Isle of Palms Beach County Park
A pristine beachfront park with family-friendly amenities, offering a perfect escape for a day of sun, sand, and coastal charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Easier parking & fewer crowds
Isle of Palms Beach County Park
Best Time
Easier parking & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pristine beachfront park with family-friendly amenities, offering a perfect escape for a day of sun, sand, and coastal charm.
"The beach is always clean and spotless. The lifeguards are super vigilant and conscientious."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Beat the crowds and secure a spot by arriving before 10 AM, especially on weekends.
💰 Consider a Gold Pass
If you plan multiple park visits, the Charleston County Parks Gold Pass offers great value.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pristine Beachfront
Isle of Palms County Park
Miles of clean, spotless sand perfect for a full day of sun, swimming, and relaxation.
Kid-Friendly Playground
Isle of Palms County Park
A fun playground area for children, making it an ideal spot for families.
+1
Sunset Views
Beachfront
Breathtaking coastal sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant colors.
Shark Tooth Hunting
Beach
Discover ancient shark teeth washed ashore, a thrilling find for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Parking
+1Safety First on the Sand
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Beat the crowds and secure a spot by arriving before 10 AM, especially on weekends.
💰 Consider a Gold Pass
If you plan multiple park visits, the Charleston County Parks Gold Pass offers great value.
⚡ Watch for Weather Alerts
Lightning can cause rapid evacuations and significant traffic delays. Stay informed.
🏖️ Rinse Off Post-Beach
Utilize the convenient outdoor showers and changing facilities to clean up.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Beat the crowds and secure a spot by arriving before 10 AM, especially on weekends.
💰 Consider a Gold Pass
If you plan multiple park visits, the Charleston County Parks Gold Pass offers great value.
⚡ Watch for Weather Alerts
Lightning can cause rapid evacuations and significant traffic delays. Stay informed.
🏖️ Rinse Off Post-Beach
Utilize the convenient outdoor showers and changing facilities to clean up.
🥪 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal with a view at the provided picnic tables and grills.
🐚 Beachcombing Treasures
Keep an eye out for unique seashells and shark teeth along the shoreline.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Isle of Palms County Park for its clean, spotless beach and vigilant lifeguards, making it ideal for long beach days. The park's amenities like restrooms, changing stalls, and a playground are highly appreciated by families. However, some find the parking fees steep and the exit traffic coordination during evacuations to be frustrating and time-consuming.
"My absolute “go to” for a 10 hour beach day! Yes, 10 hours. The beach is always clean and spotless. The lifeguards are super vigilant and conscientious of everything that’s going on. They are kind to everyone who comes by and very gracious. Thanks for one of the best days!"
Tiffanee Sundberg
"Great spot for a day at the beach. It's $15 for parking during the week and $25 on the weekend. Our airbnb had a pass which was great. There are nice bathrooms, changing stalls, and lots of places to rinse off. My kids liked the playground and I liked the lifeguards 10am -6pm!"
Katherine Barnard
"The Isle of Palms County Park is great! It's easy to get to and parking is pretty easy. I love that they have restrooms, bath houses, a playground and shaded areas. The ramp is convenient for the beach carts and if you need anything, the store has it all. Very kid friendly."
Heather Pool
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is easily accessible by car. From Charleston, take US-17 N to SC-703 E (Isle of Palms Connector). Follow signs for the County Park. Parking is available on-site.
Public transportation options directly to the park are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the Isle of Palms County Park.
The park offers ample parking, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving early is highly recommended.
Parking fees vary by season and day. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, it's $15 Monday-Friday and $25 on weekends and holidays. Outside of this period, fees may be lower.
Yes, some sources suggest checking live traffic camera feeds for the Isle of Palms area to gauge road conditions before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The park generally opens in the morning and closes in the evening. Lifeguards are on duty from 10 am to 6 pm during the peak season.
Tickets are typically purchased upon arrival for parking. Advance booking is not usually required, but arriving early is key for securing a spot.
Yes, the Charleston County Parks Gold Pass provides free access to all county parks, including Isle of Palms County Park, which can be a great deal for frequent visitors.
The parking fee grants access to the beach, playground, restrooms, changing facilities, and outdoor showers.
The primary fee is for parking. Pedestrian access to the beach is generally permitted, but parking is managed by the county park.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
The park offers restrooms, bathhouses, changing stalls, outdoor showers, a playground, picnic tables, grills, and a sand volleyball court. There's also a store for essentials. +1
Yes, lifeguards are present and vigilant from 10 am to 6 pm during the peak season to ensure beach safety.
The park provides ramps for beach carts, aiding in accessibility for those with mobility challenges.
While not explicitly stated for the county park itself, nearby rental services often offer beach chairs, umbrellas, and other equipment.
The sand is described as clean and spotless, ideal for a full day of beach activities. It can be quite windy at times.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The park has a store that offers essentials and snacks. For more substantial meals, consider nearby restaurants or packing a picnic.
Local favorites include Cafe Paname for breakfast sandwiches and coffee, and The Windjammer for live music and beachfront dining. +1
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks. Picnic tables and grills are available for use.
While the county park itself focuses on beach access and amenities, The Windjammer is a popular beachfront venue nearby offering food and entertainment.
Isle of Palms offers a range of dining, from casual beachside cafes to seafood restaurants, reflecting the coastal South Carolina cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon and early evening offer beautiful golden hour light for stunning sunset photos. Early mornings are also great for softer light and fewer people.
The expansive beach, the playground area, and the scenic ocean views are all great subjects. Don't miss the vibrant sunsets over the water. +1
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors' privacy and any posted park rules.
Your phone camera can capture beautiful beach landscapes, candid moments of family fun, and stunning sunset colors. +1
Drone usage is typically regulated and may require permits or be prohibited in county parks. Check with park authorities for specific rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 With restrooms, changing facilities, and outdoor showers, managing sandy kids is much easier. +1 The presence of lifeguards from 10 am to 6 pm provides an extra layer of security. 💰 Budget Travelers
Consider packing your own food and drinks to save on dining expenses, utilizing the park's picnic tables and grills. +1 If you plan on visiting multiple Charleston County Parks, investing in a Gold Pass can offer significant savings. Look for free entertainment like sunset watching 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Parking and Traffic
Many visitors emphasize arriving early, ideally before 10 AM, to secure a parking spot, as the lot can fill up quickly. +1 Some reviews highlight significant traffic delays, particularly during mass evacuations due to weather like lightning, with one visitor reporting a 1 hour and 40 minute exit time. For those planning multiple visits, the Charleston County Parks Gold Pass is a worthwhile investment, offering free access to all county parks.
Checking live traffic camera feeds before heading out can also help gauge road conditions and potential backups. While the park offers convenient beach access, managing expectations around parking and potential traffic is crucial for a smooth experience. Family Fun and Amenities
+1 Beyond the playground, the park provides essential facilities like restrooms, changing stalls, and outdoor showers, making it easy to clean up after a day at the beach. +1For families looking to spend an extended day, picnic tables and grills are available, allowing for enjoyable meals with a view.
+1 The lifeguards on duty from 10 am to 6 pm offer an added layer of safety and peace of mind for parents. Beach Safety and Weather Awareness
While the beach offers a beautiful escape, it's important to heed any warnings and follow evacuation procedures promptly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit