Golf cart rentals in Isle of Palms, SC

Swaths of uninterrupted white-sand beach, the smell of salty spray, warm sun on your skin, and the rustle of palm fronds gently blowing in the wind—these are the sights, sounds, and scents of Isle of Palms. The South Carolina barrier island packs a lot of relaxation and big fun into a vacation destination that's just seven miles long and one mile wide. The island's proximity to Charleston (just 18 miles by car), make it a preferred summer hideout for locals. An abundance of vacation rentals and the iconic Wild Dunes resort have been drawing visitors from across the country since the early 1970s.

With the deep blue Atlantic on one side and marshy creeks of the Intracoastal Waterway on the other, Isle of Palms offers the best of the Lowcountry and the beach in one stunning setting that's begging to be added to your vacation calendar.

Six of Isle of Palms' seven total miles are occupied by public beaches, which means you'll have your pick of the litter when looking for a sandy spot where you can post up for the day—or the week. Once you've staked your claim, all the normal beach activities are yours for the choosing, from splashing around in the surprisingly calm seas to building the ultimate sandcastle or playing a game of beach volleyball. For families, the Isle of Palms County Park, located in the middle of the island's coastline, is ideal. The public beach has lifeguards, outdoor showers, chair and umbrella rentals, restrooms, and even a playground for little ones retreat to once they tire of the sun and surf.

Make the most of a visit to Isle of Palms by scheduling a charter to take you offshore. Get your sea legs at the Isle of Palms Marina, where you can easily rent a boat and spend a day exploring the island's bays and waterways. Fishing charters are plentiful and offer both reef fishing and Gulf Stream fishing. For adventure enthusiasts or wildlife lovers, Barrier Island Eco Tours hosts a range of naturalist-guided tours that take visitors through winding salt marshes, tidal creeks, and the Intracoastal Waterway on the way to uninhabited Capers Island. Animals you might see along the way include loggerhead turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and every shape and size of coastal birds.

Breakfast is noteworthy at Sea Biscuit Café. The tiny beachside shack has been dishing out delicious morning meals since 1968. While they offer all the classics, the daily specials are where the magic happens. Past offerings have included chocolate banana challah French toast, lemon lavender pancakes, and tomato pie.

When you need a mid-day refuel for the whole family, Coconut Joe's is the obvious choice. Located on Isle of Palms' main drag, you won't have to venture far to get fresh seafood and impeccable vibes. The open-air covered deck is the ideal spot for munching on the restaurant's namesake shrimp, while rocking sandy toes and sun-bleached hair. When happy hour hits, venture to the rooftop bar for a frozen cocktail or painkiller. Nothing will put you on island time faster.

By the time you're finally ready to come in from the sun and go out to dinner, Isle of Palms will be waiting with plenty of options. The Boathouse and Acme Lowcountry Kitchen are island staples that have stood the test of time thanks to excellent quality food and good old-fashioned Southern hospitality. For a special night out, try Coda del Pesce, a fine dining restaurant that specializes in Italian with lots of influence (and fresh catch) from the nearby seas.

All trips to Isle of Palms must include at least one visit to The Windjammer at Front Beach. The legendary local music venue is known for its incredible live shows, stellar views of the water, cold drinks, and unbeatable fried pickles.

The obvious choice for places to stay in Isle of Palms is Wild Dunes Resort, a 1,600-acre family-friendly resort that offers everything from rooms and suites at two inns, to private beach condos and home rentals. In addition to a more-than-comfortable stay, the resort also features several resort-style pools, a spa, and two championship golf courses.

If you're hoping for a cozier stay, the newly renovated Palms Oceanfront Hotel consists of 68 modern rooms with gorgeous views of the sparkling Atlantic. There are also plenty of rentals through Airbnb and VRBO for everything from multifamily waterfront homes to one-bedroom condos.

Whether you book for a long weekend or stay for an entire week, the memories and magic of Isle of Palms will stay with you for months and years to come—maybe even until you have a chance to make another trip back!

Officials said the 19-year-old also spoke about her alleged cancer journey at universities and on a podcast.

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - The Isle of Palms City Council hosted two special workshop meetings to talk about short-term rentals in the month of January. The meetings offered a period for citizen comments where people could sign up to speak for three minutes each, followed by discussion between council members.

Councilman Blair Hahn says the meetings are to formally establish facts and hear from people.

“There was a lot of confusion about how many actual licenses are out there on the licenses that have been issued, how many of them are active, and where they were. And we agreed as a council on a set of numbers,” Hahn said.

In early December, the city council voted against a short pause on issuing short-term rental licenses.

Hahn is one of the members who did vote against the pause and says the city is still working to achieve a balance using other measures like noise and traffic enforcement to maintain the livability on the island.

He explains there are two types of short-term rental properties for single family homes on the island. One is people that live in the house being rented out. They are referred to in documents as 4% residents because they’re permanent residents on the island and they can rent their houses up to 70 days a year and still keep their residence status for tax purposes. The other group is 6% renters who are property owners and are not permanent residents of the island.

“And so we are now looking at whether or not to limit both groups or limit just one group. And if so, how do we limit that group? And those are the issues that we’re currently grappling with. How it turns out - I don’t know right now. I can’t see any way where we would limit 4% rentals on the island. Whether or not we limit 6% rentals, I think is yet to be seen,” Hahn said.

Tony Santiago lives on Isle of Palms, and he says the city needs to diversify its assets which includes having residents and rentals. But he says the council ultimately should serve the interests of the people who live there full-time.

“We need short-term rentals to what degree we need commercial resort properties to a degree They’re here already. We’re not going to get rid of them. The question is in whose best interest. We’re a municipality. The voting residents should be the number one priority. That’s just that simple.

The City of Isle of Palms uses the technology company Granicus house digital records and streamline local government services. As of Jan. 6, 2023 Granicus research shows Isle of Palms has 1,539 rental properties with an active profile online for renting. Of that number, 1,216 have had a documented stay within the last year, according to Granicus.

Santiago calls the relationship between residents and renters symbiotic, like in nature. He acknowledges they need each other but says the people who live there are the soul and essential part.

“That’s what it was like in resort towns like we’re a symbiotic relationship, and we have to live to each other. But the primary core organism is the residents in the voting jurisdiction,” Santiago explains.

The data also shows there are 56 properties actively advertising and renting without a license. In the agenda for the special meeting workshops, the city says it is pursuing compliance with these property owners and 8 have pending short-term rental licenses. The city says there are 34 pending short-term rental applications and of those, 27 have been pending for a month or more.

Santiago wants to see a limit on the number of short-term investment rentals.

“They do not want us to be the only community in the area without any type of restrictions on short-term rentals. Everybody will flood to us. And eventually the quality of the life, the livability, why people came to the islands will be deteriorated,” Santiago says.

Hahn says the council may or may not take any official action at upcoming meetings about short-term rentals, but called the special workshops helpful because they showcased information.

You can read the breakdown of 2022 STR license and activity on Isle of Palms here.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) – Isle of Palms City Council heard from residents about Friday’s beach shooting and also discussed potential changes coming to the Isle of Palms (IOP) Connector.

The special meeting was scheduled prior to last Friday’s shooting that left five people wounded. Some neighbors attended to share their thoughts on the shooting.

“Awesome shoutout to our first responders who got in last Friday’s continuous,” Isle of Palms resident Al Klaus said, “contentious world of reality that we live in.”

For neighbors like Terry McGowan, who experienced the shooting first-hand while walking with his wife on the beach.

“This incident has left us both traumatized,” McGowan said.

He is asking for action to be taken to prevent something similar from happening in the future.

“We believe it’s imperative for council to address the root causes of these flash mobs and improve city services,” McGowan said.

After public comments, council began discussing results of a survey distributed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) regarding possible lane configuration changes for the IOP Connector.

“The report that’s in our packet summarizes about 3300 survey responses after scrubbing through duplicates,” Isle of Palms Mayor Phillip Pounds said.

Of those 3300 responses, 48 percent were IOP residents. Their top two concerns are traffic congestion and the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians.

“Participants priority ranking item on the bridge primarily focused on reducing traffic congestion and improving safety,” Pounds said.

From the five potential changes SCDOT proposed last December, Concept Five was the most popular choice.

“Concept Five,” Pounds said, “which you may remember adds a lane capacity on the bridge by adding a second lane toward Mount Pleasant, received the highest rating with 50 percent of the respondents rating it four stars or higher.”

And many councilmembers appear to be in favor of that option as well.

“With the alternatives that have been proposed by DOT,” Isle of Palms Councilwoman Jan Anderson said, “there’s one that provides additional capacity on the road that will help relieve traffic congestion, and that’s option five.”

Mayor Pounds says any changes made to the IOP Connector will likely come after the summer.

ISLE OF PALMS — Islanders here may have to learn to live with the resident coyotes as shooting the species is illegal on the island, and trapping is the only other option.

Officials don’t know exactly how many coyotes live on Isle of Palms, but most of them linger near the Wild Dunes area.

Twelve sightings were documented so far this year. And 59 were counted in 2022, according to Ryan Warren, an animal control officer on the island.

But the invasive predators have a presence in each of the state’s counties. The species is extremely adaptable and detrimental to deer, turkey and other native animals.

Between 20,000-25,000 coyotes are taken annually in the state.

Summertime is when Isle of Palms animal control officers get the most calls about coyote sightings. Visitors often report the coyotes because they don’t realize the animals are residents on the island, Warren said Feb. 22 at a meeting on how to deal with the animals.

“We’re definitely pushing for people to call more,” Warren said. “So maybe that might be why we have more sightings or maybe there’s more out there.”

The city tries to alert residents and visitors of the animals through its website and occasionally on Facebook. And Warren said they will consider adding signs in the area, too.

Coyote dens might be spotted in a number of locations.

In flat areas like Isle of Palms, it is common to see a den dug up under roots of a fallen tree, in brush areas and on the sides of banks, according to Jay Butfiloski, the furbearer coordinator for the state Department of Natural Resources.

The animals are also known to wander in the dunes on the beach here.

In 2021, a 2-year-old Boykin Spaniel was attacked by four coyotes in the sand dunes on Isle of Palms.

Also in 2021, a Mount Pleasant man said coyotes were to blame for the death of two of his cats in the fenced Sandpiper Point II neighborhood.

Missing or deceased pets are good indicators that coyotes could be nearby.

Officials believe the coyotes on Isle of Palms could be coming from Mount Pleasant and other areas.

The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway between Mount Pleasant and Isle of Palms is not a barrier for the animals, as they can easily cross it, Butfiloski said.

He recommends people do a number of things to protect themselves and their pets from coyotes.

First, people should keep pets on short leashes and don’t leave them unattended outside where coyotes are known to roam the area.

Habitat management can be considered as a control method, too, Butfiloski said.

Clearing out brush in areas that are highly traveled, like in parks and even yards, could prove beneficial. It will reduce the habitat for the small mammals that coyotes prey on and also prevent them from hiding.

The biggest issues with coyotes in developed areas is typically food and trash-related, though. People are encouraged not to leave food outdoors for feral cats, pets or other wild animals.

“That allows a free meal, it allows them (coyotes) to kind of get habituated to people, and that’s where things get to be a problem,” he said.

While more calls come in about coyote sightings on the Isle of Palms during tourist season, statewide coyote sightings are typically higher in the wintertime, partly due to vegetation, lost foliage and increased breeding activities and movements.

There tends to be a decrease in sightings in the summer when the animals are pup rearing.

“When the pups are young, they’re like kids. They don’t care if they’re very visible whenever a den is nearby,” Butfiloski said. “But it might not be an indicator (that) you’ve got a whole bunch more.”

No hunting license or permit is required in South Carolina for people to shoot coyotes on their property within 100 yards of the home. But local municipalities may have other regulations.

Night hunting is permitted on registered properties or with a depredation permit. Trapped coyotes may not be relocated.

While some travelers head to beach to party, others prefer quiet and peaceful beach destinations. There is something special about choosing a spot where beaches are less crowded and the atmosphere is relaxing. Fortunately, South Carolina boasts numerous laid-back beaches to have this kind of vacation, and they wouldn't disappoint.

As much as some vacationers love South Carolina's bustling beaches like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, sometimes a more secluded spot in the sand to relax and unwind is what one needs. Here are 14 of the least-crowded beaches you should add to your South Carolina vacation bucket list.

Visit these quiet beaches in South Carolina for a relaxing vacation

In case 10 of the least crowded beaches in South Carolina wasn't enough, this list has now been updated with four more delightfully peaceful destinations for those looking to unwind.

Isle Of Palms Beach

Isle of Palms is reachable from Charleston via a 17-mile drive. Believed to have been originally inhabited by Sewee Indians, this beach has existed for at least 25,000 years. Isle of Palm Beach is an amazing tourist destination, suitable for families with pets and every other traveler looking for a peaceful spot to have a good time. Travelers will experience fun-filled activities, such as parasailing, jet-skiing, swimming, and sunbathing. This place is packed with beautiful hotels, golf courses, and parks.

RELATED: These Are The Best Times To Visit Charleston (& What To Do There)

13 Garden City Beach

Garden City is one of the best least-crowded beaches near Myrtle Beach that vacationers should add to their South Carolina bucket lists. Praised for its incredible family-friendly atmosphere, the beach offers breathtaking ocean views along the southern coast. Nestled to the south of Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach is a hot spot for watersports, crabbing, and fishing. The beach boasts a pier, a perfect fishing spot during the day, which turns into an entertainment and live music paradise by night.

12 Edisto Beach State Park

Dirt road to Botany Bay on Edisto Island

Situated on Edisto Island, this beach is in one of South Carolina’s four oceanfront state parks, offering an array of fun activities, including hiking, camping, biking, and more. After a long day of exploring the mind-blowing unspoiled environment, the wide-open beach at the park welcomes travelers to have a relaxing, where they may pick some shells here and there.

There are no lifeguards at Edisto Beach. While the sea is generally calm, be cautious when swimming and be sure to supervise small children at all times.

11 Fripp Island Beach

Sunrise over the ocean

Fripp Island beaches are some of the most pristine in South Carolina. They are also the perfect spots to go golfing and experience southern hospitality. The island has been a top destination for romantic getaways, weddings, and family vacations. The beaches are some of the least crowded in the state, and offer endless kayaking opportunities. There is a kiddie pool at the seaside waterpark on the island, with slides for children to enjoy. Travelers will find several bikes and golf carts, as most vacationers prefer them as modes of transportation.

10 Folly Beach

Located between Folly River and the Atlantic Ocean, Folly Beach is one of the best parts of the history and charm of South Carolina's coast. The beach is reachable in about a 15-minute drive from downtown Charleston. Also referred to as ‘’The Edge of America’’, Folly Beach is a dream come true for tourists looking for an impressively relaxing beach destination. Sunrises and sunsets spent here are some of the most unforgettable! On the eastern side, a spectacular view of the Morris Island Lighthouse awaits.

RELATED: Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, And Folly Beach: Get To Know Charleston's Beaches

9 Huntington Beach State Park

Huntington Beach State Park is an excellent getaway for vacationers looking to experience the wild side of South Carolina on a less-crowded beach. Boasting over 300 species of birds, Huntington Beach is one of the best birdwatching spots in the state. Travelers will also spot alligators, pelicans, sea turtles, spoonbill, and more. There is a wildlife education center at the park, as well as several land animals to explore.

8 Burkes Beach

Shell in the sand on a secluded beach

Located on Hilton Head Island, right next to Chaplin Community Park, travelers can easily get to the beach on bikes thanks to the sandy pathway. There are other paved pathways vacationers can use to reach the beach. Burkes is not always crowded, and vacationers will be pleased at the relaxing atmosphere. There are numerous basketball and tennis courts as well as large fields to explore within the park.

7 Kiawah Island

Located just off Charleston's coast, Kiawah Island is a favorite among golf enthusiasts and known for having hosted multiple PGA Championships. The luxury island boasts five of the most impressive golf courses in South Carolina and some of the quietest yet most exciting beaches in the state. There is over 10 miles stretch of beaches, along with magnificent forests, sand dunes, and incredible wildlife, including bobcats, sea turtles, alligators, and whitetail deer.

Kiawah Island is gated and not all areas have public access. A guest or owner's pass is required for accessing restricted areas.

6 Mitchelville Beach

natural souvenirs from the sea

Even during peak travel periods, Mitchelville is still one of the least crowded beaches in South Carolina to add to the bucket list. Mitchelville Beach is lined with beautiful trees and some grass in the water that make the place look incredibly magnificent in the mornings and evenings. This is the best place to search for seashells and track some animal steps in the sand. The beach has picnic tables, an outdoor sand shower, and a bathroom.

5 Litchfield Beach

outstreched hand with a sea shell in the palm on a beach

Litchfield beach is recognized for boasting an incredibly quiet charm with beautiful golf and tennis courses. Travelers will also find some private clubs along the beach, giving them a range of options for entertainment. Surrounded by Huntington Beach to the north, Litchfield features lavish resorts with fantastic amenities and public access areas families can use for picnicking. This is the best spot to have a stylish beach vacation in a quiet environment.

4 Sullivan's Island

Small catamaran on the beach with Sullivan's Island lighthouse in the background

Out of Charleston's three nearest and most popular beaches, Sullivan's Island is the most tranquil. This quaint barrier island is only 3.3 square miles, and has intentionally worked to retain its reputation as one of the most quiet beach towns in South Carolina through restricting short-term rentals. Sullivan's Island is a great option for a relaxing day at the beach while visiting Charleston thanks to its proximity to downtown.

Stroll or bike along the wide, flat shores, or visit historic Fort Moultrie. Dating back to the 1700s, it of the oldest forts on the East Coast and fabled author Edgar Allan Poe was based there. Grab a bite to eat on Middle Street and take advantage of al fresco dining at one of the charming restaurants.

3 Seabrook Island

Oceanfront vacation rentals on Seabrook Island

Seabrook Island is another one of the barrier islands that are situated off the coast of Charleston. Anyone looking for low-key beaches in South Carolina should consider heading here for their next vacation. This charming island offers a serene beach environment, lots of upscale accommodation options, and a stunning natural environment of ocean, marsh, and maritime forest.

This quiet South Carolina beach is enticing to birders, having won recognition as Audubon International Certified Sustainable Community. It is also a favorite of equine enthusiasts thanks to its full-service equestrian center offering beach and trail rides.

2 Bulls Island

Sun and Salt bleached trees on Boneyard Beach

Anyone looking for a unique beach experience should be sure to check out Bulls Island. Situated within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, the uninhabited island remains pristine and virtually untouched. Bulls Island boasts some of the most secluded beaches in South Carolina, and is home to tons of wildlife. It is world-renowned for bird life, with close to 300 different species found on or near the island.

Be sure to visit Boneyard Beach on Bulls Island for an other-worldly experience. The bleached oak, pine, and cedar trees on the northern end of the island, surrounded by miles of empty shores, give an almost haunting feel.

1 Morris Island

Aerial view of Morris Island lighthouse

A tiny sand island in the Charleston Harbor, Morris Island is most famous for its iconic lighthouse. It is a popular beach for boating, kayaking, fishing, and photography, or simply an undisturbed stroll along the shoreline.

While it is located just a stone's throw away from the very Fido-friendly Folly Beach, dogs are not allowed on Morris Island. While it can appear to be within walking distance from Folly at low-tide, the currents are strong and dangerous so don't attempt to wade across.