Sullivan's Island: Charleston's Most Charming Beach Town

Sullivan’s Island, S.C., is a tranquil escape overflowing with history and charm. Just 20 minutes from Charleston, this barrier island is the perfect destination for a relaxing day along the Atlantic coast.

Sullivan's Island's iconic lighthouse, also called the "Charleston Light"

Sullivan’s Island Background

Sullivan’s, as it's typically referred to, was settled in the late 17th century by its namesake Captain Florence O’Sullivan, according town information. Sullivan’s is a beautiful residential beach community. There are no hotels and no overcrowding. Instead, you’ll find beautiful homes, many of which are historic restorations, on large lots surrounded by lush, natural growth. 

The island’s beaches feel untouched, as if being discovered for the first time. It’s common to see beautiful, large twisted pieces of driftwood decorating the island’s wide beaches like natural, surfside sculptures. The island’s maritime forest is thick, the dunes are robust and, in the water and across the island, is an abundance of wildlife.

Just a few blocks from the ocean is the heart of Sullivan’s - it’s charming downtown with just the right blend of things to do for a few hours on a warm afternoon or evening.

Going to the Beach on Sullivan’s Island

Sullivan’s beachfront is 3.5 miles. Beach access points are called stations and interspersed among residential homes (some of the streets are named for the beach access point they lead to).

Each station (abbreviated as STA) and street name on the island is noted with a concrete pillar that stands a few feet high. Sullivan's beaches are open to the public, so find a place to park near a station and then hit the beach! 

One of the most popular sections of the island’s beachfront is between stations 21 and 22 1/2. These stations are also the closest to Sullivan's downtown business district (just a couple of blocks away). It's a short 5-10 minute walk to reach downtown and all of its wonderful places to shop and eat.

Interested in more than sunbathing or wading in the water? Then, consider a kitesurfing lesson by Sealand Adventure Sports. This Sullivan’s Island business has lessons for beginners and beyond. Or, rent a cruiser bike from Sealand for peddling along the shoreline. E-bike rentals are also available (must be at least 18 years old).

Tips for Visiting

• No plastic, styrofoam or glass containers.

• No alcohol on beaches, streets or boardwalks.

• No public restrooms.

• Stay off the dunes and away from sea turtle nesting areas (this includes dogs).

• Tents must be 10’ x 10’ or smaller.

• ALL dogs, even those belonging to visitors, must have a license issued by Town Hall. Visit here.

• Dog waste bags and trash cans at every beach path. 

• For more complete list of dos and don’ts, visit here.

Parking 

• Designated areas (free) along streets. 

• Do not block the street or beach paths. 

• All tires must be off the pavement. 

Beyond the Beaches: What Else to Do on Sullivan’s Island

Edgar Allan Poe: Sullivan Island’s Legendary Resident

Edgar Allan Poe, a 19th century writer famous for his macabre short stories and poems, including “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Raven,” was once a Sullivan’s resident and used the island as the backdrop for his story, “The Gold Bug.” 

Poe came to Sullivan’s to serve at Fort Moultrie (more fort info. below) beginning in November 1827, according to online history by the National Park Service (NPS), which owns and operates the fort.

While there, Poe was promoted to an artificer and served at the fort until he and a group of fellow soldiers were reassigned to a post in Virginia.

Although Poe’s time on Sullivan’s was short, it left an indelible mark. Published in 1843, Poe’s “The Gold Bug” is about a man staying in a cabin on the island who becomes obsessed with a gold-colored beetle.

Reminders of Poe and his work are celebrated and promoted across the island, such as the GOLDBUG clothing boutique and Poe’s Tavern. He’s also the namesake of the island’s library, which has programming and an area dedicated to his work. 

The library is interesting on its own and worth a visit since it's housed in a renovated battery from the Spanish-American war. Plus, the librarians have plenty of Poe knowledge and fun trivia to share.

Edgar Allan Poe/Sullivan's Island Library (in a former bunker) with the lighthouse in the background

Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

Fort Moultrie, positioned to help guard the waters leading to Charlestown (the city’s name early on), was active during the Revolutionary War and its history continued through 1947. Today, the well-preserved federal fort is open for exploration by a guided or self-guided tour (brochure in the visitor center).

Highlights for visitors include a diverse collection of rare cannons, batteries to walk through, and a WWII-era command post built to monitor the harbor.

Thanks to the fort’s strategic position, it overlooks the Atlantic Ocean with tranquil views of Charleston’s waterfront, the famed Ravenel Bridge and historic Fort Sumter (the other historic harbor protector and where the Civil War began). 

The visitor center has an extensive collection of artifacts and interpretive histories about the fort and military sea coast operations from 1776 - 1947.

Just next door to the fort, is beach access via Station 12, which includes off street parking just steps from the beach.  You can stroll down this stretch of beach all the way to one end of Sullivan’s for even better views of the harbor and Charleston.

Like much of Sullivan’s, this beach is unspoiled. If you’re there in the morning, you might spot some dolphins.

Adjacent to the visitor center’s parking lot is a large, grassy picnic area (with shade!) and a fishing dock along the intercoastal waterway. It’s a nice area to take a break and enjoy a water view. For more details on visiting Fort Moultrie, visit the NPS website.

Tips for Visiting

• Open daily from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Check in at the Visitor Center to pay the $10 park fee.

• On-site bathrooms.

• Ample parking.

• The dock is currently under renovation and closed until Spring, 2026.

• Fishing is allowed off the dock with a license.

Sullivan's Island Lighthouse

Sullivan’s lighthouse, also called the “Charleston Light,” was dedicated on June 15, 1962, and the last major lighthouse built in the U.S., according NPS history. The lighthouse is 162.5 feet tall and features an unusual triangular design meant to withstand hurricane force winds up to 125 miles per house. And, apparently it can and then some! 

The eye of Hurricane Hugo passed over Sullivan’s in 1989. Hugo was a Cat 4 storm with max winds between 135-140, according to the National Weather Service. The design proved itself since the lighthouse withstood the storm.

The lighthouse’s beacon was at one point among the strongest in the world. The candlepower was reduced in recent years, but is still visible at least 27 miles away, according to the NPS.

The lighthouse is part of the United States Coast Guard Historic District, which also includes preserved buildings related the island’s life saving history. 

Life Saving Heritage

The U.S. Life Saving Service (USLSS) began in the late 1800s. Prior to this time, there was no official apparatus or group to help distressed swimmers and boaters. The service opened on Sullivan’s in 1895 with a boat house, two 20-foot surf boats and living quarters for the duty men.

The USLSS eventually morphed into the U.S. Coast Guard. Next to the lighthouse are several USLSS buildings with detailed historical markers. For more background, visit the NPS website.

Trails on Sullivan’s Island

The Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail passes through a maritime forest connecting the beach at Station 16 to the lighthouse and Fort Moultrie. The trail, which is two miles long, is also called the “Dunes Trail” since it follows along the coastal dunes.

Also leading from Station 16 is a beach access trail loop and another trail maintained by the NPS, which connects to Fort Moultrie park. An interactive trail map is on the town's website.

Thomson Park and the Breach Inlet

Breach Inlet, an area between Sullivan’s and neighboring Isle of Palms, is the site of two major historical events. 

Connecting the two islands is the H.L. Hunley Bridge, with views of the Breach Inlet on the ocean side and Inlet Creek and the intercoastal waterway on the other. 

At the foot of the bridge overlooking the water is Thomson Park, where the Battle of Sullivan’s Island took place on June 28, 1776, during the Revolutionary War. A series of historical markers tell the story of the battle and how a small group of South Carolina men held off the British Royal Navy. 

The Breach Inlet is also where the H.L. Hunley, the world’s first combat submarine, was put into action for a single and deadly mission. The Hunley was a Civil War vessel that successfully sank its enemy target. It was a death mission for Hunley’s crew since there was no way out of the submarine once inside.

The Hunley was recovered from the water in 2005 and is now on display in Charleston along with other artifacts as part of a larger historical museum and research center.  

The Breach Inlet area is especially nice for taking a walk and enjoying the views of boats and wind surfers further out in the water. In the mornings, you’re likely to see dolphins nearby chasing after schools of fish or maybe even a stingray leaping out of the water. Dolphins and humans enjoy fishing in this area! 

Tips for Visiting 

• Free parking adjacent to the park.

• Beach accessible for walking.

• Do NOT wade into the water. Swimming prohibited due to extremely dangerous currents.

• Inlet beaches are small so plan walks and fishing from the shore around high tide.

For more on Sullivan’s parks and playgrounds, visit here.

For more information on the Hunley museum, visit here.

Favorite Places to Eat, Drink and Shop in Downtown Sullivan’s Island

The business district consists of a small collection of restaurants, businesses and recreation along Middle Street (between Station 20 and 22 1/2). The area has a laid back, chic quality that’s mixed with a big dose of southern, hometown charm.

Considering the size, it's surprising how complete the downtown’s offerings are for visitors. There’s truly something for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of Take Note & Go's favorites.

Some of the restaurants and businesses along Middle Street in the downtown area of Sullivan's Island

Restaurants

Poe’s Tavern - This casual restaurant is “all in” on the Edgar Allan Poe theme from the decor to the menu. Poe’s offers numerous entree choices, but really, it's all about the burger. 

“The Raven” is the mainstay plain burger, which all others are built upon. Among the specialty burgers are the “Pit and the Pendulum” (a burger with applewood bacon and cheese) and “The Tell Tale Heart” (the same as the P&P but with a fried egg on top).  

If the weather is nice - as in it doesn’t feel like the face of the sun - sit outside in the front patio area (tables have umbrellas). If choosing indoor seating, avoid the back area (kind of cramped). Instead, choose the main dining area that also includes the bar, which also opens to the outside. Personally, we like the long, high top tables in the main dining room near the fireplace (complete with a painting of Poe).

Republic Ice Cream - Delicious ice cream in a fun and eclectic former house. Take advantage of outside seating and enjoy your cone while people watching.

Obstinate Daughter - From menu to decor, this award winning restaurant nicely blends refinement with comfort. It’s the perfect choice for a date night or family celebration. 

The chef is a 2x nominee for a James Beard award - a culinary big deal - and the restaurant reflects this level of expertise. The menu  is lowcountry reimagined with a global influence. Frogmore chowder (delicious!), crispy duck leg and griddled octopus are just a few of the dinner highlights. If you can’t make it for a meal, stop in for a dessert. Try the cobbler! Reservation encouraged. 

Home Team BBQ - Fantastic place to kick back, relax and have fun. The barbecue is delicious whether dining in or taking out. While we enjoy Home Team’s barbecue, we absolutely love the dry rub wings with Alabama sauce.

If there’s a big game on, arrive at Home Team early to find a spot because it gets crowded! Large screen TVs are everywhere so there’s not a bad seat in the house. Main room seating includes high top tables, booths and a long bar. The covered front patio area has tables and a small bar.  

The Longboard - Patrons of the Longboard can delight in seafood and other entrees featuring lowcountry and Caribbean flavors (the original Longboard is in the U.S. Virgin Islands). 

The Longboard’s main dining room with its open, modern nautical design is anchored by a huge bar. Although we have enjoyed meals at the Longboard, we prefer to stop in for the creative selection of craft cocktails and an appetizer. Seating also includes a covered patio. Reservations for a table recommended.

Shopping 

• GOLDBUG - Nice selection of women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories. Plus, home decor and gifts, such as candles.

• The Red Collar - Fun, on-trend resort and beachwear for men.

• Bennie + Coco - A tiny, charming boutique with coastal inspired clothing and swimwear for women.

• Sandpiper Gallery - Art gallery featuring a broad range of artists and mediums, including, glass, acrylics, oil, watercolor and more. 

• Sealand Adventure Sports - Need a swimsuit, sunglasses or gear for water sports, then this is your place! Sea Island carries cool Sullivan’s Island-themed t-shirts, too. Sealand specializes in kitesurfing, paddleboarding, surfing, cycling and skateboarding.

Recreation

After your family enjoys ice cream, let the kids burn off that energy at J. Marshall Stith Park. Located along Middle Street, the park has designated playground equipment areas for toddlers and older children. Other park features include a picnic area, a gazebo, and basketball courts (always kids playing ball). 

Tips for Visiting 

The charming atmosphere of downtown Sullivan's plus the quality of its restaurants and shops, makes it a popular place, especially in the evenings. For this reason, parking can be tricky if you don't know what you're doing. Parking options include:

• Free spaces along Middle Street and side streets. 

• Free spaces in large lots a block or two off Middle Street and still very walkable to downtown. 

• Pay lots along Middle Street. 

• Some restaurants have their own free lots for customers.

Next time you're visiting Charleston, be sure to plan a trip to Sullivan's. It has something for foodies, history buffs and beach lovers all wrapped up in a small, yet perfect package.