Our guide to family-friendly coastal South Carolina
For vacationers and full-time residents alike, coastal South Carolina has a lot to offer. It’s an especially popular destination for families with children, who flock to the Palmetto State for the beautiful beaches, endless activities, rich history, community spirit and mild climate. Here are a few things to know if you’re considering moving or vacationing in sunny South Carolina. Family-friendly towns in coastal South Carolina Coast South Carolina offers plenty of family-friendly neighborhoods to explore. Here are a few that appeal to families with kids of all ages. Mount Pleasant A suburb of Charleston, Mount Pleasant offers parks, playgrounds and plenty of recreational opportunities. It’s known for being safe and welcoming and boasts top-rated schools. Residents in Mount Pleasant love its proximity to Charleston, which gives families access to a rich cultural scene, historical sites, restaurants and entertainment. Hilton Head Island A barrier island near the border with Georgia, Hilton Head Island is an ideal location for outdoor-loving families. The island is famous for its natural beauty, with plenty of pristine wilderness, wide beaches and public trails. The community commits to sustainability and conservation, which appeals to families keen on teaching their children about green practices. Myrtle Beach Situated on 60 miles of Atlantic coastline, Myrtle Beach is big enough to offer a wide range of entertainment and recreational options, yet small enough to maintain a friendly, welcoming feel. Myrtle Beach residents know how to have a good time, as proven by a yearly calendar packed with festivals and events, from the Bluffton Located just inland of Hilton Head Island, Bluffton is a growing town of just under 30,000 that’s known as the “Heart of the Lowcountry.” It’s big on charm, with historic sites, tree-lined streets, a beautiful riverfront and a vibrant cultural scene. Residents have an average age in their late 30s, which means there are plenty of young families making the most of life in the Lowcountry. The town is also just a short drive from Hilton Head Island, giving easy access to a myriad of activities. Charleston Charming Charleston is an idyllic place for families, thanks to a coastal location, thriving economy, endless parks and high-quality schools — both public and private. The city, founded in 1670, has over 350 years of history for families to explore. Education-focused families can immerse themselves in architecture, museums, historical sites, and a vibrant arts and music scene. Top-rated schools in coastal South Carolina South Carolina has a longstanding commitment to education. You’ll find multiple renowned colleges and universities in the Palmetto State, including the University of South Carolina, Clemson University and the College of Charleston. But higher education isn’t the state’s only priority. Across South Carolina, families can benefit from high-quality public and private schools for students of all ages. Here are a few of the top school districts in coastal South Carolina. Charleston County School District Serving the Charleston metro area and surrounding communities, the Charleston County School District educates roughly 50,000 students with an ever-expanding portfolio of programs that include neighborhood schools, magnet schools, Montessori schools and charter options. Dorchester School District Two Located northwest of Charleston and with a student population of over 26,000, Dorchester School District Two has won multiple awards for both academics and the arts. The district has a Purple Star designation for serving the unique needs of the 1,600 military-connected students with family members working at nearby Joint Base Charleston. Horry County Schools Horry County Schools is South Carolina’s third-largest district, made up of 56 schools serving over 45,000 students in and around the Myrtle Beach area. It’s known for its rigorous curriculum, personalized learning plans, and embrace of technology and innovation. Coastal South Carolina’s best outdoor activities The region’s subtropical climate means that for most of the year, you’ll enjoy pleasant and mild weather ideal for outdoor exploration throughout the coastal region. Here are a few of the area’s most popular outdoor activities. Beachcombing South Carolina’s beaches are simply stunning, with miles of sandy beaches from north to south. It’s easy to spend a sunny day walking the beach, combing for shells, building sandcastles or taking a swim. Golfing South Carolina is a well-known golf destination, boasting over 100 courses for golfers of all skill levels. The Lowcountry boasts multiple bucket-list courses designed by some of the best in the business. Test the limits of your game at the Watersports With the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway and numerous rivers and estuaries, opportunities to get out on the water abound in South Carolina. Enjoy boating, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, kayaking and more as you soak up the sun and explore the state from the water. Hiking In coastal South Carolina, you’ll find multiple state parks and nature preserves. Put on your hiking boots and explore maritime forests, coastal dunes, wetlands and more. Keep your eyes and ears open for diverse wildlife, including herons, egrets and pelicans. Fishing Both freshwater and saltwater fishing are popular along South Carolina’s coastline. Lucky anglers can snag bass, catfish and trout in local rivers and streams. For a bigger adventure, take a deep-sea fishing charter for your chance at tuna, wahoo, marlin and sailfish. Community activities and events in coastal South Carolina Community events are a way of life in the Lowcountry, with options for every interest and age. Here are a few favorites loved by visitors and locals alike. Festivals and events Coastal towns including Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head host a myriad of festivals and events each year. Favorites include Charleston’s Farmers markets Sample Lowcountry bounty at farmers markets across the coastal region, including the Outdoor concerts During the summer months, coastal towns across South Carolina host a wide range of outdoor concerts and movie nights. Events run the gamut, from neighborhood gatherings in local parks to large concerts in impressive amphitheaters. Community clean-ups Coastal South Carolina is known for its incredible natural beauty and biodiversity, so it’s no surprise that residents are dedicated to preserving its flora and fauna. On many weekends, volunteers work together to clean up beaches, parks and natural spaces. Find your family’s new home in South Carolina South Carolina is one of the states with the biggest population gains, and it’s easy to see why. With abundant natural spaces, diverse recreational activities and cultural events, and award-winning schools, South Carolina offers a lot to love. While many people moving to the Palmetto State are full-time residents, it’s also popular with second home owners. Pacaso co-ownership puts second homes within reach for many families who want to enjoy the beauty of coastal South Carolina. Check out Pacaso’s
