23 Closest Beaches to Asheville, NC

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Are you looking for the closest beach to Asheville, NC? You’re in the right place!

While Asheville is just over four hours from the Atlantic Ocean, there are a few lake beaches in the mountains that you can reach much quicker.

You can use the Table of Contents to jump down to those suggestions.

However, if it’s the ocean you’re looking for, then I’ve got 17 suggestions for the closest beaches to Asheville that you should visit.

I live in the foothills of North Carolina and love exploring the mountains and the beaches alike, so I’m excited to talk about a few of my favorite spots along the East Coast!

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Closest Beaches to Asheville, NC

The two closest beaches to Asheville are Isle of Palms and Folly Beach – both are about 277 miles from this charming mountain town.

Isle of Palms is listed first because according to Google Maps, you can get there a few minutes faster than to Folly Beach.

Note that the distances and travel time listed below are approximate and completely dependent on your beginning and end points. Beaches are listed in order of distance from Asheville then travel time.

Also, I’ve mentioned parking information and rules on dogs, but ALWAYS check the local ordinances about parking and pets before you travel. They can change at any time.

1. Isle of Palms

Distance: 277 miles | Travel Time: 4 hours and 15 minutes

On the other side of Mt. Pleasant, just 30 minutes from Charleston, Isle Of Palms is a popular luxury getaway destination.

There are seven total miles of white sandy beach along the island; of that, six miles are public beaches. With 50 beach access points, getting onto the beach is a breeze.

Just note that in the city-maintained parking areas, you’ll have to pay a fee between March 1st and October 31st.

There are a few options for free parking that you can find on the Isle of Palms Beach Access & Parking page.

If you’re bringing the whole family and need facilities, you’ll want to check out the Isle of Palms County Park. Here you’ll find restrooms, lifeguards, outdoor showers, chair & umbrella rentals, and more.

This is a great beach if you have dogs as well because dogs are allowed year-round! Also great for golfers as there is a course on the island.

Wild Dunes Resort is the most iconic place to stay on the island but if you’re on a tight budget, then you could stay in Mt Pleasant and drive over each day.

2. Folly Beach

Distance: 277 miles | Travel Time: 4 hours and 20 minutes

Another beach that’s a quick drive from Charleston is Folly Beach. Folly Beach is approximately the same distance from Asheville as Isle of Palms and it only takes a couple minutes more to reach Folly.

The vibes are very different for the two beaches though as Isle of Palms is a more “resort style” or upscale beach while Folly is much more laid back.

It’s more of a day trip destination from Charleston because it’s only 15 or so minutes from the city. However, for people who love a quiet beach-town then vacation rentals are popular here.

You can use the Passport Parking app to pay for parking at Folly Beach and you can get all the parking details at PARK Folly Beach.

There are multiple public beach accesses but for a beach with facilities, head to Folly Beach County Park.

On the opposite end of town, you’ll find the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve where admission is $1 per person. There are no facilities here but it’s a beautiful area with views of Morris Island Lighthouse.

Make sure to check the beach rules because dogs are only allowed at certain times of the day during specific times of year.

3. Edisto Beach

Distance: 289 miles | Travel Time: 4 hours and 45 minutes

If you’re looking for days spent lounging on the beach, biking around town, and eating at mom & pop restaurants then Edisto is for you.

My parents used to bring us to Edisto when we were younger. Back then, I didn’t like it because as a pre-teen/teenager who didn’t like the outdoors there was “nothing to do.” Now, this is my kind of place! 😂

While there are plenty of public beach accesses along the island (37 to be exact), you visit Edisto Beach State Park where you can typically find beautiful shells and even fossils. Admission is $8 for adults.

Another great thing to do here is hike or bike along their trail system through the marshland and maritime forest. You can take them all the way over to the Environmental Learning Center then check out their exhibits.

Parking is free at the beach accesses and this is really one of the least crowded and quiet beaches you’ll find.

For those of you wanting to bring a furry friend, dogs are allowed year-round but must be on a leash during certain times.

4. Kiawah Island

Distance: 292 miles | Travel Time: 4 hours and 45 minutes

Kiawah Island is another upscale beach destination near Charleston with a few stunning resorts and golf courses on the island.

If you don’t want to shell out the money for a resort stay, then there are many vacation rentals on the island as well.

The Beachwalker County Park is the only public access beach on the island so keep that in mind if you’re a day tripper. There are facilities here including a snack bar and rental service.

Parking fees vary throughout the year but you can find the fees and schedule here.

Dogs are allowed on the beach at all times of year but must be leashed.

5. Hunting Island State Park

Distance: 304 miles | Travel Time: 5 hours

One of the crown jewels of the South Carolina State Park System, Hunting Island State Park offers gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, shelling opportunities, and beautiful trails through the marsh.

The Hunting Island Lighthouse is also located here. There are five miles of beautiful beaches here in the park and though they have a good bit of parking, you’ll want to get here early to snag a spot in the high season.

If you’re the adventurous type, then take the ferry tour over to St. Phillips Island which is undeveloped and see what you can discover at this untouched beach.

There is one cabin available to rent in the park but they have over 100 campsites if you’d like to camp here as well. You can also stay in the nearby town of Beaufort.

Admission is $8 for adults to the park and if you opt for the tour to St. Phillips island, that’s another fee. However, this is truly one of the most stunning beaches close to Asheville.

If you want to bring a pet, make sure you check their rules & regulations because they are not allowed in lodging facilities, pier, or lighthouse complex. They are currently also not allowed on the North Beach.

6. Hilton Head Island

Distance: 306 miles | Travel Time: 4 hours and 45 minutes

Hilton Head Island is an absolute haven for those looking for. relaxing beach vacation but want all the amenities nearby.

Here you’ll find multiple golf courses, great fishing opportunities, and people biking their way around the island.

The entire beach is public but many of the accesses are private. However, there are seven town beach parks that provide public access.

Folly Field, Driessen, and Coligny are a few of the best Beach Parks on the island. If you get there early enough, you can find free parking at Coligny Beach but metered parking is available at the others.

If you’re looking for a quieter experience then head to Fish Haul Beach Park which is on the Port Royal Sound side of the island. They do have free parking, outdoor showers, and restrooms here.

Hilton Head is dog friendly but there are certain times they cannot be on the beach during peak season. Check the rules & regulations.

7. Myrtle Beach

Distance: 307 miles | Travel Time: 5 hours and 10 minutes

Okay, I have to be honest – Myrtle Beach is not my favorite. I prefer quieter getaways geared more towards the outdoors than shopping and big attractions.

However, Myrtle Beach is still one of the closest beaches to Asheville at 307 miles away and just over a five hour drive.

With a sprawling 60-mile coastline and a lively beachfront boardwalk, Myrtle is known as the party beach.

This is where many people would go on Spring Break and tons of high schoolers (including me) went here for Senior Week after graduating.

One of its iconic features is the SkyWheel, which stands almost 200ft tall and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and city.

While the beach might not be the quietest, it’s perfect for those seeking a blend of relaxation and excitement. There is no shortage of things to do here, from attractions and dining to entertainment and shopping.

If you are looking for public beach accesses, there are 114, so no shortage here. Dogs are allowed on the beach only at certain times during peak season.

8. North Myrtle Beach

Distance: 318 miles | Travel Time: 5 hours

You may be wondering why Myrtle and North Myrtle are both on the list, but if you’ve never been to the area, these are two COMPLETELY different places.

North Myrtle is much calmer and quieter and Cherry Grove is a popular spot for people to get a vacation rental within walking distance to the beach.

There are over 50 public beach accesses in North Myrtle though, so you can also drive if you aren’t staying within walking distance.

North Myrtle has similar laws as Myrtle when it comes to dogs but the times are a bit different. Check the Beach Laws and make sure you click on the link to “Ordinances” for the full information.

9. Huntington Beach State Park

Distance: 318 miles | Travel Time: 5 hours and 10 minutes

If you’re more of the outdoorsy type then you may want to head to Huntington Beach State Park which is about 30 minutes south of Myrtle.

Here you’ll find three miles of stunning beaches and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.

There are over 170 campsites from rustic tent sites to full hookup sites so you can be the first to catch the sunrise over the ocean.

Because of the park’s proximity to Myrtle Beach, it is extremely popular and parking often fills up on weekends. They close the park to newcomers when this happens.

If you want to visit, I highly recommend getting there early. Note that there is an entrance fee.

The park is dog-friendly but dogs are only allowed on the south beach and are not permitted inside buildings.

10. Ocean Isle Beach

Distance: 327 miles | Travel Time: 5 hours and 20 minutes

From the NC/SC line up to Bald Head Island, this is probably the most happening spot with the most to do.

From The Swamp Park where you can zip line and ride ATVs to kayaking or SUPing through the marshland, there are plenty of outdoor activities to explore. You can also visit the Museum of Coastal Carolina – great activity for a rainy day.

Their public beach access map shows you where all the accesses are and their website will tell you how many parking spaces are at each.

Dogs are not allowed in the public access/parking areas at Ocean Isle and are only allowed on the beach during certain times in peak season.

11. Tybee Island

Distance: 331 miles | Travel Time: 5 hours and 20 minutes

Tybee Island, located just 20 miles from Savannah, is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

With three oceanfront beaches and two river beaches, there’s plenty of room to spread out.

South Beach is the most popular beach at Tybee Island, and it often gets quite busy since it has the most amenities and largest parking lot (paid).

The river beaches – Savannah River Beach and Back River Beach – are a bit more difficult to get to due to minimal parking but are more secluded.

The majority of parking on Tybee is in paid lots or in metered spaces along the street. Tybee is not pet-friendly so I would recommend going elsewhere if you’re bringing a furry friend.

12. Oak Island

Distance: Around 341 miles | Travel Time: 5 hours and 25 minutes

Here’s another quiet spot on the North Carolina coast. The major things to do are climb the Oak Island Lighthouse and walk along the Oak Island Pier.

Otherwise, people spend their days lounging on the beach.

According to the Town of Oak Island website, they offer more beach and Intracoastal waterway access points than any other coastal North Carolina town.

So they have tons of access points and parking at many of these is free which is an added bonus.

The Point is also a gorgeous scenic spot at one end of the island. On the opposite end, you’ll find Caswell Beach near Fort Caswell and the Oak Island Lighthouse.

Oak Island is very dog-friendly and dogs are allowed on the beach at all times but leash laws are in effect during peak season.

13. Wrightsville Beach

Distance: 341 miles | Travel Time: 5 hours and 30 minutes

Wrightsville is one of the most high-energy North Carolina beaches on this list because it’s so close to Wilmington and the university – UNC Wilmington.

Spend your days exploring Johnnie Mercers Pier, going kayaking in the salt marsh, or learning how to surf. Johnnie Mercers Pier is the only concrete pier in North Carolina so it’s pretty neat to see.

Staying in Wrightsville is convenient but many people also love to stay in Wilmington and day trip out to Wrightsville.

There are 44 public access points with four ocean-accessible public restrooms. Most of the parking at Wrightsville is paid whether in public lots or metered street parking.

Dogs are not allowed on the beach AT ALL from April 1st to September 30th. All other times of year they must be on a leash.

14. Carolina Beach

Distance: 345 miles | Travel Time: 5 hours and 30 minutes

If you’re looking for one of the small beach towns in North Carolina where you can hike and enjoy the beach then Carolina Beach is a great option.

Carolina Beach State Park has some of the best hiking near Wilmington and you can admire a sunrise or sunset from the swings along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.

This is a much quieter beach compared to Wrightsville and if you travel down even further to Kure Beach you’ll find even more seclusion.

Like Wrightsville however, most parking here is paid. There are eight different lots where you can park to access the beach.

At Freeman Park you can drive out on the beach but the daily pass costs $50. You’ll need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to do this!

Rules about dogs vary depending on whether you’re visiting the main beach, Freeman Park, or the Boardwalk so the best thing to do is check their FAQ page.

15. Surf City

Distance: 379 miles | Travel Time: 5 hours and 45 minutes

Located on Topsail Island, Surf City is sandwiched between North Topsail and Topsail Beaches. The entire island is 26-miles long and offers some of the most secluded beaches you’ll find.

There are almost 40 beach access points and restroom or shower facilities are available at accesses 5, 15, 18, and 19.

It’s one of the best places to go if you want to get away from it all. It’s also very dog-friendly as leashed dogs are always allowed.

16. Jekyll Island

Distance: Around 397 miles | Travel Time: 6 hours

Jekyll Island is part of the stunning Golden Isles along coastal Georgia and home to the famous Driftwood Beach. The beauty of this area will truly take your breath away.

The island is a state park so all visitors must pay an entrance fee which is currently $10 per day.

Driftwood Beach is at the northernmost end of the island and transports you to another world. Great Sand Dunes or Corsair are steps from shops and restaurants with many great amenities for families.

St. Andrews is popular for wildlife viewing like dolphins and a variety of birds. Leashed pets are allowed on the beaches year-round.

17. Nags Head Beach

Distance: 445 miles | Travel Time: 6 hours and 50 minutes

This is the furthest beach from Asheville by far, but I’m a true believer that you will never regret a trip to the Outer Banks.

Nags Head is one of the busier spots in the Outer Banks, but it’s also the easiest to get to since Highway 64 dumps you right into town after you cross the bridge over the sound.

You’ll find many public accesses here and some of them have staffed lifeguard stands and bathhouses. There are parking areas at almost all of the listed accesses.

Parking is free so that’s always a plus. Dogs are allowed on a leash year-round.

Beaches near Asheville, NC on a Lake or River

18. Lake Powhatan

Distance: 12 miles | Travel Time: 20 minutes

If you don’t mind a beach on the lake, then this is by far the closest beach to Asheville, NC.

It’s located just southwest of downtown Asheville close to the NC Arboretum and right of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The beach is very small and there’s a $5 entrance fee but there are restrooms, picnic tables, and lots of trails here too. This is also one of the most popular campgrounds near Asheville.

The bottom of the lake is muddy/mucky so just be prepared for that. Since it’s so close to the city, it gets very crowded on the weekends between the day trippers and campers.

The beach is dog-friendly though – they just have to be on a leash.

If you’re sticking around the city, then make sure you check out these fun tours in Asheville.

19. Lake Lure

Distance: 26 miles | Travel Time: 45 minutes

If you don’t mind the drive for a day trip, then Lake Lure may be a better option though it is more expensive.

Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for kids. Their “water park” is a few water slides, water games, and a splash pad so kids really like this spot.

There are also picnic tables here if you pack your lunch. The one major issue here are the Canada Geese. It seems that they run rampant along the beach and nothing is done to clean up after them.

Dogs are not allowed here and hours are 10 am – 6 pm most days but they do close early occasionally for special events.

20. Lake James State Park

Distance: 53 miles | Travel Time:  1 hour

This is an even better option than Lake Powhatan or Lake Lure since it’s run by the NC State Parks. The lake is clean as are the facilities and the water is great for swimming.

The beach is accessible through the Paddy’s Creek Access and there are picnic shelters, restrooms, and seasonal concessions here.

There is a fee to access the swim area – it’s $6 for adults and $4 for children but if you live in NC and have kids, the annual pass for $90 will allow you to swim in any state park with swim access all year.

This is by far your best option for the closest beach to Asheville, especially for a day trip.

21. Lake Glenville

Distance: 65 miles | Travel Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

At The Pines Recreation Area on Lake Glenville, you’ll find a small sandy beach, picnic area, and vault toilets.

The lake is stunning as it’s located in Nantahala National Forest further west from Asheville.

The swim area is not very deep and the beach is small so this might be a good spot if you have small kids. No pets are allowed.

22. Nantahala Outdoor Center

Distance: About 77 miles | Travel Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Nantahala is more of a rock/pebble beach but if you want somewhere for younger kids to play while there are plenty of other things to do for the older kids or adults then this is the perfect option.

The beach is very small but it’s right on the river and kids can dip their toes in the water and splash around.

For those who are a little older, there’s whitewater rafting, zip lines, and an adventure park plus a couple of restaurants and an outpost selling all the latest gear.

While this isn’t somewhere I would go specifically for the beach, it’s a great spot for a family with a variety of interests.

23. Lake Jocassee

Distance: 81 miles | Travel Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

This is one of the most beautiful lakes that I’ve ever been to and it’s located in Upstate South Carolina along the NC/SC state border.

The beach is located in Devils Fork State Park so there is an admission fee. $8 for adults and $4 for children.

On weekends, the park fills up quickly and gets very crowded so keep that in mind. It is well worth a visit though.

Feeling adventurous?

Rent a boat or kayak and make your way across the lake to Sandstone Beach. This is a very small beach but the white sand and blue water will almost make you believe you’re in the Caribbean. Almost.

Touring Jocassee Lake is one of the best things to do near Seneca and if you have some time you should really spend a weekend or more in the area.

Wrap Up: Closest Beach to Asheville, NC

Whether you want to dip your toes in the Atlantic Ocean or enjoy the views of these stunning mountain lakes, these beaches have you covered.

The lakes make for great day trips while the beaches are perfect long weekend getaways. Or maybe spend a full week if you head all the way to the Outer Banks.

Ultimately, the closest beach to Asheville is tied between Isle of Palms or Folly Beach for an ocean beach. For the lake, it’s Lake Powhatan.

Personally, I would be heading to Folly Beach myself!