News Summary
Hunting Island State Park has achieved the #6 position in USA Today Readers Poll for the Top Ten Best Beaches in South Carolina. With over one million visitors annually, the park is celebrated for its warm sand, blue waters, and refreshing breezes. Offering five miles of undeveloped beach, camping facilities, and diverse outdoor activities, it has become a favorite for both relaxation and adventure. Even with its official ranking, many consider it the best beach in the state, further enhanced by positive mentions from publications like Southern Living and Garden & Gun.
Hunting Island, South Carolina – Hunting Island State Park has achieved recognition by securing the #6 position in the Top Ten Best Beaches in South Carolina as per the USA Today Readers Poll. This accolade comes from a public voting process that followed the nominations from an expert panel, showcasing the beach’s popularity among visitors and locals alike.
Hunting Island State Park, which draws over one million visitors annually, is renowned for its inviting features, described by readers as boasting “warm sand, blue water, and refreshing Atlantic Ocean breezes.” The location has become a favorite for beachgoers seeking both relaxation and adventure, offering pristine scenery and various outdoor activities.
Besides being a prime destination for sunbathers, features of Hunting Island include five miles of undeveloped beach, beach access camping, a fishing pier, nature trails, and South Carolina’s only publicly accessible lighthouse. The park spans over 5,000 acres, providing ample opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
In the recent poll, other notable beaches in South Carolina ranked closely behind Hunting Island. Edisto Beach State Park secured the #7 spot, while Coligny Beach at Hilton Head ranked #9. These rankings reflect the scenic diversity and the unique qualities each beach offers along the South Carolina coastline. The top ten beaches in the state include:
- Pawley’s Island
- North Myrtle Beach
- Litchfield Beach
- Huntington Beach State Park
- Cherry Grove Beach
- Hunting Island State Park
- Edisto Beach State Park
- Myrtle Beach State Park
- Coligny Beach
- Bloody Point Beach
Despite its official #6 ranking, many enthusiasts consider Hunting Island the best beach in South Carolina. The park’s acclaim extends beyond this recent recognition, as it has also recently been highlighted by publications like Southern Living and Garden & Gun. Southern Living named it one of the Best in the South and a top island destination, while Garden & Gun included Hunting Island on its list of “Islands Where You’d Want to be Stranded” and highlighted it as one of the top spots among “20 Southern Escapes.”
Additionally, Beaufort, the nearby town, was recognized as one of the Top 10 Beach Towns in South Carolina by another travel publication, which adds to the overall allure of the area.
Visitors to Hunting Island can experience a range of unique adventures on its coastline, particularly at Boneyard Beach, known for its striking driftwood and captivating scenery. For camping enthusiasts, the park offers over 3,000 campsites with various lodging options to cater to both families and solo travelers.
Hunting Island State Park remains a significant treasure within the South Carolina coastline, offering a blend of natural beauty and outdoor activity, making it a beloved destination for both locals and tourists. Its multiple accolades only add to its reputation as a must-visit beach in the region.
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Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
