- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Isle of Palms
Once called 'Long Island' and accessible only by ferry, this barrier island was a key Confederate observation post. Its true development began post-WWII, shaping its unique blend of classic beach cottages and grand modern coastal homes.
Explore seven miles of pristine beach along the Atlantic. The Intracoastal Waterway provides calm waters for kayaking and spotting dolphins. A key experience when visiting Isle of Palms is witnessing the protected loggerhead sea turtle nests from May to October.
The island's food scene is defined by Lowcountry cuisine. Enjoy fresh-caught shrimp and local oysters at waterfront spots. Many ask what is Isle of Palms famous for, and a plate of Frogmore Stew, a regional boil, is a perfect culinary answer.
- Isle of PalmsUnited States
- Isle of PalmsUnited States
- Isle of PalmsUnited States
- Isle of PalmsUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Junmild, blooming, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot, humid & busy
- Sep-Octpleasant, warm, moderate crowds
- Nov-Marcooler, some rain, quiet
- #BeachGear
- #Sunscreen
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LightClothing
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-7 days with beaches & activities
- USD ($)
- English
- English is the official language here
- #IsleOfPalmsBeach
- #PalmsHotel
- #WildDunesResort
- #IsleOfPalmsCountyPark
- #MorganCreekGrill
- #IsleOfPalmsMarina
- Relax on the beach
- Explore local seafood restaurants
- Kayak in the marshes
- Biking along the shore
- Fishing off the pier
Recommended Hotels in Isle of Palms by Experience
Things to do in Isle of Palms
Discover
Exploring Isle of Palms reveals stunning natural beauty. This barrier island features the pristine Isle of Palms County Park, the lively Front Beach area, and the serene Intracoastal Waterway, offering a mix of sandy shores and marshland.
Experience
Engage in water sports like kayaking or charter a fishing boat from the IOP Marina. Play a round at Wild Dunes Resort, or enjoy seasonal events like the summer Farmers Market. Biking the island's many paths is another popular activity.
Isle of Palms County Park
Public beach with amenities, boardwalks, and picnic areas.
Front Beach
Central oceanfront area with shops and public beach access.
Isle of Palms Marina
Hub for boat rentals, fishing charters, and eco-tours.
Wild Dunes Resort Golf
Two championship golf courses with ocean and marsh views.
Intracoastal Waterway Kayaking
Paddle through salt marshes for wildlife and scenic views.
Isle of Palms Connector Run/Walk
Scenic bridge path popular for running, walking, and biking.
IOP Farmers Market
Seasonal market with local produce, crafts, and live music.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Charleston International Airport (CHS), 20 miles away. The trip from the Isle of Palms airport to city center takes 30-40 minutes via rideshare, taxi, or a pre-booked Isle of Palms shuttle bus. No direct train service is available.
Getting Around
A car rental in Isle of Palms provides the most flexibility. While public transport in Isle of Palms is very limited, the island itself is easily navigated with bike or golf cart rentals. Rideshares are an option but can be less frequent.
Local Essentials
When driving in Isle of Palms, note that paid beach parking is strictly enforced; use mobile apps to pay. Expect heavy traffic on the IOP Connector on weekends. When you plan a trip to Isle of Palms, book rentals far in advance for summer.
Where to Stay in Isle of Palms
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Isle of Palms by tasting shrimp and grits or fresh local oysters. The island's vibe is relaxed, with many locals enjoying early happy hours to catch the sunset before a casual dinner.
Enjoy
Eat at Coda del Pesce for refined Italian seafood with ocean views, book ahead. The Windjammer is one of the best bars in Isle of Palms for live music, check schedule. Grab breakfast at Sea Biscuit Cafe's cozy spot, expect queues.
Coda del Pesce
Elegant Italian seafood with stunning oceanfront views.
Acme Lowcountry Kitchen
Creative Lowcountry plates in a bustling, vibrant setting.
The Boathouse at Breach Inlet
Upscale seafood dining with panoramic sunset marsh views.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Isle of Palms' heritage through seasonal celebrations. The annual Holiday Street Festival in December features a tree lighting and local crafts. The 4th of July is marked by a spirited golf cart parade and dazzling fireworks over the Atlantic.
Enjoy
Discover creative things to do in Isle of Palms. Enjoy live music year-round at The Windjammer, a beachfront venue hosting local and national acts. Explore local artistry at the seasonal farmers market or The Gallery at Sweetgrass.
IOP Holiday Street Festival
December street fair with a tree lighting, music, and crafts.
Isle of Palms Farmers Market
Seasonal monthly market with local produce, artisans, and music.
IOP Beach Run
Annual 5K/10K race and fun runs on the beach in July.
4th of July Fireworks
An impressive pyrotechnic display over Front Beach.
IOP Connector Run
Charity 5K/10K run/walk over the scenic connector bridge.
Piccolo Spoleto Festival
Part of the larger Spoleto Festival USA with local arts focus.
A Perfect Seaside Escape
Isle of Palms is such a clean and peaceful beach town. The wide, sandy beaches are perfect for long walks, and it never felt too crowded. It's the ideal spot to just unplug and relax. Everything you need is right there, which is very convenient.
Great for the Whole Family
We had a wonderful family trip here. The beaches are super clean and safe for the kids to play on. We rented bikes and rode all over the island. It's so quiet and laid-back, a real break from the usual theme park vacation. Just what we needed.
Fantastic Golf Getaway
Isle of Palms delivered a top-notch golf experience. The courses at Wild Dunes are beautiful and challenging. Everything was well-maintained, and the ocean views from some holes were incredible. A really solid destination for a golf holiday.
So Relaxing and Great Food
What a chill place. The pace is slow and easy, perfect for de-stressing. Found some great local spots with amazing seafood. The shrimp and grits I had were some of the best ever. It's a simple, beautiful place to unwind by the sea.
Beautiful, Clean Beaches
The main reason to come here is the beach, and it's fantastic. So much space to spread out, even around the Front Beach area. The sand is soft and perfect for building sandcastles or just laying out. Loved watching the dolphins offshore.
Peaceful Winter Break
Visited during the off-season and it was so serene. Had the beach almost to ourselves some days. It was nice being so close to Charleston for a day trip but then coming back to the quiet of the island. A great place to escape the noise.