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

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
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Givhans Ferry State Park

River paddle varies, short trails
Half day to overnight
The downstream end of the Edisto Canoe Trail. Limestone bluffs rising 25 feet above the Edisto River. Camping, kayaking, and one of the most scenic stretches of river in the Lowcountry.
  • Dog-Friendly (Leashed)
  • Parking at Park

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.