Isle of Palms is a charming beachfront town located on the slender barrier island of the same name. Located just off the coast of historic Charleston SC, and surrounded by the lush landscape of the South Carolina lowcountry, Isle of Palms is a vacation destination unlike any other. Just 7 miles long and 1 mile wide, Isle of Palms is known for its wide, sandy beaches, making it a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Spend a day exploring the storied history of downtown Charleston, discover the beauty and awe of coastal birds of prey, paddle board with dolphins along iconic Shem Creek, or simply spend your days on the beach with nothing planned but to relax and unwind.
Every Vacation starts with Great Dining
In addition to six miles of beaches, Isle of Palms includes a quaint downtown retail and dining district along Ocean Boulevard. Popular restaurants and cafes along this stretch of the island offer a wide variety of delicious seafood and other local specialties, including Coda del Pesce, Coconut Joes Beach Grill, Acme Lowcountry Kitchen and the locally loved Sea Biscuit Cafe, that serves up only breakfast, but is well worth the wait.
You will find other upscale dining options dotted throughout the island, including Long Island Cafe which is located right beside Harris Teeter, The Boathouse, located on the water overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and Islander 71. Situated on the point where Morgan Creek meets the Intracoastal Waterway, Islander 71 overlooks the water and has spectacular views. With dock access available for boaters, a waterside bar, indoor-outdoor dining, and an outdoor stage with live music, Islander 71 is an island vacation must do.
Something for Everyone
Isle of Palms proximity to Mt. Pleasant, Charleston’s fast-growing suburb just over the Isle of Palms Connector, provides easy access to some great family friendly activities. Boone Hall Farms offers strawberry picking, a farmers market, a pumpkin patch, and haunted house (seasonally). There’s nothing like a ordering a hotdog with all the fixings and a hand dipped shake at Jack’s Cosmic Dogs, or taking a drive to Mt. Pleasant’s Old Village for a picnic on the Pitt Street Bridge. Whether you just want to spend some time relaxing on the beach, or are eager to go swimming, fishing and try out some water sports, Coastal Expedition is a local company that offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, so you can explore the waterways and tidal creeks around the island. The island is also home to many kid-friendly attractions, such as the Wild Dunes Resort and the Charleston County Park and Playground.
Water Water Everywhere
For the water lover who seeks adventure, the island is surrounded by the Intracoastal Waterway, which offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities. At Breach Inlet, the sliver of water that separates Isle of Palms from nearby Sullivans Island, you’ll find the skies above the Atlantic are often filled with the colorful kites of kitesurfers, as this end of the island delivers a strong and consistent ocean breeze.
In addition to the some of the popular spots in and around Isle of Palms, your vacation wouldn’t be complete without booking an excursion with Coastal Expedition to the nearby nature reserve at Bulls Island, where you will see alligators, herons, and other wildlife. The largest of four barrier islands found within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, Bulls Island is a 5,000 acre maritime forest with fresh and brackish water impoundments and a beach area. The six-and-a-half mile uninhabited island remains virtually untouched and is home to countless wildlife and endangered species. Just 45 minutes north of Isle of Palms, this makes for a great daytime outing to experience a breathtaking part of the coastal lowcountry. The Intracoastal Waterway and the tidal creeks around Isle of Palms also offer up some great spots for dolphin watching.
Music under the stars
When the sun sets and the night is heating up, head to the ever popular The Windjammer beachfront bar. Founded in 1972 and with a devoted following of locals and visitors alike, this longtime bar was the local home to Hootie & the Blowfish in the band’s early days, and with a reputation as a destination for great live music, the club has hosted other well know acts like Edwin McCain, Sister Hazel and the Zac Brown Band. Add in endless ocean views and The Windjammer will quickly become your favorite spot for enjoying bar bites and cold drinks while listening to live music at the beach.
Proximity to Charleston
It’s just about a thirty minute drive into Charleston from the Isle of Palms. If you’ve never been to Charleston before, with its wide variety of cultural and historical attractions and legendary southern charm, then spending a day in Charleston is a must. Explore cobblestoned alleyways, discover manicured gardens tucked behind intricate iron gates, browse the legendary shopping along King Street, dine at corner cafes along East Bay Street and experience harbor views from a scenic rooftop.
Luxurious Accommodations
Start planning your vacation getaway to Isle of Palms, by booking a luxurious Isle of Palms vacation rental just steps from the beach. The team at Luxury Simplified Retreats goes above and beyond to offer guests an outstanding experience with beautiful beach rentals and unparalleled concierge services. Browse our Experience Packages to consider making your trip especially unique, then sit back, relax, and leave all of the planning to us. You’re going to love Isle of Palms laid-back, small-town vibe.
As winter approaches, Northerners along the Atlantic seaboard, in states from New York to Maine, prepare to head indoors and hunker down for the long winter until warm weather returns in the spring. What if things could be different? You don’t have to endure the bitter cold of a northern winter this year. Instead, spend a month in Charleston to soak up the Lowcountry sunshine, enjoy the outdoors, and lounge on our beautiful beaches, even during the coldest time of year. Whether you’re retired, have the flexibility to work remotely, or simply can plan some time off, there’s milder temperatures, some incredible historic sites to see and year-round outdoor shopping and dining waiting for you in the Holy City.
Our Insider’s Guide to Charleston has everything you need to know to help you plan your trip. It’s full of our top recommendations for restaurants, breweries, golf courses, activities, and more. Request your complimentary digital Insider’s Guide today.
Benefits
What could be better than spending the coldest time of year in one of America’s top vacation destinations? There are endless benefits to escaping the cold to spend some time relaxing and exploring in the Lowcountry. For one, Charleston’s winter climate is more favorable to many when compared to the often-freezing temperatures of the northeast. Instead, you can comfortably spend time outdoors, enjoy a nice brunch on restaurant patios, and soak up the sunshine on the beach. There are plenty of beach activities to enjoy in the cooler temps, from tossing a football in the surf, gathering with friends for a cookout or taking long walks along the sand. Plus, a change of scenery is the best way to get rid of those winter blues.
Mild Temperatures
There’s nothing like winter in Charleston! While it’s true, you can occasionally experience a cold day here in Charleston, most of our highs in the winter months reach the high 50s and 60s. It’s perfect weather to get out, ride bikes, stroll through downtown, and actually enjoy the winter.
Outdoor Activities
Because of Charleston’s temperate winter climate, there are few things you’ll be unable to do during your stay. And in the winter, you can enjoy many of the same activities that are popular in the summer, minus the crowds. While a dip in the ocean may cause a shiver at this time of year, sitting on the beach is often still comfortable – you just may want to keep the swimsuit in your suitcase! In historic downtown Charleston, you can enjoy strolling the cobblestone streets through the French Quarter, or walking along the Charleston Battery, the mile long walking path that overlooks Charleston Harbor and is lined with the gorgeous homes of Charleston’s famed South of Broad neighborhood.
Celebrate the Holidays
Sure, there is something nostalgic about sleigh rides through the snow, sledding down the hills around town with friends and eggnog around the fire on Christmas Eve while snowflakes swirl outside the window, but there are plenty of good reasons to celebrate the holidays in Charleston. Whether you are looking for a sunny locale to host your Thanksgiving getaway, or days spent shopping for holiday gifts along Charleston’s famed King Street, Charleston delivers big on holiday festivities. There’s even a glittery holiday boat parade filled with dazzling lights.
Golf
In South Carolina, golf is always in season, no matter what time of year. Not only would snow flurries be a rare event around Charleston, it’s not unusual for January to have numerous 60-degree days. What may impact a winter round of golf in the lowcountry is the shorter days, which usually means planning for an early morning tee time or wrapping up an afternoon on the links by 5 p.m. Still, there are tales of glorious, cool mid-afternoon rounds in the “dead” of South Carolina winters.
Find Luxury Long-Term Rentals with Luxury Simplified Retreats
If you’re considering spending a while in Charleston, SC, there’s no better choice than Luxury Simplified Retreats. As you settle in to explore our charming city, you can rest assured that we’ll be there every step of the way to ensure every need is met. Whether you choose to stay on Folly Beach by the water or in the heart of downtown Charleston, you’ll have everything you need to make your space feel like home. Browse our long-term vacation rentals to find your ideal home. Then, book your stay with us today. The Lowcountry awaits!