What is the Isle Of Palms SC really like? Find out all the ins and outs of the IOP. The Isle Of Palms is a small beach town on a beautiful barrier island just a few minutes west of Mount Pleasant, SC, and about a fifteen to twenty drive from Charleston, SC. The quaint beach barrier town of Sullivan’s Island is across Breach Inlet to the South of Isle Of Palms. The Atlantic Ocean lies to the East of the island. The far North end of the island is home to Wild Dunes Resort.
Like most beach towns near a large metropolitan area, the IOP can be very busy in the Summer, mainly on the weekends. Even in the Summer, traffic is usually light during the week as there are fewer visitors. Plan to get to the island early on the weekends to avoid traffic, especially holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Fourth Of July, and Labor Day.
If you are looking for a glitzy beach town with neon lights and miles of outlet stores, there are better places than the Isle of Palms.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Isle Of Palms
When is the best time to visit the Isle of Palms? There is not a wrong time to visit the island. Try to avoid coming or going to the IOP in the from late morning to evening on weekends an holidays during the Summer. Getting on or off the IOP and neighboring Sullivans Island at those times can be challenging. The traffic is much lighter during the week.
Remember, the Isle of Palms offers excellent weather throughout the year. Months like April, May, September, and October are great times to visit. There are far fewer people visiting, and the weather is generally much milder. A visit during these months will not disappoint. Rates for rental accommodations are usually also lower. Though the weather in the Winter might be too cold for swimming, the walking beach is still enjoyable, and during the week, the island can almost seem like a ghost town!
The Beach
The IOP Beach is a sandy beach that is roughly seven miles long with beach access paths at the end of just about every street on Ocean Blvd and Palm Blvd. Ocean Boulevard and Palm Boulevard, the main street, feature incredible homes. Oceanfront homes on either of the streets offer amazing views of the Atlantic! Most of the homes are for rent throughout the year. Though many of these homes are for rent, the center portion of the island on streets like Cameron, Carolina, and Hartnett is home to year-round residents who enjoy a peaceful-laid back lifestyle. There is also parking from 42nd Ave to 57th Ave, as these streets run between Palm Blvd and the Ocean. Find out more about the Isle Of Palms beach.
There is free and paid parking on the Isle of Palms. Handicap parking and beach access are also available. Visitors can find paid parking at the Front Beach area. Free beach parking is mainly on Palm Blvd.
IOP Events
The IOP is a favorite destination for weddings, bachelor and bachelorette parties, family reunions, fraternity and sorority functions, birthdays, corporate retreats and more. Most of the beach houses on the island are large enough to handle small events like these. Remember many of the beach house are very large, but check with your rental company to see exactly how many guests each rental can accommodate. Learn more about having events and wedding on the IOP.
Restaurants and Bars
Isle of Palms restaurants feature various choices, and many offer incredible water views, including the Atlantic Ocean, Breach Inlet, Hamlin Creek, the Intracoastal Waterway, and Morgan Creek. Some restaurants offer rooftop dining, other outdoor seating, and, of course, inside dining with a view. A local breakfast favorite is the Sea Biscuit Cafe. For lunch or dinner, there are many excellent options on the island. Click the link above for a list of restaurants.
Most of the restaurants on the IOP have a small bar area, but the one large bar is the world-famous Windjammer. During the Summer season, the Windjammer offers live music from national and regional acts on its indoor and beachfront stages. Sand volleyball is also available. The Windjammer has a food menu.
Wild Dunes Resort and Golf
For an even more secluded visit to the Isle of Palms, you might consider staying at Wild Dunes Resort. Wild Dunes is a gated community that offers visitors amenities like dining, shopping, tennis, swimming, and more. The Wild Dunes Golf courses are challenging and open to both resort guests and the public. Learn more about Wild Dunes Golf and how to book a tee time.
Accommodations for rent in Wild Dunes include beach houses, condominiums, villas, and luxury hotel rooms. Book accommodations in Wild Dunes Resort.
More about Shem Creek SC restaurants and Dining on Sullivans Island. Both of these destinations are just a short drive from the IOP. Take a visit to one of the many beautiful plantations in Charleston, SC.