Welcome to Isle of Palms
Quiet and quaint, a classic Southern beach town
For an idyllic, relaxed, and quiet beach town in gorgeous coastal South Carolina, look no further than Isle of Palms. But make no mistake: this small 7-mile long barrier island has all the trappings of a resort destination without the hustle and bustle of other overpopulated beach towns. And all this beauty just 30 minutes from downtown Charleston? Almost too good to be true!
In Isle of Palms, the name tells you all you need to know: palm trees, a quiet island, and a tranquil way of life. The white sandy beaches here are on one side and the marshy creeks of the Intracoastal Waterway are on the other, perfect for kayaking and exploring. There are six miles of continuous beach open to the public, dotted with several oceanfront bars, restaurants. As soon as you arrive here, you’ll see why this is a favorite place for so many.
What to Love
- Classic coastal architecture and design
- Idyllic lifestyle, relaxed & friendly residents
- Southern hospitality meets luxury beachside living
Local Lifestyle
Here in the Isle of Palms, people live and breathe for the beach and the water. Since it’s such a narrow island, you’re never far from the beach or the Intracoastal waterways. The island is a balanced mix of full and part-time residents along with seasonal vacationers. Isle of Palms is also the home of Wild Dunes. A beach resort community, unlike any other, Wild Dunes, offers vacation homes along with a variety of hotels and vacation rentals featuring unique views, inspiring amenities, and easy access to Isle of Palms beach. Wild Dunes Resort offers something for everyone: Award-winning golf and tennis to sparkling pools; delicious on-site dining to memorable outdoor adventures. Wild Dunes is your quintessential beach escape.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Any local will tell you that their favorite local spot is The Windjammer, the famed beachside bar, and music venue. Catching a performance and a blended cocktail here while taking in the fabulous views? There’s almost nothing better. Other favorite dining options include the more casual and family-friendly Coconut Joe's on the beach. Located in Wild Dunes, Coastal Provisions serves more upscale local fare. For authentic southern cooking and extremely fresh seafood, the best place to go is Acme Lowcountry Kitchen: try their pimento cheese grits & shrimp! And for a special night out, Coda Del Pesce serves up authentic Italian fare with a gorgeous view of the ocean.
The island has its own grocery store, beach rental shops, and some small locally-owned shops, but since Charleston is just a 30-minute drive, residents often pop into the city for some fine dining, shopping, nightlife, and events.
Things to Do
Like many spots in this section of South Carolina, the top of the list is always the beach, the marshes, and the marina. Isle of Palms is no different: many residents spend their days near the water, either on the sand at Front Beach, in a boat, or in a kayak exploring the waterways on the wetland side. Many boat-owners who dock at the Isle of Palms Marina head out for sunset cruises or to spot the dolphins just offshore. There’s also the ability to rent boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards from the marina for those who don’t own them.
Golf is an incredibly popular pastime as well, and Isle of Palms is home to the famous Wild Dunes Resort, which has won “Best In State” by Golf Digest many times over and has two courses designed by Tom Fazio. The resort occupies 1,600 acres at the north end of the island and offers accommodations ranging from standard hotel rooms to cottage rentals for out-of-town guests.
Schools
- Sullivan’s Island Elementary
- Moultrie Middle School
- Wando High School
