Isle of Palms
Let's plan your trip to Isle of Palms. Going from the beach to downtown, this place offers experiences everyone will love!
Outdoor Activities
Water Sports
There’s no better place than the beach for water sports. We recommend surfing on Isle of Palms! The warm water temperatures paired with smaller waves are the ideal conditions for surfers of all skill levels. Beginners will love the calm swells, while experienced surfers can practice cool tricks.
Another great choice is paddle boarding on Isle of Palms. You can rent a paddleboard at the Isle of Palms marina. The rental company’s crew will give you a brief lesson, then you’re off to explore the Intracoastal waterway!
Boat Rentals
Spend a day on the water with Charleston, SC, boat rentals at the Isle of Palms marina. The marina has several types of boats in different sizes to accommodate your group’s needs. Be sure to book your rental in advance, though, as boat rentals sell out quickly in high season!
Eco-Tours
Discover native flora and fauna with an eco-tour on Isle of Palms. We recommend our guests use Barrier Island Eco Tours because they offer a wide range of tour types. Choose from dolphin cruises at sunset, shark fishing, crabbing, and more. These tours are equally exciting and educational, which is perfect for families traveling with children.
Isle of Palms County Park
Isle of Palms County Park is a great place to spend a relaxing day outdoors. Be sure to bring supplies for a cookout, as there are several grills for park guests to use. Or, have a picnic on the open green space. There’s also a volleyball court and a playground. Isle of Palms County Park also has beach access.
Indoor Activities
Visit the Gibbes Museum of Art.
Home to an impressive collection of American art dating back to the 18th century, the Gibbes Museum of Art makes it easy to remember that Charleston was once the wealthiest city in what would become the United States.
Duck into the Charleston City Market.
Charleston City Market is covered, and an incredibly fun place to peruse when looking for indoor activities in Charleston! Whether you want to shop for souvenirs or just enjoy the ambiance, it’s worth strolling through City Market if you’re looking to escape the rain.
Check out The Charleston Museum.
Founded in 1773, The Charleston Museum is dedicated to exploring the history and culture of the Lowcountry, complete with many first-person artifacts and enormous archives.
Swim over to the Charleston Aquarium.
When you need to find the perfect attraction for children of all ages you need look no further than the South Carolina Aquarium. The aquarium offers your children the chance to get up close and personal with up to 5,000 creatures including birds, alligators, otters, fish, turtles, sharks and many, many more.
Children's Museum of the Lowcountry
The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry (CML) provides just that – a huge interactive playground where children of all ages are encouraged to use their imagination and engage with interactive displays in a succession of innovative settings such as the Medieval Creativity Castle, the Fire Truck, Pirates, Hideaways and The Art Room.
Restaurants
Coda del Pesce (Italian for “tail of the fish”). The 70+ seat contemporary Italian influenced restaurant showcases the area’s most untapped asset—the ocean, the view and menu highlight this incredible bounty.
Acme Lowcountry Kitchen combines upscale, yet casual elements of traditional coastal cuisine with classic fare. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in a casual beach atmosphere with flavor profiles that exemplify fresh local ingredients and sustainable seafood.
Saltwater Cowboys prides itself on being Shem Creek's Finest. With a passion for delectable local seafood and BBG to boast about. Ft. some of Charleston's most scenic views, you're sure to leave craving more.
Melfi’s is a grown-up, clubby, classic Italian restaurant in downtown Charleston with fresh pasta, salads, larger plates, and Roman-ish thin crust pizza.
Papi's Taqueria is a small, beachy stop offering Mexican dishes & specializing in shrimp, meat & veggie tacos.
Spas and Wellness
Charleston Place Self Care At Its Finest—Intentionally designed tranquil spaces. Experienced professionals on a mission to enhance and nurture physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Cabana Rental and Spa at Sweetgrass Indulge in the ultimate spa retreat when you rent a private cabana that includes an array of amenities. Its the perfect sanctuary to enjoy with friends together while relaxing at the Spa at Sweetgrass. Cabana can accommodate a maximum of 6 guests and includes
Serenity Tree Yoga Whether in your home, on the beach, with a group of your favorite friends, or just for you, Serenity Tree Yoga is about you and your practice, your breath, your light.
The Spa at Hotel Bennett offers an intimate urban oasis, set right in the heart of Downtown Charleston. The healing journey begins as you're swept off bustling King Street, up a private elevator and immersed in comfort and tranquility. Our seasoned therapists provide personalized treatments to help balance the mind and body from massages to facials, body treatments and nail services