Expedition Zone

Zone: The Coast

Grand Strand, Charleston & Sea Islands
  • Murrells Inlet
  • Edisto Island
  • Hunting Island
  • Hilton Head
  • Angel Oak

What Makes This Zone Special

Tidal creeks wind through salt marshes where dolphins feed at sunrise. Barrier islands like Edisto and Hunting Island offer some of the most beautiful and least crowded beaches on the Atlantic seaboard. Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, Beaufort, and Hilton Head each have their own character.
Zone at a Glance

28 adventure guides in The Coast

Adventures in This Zone

LVL 2 — Easy Going

Cherry Grove Marsh Kayak Trail, North Myrtle Beach

3 to 6 miles
2-3 hours
Tidal marsh kayaking in the quieter northern end of the Grand Strand. Paddle through salt marsh channels with views of the Cherry Grove inlet and the barrier island. Dolphins are common on incoming tides.
  • Guided Tours Available
  • Dog-Friendly
LVL 3 — Moderate

Black River Paddle: Ancient Cypress & Dark Water

5 to 12 miles (varies by section)
Half day to full day
The Black River near Georgetown contains bald cypress trees dated to more than 2,000 years old. When these trees were saplings, the Roman Empire was still standing. Paddle right past them through tannin-dark water in one of the most atmospheric paddles in the Southeast.
  • Dog-Friendly
LVL 1 — First Steps

Georgetown Harborwalk & Sampit River

1 to 2 miles
30 minutes to 2 hours
Georgetown is the third-oldest city in South Carolina and its waterfront is one of the prettiest on the coast. The Harborwalk runs along the Sampit River through historic downtown, past shrimp boats, seafood restaurants, and views of the Georgetown Lighthouse.
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Stroller-Friendly
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Free Admission
LVL 4 — Challenging

Cape Romain NWR & Bull Island Paddle

3 to 6 miles (open-water crossing)
Full day
An open-water crossing to an uninhabited barrier island that is one of the most important loggerhead sea turtle nesting beaches on the East Coast. Bull Island has no development, no cars, and no crowds. Just beach, forest, and wildlife.
  • Guided Tours Available
LVL 1 — First Steps

Isle of Palms County Park Beach Guide

N/A (beach)
Half day to full day
The best public beach access near Charleston. Isle of Palms County Park has paved parking, accessible beach access, restrooms, and a lifeguarded swimming area. The beach is wide, clean, and less crowded than Folly Beach on weekends.
  • Wheelchair Accessible (boardwalk)
  • Stroller-Friendly
  • Dog-Friendly (off-season)
  • Lifeguarded Swimming
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Folly Beach Surf Guide & Morris Island Hike

1 to 3 miles (Morris Island walk)
Half day to full day
Charleston’s surf beach and the hike to Morris Island Lighthouse. Folly Beach has the best surf on the Charleston coast. At the south end, wade across to Morris Island at low tide and walk to a lighthouse standing in the surf.
  • Dog-Friendly (with restrictions)
  • Good for Kids (beach)
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Folly River Kayak & SUP

2 to 5 miles
1.5-3 hours
The back side of Folly Beach. Paddle the Folly River through salt marsh with views of the Morris Island Lighthouse and the Charleston skyline in the distance. Calmer than the ocean side and excellent for SUP.
  • Guided Tours Available
  • Dog-Friendly
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Surfside Beach Surf Fishing

N/A (stationary)
2-6 hours
Surfside Beach offers some of the best surf fishing on the Grand Strand. Pompano, whiting, red drum, and flounder from the beach. The pier extends the range. Best at dawn and dusk.
  • Dog-Friendly (Leashed, check local rules)
  • Parking Nearby
  • Beach Access
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Kiawah Beachwalker Park & Marsh Paddle

Beach walk + 2-5 mile paddle
Half day
The only public beach access on Kiawah Island. A pristine 10-mile beach with tidal pools, loggerhead turtle nesting, and marsh paddling on the back side. One of the best beaches on the East Coast.
  • Dog-Friendly (Leashed, seasonal restrictions)
  • Parking at Beach
  • Accessible Beach Mat Available
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Colleton State Park Edisto River Camping

River paddle varies, short park trails
Overnight or multi-day
Bankside camping on the Edisto River under a canopy of trees. The river sounds all night. The Edisto Canoe Trail runs through the park. One of the best river camping experiences in SC.
  • Dog-Friendly (Leashed)
  • Parking at Campground

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best beach in South Carolina?

Hunting Island State Park consistently ranks as one of the best beaches in South Carolina. The 5-mile undeveloped barrier island beach has no commercial development, a lighthouse you can climb, and a ghost forest of dead trees in the surf that is unlike anything else on the East Coast.

Where can I kayak with dolphins in South Carolina?

Murrells Inlet and the tidal creeks around Beaufort and Hilton Head are the best places to kayak with dolphins in South Carolina. Bottlenose dolphins are resident year-round in these estuaries and regularly feed in the tidal channels, especially on incoming tides.

What is the Angel Oak?

Angel Oak is a southern live oak on Johns Island near Charleston estimated to be 400-500 years old. It stands 66 feet tall and has a canopy that covers 17,000 square feet, making it one of the oldest living things east of the Mississippi River. It is free to visit and open daily.