6 Beachfront Restaurants in South Carolina That Locals Keep Off the Map

South Carolina’s coastline offers more than just beautiful beaches and stunning sunsets. Hidden among the dunes and palmettos are some incredible restaurants that serve up fresh seafood with breathtaking ocean views.

While tourists flock to the well-known eateries advertised in travel guides, locals have their own favorite spots they tend to keep secret. Here are six beachfront restaurants that South Carolina residents try to keep off the map.

1. Bowens Island Restaurant: A Rustic Oyster Haven

Tucked away on a small island near Folly Beach, this no-frills establishment has been serving some of Charleston’s freshest seafood since 1946. The weathered wooden building might not look like much from the outside, but that’s part of its charm.

Locals arrive by boat or car for the legendary oyster roasts, where bushels of locally harvested oysters are steamed over an open fire and served on communal tables. The sunset views over the marshlands are simply spectacular.

Family-owned for generations, Bowens Island Restaurant maintains its authentic Lowcountry character despite winning a James Beard Award as an “American Classic.” Cash was the only payment accepted until recent years, a detail old-timers still mention when bringing newcomers to this hidden gem.

2. The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene: Maritime History on a Plate

Named after a trawler that crashed into this spot during Hurricane Hugo, The Wreck serves seafood in the same casual, unpretentious way local fishermen have enjoyed for decades. Finding it requires determination; there’s no sign on the road, just a small parking lot near Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant.

Paper plates and plastic forks don’t detract from the incredible deviled crab, fried shrimp, and hush puppies. The screened porch overlooks bobbing shrimp boats and playing dolphins in the distance.

What makes this place special isn’t fancy presentation but authenticity. Old fishing photos line the walls, telling stories of Shem Creek’s maritime heritage. Sunset transforms this humble eatery into one of the most romantic dining spots on the coast.

3. The Sea Shack: Beachcomber’s Lunchtime Secret

Locals on Hilton Head Island whisper directions to this unassuming seafood shack hidden behind a gas station off Coligny Circle. Unlike the island’s upscale restaurants, The Sea Shack embodies coastal simplicity with its chalkboard menu and paper-lined baskets.

Fresh catches arrive daily from local fishermen, transformed into blackened mahi-mahi sandwiches and fried flounder baskets that outshine dishes from establishments charging triple the price. The homemade tartar sauce has achieved legendary status among regulars who bring their own containers to take some home.

Lunchtime lines form quickly, so savvy visitors arrive early. Despite minimal advertising and a location that requires insider knowledge to find, this humble eatery has survived decades while fancier establishments have come and gone around it.

4. Skull Creek Boathouse: Waterfront Dining with Lowcountry Soul

Situated along Skull Creek on Hilton Head Island’s north end, this converted boathouse blends into the natural landscape so well that first-time visitors often drive right past it. The sprawling outdoor deck offers unobstructed water views where dolphins regularly make appearances during dinner service.

Beyond typical seafood offerings, Skull Creek Boathouse features a dedicated sushi bar and raw bar showcasing oyster varieties from throughout the region. The restaurant’s signature dish; Lowcountry boil with fresh local shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes; arrives at the table in a steaming pot.

Live music from local musicians creates a relaxed atmosphere as the sun sets over the water. Despite its size, the restaurant maintains a decidedly local feel, with staff who know regular customers by name and their preferred drinks.

5. Coconut Joe’s Beach Grill: Barefoot Dining with Ocean Breezes

Sandwiched between vacation rentals on Isle of Palms, Coconut Joe’s rooftop deck offers some of the best ocean views on the island without the tourist-trap prices. Morning visitors can enjoy breakfast burritos while watching dolphins play in the surf just yards away.

The Caribbean-influenced menu features fresh fish tacos and conch fritters that pair perfectly with their signature rum punches. Locals know to request the secret hot sauce kept behind the bar; a homemade pepper blend that elevates any seafood dish.

During summer evenings, the restaurant’s casual atmosphere transforms as string lights illuminate the deck and local musicians provide the soundtrack to spectacular sunsets. Kids build sandcastles on the beach below while parents enjoy the relaxed vibe that captures the essence of island living.

6. The Obstinate Daughter: Elegant Island Fare with Ocean Whispers

Named after a Revolutionary War heroine, this Sullivan’s Island gem combines Lowcountry ingredients with Italian techniques in a space that feels both sophisticated and beachy. Large windows capture ocean breezes and filtered light through surrounding palmetto trees.

Hand-rolled pasta dishes featuring local seafood draw knowing nods from culinary enthusiasts, while wood-fired pizzas topped with seasonal ingredients satisfy casual diners. The restaurant’s commitment to sourcing from nearby farms and waters creates an ever-changing menu that reflects the coastal ecosystem.

Unlike many beachfront establishments, The Obstinate Daughter doesn’t rely on views alone to impress. Instead, the restaurant’s thoughtful interior design; with rope chandeliers and reclaimed wood subtly references maritime history while creating an atmosphere that encourages lingering over shared plates and South Carolina craft beers.