Location: Isle of Palms
Top Things to do in Isle of Palms
What to do and see in Isle of Palms, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Bordered by pristine beaches and a network of marsh creeks, the barrier island of Isle of Palms has been a vacation spot since the late 19th century when it was only accessible by ferry. In 1929, a bridge was built, which opened up the island to more than just local residents. Today, it’s the island’s great fishing, beaches and golf that provide a few of the magnets for visitors. With a laid-back, easy going, resort lifestyle, the most popular fashion statement is flip-flops and a t-shirt. Isle of Palms is a great place to gear down from a hectic lifestyle. The magnificent stretch of beach on Isle of Palms is both photogenic and fun. Once you’ve done your obligatory sunbathing and beachcombing at the Isle of Palms County Park Beach, head to nearby Charleston, a 30-minute drive away, which has historic sites, landmarks, shopping districts, golf courses and family attractions like The South Carolina Aquarium and Fountain Walk, a new dining, entertainment and shopping complex nearby. For golfers, the Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms features two 18-hole courses designed by Tom Fazio and there are several more excellent layouts on the mainland, including Patriots Point and Charleston National Country Club.
Restaurants in Isle of Palms
1. Isle of Palms Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Reviewed By Tyler B - Sarasota, Florida
Spent a long weekend on Isle of Palms overlooking this beautiful beach. Dog friendly, family friendly, clean, wide, beautiful sunrise, walkable, long...need I say more?? Lots of beach access, restaurants, ice cream and snacks right off the beach. Great way to spend a late March weekend.
2. Fort Moultrie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 766 reviews
Federal headquarters for the National Park Service's historic properties located in Charleston and Fort Sumter.
Reviewed By Madeit2Ireland - North Carolina Mountains, North Carolina
If you want to see just one fort while in the Charleston area, go here. Simple to access, great parking, nice visitor's center and actually a more important site than Fort Sumter, playing roles in the Revolutionary War through WWII. The ground alone are worth a visit with lovely beach and nice water views and view of the Arthur Ravenal Bridge.
3. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
The history of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum began in June 1975 when the legendary aircraft carrier USS Yorktown entered Charleston Harbor. A few months later, the USS Yorktown was dedicated as the first ship of the Naval & Maritime Museum on the 200th birthday of the United States Navy. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum was officially opened to the public on January 3, 1976. Today the museum consists of the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10) with 29 aircraft on display from WWII to the present; the USS Laffey (DD-724), a Sumner-class destroyer; and the USS Clamagore (SS-343), a GUPPY III submarine. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is headquartered here and their official Medal of Honor Museum is onboard the USS Yorktown. There is also a Cold War Sub Memorial and Vietnam Support Base Camp on the surrounding grounds.
Reviewed By Susan W - Georgia
We booked a USS Yorktown/Fort Sumter combo ticket through fortsumtertours.com. If you are planning to visit both you save a little money by booking the combo ticket.
ISSUE: You receive an email confirmation, take the confirmation to the Fort Sumter ticket window prior to the ferry departure (beware of long lines, arrive about 30 min prior to departure) and they will give you your ticket to board the ferry to Fort Sumter and the Yorktown placeholder ticket. Once you return from Fort Sumter you must take the Yorktown placeholder ticket and get in line at the Yorktown ticket window (another long line) to trade in your placeholder ticket for a real ticket to see the Yorktown.....very frustrating...If I would have known this prior to the Fort Sumter tour I would have went ahead and traded my Yorktown placeholder ticket for the real thing. You have been notified..don't do what I did. You should be able to get both the Sumter and Yorktown ticket at one booth.
As for the tours, both are a must if you are in the area. Despite the ticket issues I still recommend to see.
4. Isle of Palms County Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 350 reviews
Reviewed By beachcomber36 - Andersonville, Tennessee
Came here on a Sunday parking is $10 on weekends and $5 on weekdays all day. It thought it was a bit steep for a weekend end until I saw what all it offered. There were clean bathrooms , changing rooms, very nice shower rinsing stations to clean your feet and chairs off, picnic tables, pier, playground and volleyball. I did feel safe with my car parked here , which means a lot. I believe they close at 10pm.
5. Sullivan's Island Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 240 reviews
Reviewed By mushroommarlene - connecticut
This beach has a wide breadth when the tide is out, making it firm for walking/jogging. It's frequented by walkers, joggers, families, and dogs during limited seasons. Shelling is good, no facilities. Sometimes large container and cruise ships and barges can be seen passing through. The Revenal bridge, a lighthouse and Fort Moultrie can be seen also. A very scenic and peaceful walk. Plenty of local parking. Stop by one of the little cafes or bars while nearby.
6. Shem Creek Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 579 reviews
The most picturesque waterway in the Lowcountry. Revel in glorious sunsets over Charleston Harbor as you enjoy a stroll on the docks.
Reviewed By MGordonCharlotte_NC - Charlotte, NC
A fun place to walk along a nice long boardwalk, watch the birds, maybe some small craft boating activity and definitely a place to enjoy (and photograph) some great shrimping boats! Some areas are gated and are private access to the shrimp boat owners however you can still get a wonderful view of the boats from the public sections. Joggers and dog walkers were there the morning I stopped - very friendly and personable. Don't miss this great park if you enjoy some water views and a lovely board walk 'tour' of the area. Several restaurants are close by if you are looking for a cup of coffee, a bite to eat or a cold beer.
7. Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 590 reviews
Called the crown jewel of Mount Pleasant, Memorial Waterfront Park offers more than just your average park. Located under the grand entryway to the town, at the base of the Ravenel Bridge, this park has plenty of lawn for enjoying family picnics, a nautical-themed playground modeled after the bridge that provides shade and the boats that pass by in the harbor, and soft-serve ice cream from the River Watch Cafe. The cafe offers beautiful views of Charleston Harbor and a 1,250-foot-long pier where you can sit and swing a while. Memorial Waterfront Park is also home to the Sweetgrass Cultual Arts Pavilion, War Memorial and Visitor Center.
Reviewed By jimipage - Portland, Maine
This area has free parking, you can walk across the bridge from here. The pier has swinging benches and lot's of room for fishing. There is a gedunk on the pier that sells fishing requirements, souvenirs, food and beverages. I ate at the gedunk and the chow was good a fairly priced. There is a nice playscape for the kids with a bridge theme to it as it is beneath the longest cable suspended bridge in the U.S. Over 550 people gave this spot a good rating 2 didn't. I feel sorry for the 2.
8. Mount Pleasant Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Part of the Memorial Waterfront Park complex, the 1250-foot long Mount Pleasant Pier stretches out into Charleston Harbor under the foot of the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge. The pier's foundation was created from pared-down pilings from the old Silas N. Pearman Bridge. One end of the pier features an 8,100-square-foot covered pavilion for hosting dances and other events. Visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the bridge and harbor from the pier's bench swings and shade structures. Pier Features - Fishing - Gifts and souvenirs - Made-to-order sandwiches, ice cream, fruit smoothies, and more at the River Watch Cafe and Gift Shop - Special events - Swings, picnic tables, and rocking chairs - Tackle sales and rod rentals
Reviewed By Randi-Tom - Gillette, New Jersey
The pier is a nice, place to make a short stop - especially if visiting Patriots Point. Sunset views from the pier are spectacular. Plan on spending about an hour to visit the park and walk the pier. For fishermen, the small gift shop on the pier rents poles and has a variety of baits available if you wish to try your luck.
9. Sullivan's Island Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By kmfolsom - Bonaire, Georgia
This lighthouse is very ugly, though I still visited to see it because I'm trying to visit numerous lighthouses. There is a history of it on a sign outside of the lighthouse. It's in a residential area, but you can park and walk the beach. There is a nice boardwalk and in the late fall the beach wasn't crowded.
10. Pitt Street Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By Bill K - Cleveland, Ohio
What a great addition to the Charleston skyline. The bridge is beautiful as well as functional. Driving across it, you do not even realize you are on a bridge.
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