Getting There
From Charleston, take U.S. 17 N. to S.C. 517, then S.C. 703 to Isle of Palms. I-26 intersects with I-526 heading directly to the island via the Isle of Palms Connector (S.C. 517). There is no public transport to the island.
Exploring the Isle of Palms
The beachfront is the center of activity on the Isle of Palms. Popular Front Beach is located on Ocean Boulevard, between 10th and 14th avenues. You can rent a bodyboard from a nearby stand, play a friendly game of volleyball, or comb the beach for shells like sand dollars, whelks, and angel wings. The central Isle of Palms County Park section of the beach at No. 1, 14th Ave. (where the Isle of Palms Connector enters the island), has the most facilities and is open daily (Nov–Feb 10am–5pm; Mar–Apr and Sept–Oct 10am–6pm; and May–Labor Day 9am–7pm). Admission is $7 per vehicle March to October ($10 Sat–Sun May–Labor Day), and free November to February. You can rent a beach chair and beach umbrella for $10 per day.
A true Charlestonian is as much at home on the sea as on land. Sailing local waters is a popular family pastime. One of the best places for rentals is Isle of Palms Marina (tel. 843/886-0209; www.iop.net), where 18-foot boats, big enough for seven people, rent for around $240 for 4 hours, plus fuel. A larger pontoon boat, big enough for 10, goes for $395 to $475 for 4 hours, plus fuel.
Isle of Palms: Fishing & Golfing
FISHING -- Offshore-fishing charters for both reef fishing (where you’ll find fish such as cobia, black sea bass, and king mackerel) and Gulf Stream fishing (where you fish for sailfish, marlin, wahoo, dolphin, and tuna) can be arranged at Isle of Palms Marina (tel. 843/886-0209). A fishing craft holding up to three people rents for $375 to $525 inshore, including everything but food and drink. Offshore 12-hour rentals are also available for $950 to $1,995. Reserve 1 week in advance.
GOLF -- Wild Dunes Resort (tel. 843/886-6000; www.wilddunes.com) offers two championship courses designed by Tom Fazio. The Links Course is a 6,387-yard, par-70 layout that takes the player through marshlands, over or into huge sand dunes, through a wooded alley, and into a pair of oceanfront finishing holes once called “the greatest east of Pebble Beach.” The Harbor Course offers 6,402 yards of Lowcountry marsh and Intracoastal Waterway views. This par-70 layout is considered target golf, challenging players with 2 holes that play one island to another across Morgan Creek. Greens fees at these courses range from $100 to $190. Both courses are open year-round daily 7am to 6pm.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
