Tools For the Perfect Beach Day

Do it right by outfitting yourself with the best beach essentials! 

Nothing celebrates summer quite like a day spent at the beach, but don't get caught unprepared for a long, hot day on the island. Sure, we all know to pack a towel and sunscreen, but what else do beach bums bring with to relax by the surf? Luckily for you, going to the beach is a huge part of life here on Isle of Palms and the locals have worked out the best ways to make the most of your fun in the sun. Here are some of Isle of Palms' best-kept secrets and absolute musts when planning a beach day to remember.

We all know that traveling with a little one can be difficult, but don't let that make your beach vacay any less relaxing. Located conveniently in Charleston, Baby's Away is your one-stop shop for all things fun. They have everything you can imagine and more. Planning a low-key day on the sand? Grab a bocce ball set, corn hole boards, boogie boards, or giant Jenga. Heading out on the boat? Pick up some lifejackets and extra towels. Hosting a girls weekend? Rent a beer pong table and a cooler big enough for everyone's favorite drinks

If your older crowd is more into lounging around, you'll want to look into IOP Beach Chair Rental Co. As the name suggests, you can rent beach chairs (and umbrellas!) and they will come to your IOP or Wild Dunes vacation destination and set it all up for you. However, don't let the name fool you. They offer much more than just beach chairs!

The daredevils in your family can ride the waves on body boards, surf boards, or an SUP. You can also opt to ride off into the sandy sunset on one of 4 sizes of bikes that they offer. Do you have a travel companion that requires an extra helping hand in terms of beach accessibility? IOP Beach Chair Rental Offers beach-friendly wheelchairs that sport additional storage pockets to make your vacation that much more stress-free.

IOP Beach Chair Co. is currently running summer deals on orders placed online. Book now to save on your beach rentals!

I can't tell you how many times I have flown to a warm vacation destination, only to realize that I didn't pack any sunscreen. Those bottles are huge and anything bigger than the 3oz carry-on limit just isn't worth the luggage space. Luckily, places like OPIE Groceries exist.

If there are grocery/convenience store items you know you would rather purchase once you settle in, order them ahead of time and they'll be ready for you when you arrive.

Save $20 on your first order at opiestores.com

Is your vacation rental a few blocks from the beach? That's why golf carts and other street-legal LSVs (Low-Speed Vehicles) are such a big part of the Isle of Palms culture. There's no need to worry about dragging your beach gear all of the way across the island when you can load up the cart and be on the sand in minutes. There is even golf cart-specific parking around the island so you don't have to fight for a beachside place to park!

Our friends at GolfCart.Fun specialize in luxury golf cart rentals and will pick up/drop off your cart directly to your vacation rental for maximum convenience. 

Island Realty guests can get $75 off of their golf cart rental by using promo code ISLANDREALTY when placing an order on their website.

*please note, GolfCart.Fun does not currently service Wild Dunes.

Want to get a workout in while still enjoying everything the beach has to offer? Rent an e-bike from local company, IOP e-Bike, and spend your day cruising along the waves.

These luxury e-Bikes offer electric assistance for a little help pedaling through sand, allowing everyone the opportunity to enjoy biking the beach no matter their athletic abilities. IOP e-Bike will deliver directly to your vacation rental and are based out of Isle of Palms (about a block down from our office!).

No matter how you decide to spend your day on the island, we are confident that the people of Isle of Palms will make it pretty special. We may be biased, but we're pretty sure they're the greatest people around!

Until next summer!