Overview
Isle of Palms is a city of 4,347 (2020) in South Carolina, near Charleston. Over the years Isle of Palms has become a very popular vacation spot for families. Warm weather, an abundance of palm trees, and beautiful beaches make Isle of Palms the perfect location for any traveler.
4 things to do · 4 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Isle of Palms
Front Beach
Is a very scenic beach that stretches on for miles and miles. Enjoy taking a walk, relaxing on the sand, going for a swim and collecting sand dollars. Fun for everyone, but leave the glass bottles and alcohol at home, or…
Isle of Palms Marina
Fishing charters and boat rentals available. Boat rentals can be hourly or day rentals. Prices range from $65-$475, depending on how long you have the boat, size of the boat, and number of people on the boat. Prices for …
Isle Of Palms Recreation Center
The recreation center offers tennis courts, baseball and soccer field, basketball courts, children's playground, and gym. Something for everyone. It's within walking distance of the vacation homes and beach.
Tidal Wave Sports
Enjoy parasailing, waverunners, wakeboarding, tubing, waterskiing, or even take a ride on the Banana Boat. Prices vary depending on activity.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–May. Summer highs reach about 91°F; winter lows dip to about 39°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Aug and Jul. (climate data from nearby Charleston)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- CHS Charleston International Airport, Charleston — 16 mi away (major hub). Directions
- HHH Hilton Head Airport, Hilton Head Island — 65 mi away. Directions
Public transportation options have been discontinued in 2013. A taxi from the center of Charleston should cost around $22.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Front Beach, Isle of Palms Marina
- Lunch Acme Cantina
- Afternoon Isle Of Palms Recreation Center, Tidal Wave Sports
- Dinner The Boathouse
- Evening The Windjammer
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Public transportation options have been discontinued in 2013. A taxi from the center of Charleston should cost around $22.
Get around
The main thoroughfare through IOP is Palm Blvd, which stretches from the island's southernmost border to just past 57th Ave. to the North. The island is perfect for biking and walking, not to mention the fact that the entire island is accessible by golf cart.
Be sure to use caution while driving on Isle of Palms. The local police force is snide and unfriendly, often acting militaristic in their enforcement of public safety and road regulations. A parked vehicle left hanging half an inch past the line will likely net you a parking violation ticket.
See
Isle of Palms is big on water sports and beaches, but short on attractions. If you insist on seeing anything other than sand, the huge number of turtles which nest here during the summer is a unique attraction to the island. They are all carefully monitored and recorded by the community's Turtle Team. While casual visitors will probably have more luck hitting the jackpot than seeing one hatch, there is a good chance of spotting turtles while hanging on the beach (Jul-Aug?). Neighboring Sullivan's Island's Fort Moultrie is your best bet if that's not enough culture for you.
Do
Do Front Beach
Is a very scenic beach that stretches on for miles and miles. Enjoy taking a walk, relaxing on the sand, going for a swim and collecting sand dollars. Fun for everyone, but leave the glass bottles and alcohol at home, or the beach guards will spoil it.
Do Isle of Palms Marina
Fishing charters and boat rentals available. Boat rentals can be hourly or day rentals. Prices range from $65-$475, depending on how long you have the boat, size of the boat, and number of people on the boat. Prices for fishing charters also vary depending on the size.
Buy
Shop My Favorite Things
Offers a large selection of souvenirs-clothing, hats, postcards, key chains and beach towels.
Eat
Eat Acme Cantina
An inexpensive but tasty restaurant that has a mild Mexican vibe. Burritos, tacos, chimichangas, and quesadillas are always popular orders, but don't shy away from their seafood specials. Be warned, The Acme's extremely busy on weekends for breakfast, so plan ahead. At night, the bar's popular with local regulars and F&B crowd, and flooded with tourists during the high season. Voted best crabcake on the island in 2008.
Eat The Boathouse
Once hailed as IOP's best restaurant, the quality and service has suffered over the last few years, leaving The Boathouse existing as nothing more than an overpriced tourist trap with an excellent view of the inter-coastal waterway.
Eat Coconut Joe's
hard to find because it sits back from the street.
Eat Sea Biscuit Cafe
Popular breakfast place. The place is quaint and while the lines are long, the food is delicious. Be sure to try the Crab Cakes Benedict or Caprese Omelet.
Drink
Sleep
Nearby
Sullivan's Island
City / town · 3 listings · 3 mi away
Mount Pleasant
City / town · 11 listings · 4 mi away
Charleston
City / town · 82 listings · 8 mi away
Folly Beach
City / town · 7 listings · 12 mi away
North Charleston
City / town · 11 listings · 15 mi away
Kiawah Island
City / town · 7 listings · 21 mi away
Seabrook Island
City / town · 26 mi away
Moncks Corner
City / town · 7 listings · 31 mi away
My experience
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