15 Best Charleston Beach Hotels with Ocean Views

The area offers stunning options for every traveler. You can wake up to breathtaking ocean views at Wild Dunes Resort or stay near the city’s 3,600 historic structures. Our team has carefully assessed beachfront accommodations of all types. The luxurious Sanctuary on Kiawah Island and the vibrant shores of Folly Beach, known as “the Edge of America,” showcase the best properties along the region’s 7-mile pristine shoreline.

My personal stays and detailed research have led to this complete list of the 15 best oceanfront hotels for 2025. Location, amenities, and those dreamy ocean views you want were key factors in selecting each property.

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort sits 21 miles from downtown Charleston. This magnificent oceanfront retreat delights guests with Forbes Five-Star service in its 255 elegantly furnished rooms.

Luxury Accommodations Overview

Picture a grand seaside mansion that captures Southern hospitality’s essence – that’s The Sanctuary. Every room features custom furnishings, plush bedding, and private balconies. Handcrafted walnut floors and stately architecture showcase the property’s commitment to excellence.

Ocean View Room Categories

Stunning Atlantic Ocean views greet guests in the 1,130-square-foot Ocean View Suites. These spacious accommodations come with two full baths, a king bed, and a living area with a pullout sofa. Large groups can request connecting double queen rooms for extra space.

Resort Amenities

The resort’s exclusive facilities include:

• Two outdoor pools with dedicated beach service
• Five championship golf courses, including the iconic Ocean Course
• Free door-to-door transportation around the island
• A modern fitness center open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Dining Options

Multiple dining venues at The Sanctuary serve regional cuisine. Guests can make priority dining reservations up to seven days ahead. A cashless system runs smoothly throughout restaurants, retail boutiques, and spa facilities.

Spa Services

Lowcountry’s natural beauty inspires the treatments at The Sanctuary’s Spa. The menu features customized facials, therapeutic massages, and body treatments with natural sea-derived minerals. Guests who book services can use mineral whirlpools, steam rooms, and relaxation lounges.

Pricing & Booking Tips

Nightly rates begin at $540, taxes and fees included. Here’s how to maximize your stay:

• Book spa services early, especially for weekends
• Better rates await during shoulder season
• Make the most of resort benefits, including priority booking for amenities

Remember to notify the resort by 4:00 PM the day before to avoid cancellation penalties.

Wild Dunes Resort

 

Wild Dunes Resort sits on 1,600 acres of pristine coastal land and brings together beachside luxury with Charleston’s unique charm.

Property Overview

The resort provides multiple places to stay, ranging from the modern Sweetgrass Inn to the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Boardwalk Inn. Sweetgrass Inn bridges Charleston’s historic charm with modern beachside luxury through its 153 rooms that work perfectly for family vacations or quick getaways.

Oceanfront Room Types

The rooms feature elegant coastal design elements:

• Private balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows
• Soft tones and beach elements that blend with natural light
• King beds and most suites include sleeper sofas
• Available rooms with roll-in showers and features for hearing-impaired guests

Beach Access & Activities

The property stretches along almost two and a half miles of Atlantic Ocean beachfront with an additional mile of shoreline along Dewees Inlet. Guests can enjoy:

• Easy beach access through marked paths
• Beach chair rentals during season
• Free seasonal Island Adventures recreation activities
• One free hour of tennis court time daily after noon

Resort Facilities

The grounds feature extensive amenities:

• 15 swimming pools spread throughout the property
• Golf courses that have won awards, with preferred tee times for guests
• The Spa at Sweetgrass with locally-inspired treatments
• Several dining spots with seasonal menus featuring local cuisine

The resort also includes these free amenities:

• Transportation throughout the resort
• Full access to the fitness center
• Two water bottles daily with hydration stations
• Indoor and outdoor games
• Access to putting and pitching greens

Food lovers can choose from several notable restaurants, and the resort offers room service with home-style dinners delivered directly to guests. Business travelers and vacationers alike appreciate the 35,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space.

The Tides Folly Beach

The Tides Folly Beach sits just nine miles from historic Charleston’s charm and delivers a genuine oceanfront experience with clear views of the Atlantic.

Beachfront Location Details

The hotel sits right on Folly Beach with direct access to six miles of beautiful shoreline. Guests can walk to the iconic Folly Beach Fishing Pier and find many local restaurants and shops nearby.

Room Categories with Views

The hotel features 132 rooms, each with a private Juliette balcony or patio that looks out over the ocean. Guests can choose from:

• King Rooms (336 sq ft):
  • Upper three floors
  • Newly upgraded bathrooms with stand-up showers
  • Sleeps 2-4 guests
• Two Queen Rooms (336 sq ft):
  • Views of the Folly Beach Pier
  • Modern bathrooms with stand-up showers
  • Accommodates 2-4 guests

Hotel Amenities

Guests will find several great features:

• Heated oceanfront swimming pool
• BLU Beach Bar & Grill, Charleston’s only true oceanfront dining spot
• Roasted Coffee & Market with Starbucks® beverages
• Free WiFi and parking pass for each room
• Pet-friendly rooms available for USD 114 per stay

Local Attractions

The area offers exciting activities:

• Morris Island Lighthouse tours where you’ll always see dolphins
• Water sports like surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding
• Beautiful shores at Folly Beach County Park
• Nature and wildlife tours
• Local art galleries and boutiques

A 24-hour business center and 4,000 square feet of conference space make this spot perfect for both vacation and business trips. Each room comes with modern features like 32-inch flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and hypoallergenic bedding.

Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina sits along Patriots Point Road in Mount Pleasant. Palm trees line its entrance and tropical landscaping creates an authentic coastal feel. This waterfront getaway ranks as the #4 Resort in the South by Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 and stands as South Carolina’s only LEED-certified hotel.

Property Description

Nautical architecture matches Mount Pleasant Village’s historic charm perfectly. Grand wraparound porches provide the perfect spot to relax with handcrafted cocktails while taking in marina and Charleston skyline views. The resort combines sophisticated style with warm hospitality to create the perfect setting for family vacations and weekend getaways.

Room Options

Upscale furnishings and hand-painted elements against a peaceful coastal palette define the 92 guestrooms. Each room has:

• Large patios or balconies with designer seating
• Custom-made beds with premium bedding
• Deep soaking tubs
• Gilchrist & Soames® bath amenities

Marina Views

The resort’s prime location showcases stunning views of:

• Charleston Harbor and USS Yorktown
• Historic downtown Charleston
• The resort’s private marina
• Beautiful sunsets over the water

Resort Features

The Beach Club creates exceptional guest experiences through its extensive amenities:

• A 30,000-square-foot tropical pool deck with two heated pools
• Charleston’s premier waterfront Tiki Bar
• The award-winning Estuary Spa, Mount Pleasant’s best since 2016
• Five unique waterfront dining spots
• Mini Mariners Camp for interactive children’s activities
• Private beach area surrounded by palms
• Life-size outdoor chess board and bocce court

Guests enjoy free WiFi, bicycle rentals, and trolley service to Sullivan’s Island beach, just 15 minutes away. The property provides cribs, childcare options, and a dedicated children’s pool for families.

The Palms Oceanfront Hotel

The Palms Oceanfront Hotel has emerged as a reimagined coastal getaway on Isle of Palms after complete renovations. This beachfront luxury retreat offers guests an exceptional blend of comfort and style.

Location Overview

The newly renovated hotel sits just 0.4 miles from Isle of Palms’ center. Championship golf courses, water sports facilities, and biking trails surround the property. Guests love the hotel’s closeness to popular spots like Acme Low Country Kitchen and the area’s grocery stores and charming shops.

Room Types

The property boasts 68 carefully crafted rooms that include:

• Oceanfront Balcony Rooms – Private furnished balconies with Atlantic Ocean views, wet bar area, and spacious seating with sleeper sofa
• City View Balcony Rooms – Perfect romantic escapes with king beds and private balconies overlooking Ocean Boulevard
• Partial Ocean View Rooms – Beach glimpses from private balconies
• Traditional Guestrooms – Budget-friendly choices with interior corridor views

Each room comes with modern comforts:

• Brand-new mattresses
• Contemporary maritime decor
• Granite bathrooms
• Air conditioning
• Flat-screen TV
• Refrigerator

Beach Access

One of the East Coast’s most beautiful shorelines lies right at your doorstep. A dedicated boardwalk takes you straight to the sand, creating uninterrupted access between the hotel and beach activities.

Value for Money

The Palms delivers exceptional value with room rates averaging $152.51, substantially below the city’s average of $238.27. Guest ratings showcase the hotel’s quality:

• Location: 4.8/5
• Rooms: 4.1/5
• Value: 4.1/5
• Cleanliness: 4.4/5
• Service: 4.5/5

These amenities boost the overall value:

• Complimentary continental breakfast
• Free WiFi access
• Outdoor pool with sun loungers
• 24-hour front desk service
• Daily housekeeping

Seaside Inn Isle of Palms

Seaside Inn sits right on the beach in Isle of Palms. This laid-back boutique hotel captures the relaxed coastal vibe that makes the area special.

Hotel Overview

The 51-room property neighbors the Windjammer and puts you steps from the beach, restaurants, and bars. While the hotel keeps its charming vintage look, modern amenities make it perfect for beach lovers who want comfort without breaking the bank.

Oceanfront Rooms

Room options come in deluxe and standard categories, decorated in soothing beach colors:

• Deluxe Oceanfront King (250 sq ft) – Stunning beach views with premium amenities
• Deluxe Partial View rooms (225 sq ft) – Choose between king or two-queen layouts
• Standard rooms (200-225 sq ft) – Multiple bed options with partial ocean views

Every room comes with these features:

• 39-inch flat-screen TV with cable
• Microwave and mini-fridge
• Private bathroom with walk-in shower
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Amenities

The hotel’s standout features make your stay more enjoyable:

• Rooftop pool and sundeck
• Coffee available 24/7
• Business center
• Game area and gift shop
• Vending and ice machines

Some rooms welcome pets, but fees apply. The hotel uses keyless entry and provides private parking at USD 25 daily.

Beach Activities

The beachfront location lets you enjoy the coast fully:

• Shell hunting during low tide
• Spot dolphins swimming near shore
• Play beach volleyball and try water sports
• Watch stunning sunrises
• Use any of 50+ public beach access points

You can walk to Isle of Palms County Park, which has seasonal lifeguards, boardwalks with ramps, and beach chair rentals. The hotel provides beach towels and outdoor furniture.

Boardwalk Inn at Wild Dunes

The Boardwalk Inn at Wild Dunes stands out among Charleston’s beachfront hotels. This coastal luxury retreat perfectly balances relaxation and activity, making it an ideal destination for couples.

Property Details

The AAA Four Diamond inn boasts 93 comfortable rooms and suites. Its design draws inspiration from coastal and nautical themes, creating a contemporary atmosphere. Guests will find themselves right next to the resort’s vibrant boardwalk, with easy access to activities and beautiful beach views.

Room Categories

Guests can choose from several room layouts and views:

• Junior Suite (612 sq ft): The suite features nautical elements, soft neutral colors, and comfortable furnishings
• Presidential Suite Ocean View (1,434 sq ft): This suite showcases an open floor plan with a loft master bedroom, double sinks, and a private Atlantic-facing balcony
• Terrace Room Pool View (612 sq ft): The room offers clear views of the adults-only pool

Each room comes with these amenities:

• Coffee maker and microwave
• Safe and flat-screen cable TV
• Guest robes and luxury bath items
• WiFi access

Resort Access

Guests enjoy exclusive access to:

• Adults-only pool with dedicated service
• Tennis and pickleball courts
• Five championship golf courses
• Basketball courts and bike rentals

Dining Options

Coastal Provisions, the signature restaurant in the lobby, serves both casual and refined dishes. The menu features:

• Fresh seafood and aged chops from local suppliers
• Wide selection of wines and craft cocktails
• Terrace dining by the pool

Beachside Burgers & Bar provides casual oceanfront dining with beach favorites during season. All dining venues operate on a cashless system for quick transactions. Standard rooms start at USD 248, while suites begin at USD 362.

The Beach House Seabrook Island

Seabrook Island lies just 35 minutes from Charleston’s Historic District and welcomes visitors with pristine beaches and serene marshlands. This private oceanfront community has earned recognition as an Audubon International Certified Sustainable Community.

Location Highlights

The island’s prime location puts you 28 miles from downtown Charleston, 134 miles from Columbia, and 115 miles from Savannah. This gated coastal barrier island features miles of untouched beaches and beautiful maritime forests.

Accommodation Types

Beach Club Villas showcase luxurious ocean and riverside homes just 200 yards from the beach. These elegant residences span 1,800 to 2,100 square feet and feature two to three bedrooms with stunning coastal river views. Each villa comes with:

• Custom-designed interiors with coastal elements
• Private balconies overlooking the Atlantic
• Modern kitchen facilities with granite countertops
• Spacious living areas with floor-to-ceiling windows

Property Features

Residents and guests enjoy exclusive access to world-class amenities:

• Two championship golf courses with Audubon Sanctuary certification
• Tournament-grade Racquet Club
• Full-service Equestrian Center with beach rides
• Wellness center featuring fitness and aquatics facilities
• Oceanfront pools with seasonal dining options

Beach Experience

The beachfront setting creates a genuine coastal escape. Designated boardwalks lead guests straight to Seabrook Island Beach. The shoreline delivers unique experiences:

• Quiet beaches perfect for morning walks
• Great spots to watch shrimp boats pass by
• Seasonal dining at Pelican’s Nest oceanfront restaurant
• Multiple beach access points for easy reach

The property ensures a peaceful atmosphere through strict guidelines, requiring photo identification at check-in and limiting occupancy. A deep-water marina and shopping village just outside the gate add extra convenience for guests.

Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

Condé Nast Traveler recognizes Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina as a world-class destination that captivates visitors with its atmospheric charm and harbor views.

Property Overview

This waterfront retreat combines sophisticated coastal style with authentic Southern hospitality. The resort features 125 guestrooms and a 30,000-square-foot tropical pool deck with Charleston’s exclusive waterfront Tiki Bar. The property stands as South Carolina’s only LEED-certified hotel and earned the #4 spot among Southern Resorts in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2023.

Harbor View Rooms

The rooms showcase nautical inspiration through traditional, deluxe, and suite options. Each room gives you the following amenities:

• 42-inch flat-screen TV
• Refrigerator and coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• Private balcony with marina views

Resort Amenities

The property features an impressive selection of facilities:

• Three distinct pools you can enjoy year-round
• Estuary Spa, Mount Pleasant’s best spa since 2016
• Five waterfront dining spots serving green cuisine
• Mini Mariners Camp that welcomes children ages 5-10
• Complimentary resort shuttle service

Nearby Attractions

The resort sits close to several popular attractions:

• Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum just 0.3 miles away
• USS Yorktown aircraft carrier
• Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
• Sullivan’s Island Beach with complimentary shuttle access
• South Carolina Aquarium you can reach by water taxi

A resort fee of USD 27.00 per day applies, but guests get great value through free WiFi, bicycle rentals, and daily treats served at 4:00 PM on the Beach Club pool deck from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The resort’s hourly shuttle makes downtown exploration simple with easy access to the historic district.

Folly Beach Resort

The Folly Beach Resort sits just 12 miles from Charleston’s historic district, right in the middle of South Carolina’s best beach destination. This relaxed coastal getaway feels more California than Carolina.

Beachfront Location

You’ll find the resort at the end of Center Street, just steps from six miles of pristine shoreline. The iconic 1,000-foot Folly Beach Fishing Pier stands right next door. Local boutiques and restaurants line the nearby streets, adding to the area’s charm.

Room Options

Two types of rooms welcome guests with ocean views through private Juliette balconies:

• King Rooms (336 sq ft):
  • Sleeps 2-4 guests
  • Private Juliette balcony
  • Modern bathroom with stand-up shower
• Two Queen Rooms (336 sq ft):
  • Accommodates up to 4 guests
  • Ocean-facing balcony
  • Contemporary bathroom amenities

Resort Facilities

Year-round amenities enhance every stay:

• Heated oceanfront swimming pool with tiki bar
• BLU Beach Bar & Grill offering authentic oceanfront dining
• Roasted Coffee & Market serving Starbucks® beverages
• Complimentary WiFi throughout the property
• One parking pass per room

Local Activities

The area offers exciting recreation options:

• Guaranteed dolphin sightings near Morris Island Lighthouse
• Kayak and paddleboard safaris through waterways
• Fishing charters with seasoned captains
• Evening entertainment with live music venues
• Beach chair rentals through Sun & Ski

Families looking for adventure will love Folly Beach County Park. The park features changing areas, a boardwalk, accessible ramps, and a snack bar that make day trips convenient. Guests can explore more than 40 public beach access points to find their perfect spot along the coastline.

The Seabrook Island Club

The Seabrook Island Club, a 32-year old private coastal sanctuary, serves more than 2,200 members. This oceanfront retreat blends recreational activities with seaside tranquility perfectly.

Resort Overview

The club’s world-class facilities stand among the Lowcountry’s finest attractions. Two championship golf courses with Audubon Sanctuary certification anchor the property. Pristine beaches and serene marshlands create the perfect setting for both active adventures and quiet relaxation.

Accommodation Types

This meticulously planned community features a variety of living options from luxury homes to custom-designed villas. Each residence offers:

• Oceanfront, riverfront, and tidal marsh views
• Maritime forest surroundings
• Natural habitats preserved carefully
• Custom architectural elements

Beach Access

Members enjoy nearly four miles of pristine beach shoreline. The property features:

• Nine boardwalks that connect accommodations to beaches seamlessly
• Special viewing areas at Cap’n Sam’s Inlet for dolphin watching
• Pelican Beach (also known as Sunset Beach) perfect for families
• Beach points with wheelchairs available for handicap access

Member Benefits

Club membership provides exclusive access to:

• Two challenging golf courses
• Racquet Club facilities without limits
• Equestrian Center with unique beach rides
• Lake House fitness center
• Beach Club with oceanfront pools
• Year-round sporting events
• Select dining venues

Rental guests should purchase amenity cards two weeks before arrival. Late purchases incur a USD 10.00 fee. Professional staff provides individual-specific experiences that match the high standards of private clubs.