The Upstate is known for its beautiful lakes and mountains, but if the hot summer weather gives you the urge to be at the seashore, there are plenty of destinations worth a weekend drive. <\/p>\n
15 of the best beach destination, from longest to shortest drive time (travel times from Google Maps): <\/p>\n
Fripp Island: 4:19 <\/p>\n
Located near Hilton Head, 3,000-acre Fripp Island is 18 miles from the city of Beaufort. It features 3.5 miles of uncrowded white sand beaches, flanked by towering palmetto trees. <\/p>\n
Murrells Inlet: 4:18 <\/p>\n
Murrells Inlet, often called the \"seafood capital of South Carolina,\" features a half-mile-long Marsh Walk that provides a view of fishing boats bringing in the daily catch. Murrells Inlet is 10 miles south of Myrtle Beach. <\/p>\n
File photo, Liz Mitchell, Flickr <\/p>\n
Garden City: 4:17 <\/p>\n
Directly south of Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach is at the end of a peninsula at the mouth of Murrells Inlet. With access to both the inlet and ocean and proximity to Myrtle Beach, Garden City is a hot spot for fishing, crabbing, and water sports. <\/p>\n
Pawleys Island\/Litchfield Beach: 4:15 <\/p>\n
About 30 minutes south of Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach offer quieter alternatives. Pawleys Island is famous for its arrogantly shabby Cypress cottages. It features large swaths of undeveloped marshland, rivers, and oceanfront state parks. Litchfield Beach, also at the south end of the Grand Strand, provides a small-town feel a short drive from Myrtle Beach. <\/p>\n
File photo, Zebralongwing, Flickr <\/p>\n
Surfside Beach: 4.13 <\/p>\n
Surfside Beach was officially incorporated in 1964. Visitors can access the beach from any of the town's 36 access points. Its nickname is \"The Family Beach.\" <\/p>\n
Myrtle Beach Area Beaches: 4:11 Myrtle Beachs boardwalk is often described as having a campy charm. Myrtle Beach offers 60 miles of wide, soft sandy beaches loaded with family-friendly activities. <\/p>\n
File photo, StephsShoes, Flickr <\/p>\n
North Myrtle Beach: 4:6 <\/p>\n
Just north of Myrtle Beach, the area offers shopping and dining along the boardwalks near the Intracoastal Waterway. There are more than 100 shops and 15 restaurants surrounding a 27-acre lake. <\/p>\n
Kiawah Island: 3:52 <\/p>\n
Kiawah is a 10,000-acre barrier island located 25 miles southwest of Charleston, It features 10 miles of uninterrupted beaches, preserved maritime forests, sand dunes, and marshes where turtles, whitetail deer, and seabirds abound. <\/p>\n
Hilton Head: 3:51 <\/p>\n
A little under four hours from Greenville, Hilton Head is extremely popular with family travelers. It has 12 miles of beaches, 24 golf courses, 350 tennis courts, and more than 250 restaurants. <\/p>\n
File photo, Michael Baker, Flickr <\/p>\n
Edisto Island: 3:50 <\/p>\n
Edisto Island features a non-commercialized beach that is 42 miles southwest of Charleston. There are small restaurants, a state park and a Wyndham resort, but no restrooms or showers along the public beach. There is only one grocery store near the beach. <\/p>\n
Isle of Palms: 3:35 <\/p>\n
Located 12 miles from downtown Charleston on a slender barrier island, Isle of Palms is known for its beaches that are backed by condos and restaurants. Sea turtles nest in the area. The oceanfront park includes a beach, picnic areas and a playground. The Isle of Palms is a tight-knit island community with a 1,500-acre resort, two championship golf courses and a marina. <\/p>\n
Folly Beach: 3:32 <\/p>\n
Folly Beach, referred to by locals as the edge of America, is home to Folly Beach Pier, that stretches more than 1,000 feet into the ocean. Folly Beach County Park has picnic areas and a pelican rookery. Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve has views of Morris Island Lighthouse, completed in 1876. <\/p>\n
File photo, Mike Druckenbrod, Flickr <\/p>\n
Bull Island: 3:30 <\/p>\n
Located in Awendaw, just outside of Charleston, Bull Island Beach was once a haven for pirates. The undeveloped barrier island was incorporated into the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge in 1932. It features idyllic woodland trails and beautiful beaches. <\/p>\n
Sullivans Island: 3:22 <\/p>\n
Another Isle of Palms neighbor, Sullivans Island is home to Fort Moultrie, site of important battles during the American Revolution and the Civil War. The 3.3-mile island offers wide beaches and water sports, history and folklore, local restaurants and shops. Its beachfront lands are owned by the town and protected under easement. Sullivans Island sits at the mouth of the Charleston Harbor. <\/p>\n
File photo, Charles Nicolosi, Flickr <\/p>\n
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14 beautiful beaches within 4 hours of Greenville - WYFF-TV - WYFF Greenville<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Upstate is known for its beautiful lakes and mountains, but if the hot summer weather gives you the urge to be at the seashore, there are plenty of destinations worth a weekend drive. 15 of the best beach destination, from longest to shortest drive time (travel times from Google Maps): Fripp Island: 4:19 Located near Hilton Head, 3,000-acre Fripp Island is 18 miles from the city of Beaufort. It features 3.5 miles of uncrowded white sand beaches, flanked by towering palmetto trees. Continue reading