Golf cart rentals in Wild Dunes Resort, SC

Many vacationers planning a trip to the Southeastern region of the United States find themselves wondering if it is better to visit North Carolina or South Carolina. While North Carolina is filled with beautiful small towns and is home to the exciting city of Raleigh, travelers should choose South Carolina as their next travel destination.

The state of South Carolina is beautiful year-round, with hot summer days and calm autumn evenings. The Palmetto State is also home to some of the most beautiful towns in America. Need more reasons to choose South Carolina as a travel destination? Below are ten reasons why South Carolina is worth visiting.

Related: 10 Amazing Things To Do In Charleston, South Carolina

10 Deep Sea Fishing

Some travelers venture to South Carolina for fishing trips. One of several awesome things to do in South Carolina is deep-sea fishing. Deep sea fishing involves boating out into the ocean to catch fish located 100+ feet deep. The best times to enjoy deep-sea fishing in South Carolina are from April to November. Common catches include barracuda, sailfish, and blue marlin.

Those looking to deep sea fish in Charleston should check out Folly Beach Deep Sea Fishing Charters. This company offers a memorable fishing experience for guests of all ages and skill levels.

9 The Delicious Southern Food

Another reason to book a trip to South Carolina is for the delicious cuisine. This Southeastern state is home to some of the best BBQ restaurants in the United States. Just the scent of the crispy pork, glazed ribs, and creamy mac and cheese is enough to make guests’ mouths water. Round out the perfect Southern meal with moist cornbread and a side of vegetables.

One must-try BBQ spot in Hemingway, South Carolina, is Scott’s Bar-B-Que. This rustic spot serves up delicious pit-roasted pork and chicken. Be sure to bring cash, as this restaurant is cash only.

8 Bluegrass And Jazz Concerts

Live music lovers should visit South Carolina for incredible bluegrass and jazz concerts. Concerts and music festivals take place in this state year-round, and a list of live music events can be found on Discover South Carolina’s website.

Aiken Bluegrass Festival, an exciting two-day event, takes place in South Carolina every May. The festival features both local talent and renowned musicians. Solo travelers, couples, and families with small children all enjoy this spring bluegrass event. A popular jazz festival in the state is Carolina Downhome Blues Festival in Camden. This festival is over two decades old, offering stellar live performances every October.

7 Amazing Golf Courses

South Carolina is also known for its spectacular golf courses. There are hundreds of golf courses scattered across the state to choose from. Arguably the best area for golfing in South Carolina is Hilton Head. Hilton Head Island contains 24 world-class golf courses, including the renowned Harbour Town Golf Links. This course is open to the public, and esteemed professional golfers such as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus have played this iconic course.

Other notable Hilton Head courses include Atlantic Dunes, Heron Point by Pete Dye, Arthur Hills, and Robert Trent Jones Course.

6 Stunning Fall Foliage

Some travelers believe the best time to visit South Carolina is in the fall when the leaves are changing and the air is crisp and cool. Vacationers cannot go wrong with a fall trip to the Palmetto State, as its fall foliage is unmatched. One of the ten best places for fall foliage in the Southern US is South Carolina’s Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway. The SC 11 weaves through the beautiful Upstate region, passing over half a dozen state parks ablaze with bright red and orange leaves. South Carolina’s lovely city of Charleston is often referred to as the perfect autumn city, complete with charming cobblestone streets lined with brightly colored trees and fall festivities.

5 Beautiful Resorts

Vacationers in search of a lavish and luxurious vacation will be amazed by South Carolina’s vast selection of beautiful resorts. Planning a stress-free, beachfront vacation is easy with so many resort options. Resorts offer inclusive packages and virtually any amenity one could ask for, making for the perfect vacation. There are many reasons to stay at Kingston Resorts while in Myrtle Beach, from the resort’s proximity to the beach to the relaxing spa.

Another wonderful South Carolina resort is Wild Dunes Resort, offering access to the spectacular Isles of Palms beaches. Guests also enjoy the resort’s golf courses, tennis courts, and spa.

4 The Best Beaches

Vacationers craving a beachy getaway should plan a trip to one of South Carolina’s most beautiful beach towns. Travelers who detest crowds can still enjoy the sunny shores and clear waters by visiting one of South Carolina’s least-crowded beaches. Litchfield Beach, for instance, boasts a quiet environment with luxurious resorts nearby.

Beaches are not just a summer destination; South Carolina also features beaches worth visiting in the winter. Walks along the sand, exploring boardwalks, and enjoying the tranquil off-season are all reasons to explore SC beaches in the winter.

Related: These 13 Beaches Have The Clearest Water In South Carolina

3 Beautiful State Parks

The state’s natural beauty extends far beyond sandy beaches and fall colors. South Carolina is also home to 47 stunning state parks. First-time visitors should set out to explore the ten highest-rated state parks in South Carolina. Croft State Park offers lush foliage and a plethora of outdoor activities. Guests enjoy hiking, biking, boating, canoeing, fishing, and swimming in this vast state park.

2 Historic Sites

Yet another reason to visit South Carolina is for the historic sites. The number one tourist attraction in South Carolina is Fort Sumter National Monument. The Civil War officially began when Fort Sumter was attacked on April 12th, 1861. Located in Charleston Harbor, guests can only access the fort via tour boats.

There are also plenty of old, historic hotels in South Carolina that history buffs should book. Guests craving a luxurious stay filled with history and Southern charm should stay at Mills House in Charleston.

1 The Oldest Garden In The US

A final reason to plan a trip to South Carolina is to see the oldest garden in the United States, located in Charleston. Charleston, founded in 1670, is known for its delicious dining options, excellent golf courses, spas and luxurious hotels, and beautiful parks. Charleston’s must-visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is the oldest garden in America. The garden contains lovely paths, charming bridges, and endless amounts of greenery and flowers. Daffodils, azaleas, and hydrangeas are among the flowers that bloom in this beautiful garden. For the best views, visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens during the spring bloom.

From the coast to the countryside, these getaways promise both relaxation and energizing fun

photo: courtesy of sea island

Lazing around on vacation, reading a book and chilling by the beach may be exactly what you need. But sometimes, by day two, you might itch to stretch your muscles and boundaries a bit. These destinations across the South, from a coastal getaway in Virginia to a sporting paradise in Alabama, offer multiple means to dive into vibrant landscapes, try out some new skills, and encounter nature in uplifting ways.

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Tides Inn

Irvington, Virginia

Immersive excursions on the Rappahannock River, also known as “the oyster capital of the Chesapeake Bay,” offer guests a delicious dash of science at Virginia’s Tides Inn resort. Before taking part in one of the guided trips, many people relate to oysters only as a food source, says Will Smiley, the inn’s staff ecologist. “All leave with a better understanding of oysters’ ecological importance and their ability to filter water.” Afterwards, visitors slurp the roasted bivalves at the oyster education dock, which overlooks the bay and resort. On the crabbing jaunt, guests bait a pot, pull up a full one, and enjoy the Old Bay–enhanced fruits of their labor.

Barnsley Resort

Adairsville, Georgia

These three thousand acres along the Appalachian foothills are a playground for guided horseback and UTV rides, as well as target practice with axes, archery, and air rifles. The nearby sister property, Beretta Shooting Grounds, offers two fourteen-station clay courses in the woods and over ponds along with a covered five-stand range and a long-range rifle challenge course. Up your game with the experienced instructors certified by the National Sporting Clays Association.

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Maison D’Memoire

Rayne, Louisiana

On thirty lakeside acres, these restored bed-and-breakfast cottages provide a romantic launchpad for activities in Cajun country and include a full, savory breakfast delivered to your doorstep. Owner Lyn Guidry recommends sampling the seasonal delicacies, like boiled crawfish, along with taking airboat rides on the Atchafalaya Swamp to explore this often-misunderstood wilderness and marvel at alligators and egrets. Nearby hands-on tours invite you to taste the local cuisine and tap your toes to live Cajun music.

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Pursell Farms

Sylacauga, Alabama

Traverse this 3,200-acre country resort through guided horseback rides, stargazing tours with an astronomer, and UTV mountain tours. The Orvis shooting grounds feature a sporting clays course, wingshooting opportunities, and a fly-fishing school with seasoned instructors. Learn multiple casting techniques, vital fishing knots, and how to choose the right flies for the moment. They focus on warmwater catches, such as bass and sunfish, but their lessons apply just about anywhere.

Sea Island Resort

Sea Island, Georgia

Encounter this barrier island’s native wildlife by patrolling for nesting turtles and hatchlings along five miles of private beach, taking naturalist-guided walks, riding a horse along the beach, or scouting the salt marsh on a dolphin tour. Try to tame the waters yourself at surf camp or by kiteboarding, sailing, and kayaking. Broadfield, the nearby sporting club and lodge, offers 5,800 acres of woods and a bass-rich lake along with a sporting clays course, quail hunting, and falconry.

Wild Dunes

Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Set amid 1,600 acres of barrier islands northeast of Charleston, this Atlantic oceanfront resort tempts you to explore waves and beaches by pedal and paddle. Try kayaking with dolphins, ocean fishing, paddle boarding, or taking a naturalist-guided boat tour to an undeveloped island. Your artsy side can dip into painting classes, sweetgrass basket weaving, or just studying nature’s majesty beneath the live oaks.

Southall

Franklin, Tennessee

This newly opened resort just twenty miles north of Nashville emphasizes the 325-acre site’s farming roots with wellness and adventure offerings. Traverse their trails on mountain and e-bikes or get a birds’ eye view during your workout on the aerial obstacle course that winds through the woods. Deepen your bee knowhow by hiking hillsides with a honeybee keeper, or trace your food’s journey from seed to plate with both a farmer and a chef. David Mishkin, the executive property manager, recommends trying one of the falconry experiences, too. “The birds are flying free above your head,” he says. “It almost takes you back in time.”

Everything you need for a relaxing beach vacation can be found at Wild Dunes Resort

Isle of Palms is 12 miles from Charleston, SC, but it feels like a different world. With a calm stretch of beach, a charming boardwalk, and winding bike trails, it gives off the feeling of relaxation and retreat. If you want to experience the tranquility of this island hamlet, the Wild Dunes Resort includes all the perks of island life plus the bonus of having everything you need right at your fingertips. With world-class dining, several lodging options, and plenty of activities to keep the kids busy, this sprawling resort is the perfect location for families looking for a low-key beach experience.

How to Plan Your Vacation at Wild Dunes Resort

The best part about Wild Dunes is that you can select lodging that’s perfect for your group. There are several options from which to choose. If you want an incredible concierge service, The Sweetgrass Inn, which opened in 2021, offers charming rooms, a spa, and several dining options. For larger groups and more space, check out the Residences at Sweetgrass. Located right above the Sweetgrass Plaza, you can choose from one-to three-room furnished rentals with all the hotel perks. For more privacy, Wild Dunes also offers private rental homes and condos.

Plan your itinerary

Whether you come to Wild Dunes during the off-season or the busy months, there’s plenty to keep you and your family entertained.

The PoolsKids will want to spend plenty of time in the pools. The Sweetgrass Inn Pools (they’re heated!) are the shining gem in the middle of the resort, with a zero-entry pool, a splash pad, and poolside Island Adventure programs. There is even live music by the firepit in the summer.

The Grand Pavilion offers two stunning beachside pools; it’s where you’ll find Beachside Burgers. If you want to swim laps or join in on the family friendly games and recreation happening in the warmer months, head for The Swim Center Pool.

The BeachOf course, the Isle of Palm beach is the main attraction for good reason. Wide, sandy beaches, mellow waves perfect for kids, and stunning beach homes to admire, it’ll be easy to spend all day enjoying the sun and surf. Wild Dunes has direct access to the beach, and they offer beach chair and umbrella rentals for guests.

The ActivitiesThere is so much going on at Wild Dunes! It’ll be tricky to find time to fit in all the fun like Sunday S’mores, Bingo Night, Minute to Win It Game Night, Dive-In Movie Night, Family Movie Night, a sunset sandcastle contest, guided beach walks, poolside crafts, and much more. Many of these events are complimentary, but some require reservations and a fee, so be sure to check. If you want to see the resort by bike, there are rentals available daily, including tandem bikes for parents with little kids.

If you feel like relaxing, there are many places to do just that! Enjoy the swinging hammock chairs at Sweetgrass Inn, the Adirondack chairs in Sweetgrass Plaza, and the beach and pool loungers just about anywhere.

Decide where you want to eat

Charleston is known for its world-class cuisine, and Isle of Palms lives up to the hype. Guests of Wild Dunes have access to all the restaurants on the property; the biggest challenge might be deciding where to go.

For breakfast, if you’re in the mood for something quick, head to Woody’s, where they serve all-day breakfast (this spot has many options for kids!). Wander into Hudson’s Market & Cafe and order a gourmet breakfast sandwich while stocking up on beach snacks and drinks. For something upscale, head for Coastal Provisions, where you’ll choose between fluffy pancakes, french toast, omelets, and plenty of sides like biscuits, bacon, mixed berries, and breakfast potatoes.

At lunchtime, the world is your culinary oyster! The Laughing Gull, located by the Sweetgrass Inn pools, has Caribbean-inspired fare like the must-try conch fritters, the Cuban sandwich, and chicken tenders for little ones. Beachside Burgers (open in the warm months) offers delicious burgers, fries, soft pretzels, popcorn shrimp, and more. If you’re looking for tacos, stop by the vintage airstream trailer in Sweetgrass Plaza. Choose from Carne Asada, Chicken Tinga, or even vegetarian options.

When it comes time for dinner, save one night for Coastal Crust. Offering Neopolitan-style pies made with locally-sourced ingredients, this will be a family favorite. If fine dining is what you want, Coastal Provisions is ideal. Chef Thalita Smith consistently presents a delectable seasonal-infused menu of seafood and chops. Her salads are a must-try, as are the beef and seafood dishes.

Things to Do Nearby

If you want to venture out of Wild Dunes resort, there are plenty of places to go and things to do.

Head to CharlestonThis cultural city is a mere 30-minute drive from the Isle of Palms. Spend some time admiring the historical homes, take a carriage ride, hit up the playground near Rainbow Row, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry!

Visit the South Carolina Aquarium or the Center for Birds of PreyWhether they love sea life or the Lowcountry habitat, there's a place for your little naturalists. The Sea Turtle Care Center at the aquarium is especially fun for budding conservationists.

Check out Shem Creek & BoardwalkThis waterfront area in Mount Pleasant is over two thousand feet long and offers panoramic views of Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter, and Castle Pinckney.

A lot has been written about the port city of Charleston, South Carolina, with its southern charm, cobblestone streets and colorful pre-war architecture.

However, little might be known of the region’s coastal offerings. Just a half hour’s drive northeast of the city sits the Isle of Palms, Charleston’s resort island and home to the Wild Dunes Resort, encompassing 1,600 acres of Lowcountry charm and vacation leisure.

This beachside vacation getaway includes hotels, condos and waterfront homes offering short stays or longer-term seasonal rentals.

With so many options, it is the perfect choice for weddings, corporate events and family getaways. Recreational opportunities include a 36-hole golf course, designed by Tom Fazio, tennis, pickelball, bicycling and seven miles of beaches on which to play or chill. Walking and jogging paths wind throughout the island and you might even run into a family of deer on your jaunt.

Within Wild Dunes, located beachside on the north end of the Isle of Palms, two adjacent hotels include the Boardwalk Inn and the, newly-constructed, Sweetgrass Inn. Just one year old, the Sweetgrass is a Destination by Hyatt hotel offering 153 guest rooms and suites, restaurants, spa and rooftop bar.

The Nest, with its colorful Andy Davis mural, offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic and surrounding property, while sipping signature cocktails. The Shoppes of Sweetgrass are located on an adjacent walkway, comprised of restaurants, market, shops, and even an art gallery. The Gallery at Sweetgrass features regional, as well as nationally recognized artists, some in residence.

Restaurants include the full-service Coastal Provisions, located at the Boardwalk Inn, as well as the more casual pool-side Laughing Gull at Sweetgrass. Both restaurants feature their signature 7 Mile Burger and Lager, named after the Isle of Palms 7-mile stretch of beach. The Oystercatcher, in the Sweetgrass lobby, offers smaller plates and shareable dishes along with signature cocktails.

For even more casual fare, Hudson’s Café and Market provides food and drink to enjoy in your room, taking advantage of the views from your balcony. Next to Hudson’s you’ll find Coastal Crust for pizza and other Italian cuisine. Additional eateries are dotted throughout the resort, so no chance you’ll be hungry on this trip.

Nothing beats a relaxing massage while on vacation and The Spa at Sweetgrass is the perfect choice to complement the laid-back vibe of this resort. With two plunge pools, beach yoga and even an optional meditation and sound bath experience on the sand, you can indulge and immerse yourself in a calm, yet energized, state of mind. Private spa cabanas are also available for a retreat with family and friends, and the gift shop provides beautiful examples of the region as a reminder of your stay.

The opportunities for exploration are abundant. Barrier Island Eco Tours offers your choice of boat junket to Capers Island Preserve, home of bone-yard beach. The natural erosion of the shoreline has created an eerie spectacle of trees with roots exposed in bizarre shapes. You’ll glide through salt marshes with views of dolphins playing in the surf and stop to check the occasional blue crab trap, while Captain Shane describes the wondrous ecosystem.

And don’t forget downtown Charleston, where you can stroll historic King Street with its boutiques and restaurants, loaded with Southern charm and housed in architecturally diverse buildings.

A local dining favorite, Hall’s Chophouse, offers USDA Prime steaks from Allen Brothers of Chicago, as well as fresh seafood and signature cocktails. Family-owned, this gathering spot serves everything from wet-aged filet mignon to a 34-ounce Tomahawk ribeye. Of course, shrimp and grits are on the menu along with other options from the sea. A must-try is their signature Pepper Jack Creamed Corn Skillet, not to mention Whiskey Bread Pudding for dessert. Hall’s is the place to see and be seen so get your reservation early.

Shopping options are diverse, and horse-drawn carriage tours and nighttime graveyard walks are a must. The iconic Pineapple Fountain on the waterfront park is Charleston’s symbol of hospitality and an Instagram-worthy sight. Photo ops abound at every turn but don’t forget to take in the ambiance and gentile essence of the city.

It’s all about the Lowcountry culture in Charleston, Southern charm mixed with shrimp and grits and Virgil Kaine whiskey. The Gullah sweetgrass basket weavers throughout the city, the colorful houses on Rainbow Row and a hearty Lowcountry boil, all round out the vibe one gets when visiting this part of the south. The Wild Dunes Resort conveniently includes all of this laid-back charm in one sprawling location.

Travel Advisors enjoy a generous partnership through the Hyatt Prive program with commission on all bookings and exclusive offers for clients.

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ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) – Wild Dunes Resort on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the Isle of Palms (IOP) for enacting ordinances which limit the resort’s development.

Five ordinances were passed in November which proponents said protected the city’s greenspaces. The ordinances amend stipulations of a Planned Residential Development (PRD) zoning district contract created in 1975 when the development of the resort began. It was previously amended in 2016 to reduce the number of units permitted.

The most recent changes were brought about amid fears that Wild Dunes was planning to build additional condos/hotels where current golf courses and recreation spaces exist. However, in a statement to News 2, a representative for the developer said “the developer did not propose to build on existing golf courses/green spaces.”

In a series of public meetings, residents expressed concern about the overpopulation that the additional development could bring as well as the damage it could cause to the environment.

Despite initial worries about how long the process could take, councilmembers acted quickly to pass the amendments, which Wild Dunes claims violated the city’s own protocol.

“The City failed to comply with the requisite procedure. As detailed above, the Planning Commission reviewed and recommended the Subject Ordinances on or around November 9, 2022, which was after the public hearings on the Subject Ordinances had already been held on October 18 and November 1, 2022. Thus, the City violated the procedural requirements of Section 5-4-39 of the City’s Code for amending PDD zoning districts.”

Likewise, Wild Dunes claims the city failed to meaningfully engage with stakeholders — despite a representative publicly appealing to council members at a November 15 meeting — and left them no option but to take legal action.

The lawsuit also argues that the city’s reasoning for passing the ordinances is misguided, stating that Wild Dunes has brought “measured and positive growth to the City for decades,” and would continue to do so with any new development.

It cites the many rehabilitation and renovation projects undertaken by Wild Dunes over the years — sometimes in partnership with the city — to improve the shoreline, golf courses, and other recreation facilities.

Regarding overpopulation, Wild Dunes noted that the existing PRD allowed for another 330 dwelling units and 53 inn units to be built, but Wild Dunes had no plans to build them all at once. Instead, developers said they would be “completed over time based upon real estate market conditions and other factors.” The lawsuit goes on to claim that individual rental properties bring far more traffic to the island, and that taking away property rights should not be used as a solution to regulate traffic.

Ultimately, the lawsuit claims that the ordinances prevent “economically viable and productive uses of [Wild Dunes’] property,” which effectively amounts to “the regulatory taking of [the] property.” Thus, according to the lawsuit, the city should compensate Wild Dunes for the land it took, or return the property rights to the owners.

News 2 has reached out to IOP for comment.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include a statement from the developer.