If you’re looking for that beach you’ll love coming back to year after year, you can stop looking. Isle of Palms beach is that beach. This barrier island, located just outside of Charleston, SC, IOP isn’t crowded, has a small town feel, wonderful restaurants and yes – beautiful beaches.
When the Circus was five months old, we crashed my in-laws vacation with them to the Isle of Palms in South Carolina. I had never been there before and Grunt hadn’t been since he was in middle school or high school. My in-laws though had been practically every year. We had a great time.
The next summer, Grunt Labor and I thought it would be fun to try out a beach / resort in Florida.
We were complete idiots. Grunt Labor and I, not the in-laws. We should never have strayed from their yearly vacation plans.
The Circus had a good time, but the rest of us not so much. The entire resort was too crowded, too loud and the traffic was ridiculous. Before the trip was over, we were all in agreement that all future beach vacations would be at the Isle of Palms.
We go at least twice a year in the spring and summer and if we can, in the fall. The Isle of Palms has quickly turned into one of my favorite places in the world and while it can’t top New Orleans, it comes a close second. In fact, our master bedroom design and makeover was inspired by the Isle of Palms. If you haven’t been before, I highly recommend it. Here’s where we stay, places to eat and things to do while your in IOP.
Where to Stay on Isle of Palms
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Wild Dunes Resort
We always rent a condo for a week at Wild Dunes Resort on the island. This is what my in-laws had been doing for years before Grunt Labor, the kid and I crashed their vacations. We’ve went through both VRBO and Island Realty to rent a condo in the past. For the last two or three years, we’ve stayed at the same one for our beach trips, which is this one. It’s ocean front with a great view and there’s a pool just right outside the condo as well.
If you don’t want to go the condo route, Wild Dunes also has a hotel and many houses you can rent there as well. If you don’t want to go through a rental company, you can book through the Wild Dunes website.
If you’ve got someone in your party who loves golf, then Wild Dunes also has great golf courses. If you’ve got kiddos, there is a great playground for them there as well. We usually also rent bikes to get around the resort area while there. There are wonderful little bike paths all around.
There are also lots of beach houses you can rent on the Isle of Palms that aren’t within the Wild Dunes resort. There are a few hotels as well right along the ocean.
Places to Eat on Isle of Palms
I love to eat. Seriously, eating at great restaurants every night is one of my favorite things about vacation. Luckily for us, my in-laws had been scoping out all the best restaurants on the Isle of Palms and nearby in Mt. Pleasant for the last decade, so they know where to eat. We do breakfast and lunch at the condo every day and dinner out. Mama whips us up an amazing breakfast every morning and I am like the worst daughter-in-law ever because she’s always done cooking by the time I drag my butt outta bed. These are our go-to restaurants on the island and it’s always a good idea to make reservations at them:
Long Island Cafe
The Long Island Cafe is on the Isle of Palms right beside Harris Teeter. It’s a small restaurant and I wouldn’t have given it a second look the first time I saw it, but my in-laws knew better. It is so good. In fact, when back home and asked what I want to eat, I have told Grunt Labor She Crab soup from the Long Island Cafe. I have no idea why he wouldn’t just run and get it for me. 😉 I don’t think you can go wrong with anything there, but we love the She Crab Soup obviously, the Filet Mignon, the Crab Cakes and Crab Stuffed Shrimp.
Acme Lowcountry Kitchen
Acme Lowcountry Kitchen is also on the Isle of Palms. We just found this one a couple trips back and fell in love immediately. For starters, the Lowcountry Eggrolls are awesome. I’ve gotten the Lobster each time we’ve been and never been disappointed. Grunt Labor had The Hunley Trio I believe the last time and he loved it. My father-in-law got one of the nightly specials the last time and liked it as well.
The Boathouse
The Boathouse is also on the Isle of Palms and one of our staples. Most of us always get some sort of fish here and it’s always good. I got the Lobster Tail and Filet Mignon combo last time and it was delish.
Morgan Creek Grill
Morgan Creek Grill is on the water and has spectacular views. There were a few years where we quit eating here because the food wasn’t that great, but we tried on it again on our last trip and were happy to discover that they once more have spectacular food. On top of that, they will often have live music going on outside, so it’s a really fun environment.
The Refuge
The Refuge is in the same shopping center as The Long Island Cafe. It’s a newer restaurant and we tried it for the first time on our last visit and it was absolutely divine. Grunt and I split the lobster ravioli and it was more than enough for the two of us.
Places to Eat on Nearby Sullivan’s Island
Sullivan’s Island is connected to IOP by bridge and it’s a 20 minute or less drive there depending on where you’re staying on the island. Sullivan’s Island has a wonderful small town feel and there are lots of great places to eat there.
Sullivan’s Restaurant
Sullivan’s is a cozy little casual restaurant with wonderful seafood. It’s been on the island forever, so you know it’s good.
Poe’s Tavern
While I haven’t been here yet, Poe’s Tavern is on my list. People have raved about this one in the comments before and it’s just never worked out for us to get in while we’ve been there.
Home Team BBQ
If you’re in the mood for BBQ, then you can score some at Home Team BBQ. This is a newer restaurant on Sullivan’s Island. We tried it the last time we were there and it was really good!
Places to Eat in Nearby Mt. Pleasant
Mt. Pleasant is just about a 20 minute hop across the bridge from IOP. It’s a great little town, with some great restaurants too. We often frequent these there…
Shem Creek Bar and Grill
Shem Creek Bar and Grill is over the bridge in Mt. Pleasant (about a 15 – 25 minute drive depending on traffic). It’s a fun, casual spot with good food.
For us, it’s always custom to take the kid’s picture in this sign just outside the restaurant. We have one from when she was five months and on up from every vacation. Shem Creek is known for their oysters, but we aren’t oyster people. We opt for any of the fish specials, crab cakes and the seafood stuffed flounder. Also, they have fun cocktails. 😉
Water’s Edge
Water’s Edge is also in Mt. Pleasant. My absolute favorite (and Grunt Labor’s) here is the Yellowfin Tuna. Anything else we’ve ever had though has always been good as well – you can’t go wrong!
Page’s Okra Grill
Page’s Okra Grill is always packed and deservedly so – it’s delicious. It’s southern cuisine meets coastal seafood and it’s delicious. They also have a phenomenal breakfast and brunch.
Things to Do in Isle of Palms SC
The beach of course…
We spend a lot of time at the beach. The Circus could play (and has) in the water when it’s 100 degrees or 50 degrees out. Her Pa will let her do and get away with just about anything while at the beach.
As my husband said, Pa is not an adult in charge when he is with The Circus, he is just her play companion who also happens to have car keys and money. Nothing is off limits. Gaia (Grandma, but the Circus calls her Gaia) gets onto both of them equally as needed.
On our last trip to the beach, we finally started renting the beach umbrellas and chairs – best decision ever.
We just called the Isle of Palms Beach Chair Company, set it all up and they had our chairs and umbrellas out by the time we got to the beach everyday. No lugging all the chairs and umbrellas down with you!
There is also a pool just outside our condo that we spend a little time at. I think most all the condos in Wild Dunes have a pool that you can swim at.
Read.
We all read a lot at the beach. I love reading anyway and I think at the beach, it just relaxes you even more.
You can’t go wrong with Pat Conroy for beach reading. I read Beach Music while there and loved it. Also, picking up a plastic South Carolina cup at the local grocery store and filling it up with a margarita is a must. 😉
Charleston
It’s just about a thirty minute drive into Charleston from the Isle of Palms. If you’ve never been to Charleston before, then you must try and go one day. It’s another favorite city of mine and one of these days I’ll have a post on just it. For now though, don’t miss:
• City Market (has been around since the early 1800’s)
• King Street (lots of shopping)
• The Battery (right along the rivers with beautiful jaw dropping homes)
• Carriage Rides (you can really get a good quick history of the city and see lots of things by doing one of the carriage ride tours)
Mt. Pleasant
Mt. Pleasant is just about 15 – 20 minutes outside of the Isle of Palms and is a fun little town. My family could stay at the beach all day every day, but this girl has to get out and go exploring at least one day. I often go to Mt. Pleasant and Charleston to do just that. I’ve found a few little great little shops I hit up on each visit…
Mt. Pleasant Mall
Mt. Pleasant Mall is an antique mall with many different vendors. This mall doesn’t seem to have those really old “stuffy” pieces if you know what I mean. Expect to find lots of bamboo, rattan, some lucite, brass – the good stuff as I call it – here.
Indigo Market
I just discovered the Indigo Market in Charleston in the spring. They also have multiple different vendors with a mix of new and vintage pieces. Again, you’ll see mid-century pieces, bamboo, rattan, leopard prints and bright colors.
And as I said earlier, if you stay at Wild Dunes, you can rent bikes and ride all over the resort, which is really fun to do. There are also playgrounds and pools for the kids too.
Have you ever been to the Isle of Palms? If so, please add any suggestions you have for where to stay, eat and what to do in the comments!
Need more great Southern cities to explore?
The Must Do’s of New Orleans – (Also, the time I went in a whorehouse).
Things To Do In Nashville – in my top three favorite southern cities.
Things to Do in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee – it’s where Dolly’s from!
A Fried Green Tomatoes Road Trip – Yes, you can visit the Whistle Stop Cafe!
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Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
Yes we’ve been to the Isle of Palms/ Dunes. We had a great time. We stayed at the condos that had the widows walk. We would climb up the spiral stairs and have our wine looking at the ocean! Ahhhh! Great times. Now, my Honey will not stand for “just” a week so we stay a month on Saint Simons Island, GA. It’s not too far from where you go. And the Southern flavor, you can’t beat Pat Conroy 🙂 Happy Vacations.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Oh Marisa, a month at the beach?! I’m SO jealous!
Celeste says
Born and raised in Charleston, SC! I live in Mt. Pleasant, and can happily be on IOP or Sullivan’s in less than 10 minutes. Thanks for the shout out for my hometown.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Oh Celeste, you have no idea how jealous I am of you!!
Kristin Troha says
Love this post, we just got back from Amelia island fl another great family friendly place. Have you seen or heard of Sean Dietrich ? You have got to check him out he has written some books similar to Rick Bragg like him on Facebook I am sure you will love him .
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Haven’t heard of him, Kristin, but will check him out now!! Thanks!
Patty says
I love a good relaxing beach vacation, nothing better. I have never been to the lowcountry but I have been all over Florida and California beaches. My favorite place in Florida is St George Island I think it is Florida’s best kept secret, it is in the panhandle.
I lived in Florida for twenty years and this was our go to place, back then there was one motel and a few houses you could rent and a campground, there was one restaurant and it was owned and operated by a couple of guy’s from New Orleans so the food had that New Orleans flair. My fav was the blackened grouper and the chocolate cheese cake. There was an Oyster bar where we would eat lunch which consisted of raw oysters and beer, I can eat my wt. in raw oysters (yum).
I’m sure it has all changed in the years since I have been there, but I have great memories of that place. we did vacations there with the kids, we kept our camper there for vacations and weekends, but when we went with friends for weekends we would stay at the motel. there would be eight to ten of us and we always had the best time. We lived about an hour away, I really miss that life.
I have always wanted to go to the lowcountry, I have read so much about it, I think what appeals to me more than anything is the food and just spending time on the beach.
Sounds like you have a really good time on your vacations, you really need to post more pictures of the circus on the beach, she just looks so adorable.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
St. George Island sounds amazing, Patty! You truly do have some sweet memories from there. I haven’t heard of it before. Low country food is amazing! The low place seems to move at a bit of a slower pace than other beaches and that’s one thing I love about it too.
Pam S says
” Pa is not an adult in charge when he is with The Circus(Zane), he is just her(his) play companion who also happens to have car keys and money. Nothing is off limits. Gaia(Nana) (Grandma, but the Circus(Zane) calls her Gaia (Nana) gets onto both of them equally as needed.
OMG….you can see how little editing this takes to apply to our Grandson! Yes, Pa & Zane are a dangerous duo!! I can truly see that the Circus has it made 🙂
Isle of Palms sounds wonderful!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
So you guys are like that too?! hahahaha!!
Pam S says
The sign in my husband’s office says it all: “You call it chaos….we call it family”.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
True that!!!
Susan the Farm Quilter says
Looks like a lovely place for a vacation!! Being on the west coast, it’s a bit far for us 🙁 Guess I’ll have to stick with Oahu and my daughter’s house as long as she lives there! Maybe on my next cross-country trip, I’ll have to pop in there…long enough to try out all the restaurants and check out the shops!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Well Oahu doesn’t sound too shabby to me!!
Brigitte Baker says
One of our favorite beach vacation places is Holden Beach in NC, about 45 minutes north of Myrtle Beach. We’re going in September and I’m already counting the days! 🙂
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Sounds like fun!!!! I’ve never been to Myrtle beach or that area – I bet it’s great! Enjoy!
Erin, Attention to Darling says
We’re moving to Charleston next week and I’m so excited to be back living in my home state close to all this greatness in Mt. P and IOP! Next time you’re in town let me know, I’d love to cheers to the blogger and mom life over a cocktail!
Erin, Attention to Darling
http://www.attentiontodarling.com
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Will do, Erin!!
Wendy Rice says
We love the IOP and are actually vacationing here right now. We love watching the sunset and dolphins playing at Breach Inlet. We also like eating at Poe’s (burgers, fish tacos) and at Sullivan’s (seafood.) Both are inn sullivan’s Island.
Jenna says
We just tried Sullivan’s on our last visit and loved it!! Hope you had a great vacation, Wendy!
Stefanie Swanger says
We love Isle of Palms, too! It’s our favorite place ever! We are actually planning to move close! However, Taco Mamacitas isn’t open anymore! We loved it there, too! 🙁
Jenna says
I know! We were so sad to see it closed on our last visit!
Brittney says
My grandfather used to live in IOP. We spent many a Summer there! One of my favorite places is Poe’s Tavern. If you love poetry, you will LOVE this place. The entire restaurant is decked out in accordance to Edgar Allen Poe’s many famous poems. Everything on the menu is actually named after one of his poems! How cool! I can’t forget to mention Ye Okd Fashioned ice cream shop! A family favorite that is sure to not disappoint!
Jenna says
I have go to go there, Brittney! I’ve passed it countless times and never been!
Amy Williams says
Thanks for all this helpful info on IOP! We will be vacationing there this May! I’m curious, how is the shell hunting there? We normally go to Florida but are mixing it up this year. Collecting shells on the beach is how we love to spend our time!
Jenna says
You are welcome, Amy! Glad it was so helpful! Shell hunting is ok – not great, but not terrible!
Carolyn says
My favorite place on IOP was Coconut Joe’s! They had the best food!
Jenna says
We haven’t been there, we’ll have to check it out next time! Thanks!
Mother of 3 says
We went to Mount Pleasant a few years ago and I just loved Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island (better than Charleston which was too crowded for my taste!).
Kippi says
Beautiful photos of your vacation. Priceless times spent on this stunning beach are what make cherished memories.
Happy summer,
Kippi
ps. please share this post on my page at the You’re The Star blog hop
#kippiathome
Rhonda Gales says
I’ll have to check out Isle of Palms. I love the beach, but not when it’s crowed. This sounds like the perfect place to vacation. Thanks for sharing on Sunday’s Best.
Jennifer says
Sounds like a great vacation and thanks for all the great tips about everything! Thanks for sharing with us at the Weekend Blog Hop at My Flagstaff Home. –Jennifer
Travel Tips by Laurie says
Hey hey! I can vouch for the Long Island Cafe-they have the BEST sweet tea! I will drive there just to get a sweet tea to nurse for the rest of the day. And yes to the SHE Crab soup and everything else. We love the new-ish coffee shop next door too.