Carriage Tours In Isle of Palms, SC

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) — For many drivers on the Isle of Palms, getting on and off the island can mean sitting in traffic for extended periods of time — especially during beach season, holidays, and busy afternoons.

Now, city leaders are looking to artificial intelligence as a possible solution.

The Isle of Palms is planning to install an AI-controlled traffic signal at the intersection of Palm Boulevard and the Isle of Palms Connector. Officials say the technology could help improve traffic flow by adjusting signals based on real-time conditions.

Resident Ethan said traffic backups have become a growing frustration.

“I think it’s definitely bad. I mean, sometimes it can be an hour wait just to get off the island,” Ethan said. He said the increase in visitors and traffic has forced residents to plan their schedules around congestion.

“It’s definitely gotten worse over the years. More people are in town. Being a resident out here, you definitely have to plan your days around staying on the island and getting off the island,” Ethan said.

Unlike a traditional traffic signal that follows a set timing pattern, city leaders say the AI system can respond to traffic as it happens.

Sean Kuester, the Isle of Palms deputy city administrator, said the technology is designed to detect when vehicles begin backing up and adjust accordingly.

“So really, it’s just the way to think about it is it’s dynamic. It detects things as they happen,” Kuester said.

Kuester said the system can identify where vehicles are accumulating and prioritize moving traffic through the intersection.

“Vehicles arrive at the intersection, they start accumulating tokens... and then the system goes into a flushing protocol and it clears out the traffic,” Kuester said.

City leaders say the goal is not to eliminate traffic completely, especially during major holidays or peak tourism days, but to make everyday congestion move more efficiently.

The city expects to have the AI-powered traffic signal installed by March 2027, ahead of the next busy tourism season.

Officials say if the technology performs as expected, it could lead to similar traffic solutions being considered in other areas of the island.

There’s a reason Isle of Palms, South Carolina, has long been a favorite beach escape for Charleston locals.

The barrier island has seven miles of pristine shoreline, along with waterfront restaurants, plenty of ways to get out on the water, and a laid-back, low-key atmosphere that feels removed from the city—even though downtown Charleston is just a short 30-minute drive away. And with such a variety of things to see and do here both on and out of the water, Isle of Palms has earned the nickname the “Coney Island of the South.”

Summer is naturally a popular time to visit Isle of Palms. But Fora travel advisor Caroline Bernthal makes a strong case for the shoulder seasons. “This area is really stunning in the shoulder seasons—spring and fall,” she says. “The temperatures are still warm, there are no crowds, and it’s a really peaceful getaway.” With all this in mind, here’s where to stay, eat, and spend your time on Isle of Palms.

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Isle of Palms, South Carolina.

Best Things to Do

There’s no shortage of ways to trade the sand for the sea. Rent a kayak or paddleboard, take a surf lesson with locally owned IOP Surf Lessons, or head out on an eco-tour through the area’s tidal creeks and salt marshes. Sunset is an especially good time to hit the water, when dolphin-spotting cruises—several companies, including Barrier Island Eco Tours, offer these excursions—pair wildlife watching with golden-hour views. For groups, Bernthal recommends Carolina Cabana Cruises, which offers private two-hour outings around the Charleston Harbor with music, floats, and even karaoke.

With a wide stretch of sandy shoreline, Isle of Palms County Park has plenty of room to spread out for a day at the beach. Boardwalks and accessible ramps make it easier to get to the sand, while amenities include a playground, a beach volleyball court, restrooms, and seasonal lifeguards. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent, so you can show up without having to haul too much gear.

When you need a break from the beach—or simply feel like strolling—head to the Front Beach Commercial District, Isle of Palms’ compact downtown area, located just steps from the sand. Centered along Ocean Boulevard, it’s home to casual restaurants and bars, surf shops, and beachy boutiques, making it an easy place to grab a bite, browse the shops, and settle in for a drink after a day in the sun.

For a change of scenery, head to neighboring Sullivan’s Island, situated just a short drive from Isle of Palms. Start at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historic Park, which covers more than 250 years of American coastal defense before heading to the striking black-and-white Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse. From there, grab lunch or a drink along Middle Street before making your way back.

Where to Eat and Drink

A favorite for Lowcountry classics, Acme Lowcountry Kitchen serves breakfast, brunch, and dinner in a casual setting near the beach. Seafood is the star of the show here—especially the shrimp and grits and crab cakes, which Bernthal says are a must-order.

Come to Coconut Joe’s Beach Grill for the ocean views, and stay for the seafood—the coconut shrimp and fish tacos are two favorites—and what Bernthal calls a “laid-back, kids-and-margaritas kind of place.” Upstairs, Tequila Ted’s Rooftop Bar overlooks the Atlantic, and hosts live music Wednesday through Sunday in season.

Set inside a cottage, Sea Biscuit Cafe has been an Isle of Palms institution since 1986. Open for breakfast and lunch, the eatery sticks largely to the classics—think omelets, pancakes, eggs Benedict, and plenty of biscuits, best enjoyed smothered in gravy, of course. Just bring cash and consider getting there early, as the small dining room can fill up quickly.

The Windjammer is part restaurant, part legendary live-music venue, with a buzzy beachfront setting that keeps things lively well beyond dinner. Sure, there’s seafood, but the menu also covers hearty sandwiches, juicy burgers, wings, and other comfort classics.

Vintage rowboats hang from the ceiling at this cozy, family-owned seafood spot overlooking Breach Inlet. Southern staples include fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese, peel-and-eat shrimp, spicy shrimp and grits, and crab cakes. And don’t sleep on the sides: The self-proclaimed “Best-Ever” collard greens are worthy of its confident name.

Where to Stay

For Bernthal, there’s one clear choice when it comes to staying on Isle of Palms: Wild Dunes Resort. The sprawling oceanfront property has two miles of beach, two primary inns, as well as pools, tennis, pickleball, and golf, making it an easy choice for couples and families alike. Accommodations range from classic hotel rooms and suites at the Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn to spacious condos and vacation homes, so there’s plenty of flexibility depending on how—and with whom—you’re traveling.

This oceanfront oasis pairs contemporary, coastal-chic rooms with direct beach access, and select accommodations feature private balconies and ocean views. There’s also a rooftop pool and sun deck for when you’d rather lounge closer to your room. While you won’t find a restaurant or bar on-site, complimentary breakfast is included.

This 51-key boutique retreat boasts a convenient beachfront location in the heart of Isle of Palms. Rooms have a breezy coastal look and feel, and some come with ocean views and semi-private balconies. Direct beach access makes it easy to get your toes in the sand, while a sun deck with a small wading pool offers another spot to cool off.

The Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island are two of Charleston's most popular beaches, where countless locals and visitors alike visit year-round for pristine shores, great food and good times.

There are plenty of vacation rentals on the family-oriented Isle of Palms. Just across Breach Inlet is the quieter Sullivan's Island. Both islands offer public access to several miles of beaches, unique restaurants and a seaside charm.

Explore

Sullivan's Island is mostly residential, without resorts, public beach facilities or lifeguards. Beaches tend to be less crowded here, with nature-centric and history-focused attractions.

Around the island, Civil War-era relics and batteries can still be spotted. Each year, the island gathers to commemorate Carolina Day, or the Battle of Sullivan's Island. The June celebration includes musket and cannon firings and reenactments.

For the history buff, take a tour of Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island, or take a peak at the Charleston Light, a unique triangular lighthouse constructed on the island in 1962, and one of the last major lighthouses to be built in the United States.

Check out the island's maritime forest by using the Sullivan's Island Nature Trail. Explore the two-mile trail that winds through the young forest next to the beachfront.

Visit the farmers market on the Isle of Palms every third Thursday from June to October, at 24 28th Ave. from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Play pickleball or tennis on the courts at Stith Park on Sullivan's Island or on the Isle of Palms' public courts near the Recreation Center on 28th Avenue. Play a round of golf at the Wild Dunes resort on the Isle of Palms.

Tag along on one of the Isle of Palms’ Recreation Department’s monthly “Sea Stroll and Learn” talks, where local guides take visitors on early-morning beach walks while guides share information on a variety of topics, like marine life, sea turtles and birds.

The Windjammer is a popular concert venue on Front Beach at the Isle of Palms, with drinks, food and dancing. Check out their schedule for concerts held on the outdoor sunset stage or indoors, plus other events, online.

And of course, no day on either island is complete without a visit to the beach.

The Isle of Palms County Park has bathrooms, changing rooms, playgrounds and lifeguards (on duty from May 27 to mid-August). Beach chairs, boogie boards and umbrellas are available for rent. The park is a popular destination in the summertime, so plan to get there early if driving to the beach. There is a $15 entrance fee to the park during the week and a $25 fee on the weekends and holidays.

During beach season, expect heavy traffic to and from the islands and pay attention to parking rules, which tend to be strictly enforced. The parking rules are:

Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island are sites for nesting sea turtles. The turtles crawl out of the ocean and lay eggs, hundreds at a time, in the sand and dunes.

Breach Inlet separates the two islands. The inlet is a favorite spot to take a stroll, walk dogs and fish on the Isle of Palms.

Swimming in the ocean near Breach Inlet is dangerous, and illegal, due to the powerful tidal currents in the waters there. There are small, free parking lots on both sides of the bridge that connects Jasper and Palm boulevards.

Smoking and vaping are not allowed on Sullivan's Island or Isle of Palms beaches. Both islands have banned the use of single-use plastic bags, plastic straws and foam containers on the beaches.

Dogs are permitted on both Isle of Palms and Sullivan's, but before taking your canine companion to the beach, be aware that the islands have different rules.

On Sullivan's Island, annual dog licenses are required, and can be purchased at Town Hall (proof of rabies vaccination required). They cost $25 for residents and $50 for non-residents.

From May 1 to Sept. 30, dogs can be off-leash on the beach from 5-10 a.m. and on-leash from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. Dogs are not allowed on Sullivan's from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

From Oct. 1 to April 30, dogs can be off-leash from 5 a.m.-noon and on-leash all other times.

On the Isle of Palms, dogs can be off-leash on the beach from April 1 to Sept. 14 from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., and from Sept. 15 to March 31 from 4 p.m. to 10 a.m.

All other times, dogs must be leashed, have an ID tag and be vaccinated against rabies. Dog permits aren't required but are free and can help reunite lost dogs with owners.

Eat and drink like a local

Both islands offer a variety of restaurants, from casual, cash-only cafés to upscale dining experiences.

On Sullivan's Island, Dunleavy's Pub anchors the small business strip on the island. The Irish bar offers a small but reasonably priced menu featuring classic pub fare.

Grab a burger at Poe's Tavern, named for famous author and poet Edgar Allan Poe, who spent a year on Sullivan's Island.

Fresh seafood won't be hard to find on these islands.

Try out Acme Lowcountry Kitchen, Islander 71 or The Boathouse on the Isle of Palms. The Longboard and Sullivan’s Island Fish Camp on Sullivan's Island serve up plates of fresh fish and shellfish daily.

Plenty of dinner options can be found in Home Team BBQ, Mex 1 Coastal Cantina or High Thyme Cuisine. For dessert, be sure to grab a cone at Republic Ice Cream or try the house-made gelato at Beardcat's Sweet Shop, a shop adjoining the Obstinate Daughter on Middle Street.

Check out the Co-Op for their famous Frosé. Or for a higher-end dining experience, make a reservation at eclectic The Obstinate Daughter, a local favorite.

Grab breakfast at the quaint, cash-only Sea Biscuit Café, or cap off your evening with a reservation at the upscale Coda Del Pesce for Italian cuisine.

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCIV) — Isle of Palms leaders are again weighing new rules aimed at curbing residential light pollution, a proposal that city staff said has cycled through multiple meetings as officials work to refine the language.

The Isle of Palms Planning Commission discussed the ordinance at its meeting Wednesday. City staff said it was either the third or fourth time the proposal has come before the commission, after going back and forth among the planning commission, City Council and the Environmental Advisory Committee.

Planning Commission Chairman Ron Denton said the effort is focused on preventing outdoor lighting from becoming a nuisance to neighbors. “We’re trying to keep light levels from getting crazy and trying to prevent neighbors from irritating their other neighbors,” Denton said.

Under the most recent version of the proposed ordinance, homeowners on Isle of Palms could be required to make changes intended to reduce light pollution. Denton said the approach is broader than earlier drafts but still designed to meet the community’s goals. “I think the ordinances that we’ve worked on so far have been a little bit more general in nature, but we’ll achieve the goals that everybody is trying to have accomplished, get accomplished,” he said.

The ordinance would require measures such as shielding, including hooded lights similar to street lamps closer to the beach. “The street lamps do have shields that prevent the light from shining towards the ocean,” Denton said.

It also would set limits on brightness and color temperature and require lights to be turned off when they are not needed. “We try to find ways to prevent neighbors from illuminating adjacent property owners' properties, as well as, the marshes and beaches and boardwalks,” Denton said.

In addition, the ordinance would update existing streetlight rules by removing a reference to low-pressure sodium bulbs.

City leaders say the overall goals include reducing light pollution, preserving neighborhood character, protecting wildlife and natural habitats — including sea turtles coming ashore to nest — and limiting light that bothers nearby residents.

Denton said the ordinance is meant to address challenges in a community with many part-time residences. “It’s unfortunate that we have to ordinance it, but when we live in a community of part-time residences, you have to consider that not everybody is going to pay attention to the neighborliness of the neighbors,” he said.

The ordinance has already passed first reading at City Council, with a second reading scheduled for later this month. The meeting date and agenda were not yet available on the city’s website.