The South Carolina barrier island just 30 minutes from Charleston may just be the area’s best-kept secret.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ISLE OF PALMS — As the new year approaches, the fight over public beach parking remains unsettled with a court case awaiting a decision by the state Supreme Court.

The Palm Republic group created by Isle of Palms’ former mayor and a current councilman has asked the court to hear a constitutional challenge to a 2021 state law that says free beach parking along state roads can’t be removed without the state’s permission.

It’s a law created by Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Bonneau, and signed by Gov. Henry McMaster in the spring of 2021, following the island’s attempt in 2020 to remove much of the beach parking on the island and charge for the parking that would remain.

The S.C. Department of Transportation had already rejected the island’s plan to eliminate hundreds of parking spaces, and later stepped in to increase the amount of free parking near the beach on the island — “unilaterally and illegally” according to the Palm Republic lawsuit.

Those actions prompted Councilman Blair Hahn and former Mayor Jimmy Carroll to declare the island “The Palm Republic” in an airing of grievances that included a declaration of independence, signed in costume at a local bar.

At the time, Hahn was declared to be The Palm Republic’s “attorney general, also known as His Beaudacious Highness, Admiral and Grand Ruler of All Seas Less than 1 Fathom.” But he says the legal issues in play are not joke.

Carroll and Hahn have said the state law is an affront to home rule and the power of municipalities.

“We want our home rule back,” said Carroll. “We just want them to hear the case.”

State Rep. Joe Bustos, R-Mount Pleasant, agrees.

“There’s either going to be home rule, or there’s not,” he said.

The issue now is whether the Supreme Court will take what’s known as “original jurisdiction” and agree to hear the case, as Palm Republic LLC has asked.

The state, through Attorney General Alan Wilson’s office, and the DOT have both urged the court to not take the case. Both said there’s no urgency to rule on a law that’s been in effect for more than 18 months, and the case should be heard in a lower court.

“If the Supreme Court does not take the case, we’ll file the case in Charleston County,” Hahn said. “The only issue is, is the statute constitutional or not?”

He said the case would end up before the Supreme Court one way or another.

Like many barrier islands, Isle of Palms has sought to manage the flood of beach-bound traffic that arrives during the warm months. Conflict over the parking issue flared up in 2020 when the island prohibited non-residents from using the hundreds of free parking spots near the beach, citing COVID-19 concerns.

The attempt to eliminate parking and charge for what remained came the following year, prompting the creation of a nonprofit group that sued the city, the new state law, and action by SCDOT.

The Palm Republic group has been urging residents to write to local and state lawmakers, and the Supreme Court, to ask that the high court take the case.

The City of Isle of Palms is holding the first of two public hearings to discuss limiting future development and protecting the golf courses in the Wild Dunes p

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - The City of Isle of Palms is holding the first of two public hearings to discuss limiting future development and protecting the golf courses in the Wild Dunes planned development district on Tuesday.

The discussion stemmed from a 1975 agreement that would make it possible for there to be over 300 more rooms built in the Wild Dunes between hotels and condos.

According to Mayor Phillip Pounds, it all started back in February when a group of residents asked the council to take a look at the decades-old agreement to see if they could make some changes. Anthony Santiago says he was one of those residents.

“We thought we were developed already after The Sweetgrass Inn,” Santiago said. “We don’t even have parking for that. And then through the due diligence we discovered the capacity to expand this more than double.”

Santiago and others who are against future development in Wild Dunes say that more development would overwhelm public safety and public works resources, cause more drainage and sewage issues, and make traffic and parking on the island more of a nightmare.

“Every city municipality has the right to rezone as you develop,” Santiago said. “This is almost fifty years ago when we did this. Nobody thought we’d be as big as we are.”

The Isle of Palms City Council now has five ordinances up for discussion that would preserve public and private facilities and put a cap on density in the planned development district.

Beverly Miller is the executive director of the Barrier Island Preservation Alliance, a nonprofit formed to address challenges unique to the barrier islands. She said she wanted to show support for the ordinances through a petition. It now has over 750 signatures.

“When that was written, this island was erratically different, and it’s so different now that we need to amend those zoning ordinances so that we are up to today and the demands that are on the island today that were not here in 1975,” Miller said.

Pounds said the Wild Dunes agreement was one of the first of its type in the country.

“Unusual maybe, but as areas get built out there’s certainly an opportunity for cities to revisit the zoning and the density and the future development,” Pounds said.

Pounds said the city has received many phone calls and emails from concerned residents worried how much the island could take. He says there’s confusion about the slow process, but he says with the public hearing, that will stop development even though they aren’t completely through the process.

“When you’re on an island where you have such little landmass to develop anything, the ability to put 300 plus units in Wild Dunes today, I don’t even know where they would put them because there’s not that kind of landmass,” Pounds said. “But some of the concern was, could they do something on the golf courses, could they do something on the tennis courts. That’s some of the ordinance that we’re looking at during this process is protecting those areas.”

Tuesday’s public hearing will take place at Isle of Palms city hall at 5 p.m. Another public hearing will take place Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. at the city’s recreation center. The city’s planning commission will take a look at the ordinances and give feedback to city council. Then, it will be up to city council to schedule a second reading which would solidify the ordinances.

Copyright 2022 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Isle of Palms City Council members will hear the first reading of a plan to temporarily block short-term rentals in a special meeting Tuesday afternoon.

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - The Isle of Palms City Council did not support a moratorium or pause on issuing new short-term rental licenses. The agenda item at a Dec. 6 special meeting garnered a lot of attention.

Many people spoke, both for and against the moratorium, at the meeting. One person presented a petition with more than 600 signatures she said was ‘mostly from residents’ against the pause. The property owner of Wild Dunes also spoke on behalf of some residents against the ordinance.

But Beverly Miller is one of many who said they wanted to see the moratorium pass. She has also owned a short-term rental on the island.

“Speaking for myself, I don’t want our city to be the last city who puts together any kind of restriction -- and I call it a restriction -- in order to find some balance between the residents and the short-term rental operators. Because having been on both sides, we’re not saying you don’t have any. You do want to accommodate the vacationers and the rental market. But you also need to find that quality of life for the residents,” Miller said.

Council member Blair Hahn voted against the moratorium.

“It appears to me that the issue is not so much short-term rentals as it is an explosion of traffic in noise and chaos on certain through freeways on our on our island. So if we can control that, I think we can control the concerns and the short-term rental issue will take care of itself,” Hahn said.

He said going forward the council will work hard to enforce speed limits, noise ordinances and other issues to protect the quality of life.

According to the council as of Dec. 5, 2022 there are 1678 licenses with 211 applications coming in since June.

Council member Jan Anderson says the more than 1600 licenses make up more than a third of the island. She voted in favor of the moratorium. “We don’t want to kill the rental market. We just want to manage it. We are now the only beach community in the Charleston area with an unlimited short-term rental opportunity.”

She goes on to say only 50 of the current short-term rental licenses are to residents. Council member Scott Peirce also expressed support for the moratorium as a short opportunity to evaluate the situation.

The council overall voted against the moratorium. For now, there won’t be a pause on issuing new licenses or a cap on how many are allowed.

City council asked staff members at its Nov. 15 regular meeting to prepare a 6-month moratorium for the council to consider at Tuesday afternoon’s meeting.

The agenda states the moratorium would “allow city council to evaluate the short-term rental regulations recommended by the planning commission.”

The document also says over the last few months the city received “several hundred new business license applications for short-term rentals which represents an exponentiation increase in applications.”

After Tuesday’s first reading, the moratorium must go through a public hearing and second reading before it could be ratified.

Copyright 2022 WCSC. All rights reserved.