Coastal South Carolina, with its live oaks, sweet tea, and stunning beaches, is in demand. Especially for those living along the eastern seaboard and looking for a drivable, beach getaway. Extended families, couples on romantic getaways, and friends celebrating special occasions are increasingly looking south to the Palmetto state. From Hilton Head to Kiawah Island to Charleston (and a few sweet coastal towns in between,) we reveal some of South Carolina’s dreamiest Airbnbs.
Hilton Head
Casa Beleza
This dreamy four-bedroom villa, set amid towering pines, offers direct beach access. Hang in the hammocks, dip into the pool, and relax on the wrap-around deck, complete with ocean views. The interior features tasteful art recalling the island’s maritime heritage and a calming neutral color palette. We especially love the direct boardwalk to the surf.
Sweet Carolina
Made for entertaining, this eight bedroom, nine-and-a-half bath home is built for all ages. Literally. Sweet Carolina has both an elevator and spiral staircase. Set next to the sands of North Forest Beach, the house offers stunning views of the shoreline — along with a pool, hot tub, grill, tiki bar, and sandy path leading directly to the ocean.
Rum Row
Friends and extended families will love this newly built, five-bedroom Carolina classic, located in the Palmetto Dunes Resort. Lagoons lead into the forest; a path (less than one mile) to the beach. This coastal-chic home features hardwood floors, coffered ceilings, and clean, cream-on-white hues. Start the morning with coffee by the pool, followed by a bike ride on the complimentary beach-cruisers.
Stoney Creek
Golfers will love the view from this traditionally inspired bungalow. Featuring a piano-shaped pool (with tanning shelf and waterfall), the backyard faces the fairways. The golf course view is also the focal point of the U-shaped great room.
Kiawah Island
Turtle Beach
Another beach-golf treasure, this beautiful four-bedroom oceanfront home sits square on the 16th hole of the Turtle Point Golf Course. Featuring ocean (and golf course) views, plus miles of pristine beach, marshlands, lagoons, and maritime forests, the house comes with a dreamy outdoor space (deck, covered patio, pool, and direct beach access). The interior is soft and tranquil, with pops of greens and blues. Wake up to sunrise and end days with sunsets and the lulling sound of waves.
Waterfront Cottage
Water views abound in this beautiful cottage in the gated, waterfront community of Inlet Cove. Watch dolphins play in the Kiawah River; sip morning coffee on the back deck. The home’s stunning interiors, by a Charleston-based designer, include vaulted ceilings, calacatta marble, and artful furnishings.
Isle of Palms
Lily’s Serene Beach Escape
Girls weekend, y’all! Just three blocks from the beach — and a golf cart provided to schlep all the stuff — girlfriends will love this shabby-chic, southern-style (did someone say Instagramable) home. Bright and airy, with a swing on the porch (and more inside), it has lots of gathering spaces (private office, front and back porches, and two lounges) to spread out and relax.
Saint Helena Island
The Hampton House
This custom-beachfront home on gated Saint Helena Island checks every box for a lowcountry beach vacation. With four bedrooms, the house is set on Harbor Island Beach, and comes with its own private boardwalk to the sand, golf cart, kayaks and beach accessories (chairs, towels, umbrellas). Take in the sunset from the upstairs balcony; drive the golf cart to Pelican Point (on the south side of the island) for a stunning sunrise; and watch (from the house) shrimp boats returning home for the day — dolphins playfully following.
Folly Beach
Makai House by StayDuvet
For a different kind of beach house, this four-bedroom modern masterpiece is an architectural showstopper. Just a short walk from the beach (and easy drive into Charleston), the minimalist design features soaring ceilings, an open floor plan and fun features like luxurious bean bag chairs (easily moved about) and a 600-pound sycamore dining table (for ten). The two primary suites feature king size beds and access to an outside walkway overlooking the marsh. The remaining two bedrooms are canopied into the trees for a perfect nature immersion.
(Travel Curator may earn a commission from booking links on this page)
