Isle of Palms

State: South Carolina. Type: barrier-island city in Charleston County, about 15 miles east of Charleston. Originally home to the Sewee tribe; purchased and named by J.S. Lawrence in 1899 (previously called "Hunting Island," unrelated to the Beaufort County state park of the same former name). Incorporated as a town in 1938, became a city in 1957. 2020 census population: 4,347.

Isle of Palms is a barrier-island city on South Carolina's coast, about 15 miles east of downtown Charleston, covering just over five square miles of land and water. The island was originally inhabited by the Sewee people before passing through private ownership; developer J.S. Lawrence purchased and renamed it in 1899, and a 50-room hotel opened there in 1906, launching its identity as a beach resort. The community was incorporated as a town in 1938 and became a city in 1957, with major post-World War II residential development led by J.C. Long. Wild Dunes, a roughly 900-acre beach and racquet club development established in 1975, added golf and tennis amenities to the island's résumé. Isle of Palms has weathered significant storms, including major storm surge during Hurricane Hugo in 1989, and today functions as both a residential community, with a notably older median age, and a popular Charleston-area beach destination.

Isle of Palms sits in Charleston County, South Carolina, on a barrier island roughly 15 miles east of downtown Charleston, covering 5.44 square miles in total, of which 4.44 square miles are land and 1.00 square mile is water.

Isle of Palms shares the humid subtropical climate typical of the Charleston-area coast, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. As a barrier island, it lies within the path of Atlantic hurricane season (June-November) and has experienced significant storm impacts historically, including severe storm surge during Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

Spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable weather and lower hurricane risk than midsummer, while summer remains the busiest season for beachgoers due to school holidays and warm Atlantic water temperatures.

The island was originally home to the Sewee tribe prior to European settlement. In 1899, developer J.S. Lawrence purchased the island, previously known locally as "Hunting Island" (a name unrelated to the separate Hunting Island State Park in Beaufort County), and renamed it Isle of Palms; a 50-room hotel opened there in 1906, establishing its early tourism identity. The community was incorporated as a town in 1938 and upgraded to city status in 1957. Post-World War II, developer J.C. Long led substantial residential development on the island. In 1975, the roughly 900-acre Wild Dunes Beach and Racquet Club development added golf, tennis and additional resort infrastructure. The island experienced significant storm surge damage during Hurricane Hugo in 1989, a major storm that reshaped much of the South Carolina coast.

Beachgoing is the primary draw, with public beach access via Isle of Palms County Park offering swimming, sunbathing and beach rentals. The island's marina supports boating, fishing charters and dolphin-watching excursions along the Intracoastal Waterway. Wild Dunes offers golf and tennis for visitors staying at that resort community. The city also runs a public farmers market, beach shuttle service, and seasonal community events such as a July 4th decorating contest and a Halloween carnival.

Isle of Palms County Park, operated by Charleston County Parks & Recreation, is the island's main public beach access point with boardwalks, a designated swim area and seasonal lifeguards. The Isle of Palms Marina offers waterfront dining and boat excursions along the Intracoastal Waterway. Wild Dunes, the island's large resort development, is a destination in its own right for golf and tennis.

Isle of Palms is reached by car from Charleston, about 15 miles away, via the connecting roads and bridges linking the barrier islands to the mainland. Charleston International Airport is the nearest airport with substantial commercial service, from which a rental car or rideshare is the practical way to reach the island.

Isle of Palms County Park's hours vary seasonally: January-April and September-December, 10 a.m. to sunset; May through Labor Day, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day, per Charleston County Parks & Recreation. City beach access itself has no set gate hours, but individual amenities and the marina keep their own posted hours.

Isle of Palms County Park charges parking fees that vary by month: $5 in January/February and November/December, $10 in March and October, $15 in April, and $15 on weekdays/$25 on weekends and holidays from May through Labor Day; walk-ins, cyclists, and Charleston County Gold Pass holders are exempt from the fee. General beach access on the island outside the county park is otherwise free, though residential parking permit rules apply in some areas via the city's parkiop.org system.

A day trip suits a single beach visit, but many visitors extend their stay to a long weekend or week, especially those booking accommodations at Wild Dunes or nearby vacation rentals.

The island offers a mix of vacation rental homes, condominiums and the Wild Dunes resort community, which includes villas and a hotel-style property with golf and tennis amenities. Downtown Charleston, about 15 miles away, offers a much broader range of hotel brands for visitors who don't mind a short drive.

Isle of Palms has a range of casual and waterfront dining, much of it concentrated near the marina and the main commercial strip along Palm Boulevard, with seafood featuring prominently given the coastal setting. Wild Dunes also has its own on-site dining options for resort guests.

Sullivan's Island, another Charleston-area barrier island with its own beach and the historic Fort Moultrie, sits just to the south. Downtown Charleston, about 15 miles away, offers historic architecture, museums and a much larger dining scene for a day-trip pairing.

Charleston International Airport is the nearest airport with regular commercial service, roughly 20-25 miles away; a rental car or rideshare is the standard way to reach and move around Isle of Palms, since public transit options are limited on the island itself.

Check posted conditions and lifeguard status at Isle of Palms County Park before swimming, and be alert for rip currents common on this stretch of coast. Because the island sits within Atlantic hurricane season (June-November) and has experienced major storm surge historically (notably Hurricane Hugo in 1989), monitor forecasts and heed any evacuation guidance during storm season. For any emergency, dial 911.

Sunscreen, a hat, and water are essential for beach visits in the humid coastal climate. A card or cash for county park parking fees is useful, and boaters or anglers using the marina should bring appropriate gear for Intracoastal Waterway conditions.

Booking accommodations well ahead of summer weekends is wise given the island's popularity as a Charleston-area beach getaway. Arriving early at Isle of Palms County Park helps secure parking on busy summer days, when weekend fees are also highest. Pairing a visit with a stop in downtown Charleston or neighboring Sullivan's Island is a common way to extend a trip.

Dial 911 for any emergency. The City of Isle of Palms can be reached through its general offices at 1207 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms, SC 29451, with an emergency text-alert line listed at (877) 607-6467, per the city's official website.

City of Isle of Palms - https://www.isleofpalms.gov

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.