Winter beach walks in Charleston, SC are my favorite kind of reset. The crowds thin out, the air feels crisp (in a good way), and the winter light makes the coastline look unreal—soft, bright, and calm. I’ve been doing a lot of these walks lately, and Talulah comes along for the full experience. Talulah hits the beach and immediately goes into “mayor of the coastline” mode, greeting everyone like she’s on duty. It’s hilarious, slightly bossy, and exactly the vibe I need when the week’s been a lot.
Sullivan’s Island
Sullivan’s is the walk I pick when I want classic, timeless Charleston beach energy—beautiful shoreline, a slower pace, and that “everything feels polished but still relaxed” feel. Winter on Sullivan’s is special because it’s quieter, and you actually notice the details: dunes, sea oats, that clean horizon, and the gentle rhythm of the waves without the summer soundtrack. After your walk, keep it easy and cozy with a stop at The Co-Op for coffee and a bite—perfect for warming up and lingering just long enough to pretend you’re not going back to your inbox.
Isle of Palms
IOP is my go-to when I want wide-open sand and a long, steady walk that clears your head without you even trying. Winter beach walks on IOP feel big and breezy—in the best way—and it’s ideal if you like a little space to spread out and just walk at your own pace. It’s a great one for an early start, as the morning light is gorgeous and the beach feels like it belongs to whoever showed up first. Afterward, head to The Refuge for coffee or brunch—warm, relaxed, and exactly what you want after you’ve earned it with a few miles and some ocean air.
Folly Beach
Folly is pure personality year-round, but winter is when you get the best version of it—still local, still fun, just calmer and easier. A winter walk on Folly feels like salty-air therapy with a little people-watching sprinkled in, and it’s the kind of place where you can keep it simple: walk, breathe, maybe find a few shells, and let the ocean do the work. After your walk, make it a proper Folly day and stop at Lost Dog Café for breakfast or lunch—it’s a longtime Folly staple and the kind of cozy stop that makes the whole morning feel complete.
Kiawah Island
Kiawah is for the days you want your walk to feel like a retreat. It’s quieter, more natural, and in winter it can be downright restorative—less “scene,” more scenery. This is the walk where you don’t need a podcast because the point is hearing the water and feeling your shoulders drop. Afterward, if you want to keep the day feeling special (without making it complicated), settle in at Jasmine Porch at The Sanctuary for a warm Lowcountry meal and a beautiful setting that matches the whole vibe of the day.
Quick Tips
Make sure to dress in layers because Charleston loves a weather plot twist. If you can, time your walk for when the tide gives you a nice stretch of packed sand near the waterline. And keep a towel in the car because sandy feet are inevitable, and that’s just part of the coastal lifestyle here.
A winter beach walk is one of those simple Charleston things that never gets old—quiet sand, salty air, and a little time to yourself before the world gets loud again. Whether you end up on Sullivan’s, Isle of Palms, Folly, or Kiawah, I hope you give yourself permission to make it a whole moment: take the long way, stop for something warm afterward, and let the day feel easy. If you see Talulah out there in full “mayor of the coastline” mode, just know she’s doing her civic duty.
