We’ve all got one thing on our minds: the beach. 🏖️ I mean, that’s why we decided to live in Charleston, right?

We have been seeing tons of questions about when beaches will open, what happens if non-residents arrive before checkpoints begin, how social distancing rules are being enforced, and when rentals will begin again.

While it seems rules and regulations have been constantly changing, here is a rundown of checkpoint hours, uses + rules and rental information for each of our local beaches. (Note: this information is subject to change per government and town official rulings.)

Isle of Palms

○ Checkpoint hours: No checkpoints
○ Beach uses: Exercise only
○ Beach rules: Must stand six feet away from others; groups must be no larger than three people; must keep moving at all times; no chairs, blankets or coolers allowed.
○ Additional info: Disabled citizens with DMV-issued handicap decals are exempt from the exercise only rule.
○ Updates here.

Folly Beach

○ Checkpoint hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 12-13; Checkpoints removed on Thurs. May 14.
○ Beach uses: Normal uses. Exercise-only rule lifted May 11.
○ Beach rules: Must stand six feet away from others; groups must be no larger than three people; must keep moving at all times; no chairs, blankets or coolers allowed.
○ Updates here.

Sullivan’s Island

○ Checkpoint hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
○ Beach uses: Exercise only
○ Beach rules: Must stand six feet away from others; groups must be no larger than three people; must keep moving at all times; no chairs, blankets or coolers allowed.
○ Updates here.

Kiawah + Seabrook Islands

○ SC’s private beaches were not affected by Gov. McMaster’s orders to close and/or limit beach access. Both Kiawah and Seabrook beaches remain open for residents to use as long as social distancing + small group rules are followed. More information on Kiawah here, and Seabrook here.

Rental information

Isle of Palms: Rentals are banned until further notice; city officials hosted the second of a virtual meeting series discussing the phases of re-opening short term rentals yesterday, which can be viewed here.

Folly Beach: Short term rental check-ins will resume Tues., May 12 and will be limited to a six-day minimum stay. Hotels will be limiting capacity.

Sullivan’s Island: Rental decisions are left up to individual homeowners + agencies.

Kiawah Island: Villa + home rentals will resume Sat., May 16.

Seabrook Island: New rental check-ins + reservations will resume Sat., May 16.

Important notes:

○ Beach exercise includes walking, running, swimming, surfing + other physical activities.
○ Checkpoints prohibit visitors from entering public beaches outside of approved hours and will be regulated by town law enforcement. Exceptions include getting food and going to work.
○ Rules + regulations remain in effect until further notice from town officials. Not following rules can result in tickets, fines or being sent home, and are clarified on each town’s website.

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