Before there were online travel reviews, before TikTok and Instagram, and before Condé Nast voted Charleston as the Best City in the U.S. for the 12th year in a row, there was a sleepy little beach town — mostly residents, a few vacationers, and lots of surfers and fishermen.
Isle of Palms, seven miles long and one mile wide, was a dream place for young kids like me to grow up. We enjoyed the serenity of the beach and all that the waterways had to offer.
My buddies and I were on the loose most of the time, checking in occasionally with our parents by way of the pay phone at the marina store. We fished, surfed, roamed, and, occasionally, misbehaved. There wasn’t much trouble to get into as a kid on Isle of Palms — or as the locals call it, IOP — but we managed to find it when we looked hard enough.
Our parents were all friends and would all assemble in one of three places: our side yard, huddled around a burn barrel, telling the same old stories; on the back deck of the marina store, watching the sportfishing boats roll in after a long day of fishing; or at the Windjammer, listening to live music or watching a beach volleyball tournament.
Since my days be-bopping through the streets of Isle of Palms to now, the town has changed quite a bit. Luckily, it never lost its charm, sense of community, and, of course, its stunning views of the ocean.
In this blog, I want to share a local’s perspective on living in and visiting Isle of Palms — and its neighbor, located just across the Breach Inlet, Sullivan’s Island. Let’s dive in and discuss how IOP and Sullivan’s Island have evolved over the years into what they are today: idyllic places to live that attract visitors from across the globe.
Two Beach Towns, One Quick Destination
Isle of Palms started off as a small community, originally inhabited by the Sewee Native American tribe, later becoming a resort destination in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
n the 80s, the only way on and off the island was the swing bridge that connected Sullivan’s Island to the mainland. And there was one thing you could count on with invariable certainty: if you were in a hurry, the bridge would be open — and you would have no choice but to wait.
At this point, there weren’t many vacationers, and those who did visit the town were limited to where they could stay: either Front Beach or at the Wild Dunes Resort. The inconvenience of accessibility kept the island quiet and kept beach traffic to a minimum — until Hurricane Hugo.
A few years after Hugo hit, the Isle of Palms Connector was built to provide better access to and from the island. This really was the tipping point for the commercialization of IOP as we knew it. In fact, most of what you see there today is a result of the newfound convenience of getting to the beach.
Being only a few miles away, Sullivan's Island has also had notable historical significance due to its location at the entrance of Charleston Harbor. It has been a site of military importance since the Revolutionary War, with the notable Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter not too far off, where the first major victory against the British was won in 1776.
Over the years, both Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island have transformed into alluring beach communities, known for their historic sites and homes, quaint shops and eateries, and vibrant local cultures.
Living on Isle of Palms
With 4,300 residents, Isle of Palms continues to be a charming beach town — though, today, a bit less sleepy — surrounded by golf courses, captivating vacation homes, and plenty of shopping and places to enjoy a relaxing day with the family.
More commercialized than when I was a kid, Isle of Palms offers more opportunities for investment properties, while the more inland areas continue to appeal to longer-term residents.
With the gorgeous coast as a backdrop, it’s no wonder that home prices in this area tend to be much higher than the national average. The median home price in Isle of Palms is $1,700,000 (as of September 2024).
I may be biased, but this oceanfront oasis is one of my favorite homes on the island. The striking wraparound porches, outdoor living space perfect for entertaining, and stunning deck that leads right up to the ocean are standout touches.
Although there aren’t any public schools located on the island itself, students typically attend schools in Mount Pleasant and Sullivan's Island, which have been consistently highly rated. These include Sullivan’s Island Elementary School, Laing Middle School, and Wando High School.
What to Do and Where to Eat on Isle of Palms
Aside from heading to the beach, of course, Isle of Palms offers countless options for those looking for a little more excitement.
Kayaking, paddle boarding, or jet skiing are favorites among visitors and locals alike — and rentals are available right on the island. The Wild Dunes Resort also has swimming, tennis, and two world-class golf courses.
In the mood to shop? Isle of Palms has some of the best shopping in Charleston. It also has plenty of restaurants to choose from, and these have been the standouts in my family over the years:
- Islander 71: Fish house and raw bar with an easy-going vibe and incredible sunset views
- Coda Del Pesce: Premier, fine-dining Italian seafood restaurant with an intimate setting
- Papi's Taqueria: Lively spot known for Mexican-inspired food, refreshing margaritas, and exceptional service
Find more of my go-to restaurants in the greater Charleston area here.
Living on Sullivan’s Island
For a small-town feel and friendly atmosphere, Sullivan's Island is the place to be. With only about 2,000 residents, it has maintained its local charm even throughout Charleston’s expansion and growth.
The town itself is steeped in history. With Fort Moultrie and the Charleston Light — Sullivan’s Island’s famous lighthouse — there’s plenty to see and do for locals and tourists alike. Plus, the beaches tend to be less crowded, making them ideal for those who prefer a more serene experience.
The median home price on Sullivan’s Island is $3,900,000 (as of September 2024), but if you’re looking for an idyllic town where you can enjoy a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and some of the best food in the country, look no further.
We recently renovated a villa on the island that featured one of my favorite kitchens to date. Our client wanted a modern coastal look, and I’d say we delivered.
For families with children, Sullivan’s Island shares the school system with neighboring Mount Pleasant and Isle of Palms — Sullivan’s Island Elementary School, Moultrie Middle School, and Wando High School.
What to Do and Where to Eat on Sullivan’s Island
One of the best ways to see and explore Sullivan's Island is to rent bikes. The weather tends to be mild year-round so no matter when you visit, a short bike ride or a walk is a wonderful way to get familiar with the island.
Sullivan’s Island also has a beautiful, somewhat secluded beach perfect for a relaxing day by the water — but don’t worry, there are still plenty of opportunities to kayak, paddleboard, and even kiteboard. Learn more about Charleston’s other top beaches here.
No Lowcountry roundup would be complete without some of the best spots to grab a bite. Here are a few of my favorites on Sullivan’s Island:
- Poe’s Tavern: Named after Edgar Allan Poe and serving up some of the best gourmet burgers you’ll ever have
- The Obstinate Daughter: A unique mix of Southern, Italian, and French cuisine (get the short rib gnocchi and thank me later)
- The Longboard: The perfect spot to people-watch, relax, and enjoy a craft cocktail
Buying or Building a Home on Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island?
Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island are renowned for offering some of the most peaceful and picturesque living in the country.
Their proximity to downtown Charleston is just the beginning — add in breathtaking views, welcoming communities, and exceptional dining, and it’s easy to see why these coastal gems are among the nation's top lifestyle destinations.
Whether you have questions about the area, are considering relocating, or are curious about building your dream custom home, we’re here to help. Feel free to reach out anytime!
