Isle of Palms, SC Travel Guide: Parking, Areas and Events

Destinations › Lowcountry › Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms is in Charleston County, in South Carolina's Lowcountry, with about 4,377 residents (2024 Census estimate). Isle of Palms is a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway; the visitor bureau calls it family-oriented and says it is about 12 miles from downtown Charleston.

Population4,377Census estimate, July 2024
CountyCharleston CountyLowcountry region
Our Guides Nearby24parks, attractions, venues within 25 mi
Things to Do8 pickshours, costs, kids, dogs

Plan It in Three Lines

Where to Park
Municipal Lots A and B, Pavilion Drive near Front Beach: March $10 all day; April $15; May 1 to Labor Day weekdays $15, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays $25; September (after Labor Day) $15; October $10; after 4:00 p.m., $3/hr in all periods
All parking below
What's On
Dated events in and around Isle of Palms, checked on organizer pages.
Events page

About Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms is a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway; the visitor bureau calls it family-oriented and says it is about 12 miles from downtown Charleston. source
The city says it has seven miles of beaches for swimming, lounging, fishing, biking and kayaking. source
The visitor bureau's beaches page lists Isle of Palms at 17 miles from downtown and 24 miles from the airport, with 50+ public access points (this conflicts with the 12 miles on the area page). source
Front Beach, on Ocean Boulevard from 10th to 14th Avenue, has public restrooms, parking, restaurants and shops. source

Areas Visitors Use

Front Beach Ocean Boulevard from 10th to 14th Avenue with restrooms, parking, restaurants and shops; Lots A and B are on Pavilion Drive. source
Isle of Palms County Park Oceanfront county park at the foot of the Connector with seasonal lifeguards in a designated swim area. source
Wild Dunes Resort Oceanfront resort with golf (Links and Harbor courses), tennis and a spa. source
Palm Boulevard (21st-53rd Avenues) Residential beach district with free right-of-way parking in listed stretches. source
IOP Marina Islander 71 Fish House & Raw Bar is beside the IOP Marina. source

Getting There and Around

From downtown take Hwy 17 North to SC-517 South (the Isle of Palms Connector) in Mount Pleasant, then continue to 41st Avenue on the island. source
Charleston International Airport (CHS) is 24 miles away per the visitor bureau beaches page. source
The CARTA Beach Reach Shuttle is free; the page lists 2025 dates (weekends May 24 to September 1, 2025, plus Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day), boarding at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre stop #715 (Market Center Blvd) with free park-and-ride, and going to the 14th Avenue and Ocean Boulevard beach access path. Confirm the current season before you go. source
Golf cart parking spots: 31st and Palm Blvd, 28th and Palm Blvd, and 9th and Ocean Blvd. Motorized vehicles including golf carts are not allowed on the beach. source

Parking in Isle of Palms

Where	Rate	When	Notes	Source
Municipal Lots A and B, Pavilion Drive near Front Beach	March $10 all day; April $15; May 1 to Labor Day weekdays $15, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays $25; September (after Labor Day) $15; October $10; after 4:00 p.m., $3/hr in all periods	Paid parking enforced March 1 to October 31; lots operate 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.	Lot A has handicapped spaces. Weekly pass $100 per week March-October, Lots A and B only. Failure to pay is a $50 violation.	source
Ocean Boulevard on-street paid stations, 10th to 14th Avenue (Front Beach)	$3.00/hr, Monday through Sunday	March through October, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.	Pay by mobile phone or at kiosk on Ocean Boulevard; display receipt on the dashboard.	source
Free right-of-way parking: 3rd Ave (Ocean to Charleston Blvd); east side of 4th Ave; 5th, 6th, 7th Ave (Ocean to Carolina Blvd); east side of 8th and 9th Ave; Palm Blvd 21st-40th Ave and 42nd-53rd Ave	No fee or permit	year-round	All four wheels off the road; keep beach access paths clear; on the ocean side of Palm Blvd (21st-40th) park at least 4 feet from the pavement; follow posted signs.	source
Disability and veterans	County Park handicapped parking no fee; small lot behind the Public Safety Building free with valid disability plate or placard	year-round	ADA-accessible beach paths at 34A, 46th Avenue and 52nd Avenue. Disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients with matching DMV plate exempt from paid parking.	source
Isle of Palms County Park	Visitor bureau/ccprc standard-vehicle fee amounts not confirmed; Gold Pass free	see unverified	Parking office: 30 JC Long Blvd, 2nd floor, Monday-Thursday 9-3; (843) 885-6505; info@parkiop.org.	source

Beaches in Isle of Palms

Beach	Access and parking	Dogs	Lifeguards	Source
Isle of Palms beach	Visitor bureau: 50+ public access points; Front Beach on Ocean Boulevard 10th-14th Avenue; free right-of-way parking in listed stretches (3rd-9th Avenues and Palm Blvd); ADA-accessible beach paths at 34A, 46th Ave and 52nd Ave.	Dogs are allowed at all times, subject to rules: rabies vaccination, licensed tag, leash, voice command, clean up. Off-leash hours: April 1 to September 14, 5 a.m. to 9 a.m.; September 15 to March 31, 4 p.m. to 10 a.m. Outside those hours dogs must be on leash and under complete control, even in the water. Residents are encouraged to get a free annual dog permit (843-886-6522).	Visitor bureau: seasonal lifeguards in a designated swim area at Isle of Palms County Park; schedule not confirmed on a page read.	source
Beach rules	Glass bottles and alcoholic beverages prohibited; fireworks and open fires prohibited; glass, single-use plastic bags, straws, Styrofoam and balloons banned; smoking and vaping prohibited (fines $10 to $25); no motorized vehicles including golf carts; e-bikes and electric skateboards banned on the beach Memorial Day to Labor Day; no overnight sleeping or equipment storage; gatherings over 50 need a permit; $100 fine per offense for litter violations.	See above	n/a	source

Comparing beaches? See which South Carolina beach to pick.

Dogs

County park rule: pets must be on a leash, kept under control, cleaned up after, and not left in vehicles. Dog bag receptacles are at most public beach access paths. source

When to Go

Paid beach parking is enforced March 1 to October 31. source
Dog off-leash windows change on April 1, September 15 and March 31. source
Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30 (NOAA summary). Hurricane re-entry decals are sent automatically with an approved parking permit request. (not confirmed on the official page) source

Food

The visitor bureau lists Islander 71 Fish House & Raw Bar beside the IOP Marina, Coastal Provisions, Oystercatcher Restaurant & Bar and The Windjammer (a beach bar operating for about 50 years) among island dining. source

Things to Do in Isle of Palms

8 picks from the town’s and operators’ own pages.

Parks

Isle of Palms County Park
Oceanfront Charleston County park at the foot of the Connector with seasonal lifeguards in a designated swim area. source
Hours
Not published on pages read; gate closes to incoming traffic 30 minutes before closing (per an unofficial summary) (not confirmed on the official page).
Cost
Parking fee amounts not confirmed
Where
Isle of Palms (street address not read)
Dogs
Pets must be on a leash in the park; city off-leash windows apply on the beach

Beaches

Isle of Palms Beach (Seven Miles)
Free
City beach for swimming, lounging, fishing, biking and kayaking. source
Hours
n/a
Cost
Paid parking March 1-Oct 31 near Front Beach; free right-of-way parking in listed areas
Where
Isle of Palms
Dogs
Allowed at all times with rules; off-leash April 1-Sept 14 5 a.m.-9 a.m. and Sept 15-Mar 31 4 p.m.-10 a.m.; leash otherwise

Tours

Charter Fishing and Eco Tours
Visitor bureau lists charter fishing and eco tours on the island. source
Hours
Not stated
Cost
omit
Where
Isle of Palms
Charleston Pirate Tours
History and ghost stories, treasure hunts and magic. source
Hours
Not stated
Cost
omit
Where
Isle of Palms
Kids
Not stated

Attractions

Front Beach District
Ocean Boulevard 10th to 14th Avenue with public restrooms, parking, restaurants and shops. source
Hours
n/a
Cost
omit
Where
Ocean Boulevard, 10th-14th Avenue
Wild Dunes Golf (Links and Harbor Courses)
36 holes by Tom Fazio; the Links Course runs along the Atlantic and the Harbor Course is par 70, 6,359 yards; open to guests and locals per the visitor bureau. source
Hours
Not stated
Cost
omit
Where
Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms
Surfing and Live Surf Cam
Visitor bureau lists ocean surfing and a live Surf Cam from the Carolina Coast Surf Club. source
Hours
n/a
Cost
omit
Where
Isle of Palms
Beach Reach Shuttle From Mount Pleasant
Free
Free weekend summer shuttle from Mount Pleasant Towne Centre to the 14th Avenue and Ocean Boulevard beach access. source
Hours
2025 season: Saturday first trip about 9:15 a.m., last from beach 5:30 p.m.; Sunday about 9:40 a.m. to 5:55 p.m.
Cost
Free
Where
Mount Pleasant Towne Centre stop #715, Market Center Blvd

Coming Up in and Near Isle of Palms

Through Nov 21Charleston Farmers Market (Marion Square, Saturdays)On nowCharleston · about 13 mi
Oct 30Halloween Night Climb (Palmetto Peaks Climbing, James Island County Park)Charleston · about 13 mi
Oct 31Charleston Southern football vs. Western Illinois (Homecoming)Charleston · about 13 mi
Nov 7Airing of the Quilts at MagnoliaCharleston · about 13 mi
Nov 7Charleston Southern football vs. UT Martin (Moncks Corner Appreciation Day)Charleston · about 13 mi
Nov 7Shake Your Trail Feathers (trail run and walk)Mount Pleasant · about 7 mi

30 more on the full events calendar.

Events within 15 miles, measured in a straight line to the centre of the event's town. Dates come from our checked events list; confirm with the organizer.

Near Isle of Palms

Around Isle of Palms within 25 miles

1Charles Pinckney National Historic SiteNational Historic Siteabout 5 mi
2Boone Hall Plantationplantation and gardensabout 5 mi
3Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical ParkNational Historical Parkabout 8 mi
4Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museummaritime museumabout 9 mi
5Credit One Stadiumstadiumabout 10 mi
6May Forest State ParkState Parkabout 10 mi
7South Carolina Aquariumaquariumabout 10 mi
8International African American Museumhistory museumabout 10 mi
9Charleston Gaillard Centerperforming arts centerabout 10 mi
10Gibbes Museum of Artart museumabout 11 mi

Straight-line distances between map points, not driving miles. Dots sit in their true compass direction; distance is stretched near the middle so close neighbors stay readable.

Nearby Towns With Their Own Guide

FAQ

When can dogs run off leash on the beach?

April 1 to September 14: 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. September 15 to March 31: 4 p.m. to 10 a.m. At other times dogs must be leashed. source

How much is beach parking?

Lots A and B on Pavilion Drive are $10 all day in March and October, $15 in April and September, and $15 weekdays or $25 weekends and holidays from May 1 to Labor Day; Ocean Boulevard meters are $3/hr; paid parking is enforced March 1 to October 31. source

Is there free parking?

Yes, on listed right-of-way stretches such as 3rd to 9th Avenues and Palm Boulevard 21st-40th and 42nd-53rd Avenues, following posted rules. source

Is alcohol or glass allowed on the beach?

No, glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. source

Is there a free shuttle?

The CARTA Beach Reach Shuttle is free and runs from Mount Pleasant Towne Centre on summer weekends (dates listed for 2025; confirm the current season). source

How many people live in Isle of Palms?

About 4,377, the U.S. Census Bureau’s estimate for July 1, 2024 (Census table).

What We Could Not Confirm

Not confirmed: we looked for these on official pages and did not find them. Check with the town or operator before you rely on them.

Isle of Palms incorporation year: not found on pages read.
County Park street address, hours, parking fee amounts and lifeguard dates: ccprc.com pages blocked; only seasonal lifeguards (visitor bureau) and dog/leash rules confirmed. An unofficial summary suggested weekend-only lifeguards 10-6 through September and an October standard fee of $10, which was not confirmed on a read page.
Town lifeguards on the municipal beach: beach rules page does not mention lifeguards.
Current-season Beach Reach Shuttle dates: page lists 2025 dates only.
Distance to downtown: visitor bureau pages conflict (12 vs 17 miles).
No visitor center on the island found on pages read.

Sources

Read on October 26, 2026. How we check: editorial standards; spot a mistake? Tell us.

Cite this page: It's South Carolina, “Isle of Palms, SC Travel Guide”, itssouthcarolina.com/destinations/lowcountry/isle-of-palms/ (updated 2026-10-26). By the It's South Carolina editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.

Isle of Palms, SC Travel Guide

Where to Park

What's On