the closest North Carolina beach if you’re traveling from Columbia, SC. In addition to the beaches, you’ll find two dog parks on the island.

Drive Time from Columbia: 3 hours and 15 minutes

Distance from Columbia, SC: 215 miles

Visitors’ Website for Oak Island Beach

Vacation Rentals at Oak Island Beach

10. Carolina Beach

Drive Time from Columbia: 3 hours and 25 minutes

Distance from Columbia, SC: 219 miles

Vacation Rentals at Carolina Beach

Don’t forget to bring plenty of sunscreen and a sturdy beach umbrella like this one that’s wind-resistant up to 34 miles per hour.

FAQs

1. Is there a beach in Columbia, SC?

2. How far is an ocean beach from Columbia, South Carolina?

Folly Beach, SC is the closest ocean beach to Columbia, SC at a 126-mile drive that takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to travel down Interstate-26.

3. Are there any beaches in Columbia, SC?

The only beaches in Columbia, SC are those freshwater beaches at nearby Lake Murray, which is a 50,000-acre reservoir lake.

4. What West Columbia, SC hotels are on or near beaches?

Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison is only a 3.9-mile drive from the Lake Murray Public Park and its beaches.

5. What is the closest ocean beach to Columbia, South Carolina?

Folly Beach, SC is the closest ocean beach to Columbia, SC at a 126-mile drive that takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to travel down Interstate-26.

6. How many beaches are in South Carolina?

7. When do beaches close in South Carolina?

South Carolina beaches are typically open 24 hours a day, but local advisories or park rules may restrict beach access depending on location. Consult the local beach’s official tourism website or SC state government for additional details.

8. What are Florida beaches closest to South Carolina?

Fernandina Beach is the closest Flordia beach to South Carolina at 139 miles from Hardeeville, SC.

9. What Florida beaches are a 4 to 6-hour drive from Columbia, SC?

The Florida beaches that are a 4 to 6-hour drive from Columbia, SC are Fernandina Beach (4.2 hours), Jacksonville Beach (4.5 hours), St. Augustine Beach (5 hours), and Daytona Beach (5.5 hours).

10. What are North Carolina beaches closest to South Carolina?

Oak Island Beach and Carolina Beach are the two closest North Carolina Beaches to South Carolina.

11. What is the closest beach to Columbia, SC?

Folly Beach is the closest beach to Columbia, SC.

12. How far is SC from the ocean?

13. How far is Columbia, SC from the beach?

Columbia, SC is only 126 miles from the nearest ocean beach (Folly), which is about a 2-hour drive.

14. How far is Columbia, South Carolina from the beach?

Columbia, South Carolina is 126 miles from the nearest ocean beach (Folly), which is about a 2-hour drive.

15. Folly Beach to Columbia, SC?

Folly Beach to Columbia, SC is 126 miles, which is just over a 2-hour drive.

16. How close is Columbia, SC to the beach?

Columbia, SC is a close distance to the Atlantic Ocean and takes about 2 hours to drive to.

Logo

My Favorite Tools for Planning a Trip

Hotels

Booking.com. They have great deals and free cancellation usually.

Vacation Rentals

VRBO. I have been both a guest and renter for VRBO. 20+ experiences over the years. All great.

Experiences

Viator. I’m newer to this, but it’s a great spot to get ideas or discounted tickets.

Recent Posts