Best Lowcountry Beach Reads for a Laid-Back Weekend
Charleston’s beaches are the perfect setting for a leisurely day with a great book. Whether you’re on Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, or one of our other stunning coastal spots, these beach reads—each connected to the Lowcountry—are sure to make your time here even more memorable.
1. The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy
A powerful Southern classic, Pat Conroy’s The Prince of Tides captures the complexity of family, love, and the beauty of the Lowcountry. Set in South Carolina, it’s an emotionally rich story that explores personal struggles against the backdrop of the coastal South.
2. Lowcountry Summer by Mary Alice Monroe
A heartwarming tale set in the Lowcountry, Lowcountry Summer by Mary Alice Monroe is a perfect escape. The novel revolves around a family coming together for the summer, dealing with the nuances of life, love, and change in this beautiful setting.
3. Sullivan’s Island by Dorothea Benton Frank
Sulllivan’s Island by Dorothea Benton Frank is an absolute must-read. It’s a warm and engaging story set on one of Charleston’s beautiful barrier islands. A delightful mix of humor, romance, and drama, this book beautifully evokes the essence of the Lowcountry.
4. Beach Music by Pat Conroy
In Beach Music, Pat Conroy weaves a rich story about love, loss, and redemption. Though it spans both Charleston and Italy, the charm of the South Carolina coast and its impact on the characters is front and center in this moving novel.
5. The Summer Girls by Mary Alice Monroe
A beautiful summer story set on the Lowcountry’s barrier islands, The Summer Girls explores the bond of sisters as they come together to heal and grow. Monroe’s work always perfectly captures the soul of Charleston and its coastal beauty.
6. The Sound of Glass by Karen White
In The Sound of Glass, Karen White offers a heartfelt narrative set in Charleston. The novel follows a woman returning to her family home, discovering buried secrets, and finding peace in the Lowcountry’s natural beauty. It’s an emotional story of self-discovery and healing.
7. The Beach Trees by Karen White
Karen White’s The Beach Trees is another gorgeous read set in the Lowcountry. It centers on a young woman who returns to Charleston to uncover her family’s past. The novel beautifully describes the area’s landscape, from its sandy shores to the oak-lined streets.
8. Porgy by DuBose Heyward
For a historical perspective, DuBose Heyward’s Porgy tells the story that inspired the iconic opera Porgy and Bess. It’s a deeply moving portrayal of love, community, and hardship set in Charleston’s Gullah community and is a classic of the Lowcountry’s literary history.
9. A Lowcountry Heart: The Last Testament of Pat Conroy
The Last Testament of Pat Conroy is a collection of letters, reflections, and memoirs from the beloved author. This book offers a personal look into Conroy’s life and his deep love for the Lowcountry, making it a perfect read for fans of his work.
10. Christmas at Two Love Lane, Wedding at Two Love Lane, and Second Chance at Two Love Lane by Kieran Kramer
Kieran Kramer’s Two Love Lane series is a delightful trio of romantic comedies set in the heart of Charleston. The series revolves around the quirky yet lovable team at the local matchmaking agency, Two Love Lane, where they help clients find love in the most charming of ways. The three books—Christmas at Two Love Lane, Wedding at Two Love Lane, and Second Chance at Two Love Lane—are heartwarming tales filled with laughter, romance, and the kind of Southern charm that will have you hooked from the first page. Perfect for readers looking for a fun, lighthearted beach read with a healthy dose of Lowcountry magic.
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