Charleston was named the second friendliest city in the United States by Conde Nast Traveler’s readers. The small town of Isle of Palms, just 12 miles from downtown Charleston, is one of the city's beautiful barrier island beaches. And it’s perfect for a summer day trip in South Carolina.
With a population of just over 4,300, the Isle of Palms is a small laid-back beach town with plenty of fun things to do.
Not only is it a friendly place and great for families, but it's also dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed to be off-leash on the beach during the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. April 1 to September 14.
Watch out for the seagulls, who are also very friendly, or maybe just accustomed to plenty of people being around and getting scraps of food!
The Isle of Palms County Park is one of the options for beach access. You'll need to be prepared to pay for parking, but there are lifeguards on the beach here during certain daytime hours and also public restrooms, which is nice if you're going to be staying for a while.
Isle of Palms beaches are great for shell hunting. Watch out for the pink jellyfish though that become beached in the sand!
If you're there during the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, check out the annual sand sculpting competition – what fun that would be! Follow the City of Isle of Palms Facebook page for information.
Rent a kayak from Coastal Expeditions or take one of their kayak tours with a knowledgeable, friendly guide. Learn all about the area's history, local wildlife, and the ecosystems you're paddling through.
You'll want to stop by The Co-Op on Palm for some gourmet sandwiches for lunch.
Along with your sandwich, be sure to order the eatery's famous drink, the Frosé, which is a frozen mixture of dry rosé wine and bartender-created blends of simple syrups.
You can either eat here or take your lunch with you out on the beach. Delicious breakfast options are also available if you're in the area early and want to check those out.
Golfers are probably already well aware of the Wild Dunes Resort courses designed by Tom Fazio.
The Harbor Course is bordered by the intracoastal waterway and will test all aspects of your golf game!
The Links course features rustling palms lining lush, rolling fairways and the finishing hole overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
Dine at the Resort's Coastal Provisions restaurant following your golf game. It's best to make reservations.
Located at Front Beach on the Isle of Palms, The Windjammer is a lively spot with a bar menu, a deck overlooking the water, and a beach volleyball court out back. It's a really great place to grab a bite to eat and enjoy some live music!
Have you ever been to Isle of Palms? What’s your favorite place for a summer day trip in South Carolina?
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