Technically speaking, Johns Island is located in Charleston County, South Carolina, nestled behind Kiawah Island and in between Wadmalaw Island and James Island. Roughly a 20 minute car ride to downtown Charleston.
Johns Island has some of the best beaches accessible in all of South Carolina. From Folly Beach, Lighthouse Inlet Heritage, Kiawah Beachwalker Park, to Sullivan’s Island; Johns Island allows for a direct link to your day full of sand, sun, and waves.
Fun fact: Johns Island is the largest island in South Carolina and is home to 1,400 year old Angel Oak – one of the world’s largest living oak trees.
How Far is it From Johns Island to the Beach?
Johns Island is conveniently located right in between downtown Charleston and Folly Beach. This allows for ease of travel and access to both the city side of adventure and laid back beaches of relaxation.
Below is a quick guide showing exact mileage from Johns Island to the respective beaches:
- Johns Island to Folly Beach = 14.3 miles, 26 minute car ride
- Johns Island to Lighthouse Inlet Heritage = 18.1 miles, 37 minute car ride
- Johns Island to Kiawah Beachwalker Park = 12.8 miles, 20 minute car ride
- Johns Island to Sullivan’s Island = 18.7 miles, 34 minute car ride
- Johns Island to Seabrook Island Beach = 14.1 miles, 24 minute car ride
Of course, you could always hop in a kayak and take the Stono River on a direct shot to the Atlantic. As a matter of fact, that’s not a bad idea. Let me know how long it took.
Does Johns Island Have Public Beach Access?
Sure does.
Technically speaking, Johns Island has 7 different public access points to the beach. The beaches outlined in the section directly above all offer public access. Other notable boardwalks include:
- Isle of Palms Beach
- Isle of Palms County Park
- Seabrook Island the Resort
Free parking is available at Isle of Palms, Seabrook, Kiawah, Beachwalker, and Folly – barring you’re not parking where prepaying is required. Street parking is generally available – especially during the off season.
Are Johns Island Beaches Dog Friendly?
For the most part, all of Johns Island understands that your pup is one of the family and should be included in all fun outdoor activities.
Per usual though, you may find yourself up against a four legged predicament. It’s always best to perform your due diligence on a place before getting your good boy or good girl too excited about the fun.
I have compiled a dog friendly meter below based on specific beaches and any nuanced regulations resulting in a level of dog friendliness percentages.
Johns Island Beach Activities and Adventures
From tours, to charters, to dolphin watching, Johns Island has you covered. There is a myriad of fun filled activities that are easily accessible and readily available on and around the island.
Captain Jack’s Kiawah Sailing and Dolphin Watching
Who doesn’t enjoy seeing a cute little dolphin pop up from below the surface with their cute little dolphin grins?
Add this to your list of ocean activities during your stay on Johns Island. Captain Jack offers up exclusivity on a sailing platter, full of memorable experiences the entire family can climb aboard with.
Note: Captain Jack only allows a 6 passenger max with options available for larger parties. All aboard the Palmetto Tide!
Charleston Outdoor Adventures
The COA (Charleston Outdoor Adventures) allows for comprehensive lowcountry adventures, with service offerings reaching across the entire outdoor spectrum:
Connect with one of the best outdoor guides in the industry as you plan and book your next Johns Island experience.
Coastal Expeditions
From kayak tours, to paddleboard tours, to entire boat tours and charters, Coastal Expeditions has you and your sea cravings covered.
They also offer year around functions to entertain even your winter beach trips like their daily kayak tours, the Morris Island shark tooth boat tour, Shem Creek’s paddleboard tour, the Boneyard Beach sunrise expedition, and the Wambaw Creek National Forest Kayak Tour.
Want to know what else I find completely miraculous about the Johns Island area in general? The full spectrum of environmental ecosystems that the place has to offer.
Like Bulls Island Ferry excursion for example. Bird watching, nature hikes, and beach walks.
Someone please tell me another place you can do the mountains to ocean thing at the exact same time. Truly the best of both worlds.
*Okay, yeah, you can do that in Hawaii too, but Johns Island is much closer.
Speed Boat Adventures
Do you know what’s better than a boat on the open water?
Answer: A FAST boat on the open water.
The Charleston Harbor Tour takes you on a 13 mile guided joy ride pinpointing the best local spots like the USS Yorktown and Waterfront Park.
Sure, you could go see these places on land, but what’s the real fun in that?
2 full hours of extreme exhilaration. Buckle up, buttercup. You’re about to see a side of lowcountry you didn’t even know existed!
Where Should I Stay When Visiting Johns Island?
Now that you know you’ll have access to beaches, hikes, tours, charters, site seeing and all of the other possible excursions, you’ll need to narrow in on a place to house your luggage while you’re out and about.
I’ll make it easy on you. Here’s a house fully equipped with 3 bedrooms, 4 beds, and 2 baths. Room for the entire family, plus a few stragglers.
There are bikes in the garage – perfect to take out to Seabrook Island Beach access, or to ride down to Java Java for a fresh cup of, well, java.
There is also free gym access, free parking, WiFi, a fully functioning kitchen, and enough space for memories that will last you and your family a lifetime.
Your Johns Island beachin’ adventures starts here. Check out the Airbnb listing for reservations, details, and openings.
Pro tip: Don’t waste your time or money on expensive hotel rooms that have a complete lack of charm and local accessibility. Instead, take advantage of an entire house with full privacy for the same price. One room or 3? Seems like an easy choice to me. Also, would you just look at that back porch. Take the blowup mattress and sleep out there if you want. Many do!
Enjoy!
