The 7 Best Beach & Fishing Coolers 2025

The 7 Best Beach & Fishing Coolers 2025

Nothing beats an ice-cold beverage while relaxing on the beach. Nothing is worse than reaching for an icy drink and finding your cans swimming. Coolers are essential for family days on the sand. A good modern cooler will keep food and drinks fresh for days. In addition to beverages, fishermen rely coolers to keep bait fresh, and hopefully the catch of the day. Walk onto any beach or pier in North or South Carolina and you’ll see a plethora of cooler models and sizes. Cooler technology has advanced rapidly in modern years. Top-end hard-sided coolers can keep ice frozen for a week. Soft coolers are easier for one person to carry onto a beach, but can still keep food cool for days. Cooler materials and price points vary wildly, so we put together this guide with our recommendations for your coastal vacation.

Coastal Discovery Museum

Coastal Discovery Museum

A fascinating find off the beach, the Coastal Discovery Museum is sure to engage Hilton Head visitors of all ages, with a world of indoor and outdoor exhibits, all found on the site of a rich coastal ecosystem. With a series of exhibits that are always changing, guided walks and tours, and a special Kids Zone that gives young visitors an in-depth natural overview of this distinctive coastal landscape, there's clearly something for everyone at the Coastal Discovery Museum.

Hilton Head, SC Fishing Guide

Hilton Head, SC Fishing Guide

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is a popular vacation destination known for its pristine beaches, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. But did you know that it's also one of the best places to go fishing in the Southeast? Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking to try your hand at fishing, Hilton Head has something to offer everyone. This ultimate fishing guide to Hilton Head Island will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your next fishing trip. From the best fishing spots, techniques, and local regulations, to tips for a successful day on the water, this guide covers everything you need to know to catch the big one in Hilton Head. So pack your gear, grab a fishing buddy, and get ready for a fishing adventure like no other.

Fish Haul Creek Park

Fish Haul Creek Park

The gorgeous Mitchelville Freedom Park, also known as the Fish Haul Creek Park, is a unique little property that is undergoing a transformation designed to properly honor the site's significant, historic roots. As the original location of one of the first freed slave communities in the country, and currently serving as a haven for migrating and permanent shorebirds, the site will appeal to a wide range of interests. Take a stroll along the long wooded boardwalk through the woods, or head to the rocky beach that changes its entire landscape every few hours, and see why this stunning up-and-coming attraction is one of Hilton Head Island's current best kept secrets.

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park

Mitchelville Freedom Park is a deeply meaningful and historically rich destination that offers both a scenic natural setting and a powerful connection to America’s past. Located on the northern end of the island near Port Royal Sound, this park sits on the site of what was once Mitchelville—the first self-governed town for formerly enslaved people in the United States. Today, the park honors that legacy while providing a tranquil space for education, reflection, and recreation.