Spring has officially sprung in Charleston, and the perfect temps and lack of crowds in the off-season have us packing our bags and heading to the beach. Here’s how you might want to spend these perfect spring days at area beaches.
Isle of Palms (IOP)
The Isle of Palms, known to locals as IOP, is home to a long stretch of public beach as well as a popular resort and golf course. The “isle” proper is nestled between the Intracoastal Waterway — a 3,000 mile inland waterway that runs from Massachusetts to the southern tip of Florida before following the Gulf Coast to Texas — and the Atlantic Ocean.
Whether you’re looking for a staycation at Wild Dunes (check out its “experiences” like eco-excursions and stand-up paddleboarding) or a relaxing day trip taking in everything the island town has to offer, IOP can check all your boxes.
Start your day at an Isle of Palms breakfast staple, Sea Biscuit Cafe. You know a spot is good if it doesn’t even have a website. Sea Biscuit delivers with hearty and lighter breakfast fare. This spot only accepts cash, so come prepared.
Snag street parking while you still can — it will be mayhem once summer starts — or take advantage of the large parking lot at Isle of Palms County Park. With bathrooms, showers, picnic tables and a playground, this park is a convenient staging area with little ones in tow.
Head to Islander 71 on 41st Avenue, a fairly new IOP addition, for marina-front dining and drinks. You can’t beat watching boat traffic instead of, you know, regular traffic. Dave Lorenz, one of the partners at Islander 71, said he and the rest of Islander’s co-owners live on IOP. Catering to locals is important to them — and so is the natural beauty of the restaurant’s location.
“I think that what makes it unique being down at the marina is also being on the actual Intracoastal Waterway,” Lorenz said. “A lot of times in the spring and fall you’ll see the boats that are either going north or south. You have these massive, luxury cruisers going up and down. It’s a super unique place.”
Stick around IOP for live music at the famous Windjammer. An IOP stalwart, the Windjammer offers live music on the beach. Pair your jam sesh with a cold beer, and let the tunes and waves set the tone for your evening. And while the ‘jammer no longer hosts its popular bikini contests (those were the days), history runs deep at this spot that’s been open since 1972.
Sullivan’s Island
Sullivan’s Island, a two-and-a-half-mile long barrier island across a bridge from IOP, was settled in the 17th century by Captain Florence O’Sullivan while he was stationed as a lookout. The beach town has a strong military background and is the site of the first patriot naval victory during the Revolutionary War.
History buffs can tour Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. The grounds, parking area and restrooms are open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
Beach parking is available on most streets — be sure to pay close attention to posted signs — and we’re partial to the southernmost tip of the beach. Drive past Fort Moultrie for street parking and walk down the dedicated beach path to find a more secluded stretch of beach, offset by breakwaters.
Head to Home Team Barbecue for lunch. The bar and restaurant is a frequent Best of Charleston winner for categories like Best Sullivan’s Island Bar, Best Sullivan’s Island Happy Hour, Best Kid-friendly Restaurant, Best Mac and Cheese, Best Nachos, Best Tots and Best Wings, so you can’t really go wrong ordering anything off of the menu. We love to pair our nachos (add pulled pork, please) with a large Gamechanger, the restaurant’s signature frozen beverage.
“I’ve been lucky enough to work on Sullivan’s Island at Home Team BBQ for over 13 years, and spring is by far my favorite time to be out on the island,” said longtime Home Team bartender Jessie Morgan White. “It gets busier and busier each year, so spring is a great time to meet your friends and grab a frozen Gamechanger. With MLB, March Madness and live music starting up, Sullivan’s is the happening place to be. Unique local businesses and the friendly, family atmosphere make Sullivan’s Island special to me.”
If you’re interested in shopping locally made goods, head to Maker’s Post. According to its website, “a maker’s post is a celebration of makers everywhere with a curated collection of artisan-crafted goods, art, plants and flowers, home decor and books.” Shop jewelry from Mad Made Metals and art from Blakely Little and Isabel Bornstein, to name a few.
Finish the day with gelato from Beardcat’s Sweet Shop or ice cream from Republic Ice Cream. We’re partial to Republic’s old-fashioned strawberry flavor, especially in the middle of strawberry season (now).
And if you need a nightcap, swing by Dunleavy’s Pub, a bar and restaurant that has been open on Sullivan’s for more than 30 years. Family-owned and operated, Dunleavy’s was opened by sister-brother team, Patti and Bill Dunleavy who fulfilled their dad’s dream of owning a “little Irish pub.”
Folly Beach
Lovingly referred to as “the edge of America,” Folly Beach is a 12-square-mile barrier island located just nine miles from downtown Charleston. Six miles of beaches are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Folly River, and outdoor recreation is a big draw for folks visiting the town.
If you’re surfing inclined — or would like to be — make your way to the Washout, the best area for surfing on Folly, and possibly all of Charleston County. This part of the beach got its name after Hurricane Hugo washed out several homes and, according to Folly’s official website, “created unobstructed wind flow that is perfect for surfing.” Contact Isla Surf School for lessons.
Grab all your supplies for the day at Bert’s Market, a longstanding store and deli counter on East Ashley Avenue. The 24-hour market has a wide variety of goods from cold beverages to sunscreen to hot and ready boiled peanuts. Order breakfast at the market’s in-house deli, The Wooden Spoon, and make your way to one of the many public beach access points.
Be sure to bring a bucket to collect shells — Folly recently made Southern Living’s list of “The Best Southern Beaches For Avid Shellers.” According to SL, “what makes Folly Beach really special is the abundance of fossils, urchins, sand dollars and starfish.”
Re-fuel with lunch at Chico Feo, a funky outdoor bar and restaurant that serves a limited but delicious menu of tacos, a Cuban, Cuban beans and whatever the special of the day may be.
If you want a really good cocktail in this beach town, you’ve got plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from, but we’re partial to the drinks at Lowlife Bar.
“This time of year before the season hits in Folly Beach is ideal for locals,” said Lowlife Bar owner, T.J. Lynch. “You can still score good seats at the bar, and the staff has more time to hang with you.” Order a Cantarito (we’re suckers for a chile rim), sit back and relax.
On your way out of Folly be sure to hit the beach stores for trinkets, from tacky T-shirts to nipple-shaped shot glasses. Yes, Folly sure does keep it funky.
Kiawah Beachwalker Park
Further afield is Kiawah’s Beachwalker Park, the calm(er) antidote to busy beach towns. Beachwalker Park offers ocean and river views and is the only public beach access on Kiawah Island.
“Spring tends to be a quieter time of year at the beaches, but there are still a number of things that locals can do even in the height of summer to have a great beach park experience,” said Sarah Reynolds, public information coordinator for Charleston County Parks. “As you approach the islands, keep an eye out for digital highway signs that will state when the parks are full; our staff will update these in real time to notify beachgoers of parking status.”
On your drive to Beachwalker stop by Island Provisions on Johns Island for coffee and breakfast sandwiches or bagels. We like the everything bagel with “hot honey shmear” (adding Red Clay hot honey to anything is always the move).
After enjoying a relaxing morning at Beachwalker you’d be remiss not to check out everything Freshfields Village has to offer. The retail village features shops, spas and restaurants. Pick up something special for your four-legged friends at Dolittles; grab gifts, toys and books for everyone in your life at Indigo Books; and shop soy wax candles at Palmetto Scent Studio. Sip on uber-popular frosé from The Co-Op or take advantage of interactive wine stations at FortyEight-A Wine Bar.
On your drive home grab a snack and a drink at Johns Island’s The Royal Tern. Belly up to the bar for fresh-shucked oysters and a cocktail. Yum.
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