A Visitor's Guide to Isle of Palms for the Ultimate in Beach Charm and Beauty
From laid back to luxury, Isle of Palms near Charleston, S.C., offers the best of both worlds. It's home to seven miles of public beaches and the private, low country luxury of Wild Dunes Resort. Pack your swimsuit and grab your sunscreen! This comprehensive visitor's guide to Isle of Palms has everything you need for planning the perfect vacation.
A Little Bit of Background
Isle of Palms, IOP for short, offers visitors a true “beach town” feel. IOP is a barrier island just over the connector bridge from Mount Pleasant, a large suburb of Charleston. Once you crest the bridge’s highest point while crossing the intercoastal waterway, you’re greeted with views of the town and the vast Atlantic Ocean. It’s a beautiful site as the sun glistens on the water and boats traverse across the horizon.
On the northern end of IOP is Wild Dunes Resort, a gated community with lush natural surroundings and world-class resort offerings from golf to tennis.
IOP is thought to be 25,000 years old according to the town. Its history includes the Seewee tribe, pirates and a role in the Revolutionary and Civil wars. Once called Hunting Island and then Long Island - a reference that still pops up around town - no one lived permanently on the island until the late 19th century when a developer purchased the land and bestowed its current name. The first resort hotel was built in 1906.
Visitor's Guide to Isle of Palms: The Beaches
Except for Wild Dunes Resort, the vast majority of IOP’s beaches are public and easily accessed from two main areas: downtown and along Palm Boulevard.
Palm Boulevard Beaches - Palm Boulevard (aptly named for the tall beautiful palms lining both sides of the street) runs parallel to the ocean and features gorgeous beachfront homes. The boulevard bustles with activity as families and surfers head to the water by-way of numerous public paths along the street.
This is a dense residential area with palatial modern homes, charming bungalows that have stood for decades and everything in between. There are no hotels or condos in this section of the island, however, homes are available for renting.
•Facilities - No bathrooms or showers. Trash cans and dog waste bags available along paths.
•Parking - Free in designated areas on both sides of the street (grassy areas). There are very specific ways the town wants cars parked. For more details on parking, check here. Check the "More Tips for Visiting IOP Beaches" section below for information about the IOP summer shuttle.
Front Beach Downtown IOP - Front Beach is a popular beach in IOP’s business district. Downtown IOP is a small area, measuring just a few blocks, that’s lined with surf shops, ice cream stands restaurants, and a few small hotels. It all has a retro, beach-town vibe. You can park in metered spaces along Ocean Boulevard to access the beach. When you tire of sunbathing or walking along the surf, casual oceanfront restaurants and places to grab a quick snack are just steps away.
•Facilities - Bathrooms with showers and dressing areas just off the beach
•Parking - Fees for parking (only enforced from March - Oct.)
Front Beach at Isle of Palms County Park - This oceanfront area within downtown IOP is operated by the Charleston County’s Parks and Recreation Department and a perfect choice for families wanting more amenities for a day-long outing.
For a small fee ($15-20 during summer season), you gain full access to the park and ample parking. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally.
•Facilities - Sand volleyball; playground; rentals (umbrellas, beach chairs and boogie boards); picnicking and grilling areas; dressing rooms; snack bar; outdoor showers; restrooms. Accessibility options include ramps, parking and beach wheelchairs.
•Parking - Included in the park access fee.
More Tips for Visiting IOP Beaches
•No alcohol, glass, smoking (of any kind, including vaping) or styrofoam coolers and containers.
•Dogs allowed, but only if specific leash laws are followed.
•IOP Beach Reach Shuttle - During popular weekends, such as Memorial Day and July 4th, the city of IOP offers a free pick up and drop off shuttle that departs from the Mount Pleasant Town Center, which is just on the other side of the connector bridge. The shuttle runs May through Labor Day. For schedule details, visit here.
•For a complete listing of beach rules, visit here.
Private Beach of Wild Dunes Resort
The beautiful and quiet Wild Dunes is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, an inlet shoreline and protected marshland. In total there are 3.5 miles of private beach to enjoy. Overall the beaches are wide and never crowded, except for popular holidays such as July 4th.
Spanning just 1,600 acres, Wild Dunes is a small resort community. The majority of the community consists of privately owned homes and condos. The only hustle and bustle is around the Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn (both managed by Hyatt Hotels & Resorts). This area is the resort’s epicenter of dining, shopping, and special events (smore’s night by the huge outdoor firepit is always popular).
Highlights within Wild Dunes include its 4.5 miles of paved paths for biking and walking; two 18-hole championship golf courses; tennis and pickle ball courts; and numerous pools (two are oceanfront). The resort also has a spa, plenty of dining options, shopping and rental options for biking and other recreation. When choosing your stay in the resort, consider that the far, northern end near the Ocean Club condos is experiencing erosion and under a dune renourishment program.
The resort's lushness is a blend of its maritime forest and meticoulously cared for landscaping. Nestled among the naturalized areas are gorgeous landscaped beds filled with colorful flowers and native plants.
Beachside, large, protected, dunes are capped with sea oats and stand guard over the wide, expansive beach. The resort's other special attraction is also courtesy of Mother Nature - the mature live oak trees. The oaks line the resort's road and anchor thick, lush forested areas. Spanish moss hangs from the oaks' strong, crooked branches, offering welcoming shade and that quintessential lowcountry feel.
Fun side note, live oak trees are named as such because, unlike most decious oaks, they keep their green leaves all year, so they still look "alive" in the fall when other oak trees are bare. Learn more about these stately oaks courtesy of the Arbor Day Foundation.
Visitor's Guide to Isle of Palms: When to Visit
Is there ever a bad time to visit the beach? No (minus a hurricane, of course)! This is epecially true across the Southeast, which enjoys warm shoulder seasons with lower humidity.
IOP is the hottest in July with temperatures averaging in the upper 80s and high relative humidity levels (approximately 75% - ugg!). And, as with all beaches, summer is the height of tourist season.
During the spring and fall, the island is defiently quieter, has lower rental costs and more comfortable temperatures. October, for instance, will warm into the upper 70s and December can reach the 60s. Both months still offer perfect weather for long beach walks and other outdoor recreation.
Visitor's Guide to Isle of Palms: Where to Eat & Drink
IOP has everything from laidback oceanfront bar and grills to more refined dining experiences. Although Wild Dunes is a private resort, diners can still enjoy its restaurants after checking in at the main gate house. Some of TN&G’s local favorites include:
Acme Lowcountry Kitchen - Delicious food in a casual setting sums up Acme perfectly. Available seating includes an indoor dining room, a bar with high top tables and a screen porch (TN&G's favorite option). Must-try menu recommendations include the fried seafood platters or one of six shrimp and grits varieties, especially the “Whistle Stop” featuring sautéed shrimp and fried green tomatoes over pimento cheese grits.
•Reservations encouraged but walk-in diners are accommodated.
Long Island Cafe - Long Island is a favorite for a wonderful meal and nicer - but not stuffy - night out in IOP. TN&G's reccomendations include shrimp and grits, she crab soup, and crab stuffed shrimp. The restaurant is tastefully decorated with, of course, a beach theme and also has a bustling atmosphere.
•Make a reservation, the dining room is small and accommodating walk-ins is next to impossible. Can't get a reservation? Place a to-go order. Another option is Long Island's IOP Raw Bar, which is connected to the resturant.
Islander 71 Fishhouse and Raw Bar - For great food combined with a festive, beach-chill vibe this is the spot! Located in the IOP marina, Islander 71 has a large, indoor main dining area; an upstairs, open-air bar; and a huge outdoor bar and dining area. The outdoor area includes a stage for the restaurant's summer music series.
Two of TN&G's favorite sharables are the hushpuppies and the blue crab dip with fried saltines. The seasonal salads are always good, too. Since Islander 71 is a fish house, you can’t go wrong with the shrimp and flounder combo plate or the shrimp po boy.
•Reservations are best if you definitely want indoor seating. Finding a spot at the outdoor bar is usually easy if you don't have a large party.
Shaka Shack - Need to cool down? Then, head straight the the Shaka Shack. This walk up, counter-service ice cream stand features hard and soft serve ice cream.The Pineapple Dole soft serve tastes exactly like the Dole Whip sold in Disney World.
The Outpost at IOP Marina - Looking for a hearty breakfast with a view? Stop into The Outpost and then sit outside and watch the fishermen head out for the day. TN&G’s favorite is the “The Goat” breakfast bowl. This hearty dish improves upon a long standing favorite (hence the “Goat” name) and features scrambled eggs, white cheddar grits, bacon, tater tots, sausage gravy and a cheddar chive biscuit.
Another favorite is the hot chicken biscuit. There are lighter dishes, too. The real star is simply eating breakfast while admiring the marina’s beauty. The Outpost is also open for lunch. The inside of The Outpost includes a counter for ordering and a large shopping section of quality beach apparel, gifts and more.
•No indoor seating. The outdoor seating is basic - wooden, weather worn benches.
•Don't be surprised if seagulls fly or land nearby.
The Sweetgrass Inn - This Hyatt property within Wild Dunes Resort offers numerous dining options available to both guests staying on property and those who are not. The Oyster Catcher Restaurant and Bar has a tapas-like menu with refined offerings such as halibut ceviche and sweet corn panna cotta. If the weather is nice, enjoy dining in the outdoor patio area.
Another nice option at the Sweetgrass Inn is The Nest Rooftop By The Sea. This rooftop bar offers stunning views of the ocean and across the resort. On the menu are creative cocktails and small bites (more like snacks) such as artisan cheese and crackers. The Nest does not require reservations, but it is small with limited seating.
•Reservations are encouraged for the Oyster Catcher. No reservations to visit the Nest.
•Expect resort prices.
•If the Nest is closed, you can still enjoy a rooftop view. The inn has a separate, large, rooftop patio just next to the Nest.
Coastal Crust - Located between the two inns is Coastal Crust featuring delicious wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza, as well as salads, sharables and craft beer. The restaurant has a large indoor and outdoor dining areas. The made-from scratch pizza dough is delicious. A TN&G favorite is the "Supremo" with pancetta and house-made sausage. And, the fried calamari with horseradish aioli is perfect compliment to any meal.
A Visitor's Guide to Isle of Palms: Speciality Shops for Eating In
Simmons Seafood - If staying on IOP, Simmons is a one stop shop for excellent fresh shrimp. The shrimp is either local or from the nearby N.C. coast (the shrimping industry is strained these days). Simmons also has a variety of soups and sides to take home. They make an excellent Key Lime Pie.
New York Butcher Shoppe - The Butcher Shoppe (next door to Simmons) was originally founded in nearby Mt. Pleasant and now has locations throughout the southeast. The shop offers wonderful cuts of meat to prepare at home; prepared entrees and sides; and frozen take and bake options. If looking for premium wines, gourmet cheeses or specialty grocery items, this is your shop.
A Visitor's Guide to Isle of Palms: Things to Do
Beach Time - The beach is always the main attraction when visiting IOP. To help make your day a little easier, chair and umbrella rentals are available whether your visiting the island's public or private beaches. Two local rental companies include IOP Beach Chair and Beach Bums IOP.
Boat Tours - Barrier Island Eco Tours offers a variety of tour options, including a trip to Capers Island, an undeveloped barrier island that’s owned and managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. This small island (three miles) with its beaches, salt marsh and maritime uplands (coastal forest) is home to a range of animals and plant life. It’s a prime bird watching spot for osprey, egrets, heron, eagles and more. The touring company also offers other executions such as dolphin watching and crabbing.
Breach Inlet Morning Walk - IOP and its neighbor Sullivan’s Island are connected by the short H.L. Hunley Bridge. On the bridge’s ocean side is Breach Inlet, a perfect spot for a relaxing morning walk. Keep an eye out for dolphins swimming by looking for their breakfast. TN&G has seen more dolphins and sealife (a stingray leaped out of the water) here than anywhere else on the island.
Side note for history buffs, the bridge is named for the world’s first combat submarine. The Hunley was a civil war vessel that successfully sank its enemy target. The mission was a death sentence for its crew since there was no way out of the submarine once locked inside.
The Hunley was recovered out of the water in 2005 and is now on display along with other artifacts in Charleston as part of a larger historical and hands-on educational museum. Click here for more information on the Hunley.
Special Events - The city of IOP sponsors a range of activities throughout the year, including Front Beach Fest in March with music, children’s activities, vendors and more. There’s also a Sand Sculpture contest in June and the IOP Beach run in July.
Every third Thursday from June through October, IOP hosts an afternoon farmer’s market with local produce, food vendors and live music. The market is situated under the beautiful oaks at the IOP Recreation Center. The center and its facilities (park, playground and playing fields) are nestled within a neighborhood in the heart of the island.
Check here for a complete special event lisiting and more details.
Golf - Designed by famed golf architect Tom Fazio, the beautiful courses of Wild Dunes are perfect for enthusiasts. Palm trees, live oaks, roosting herons and water views are the backdrop for 18 rounds in Wild Dunes. Part of the Links Course hugs the dune and provides views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Harbor Course is laid out among lagoons and salt marshes. Scenic views along the Harbor Course also include the intercoastal waterway.
Bike and Cart Rentals - Looking for a different mode of transportation? Bike riding is a popular and easy option thanks to quiet neighborhood streets and a network of sidewalks. If a golf cart is more your speed, there are rentals for that, too. There are some restrictions on when and where carts are allowed. Check out this FAQ by the IOP Golf Cart Rental for more information on golf cart rules.
Loggerhead Scavenger Hunt - The beaches of IOP are home to nesting loggerhead turtles. The town’s scavenger hunt is a fun and easy family activity that’s also informative. Download the scavenger hunt sheet and follow the clues to find six small bronze sculptures of loggerhead hatchlings that are along Ocean Boulevard in downtown IOP. Each sculpture includes information about the species. After completing the hunt, take your sheet to IOP’s City Hall for a prize.
Live Music - Various restaurants across the island regularly offer live music, especially during weekend summer months.
Souvenir Shopping and Beyond - IOP doesn’t offer a lot in the way of shopping. The two downtown surf shops, Island Mermaid and Island Surf Co., with their retro, throwback feel are fun to browse. Each is filled to the gills (pun intended) with t-shirts, sunscreen, trinkets, shark tooth necklaces, towels, sand castle kits and more. These shops are places to pick up a fun souvenir or buy something you forgot to pack for your beach day. Island Surf Co. also has a resident parrot who will greet you with a, "hello," if you're lucky.
The Outpost at the IOP Marina has nicer, beach-related brands and IOP-themed merchandise. If you want specialty, upscale boutiques, head over to neighboring Sullivan’s Island (small, but nice collections of stores) or Mount Pleasant.
Mount Pleasant has a lots of national retail from discount to department stores and everything inbetween. Of course, there are unique, local boutiques for clothes, home decor, original art and more. The same is true when is comes to dining out and shopping for groceries - national to speciality local. Need to make a Target run? It's close by. Just head over the connector bridge.
A Visitor's Guide to Isle of Palms: What's Nearby?
Interested in exploring the areas surrounding IOP? Then, be sure to check out these stories about IOP’s neighbors, Sullivan’s Island and Mount Pleasant.
