Are you considering spending some time on the Isle of Palms?
Whether it’s for a Charleston bachelorette party, a golfing weekend or any other special occasion, visiting Isle of Palms is always a great time.
There’s a beautiful beach, great restaurants and fun golf courses all within a few minutes on a golf cart.
It’s also a great lodging option for the Charleston area because of its abundant supply of large Airbnb’s.
Tips for staying in the Isle of Palms
However, the Isle of Palms does not have everything.
Not to mention, transportation to and from Downtown Charleston can be tricky!
This guide will go over transportation, entertainment and dining options, so you can decide if Isle of Palms is the right place for you to spend your next Charleston vacation.
Isle of Palms Transportation
Transportation is by far the biggest hurdle when staying on the Isle of Palms.
Ubers and Lyfts often refuse to come pick up visitors who are staying there so you will most likely have to schedule taxis far in advance.
There are a couple of ways to remedy this situation:
1. Party Bus
Booking a Charleston party bus is the most fun way to transport yourself from IOP to downtown Charleston or any other destination for that matter.
However, they can be expensive so it is best used if your group is made up of 8 or more people.
How to save on a Party Bus
Another great way to save money is by booking a round-trip rate where you only have access to the bus at the beginning and end of the reservation.
Only pay for what you use
This way you can get a ride around lunchtime and spend the whole day in Downtown Charleston before heading home and you don’t have to worry about paying for the bus when you’re not utilizing it!
2. Car Rental
Renting a car can be a very smart option for people staying on the Isle of Palms.
Cars give you the most freedom
You will have a ton of freedom on when and where you want to travel throughout the Charleston area.
Make sure you have a designated driver!
Just make sure that whoever is driving is sober because cops are always on the lookout for drunk driving in the Lowcountry.
3. Golf Cart Rental
Renting a golf cart is one of the funnest ways to travel throughout the Isle of Palms.
It is great for running quick errands to Marina Market and getting to dinner.
You can’t go too far though
However, because of its low maximum speed, it is not an efficient way to travel more than a mile or two.
We recommend a combination of golf car rentals and a Charleston party bus for visitors staying in Isle of Palms!
Isle of Palms Restaurants
We recommend eating your most special meals in Downtown Charleston because of the abundance and if you’re traveling with a large group check out our guide to the Best Charleston Restaurants for Large Groups.
This is because there are not a ton of restaurants in Isle of Palms.
However, there are still some good options for when you want to stay close:
1. Acme Lowcountry Kitchen
A great spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Acme Lowcountry Kitchen offers southern coastal cuisine.
They also have a full bar and deck, providing all of the things you need while staying on the Isle of Palms.
2. Long Island Cafe
Serving lunch and dinner for almost 30 years, the Long Island Cafe is an IOP staple.
Something for everybody
Their seafood-centric menu also offers beef, chicken and pasta, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
They also offer a delicious Sunday brunch!
Isle of Palms Entertainment
As one of the most sought after beach destinations on the East Coast, the Isle of Palms has plenty to offer when it comes to entertainment:
The Beach
The Isle of Palms Beach is over seven miles long, offering a great place for swimming, lounging, fishing, biking and kayaking.
There are also convenient public restrooms, parking, restaurants and shops.
Golf
Wild Dunes has two beautiful 18-hole golf courses, the Links Course and the Harbor Course. Both are designed by Tom Fazio and open to the public.
There are also several more public golf courses in the Charleston area, including Patriots Point, Kiawah’s several courses and the Municipal Course.
Conclusion
Isle of Palms is a great place to spend a weekend if you’re visiting Charleston.
There is a beautiful beach, tasty dining options and challenging golf courses. Transportation is the biggest hurdle while staying in IOP, but there are a bunch of options.
The most fun of which is a party bus provided by a Charleston limo service!
Though no one has ever said no to a golf cart for short rides. Let us know your thoughts for staying in Isle of Palms and feel free to reach out if you need a quote for your next party bus adventure.