The Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island are both popular East Cooper barrier islands that locals and visitors flock to for a sunny getaway. Both islands offer beautiful beaches, unique restaurants and vacation rentals, as well as some of the most expensive real estate in the Charleston area. Sullivan's was once the only island with a direct connection to mainland Mount Pleasant.
The streets leading to the beach are called "stations," a remnant of the trolley that once ran to the island from Mount Pleasant. Sullivan's is mostly residential, without resorts, public beach facilities or lifeguards. Beaches tend to be less crowded and quieter.
Isle of Palms is the closest beach for many Mount Pleasant residents. There are many vacation rentals on the island, a county park and public golf courses at the Wild Dunes resort. Visitors walk along the beach on Isle of Palms.
Isle of Palms and Sullivan's are also sites for nesting sea turtles. The turtles crawl out of the ocean and lay their eggs —sometimes hundreds at a time — in the sand. Breach Inlet separates the two islands.
The inlet is a favorite spot to take a stroll, walk dogs and fish on the Isle of Palms. Swimming in the ocean near Breach Inlet is strongly discouraged due to the powerful tidal currents in the waters there. There are small, free parking lots on both sides of the bridge that connects Jasper and Palm boulevards.
Smoking and vaping are not allowed on Sullivan's or Isle of Palms beaches. Both islands have banned the use of single-use plastic bags, plastic straws and foam containers on the beaches. There's something for everyone at Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island.
For the history buff, take a tour of Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's. Families can take a stroll down one of the many public beach access paths on Isle of Palms to soak up the sun and relax on the sand. Play a round of tennis on the public courts, or a round of golf at Wild Dunes on Isle of Palms.
Catch some live music at The Windjammer on Ocean Boulevard. Casey Walker searches for clams in the sand with her daughter Braylynn, 5, on a cloudy morning at Isle of Palms County Park on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. The Isle of Palms County Park offers bathrooms, changing rooms, playgrounds and lifeguards (on duty from May 27 to mid-August).
Beach chairs, boogie boards and umbrellas are available for rent. The park is a popular destination in the summertime, so plan to get there early if driving to the beach. There is a $15 entrance fee to the park during the week, and a $20 fee on the weekends.
During beach season, expect heavy traffic to and from the islands and pay attention to parking rules, which tend to be strictly enforced. The parking rules are: Dogs are permitted on both Isle of Palms and Sullivan's, but before taking your canine companion to the beach, be aware that the islands have different rules. On Sullivan's, annual dog licenses are required, and can be purchased at Town Hall (proof of rabies vaccination required).
They cost $25 for residents and $50 for non-residents. From May 1 to Sept. 30, dogs can be off leash on the beach from 5-10 a.
m. and on leash from 6 p.m.
-5 a.m. Dogs are not allowed on Sullivan's from 10 a.
m.-6 p.m.
From Oct. 1 to April 30, dogs can be off-leash from 5 a.m.
-noon and on leash all other times. On the Isle of Palms, dogs can be off-leash on the beach from April 1 to Sept. 14 from 5 a.
m.-9 a.m.
, and from Sept. 15 to March 31 from 4 p.m.
-10 a.m. All other times, dogs must be leashed, have an ID tag and be vaccinated against rabies.
Dog permits aren't required, but are free and can help reunite lost dogs with owners. Shopping is limited on both islands. Both are a short drive from many shopping centers and shops in Mount Pleasant, like Mount Pleasant Towne Centre located at 1218 Belk Drive.
Just off the Isle of Palms connector and Palm Boulevard are a grocery store and a pharmacy that serve the Isle of Palms. A handful of small boutiques and art galleries on Sullivan's can be found along Middle Street. Visitors can also enjoy a farmers market on the Isle of Palms on Thursdays from 4-7 p.
m. on June 20, July 18, Aug. 15, Sept.
19 and Oct. 17 at 24 28th Ave. Edgar Allan Poe memorabilia adorns the wall of Poe’s Tavern as diners sit around a table on Oct.
24, 2023, on Sullivan’s Island. Both islands have a lively restaurant scene that won't disappoint. On Sullivan's, Dunleavy's Pub at 2213 Middle St.
kicks off the small business strip on the island. The Irish bar offers a small but reasonably priced menu. Those craving a burger should stop by Poe's Tavern , or stop by for brunch at The Longboard .
Plenty of dinner options can be found in Home Team BBQ , Mex 1 Coastal Cantina or High Thyme Cuisine . For dessert, be sure to grab a cone at Republic Ice Cream. Check out the Co-Op on 2019 Middle St.
for a tasty sandwich or their famous Frosé. For a higher-end dining experience, make a reservation at eclectic The Obstinate Daughter , a local favorite. The Obstinate Daughter on Sullivan’s Island.
On Isle of Palms, start your day with brunch at Sea Biscuit Cafe (cash only). After a morning on the beach, refuel with The Windjammer's menu of burgers and wings. Cap off the evening with a reservation at the upscale Coda Del Pesce for Italian cuisine.
Take in the beach views at Coconut Joe's Beach Grill , dine on the waterfront at Islander 71 at the marina on 41st Avenue or catch a sunset on the roof deck bar at The Boathouse at Breach Inlet . Other popular restaurants include Papi's Taqueria , Smuggler's Island Eats and Rum Shack , The Dinghy and Acme Lowcountry Kitchen . Across Palm Boulevard next to the Harris Teeter grocery store is The Refuge .
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