Isle of Palms

Public transportation options have been discontinued in 2013. A taxi from the center of Charleston should cost around $22.

The main thoroughfare through IOP is Palm Blvd, which stretches from the island's southernmost border to just past 57th Ave. to the North. The island is perfect for biking and walking, not to mention the fact that the entire island is accessible by golf cart.
Be sure to use caution while driving on Isle of Palms. The local police force is snide and unfriendly, often acting militaristic in their enforcement of public safety and road regulations. A parked vehicle left hanging half an inch past the line will likely net you a parking violation ticket.

Isle of Palms is big on water sports and beaches, but short on attractions. If you insist on seeing anything other than sand, the huge number of turtles which nest here during the summer is a unique attraction to the island. They are all carefully monitored and recorded by the community's Turtle Team. While casual visitors will probably have more luck hitting the jackpot than seeing one hatch, there is a good chance of spotting turtles while hanging on the beach (Jul-Aug?). Neighboring Sullivan's Island's Fort Moultrie is your best bet if that's not enough culture for you.

• Front Beach

  address: Ocean Avenue (10th-14th Ave)
  Is a very scenic beach that stretches on for miles and miles. Enjoy taking a walk, relaxing on the sand, going for a swim and collecting sand dollars. Fun for everyone, but leave the glass bottles and alcohol at home, or the beach guards will spoil it.

• Isle of Palms Marina

  address: 50 41st Avenue
  Fishing charters and boat rentals available. Boat rentals can be hourly or day rentals. Prices range from $65-$475, depending on how long you have the boat, size of the boat, and number of people on the boat. Prices for fishing charters also vary depending on the size.

• Isle Of Palms Recreation Center

  address: 27th to 29th Avenue
  The recreation center offers tennis courts, baseball and soccer field, basketball courts, children's playground, and gym. Something for everyone. It's within walking distance of the vacation homes and beach.

• Tidal Wave Sports

  address: 69 41st Avenue
  Enjoy parasailing, waverunners, wakeboarding, tubing, waterskiing, or even take a ride on the Banana Boat. Prices vary depending on activity.

• My Favorite Things

  address: 1009-D Ocean Blvd.
  Offers a large selection of souvenirs-clothing, hats, postcards, key chains and beach towels.

• Red & White Grocery Store

  address: 1513 Palm Blvd.
  Very convenient grocery store. Extremely short distance from vacation homes and the beach. Located right off the highway, so it's easy to find. They have everything you need and the workers are really nice.

• Acme Cantina

  address: 31 J C Long Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC, 29451
  An inexpensive but tasty restaurant that has a mild Mexican vibe. Burritos, tacos, chimichangas, and quesadillas are always popular orders, but don't shy away from their seafood specials. Be warned, The Acme's extremely busy on weekends for breakfast, so plan ahead. At night, the bar's popular with local regulars and F&B crowd, and flooded with tourists during the high season. Voted best crabcake on the island in 2008.

• Banana Cabana

  address: 1130 Ocean Blvd.
  Nice, casual restaurant that's great for the whole family. Enjoy classic favorites such as burgers, sandwiches, seafood, and quesadillas.

• Ben & Jerry's

  address: 1109 Ocean Blvd
  Can't go wrong with Ben & Jerry's. They have so many flavors to choose from.

• The Boathouse

  address: 101 Palm Boulevard
  Once hailed as IOP's best restaurant, the quality and service has suffered over the last few years, leaving The Boathouse existing as nothing more than an overpriced tourist trap with an excellent view of the inter-coastal waterway.

• Coconut Joe's

  address: 1120 Ocean Blvd
  hard to find because it sits back from the street.

• The Lettered Olive

  address: 5802 Palm Blvd
  Delicious cuisine and a very relaxing atmosphere.

• Morgan Creek Grill

  address: 80 41st Ave

• Barefoot Bistro

  address: 1101 Ocean Blvd
  Casual beach food by day and casual upscale dining at night

• Sea Biscuit Cafe

  phone: +1 843 886-4079
  address: 21 J C Long Blvd
  Popular breakfast place. The place is quaint and while the lines are long, the food is delicious. Be sure to try the Crab Cakes Benedict or Caprese Omelet.

• The Windjammer

  address: 1008 Ocean Blvd.

• Exclusive Properties

  phone: +1 843 886-4753
  address: 1116 Palm Blvd
  This vacation rental provider offers luxury vacation homes on the beach. Properties offer as many as 11 rooms.

• The Palms Hotel

  phone: +1 843 886-3003
  address: 1126 Ocean Blvd
  While hardly luxurious by any standards, this hotel has access to the beach right outside the front door, and a pool if you don't fancy salt. A block away from the windjammer, and in a dark area by night it's probably best suited for the under 40 crowd.

• Seaside Inn

  address: 1004 Ocean Blvd
  This beachfront hotel features a complimentary continental breakfast, wireless internet access, 2 large sundecks, outdoor pool, and beach access.