9 Best Beach Resorts in South Carolina

From water park hotels in Myrtle Beach to vacation rental resorts in Hilton Head, South Carolina offers a variety of beach accommodations for families. Whether you’re looking to narrow down your hotel picks in a specific destination or you’re just getting started and seeking vacation ideas, consider these family beach resorts in South Carolina for your upcoming trip.

1. Wild Dunes Resort – Isle of Palms, SC

Wild Dunes Resort feels like a secret (but it’s a secret we’re willing to share). One of the best beach resorts on the East Coast, Wild Dunes Resort is located on the Isle of Palms, about 30 minutes outside of Charleston. The family beach resort features a variety of lodging—from standard guestrooms to full homes—suiting families of all sizes. The seemingly secluded resort also offers several dining options, swimming pools, a boardwalk (grab an ice cream cone on your way to the beach), kids’ programming, boat excursions, a spa, you name it. As if that’s not enough, the resort is expanding as of 2020, with more accommodations, a pool, and spa in the works.

2. The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa – Hilton Head Island, SC

The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa exudes family-friendly luxury at the beach, with ocean-view guestrooms and suites, onsite dining (including healthy options for kids), pools with private cabanas for rent, bike rentals, and the Westin Family Kids Club, a delightfully colorful space with games, books, music, arts and crafts and more. Encourage the kids to make new friends for a few hours while you enjoy the golf course or spa.

3. Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island – Hilton Head Island, SC

Another great family beach resort in South Carolina, the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island offers a zero-entry, lagoon-style swimming pool; water sports at the beach; bike rentals; golf; a spa; and several restaurants onsite. Many of the luxuriously appointed guestrooms and suites offer stellar ocean views.

4. Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort – Hilton Head Island, SC 

Smack dab on the beach in the resort community of Palmetto Dunes, the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort offers spacious suites, several swimming pools, three golf courses, onsite restaurants, and, our personal favorite, an 11-mile lagoon system with bike trails and water sports gear for exploring the stunning surrounds. Families appreciate the kids’ camp with half- and full-day programming, as well as a children’s playground and games such as life-size chess and checkers. Be sure to make time for the Ocean Tides Spa.

5. Dunes Village Resort – Myrtle Beach, SC

It’s all about the water parks at Dunes Village Resort—never mind that this resort is located right on the beach! The indoor water park (the only indoor water park in Myrtle Beach) features a lazy river, pools, hot tubs, waterslides, and a spray ground, with more water fun to be found outside. The resort also has a kids’ club, onsite restaurants, fitness center, spa, and, especially ideal for families, condo-style accommodations.

6. Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort – Hilton Head Island, SC

You’ve probably heard of Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii. But did you know Disney owns a resort in Hilton Head? You won’t find Disney characters and themed rooms at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. But you will find three swimming pools (one with a waterslide); kids’ activities such as campfires, outdoor movies and bingo; guided nature walks; bike rentals; and all the other classic diversions you’d expect to have on a beach vacation in South Carolina.

7. Holiday Inn Oceanfront at Surfside Beach – Surfside Beach, SC

Located in Surfside Beach, just a few miles from downtown Myrtle Beach, the Holiday Inn Oceanfront at Surfside Beach recently underwent multi-million renovations that included the hotel’s 133 guestrooms, outdoor pool and patio, first-floor public space, restaurant and lounge. As a Holiday Inn, this family beach resort in South Carolina allows kids aged 11 and under to eat free; kids under age 18 also stay free in a room with their parents or guardians. Bonus: The town of Surfside Beach is a certified autism-friendly destination.

8. Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes – Myrtle Beach, SC 

A longtime favorite in Myrtle Beach, Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas at Grand Dunes offers two-bedroom villas for up to eight guests, many with ocean views and all with fully equipped kitchens. It also has four onsite dining options and multiple pools. Families enjoy the best of both worlds—vacation rental accommodations and resort amenities—just steps from the sand.

9. Kiawah Island Golf Resort – Kiawah Island, SC 

Situated on Kiawah Island, a 10,000-acre barrier island with one of the best family beaches in South Carolina, Kiawah Island Golf Resort is, indeed, a golfer’s paradise, with five different golf courses, golf lessons and golf packages. But there’s so much more to this resort, especially for families. Accommodations come in the form of hotel rooms, cottages, private villas, and resort homes, suitable for families of all sizes, and amenities include a water park and pools with dive-in movies; water sports rentals; bike rentals; and Kamp Kiawah, designed for kids aged 3 to 15. And that doesn’t even include the resort’s family programming with activities such as glass fusing for kids, sand castle competitions, sunset cruises, magic classes, and mermaid swimming. We could keep going…

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