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Charleston is one of the most beautiful cities in America, and the military community here knows it. Whether you're at the Joint Base Charleston Air Base or Naval Weapons Station Charleston, you're stationed in the heart of the Lowcountry — a region defined by barrier islands, tidal marshes, antebellum history, and some of the best seafood in the country.
Charleston itself rewards every weekend you spend in it: Rainbow Row, the Battery, King Street dining, and the Holy City's unmatched food scene. But when you're ready to venture out, the South Carolina coast and the broader Southeast open up quickly in every direction.
Here's where military families stationed at Joint Base Charleston should put on their travel list.
12 miles southwest · about 25 minutes
Why go: Folly Beach is Charleston's backyard beach — a laid-back barrier island with a surf culture, fishing pier, and a local crowd that feels nothing like a resort town. It's 6 miles of Atlantic coastline less than 30 minutes from base. When you just need sand and salt air without a road trip, Folly delivers.
Must-dos:
Military tip: Folly Beach is a Charleston County beach — no state park fees. Parking is metered in season; arrive early on summer weekends. Several Folly Beach restaurants offer military discounts — the island has a strong local military community. The Folly Beach County Park day pass is affordable for families.
15 miles northeast · about 30 minutes
Why go: If Folly Beach is Charleston's casual backyard, Isle of Palms is its upscale counterpart — a wider, more developed beach with a full resort (Wild Dunes) and cleaner, calmer water on the northern side of Charleston Harbor. Sullivan's Island, just across the connecting causeway, adds history and one of the best low-key bar scenes near the beach.
Must-dos:
Military tip: Fort Moultrie is a National Monument — free entry with the America the Beautiful Military Pass. Sullivan's Island has a strong military heritage and most locals are deeply respectful of the military community. The beach parking on Sullivan's Island is free, unlike IOP which charges in season.
95 miles north · about 1.5 hours
Why go: Myrtle Beach is the Grand Strand — 60 continuous miles of Atlantic coastline, 90 golf courses, a dense resort strip, and a full amusement park energy that families with kids love. It's a different category from the quiet Lowcountry beaches near Charleston: bigger, louder, and loaded with activities. A full long weekend destination in its own right.
Must-dos:
Military tip: Myrtle Beach is exceptionally military-friendly — golf courses, attractions, and vacation rentals all offer active duty discounts. Ripley's Aquarium offers military pricing. Huntington Beach State Park offers reduced admission for active duty. Myrtle Beach vacation rentals are very affordable compared to other major beach destinations — excellent value for a family of any size.
105 miles south · about 2 hours
Why go: Savannah is Charleston's closest rival for most beautiful city in the South, and the two cities together form the crown jewels of the Atlantic Lowcountry. Savannah's historic district is a UNESCO-worthy grid of 22 moss-draped squares, antebellum mansions, and cobblestone lanes — all within walking distance. The open-container law means you can legally carry your drink down the street, which adds to the relaxed evening atmosphere.
Must-dos:
Military tip: Fort Pulaski National Monument is free with the America the Beautiful Military Pass. Hunter Army Airfield is located in Savannah — active duty may be able to access base facilities during your visit. Savannah is a serious vacation rental city; staying in a historic district townhouse is the quintessential Savannah experience.
115 miles northwest · about 2 hours
Why go: Columbia is South Carolina's state capital and home to Fort Jackson — one of the largest Army basic training installations in the country and the most diverse in the US Army. Beyond the military connection, Columbia has a genuine college-town energy anchored by the University of South Carolina, a rejuvenated downtown arts district, the Congaree River, and some of the best BBQ in the state.
Must-dos:
Military tip: Congaree National Park is free with the America the Beautiful Military Pass. Riverbanks Zoo offers military discounts on admission. If you're visiting for Fort Jackson BCT graduation, book your accommodations early — rentals around Columbia fill quickly on graduation weekends.
| Destination | Distance from JB Charleston | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Folly Beach | ~12 mi / 25 min | Casual beach day, surfing, pier fishing |
| Isle of Palms / Sullivan's Island | ~15 mi / 30 min | Family beach, Fort Moultrie, resort amenities |
| Myrtle Beach | ~95 mi / 1.5 hrs | Grand Strand, golf, full resort weekend |
| Savannah, GA | ~105 mi / 2 hrs | Historic squares, food, Tybee Island, Fort Pulaski |
| Columbia, SC | ~115 mi / 2 hrs | Congaree NP, Fort Jackson, BBQ, Lake Murray |
Wherever you go, book your accommodations through Crewdogs, the only vacation rental platform built exclusively for the military community. Every stay comes with:
Search military-verified vacation rentals in the Lowcountry and beyond:
Folly Beach ·
Isle of Palms ·
Myrtle Beach ·
Savannah ·
Columbia ·
Joint Base Charleston
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