Spotlight on Isle of Palms, SC
Less than 20 minutes from downtown Charleston, Isle of Palms is a pristine island with a nostalgic beach town. It is easily bikeable and has just enough to keep you on the island for a weeklong vacation. Only 7 miles long, it is a bit more lowkey and less crowded than the surrounding islands and beaches. There are tons of incredible beach houses to rent, making it a premiere destination for visiting groups and families.
Isle of Palms Family Portrait, Access 25 Beach Path
Where to Stay
Wild Dunes Resort is a huge draw for vacationers year-round. The beachfront resort encompasses several hotels and rental properties, incredible amenities such as tennis and golf, a spa, restaurants, pools and more!
What to Do
Fishing Charter
Isle of Palms is perfectly situated for fishing charters! You don’t have to boat too far to find redfish, spotted trout, sharks, lady fish, and black drums. The Isle of Palms Marina is a welcoming marina with boat rentals and charters, family-friendly activities, a restaurant and marina store. When you need a break from the beach, it’s the perfect place to rent a boat or take a fishing charter and explore the intercoastal waterway. Contact Barrier Island Fishing Charters to schedule your excursion.
County Park
The Isle of Palms County Park is right in the heart of Isle of Palms, with easy parking, showers and picnic tables if you want to make this your home base at the beach. There is a sweet little playground and summer snack bar, plus it’s walking (or biking/scooting/skating) distance to the “downtown” area.
Golf
Isle of Palms is a top golfing destination! Wild Dunes Resort boasts two spectacular courses, touted by Golf Digest as some of “the Best in the State.” The best news? The weather is so warm on IOP that you can play all year round!
Where to Eat
Breakfast: Sea Biscuit Cafe
The Sea Biscuit Cafe a quintessential beach town diner with friendly staff and delicious breakfast staples. The tiny restaurant has been an Isle of Palms fixture since the 1960’s!
Lunch: Coconut Joes
For lunch or dinner overlooking the beach, Coconut Joes is a local favorite. Enjoy fresh salads, fried seafood, live music, and a panoramic view of the white sandy beach from the rooftop bar. It’s a lively, casual spot just perfect after a day in the sun.
Dinner: Coda Del Pesce
One of Charleston’s best kept secrets, Coda Del Pesce (“Coda” to locals) is an absolute gem of a restaurant. Fine dining Italian fare with a focus on fish, the view is worth an early dinner reservation alone. This is executive chef, Ken Vedrinski’s second successful local restaurant after famed Trattoria Luca, which sadly closed in 2020.
After Dinner: The Windjammer
The Windjammer is an institution: a live music venue right on the sand with beach volleyball outside and unbeatable views of the ocean. It’s an awesome place to end a beach day with a cold beer, good company and great music.
