While it's beach season all year round here on Isle of Palms, the tourist season is just beginning! While you're planning your trip, it can be hard to figure out what's actually worth seeing and doing, and what's a tourist trap.
Thanks to our Preferred Vendor Program, we've narrowed down the best in the biz here in Charleston, so you can enjoy everything the Lowcountry has to offer through local businesses. Being a local family-owned business ourselves, we are huge fans of shopping and dining locally whenever possible. These businesses are ones that we have strong partnerships with and truly love, and we know you will too!
One of the most requested referrals we get from guests is fishing charters! There are quite a lot to choose from, but we think Adventure Outdoors is one of the best!
While Captain Fritz is a skilled angler and loves to share this experience with others, he is also an advocate for conservation; that's why you'll see a lot of catch-and-release on his charters (not required, but strongly encouraged! He provides everything you need for the perfect catch, all you need to bring are snacks, drinks, and a camera!
Based right here on Isle of Palms is Barrier Island Eco Tours, your local guide to adventures around the waters of Isle of Palms and excursions to Capers Island. Their trips are family-friendly and vary from Dolphin Sunset Tours to Crabbing and Shark Fishing. They'll even do beachside cookouts for you and your family/group!
No need to stuff the car full of games, beach towels, chairs, and umbrellas when you can have them delivered right to your vacation rental! Beach and Games To Go and their sister company Baby's Away Charleston are going to be your new go-to for your vacations to the Lowcountry. The selection they have is endless, but just a few of their offerings include cribs, high chairs, ping pong tables, corn hole sets, and a variety of beach chairs!
What started as a quaint shop and grocery on Sullivan's Island is now a frosé empire in the Charleston area! In 2020 the Co-Op opened its new location on Isle of Palms in the Harris Teeter shopping center and began catering with their frosé trailer. They're open 8 AM-8 PM daily (closes at 7 on Sundays) and while they are known for their beverages, their breakfast sandwiches and Tuesday Double-Doubles need to be on your list!
The Fractured Prune is well known in the Ocean City, MD area, but did you know you can get hot and freshly made-to-order donuts right over the Ben Sawyer Bridge in Mount Pleasant? Located on Ben Sawyer Blvd., you can get donuts like the Carnival (honey glaze + rainbow sprinkles,) Bacon Bomb (maple glaze + cinnamon sugar + bacon,) Death by Chocolate (chocolate glaze + chocolate sprinkles + Oreo cookie crumbs,) and custom orders!
Lugging beach chairs and umbrellas to the beach each morning is a hassle. Let someone else do the work for you! IOP Beach Chair Co. will set up resort-style beach chairs and umbrellas each morning at the beach access closest to your vacation rental and take them back in each evening. All you need to do is go down to the beach, sit back, and relax! It gets better--these items along with their bike rentals can be added to your Island Realty reservation! All you need to do is go to our Add-Ons section and fill out an order request form, or give our Front Desk team a call!
Lowcountry Boil, Frogmore Stew, whatever you call it--there's no doubt that it's an iconic dish in the Charleston area. A big pot full of fresh shrimp, andouille sausage, potatoes, and corn, boiled with a custom blend of spices. You can find it at a few spots around Charleston, but Lowcountry Boil Company will bring it straight to your door! They offer ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat boil buckets, as well as catering for larger groups! If some in your group aren't fond of seafood, they also have add-on barbecue options! They also cater to different dietary preferences like keto, pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan.
No matter where you go, tacos are quintessential beach food. At Mex1 over on Sullivan's Island, that's just what you'll find! Their menu is inspired by the Baja Peninsula with fresh salsas, sauces, and dressings made fresh daily, and items like Baja Fish tacos, Bangin' Shrimp tortas, and roasted street corn. If you find yourself out and about off of the island, you can also find them in West Ashley and in Park West!
Seeing the Charleston harbor by water is an experience you definitely won't want to miss. Sandlapper Water Tours is the perfect option! Captain Bryan Collins and Timothy Collins are natives of Charleston, and are excellent guides to tell you all about the Holy City! They have several tours to choose from, from Nature Tours to Sunset Cruises and even Ghost Tours! They also offer private charters which are great for families who want the boat to themselves or bachelorette weekends!
Take a break from sitting on the beach all day and get in the water! If racing through the wake on jet skis, wakeboarding, and parasailing sounds up your alley, Tidal Wave Water Sports is perfect for you! They're located at the Isle of Palms Marina on the northern end of the island, and even offer a shuttle to come and get you from your rental! This is a great option for families, couples, or any group looking to add a little adventure to their time on the island!
Vacation is a time to decompress and relax, and one way that our guests love to do this is with yoga! Vacation Yoga will send one of their instructors to your beach house and give you and your group a private session. Mats are provided so you don't need any equipment, and they'll even supply you with techniques to keep you practicing until your next lesson! If your home has a spacious pool deck or back yard, this is going to be perfect for you!
800.707.6421