Everything you need for a relaxing beach vacation can be found at Wild Dunes Resort
Isle of Palms is 12 miles from Charleston, SC, but it feels like a different world. With a calm stretch of beach, a charming boardwalk, and winding bike trails, it gives off the feeling of relaxation and retreat. If you want to experience the tranquility of this island hamlet, the Wild Dunes Resort includes all the perks of island life plus the bonus of having everything you need right at your fingertips. With world-class dining, several lodging options, and plenty of activities to keep the kids busy, this sprawling resort is the perfect location for families looking for a low-key beach experience.
How to Plan Your Vacation at Wild Dunes Resort
The best part about Wild Dunes is that you can select lodging that’s perfect for your group. There are several options from which to choose. If you want an incredible concierge service, The Sweetgrass Inn, which opened in 2021, offers charming rooms, a spa, and several dining options. For larger groups and more space, check out the Residences at Sweetgrass. Located right above the Sweetgrass Plaza, you can choose from one-to three-room furnished rentals with all the hotel perks. For more privacy, Wild Dunes also offers private rental homes and condos.
Plan your itinerary
Whether you come to Wild Dunes during the off-season or the busy months, there’s plenty to keep you and your family entertained.
The Pools
Kids will want to spend plenty of time in the pools. The Sweetgrass Inn Pools (they’re heated!) are the shining gem in the middle of the resort, with a zero-entry pool, a splash pad, and poolside Island Adventure programs. There is even live music by the firepit in the summer.
The Grand Pavilion offers two stunning beachside pools; it’s where you’ll find Beachside Burgers. If you want to swim laps or join in on the family friendly games and recreation happening in the warmer months, head for The Swim Center Pool.
The Beach
Of course, the Isle of Palm beach is the main attraction for good reason. Wide, sandy beaches, mellow waves perfect for kids, and stunning beach homes to admire, it’ll be easy to spend all day enjoying the sun and surf. Wild Dunes has direct access to the beach, and they offer beach chair and umbrella rentals for guests.
The Activities
There is so much going on at Wild Dunes! It’ll be tricky to find time to fit in all the fun like Sunday S’mores, Bingo Night, Minute to Win It Game Night, Dive-In Movie Night, Family Movie Night, a sunset sandcastle contest, guided beach walks, poolside crafts, and much more. Many of these events are complimentary, but some require reservations and a fee, so be sure to check. If you want to see the resort by bike, there are rentals available daily, including tandem bikes for parents with little kids.
If you feel like relaxing, there are many places to do just that! Enjoy the swinging hammock chairs at Sweetgrass Inn, the Adirondack chairs in Sweetgrass Plaza, and the beach and pool loungers just about anywhere.
Decide where you want to eat
Charleston is known for its world-class cuisine, and Isle of Palms lives up to the hype. Guests of Wild Dunes have access to all the restaurants on the property; the biggest challenge might be deciding where to go.
For breakfast, if you’re in the mood for something quick, head to Woody’s, where they serve all-day breakfast (this spot has many options for kids!). Wander into Hudson’s Market & Cafe and order a gourmet breakfast sandwich while stocking up on beach snacks and drinks. For something upscale, head for Coastal Provisions, where you’ll choose between fluffy pancakes, french toast, omelets, and plenty of sides like biscuits, bacon, mixed berries, and breakfast potatoes.
At lunchtime, the world is your culinary oyster! The Laughing Gull, located by the Sweetgrass Inn pools, has Caribbean-inspired fare like the must-try conch fritters, the Cuban sandwich, and chicken tenders for little ones. Beachside Burgers (open in the warm months) offers delicious burgers, fries, soft pretzels, popcorn shrimp, and more. If you’re looking for tacos, stop by the vintage airstream trailer in Sweetgrass Plaza. Choose from Carne Asada, Chicken Tinga, or even vegetarian options.
When it comes time for dinner, save one night for Coastal Crust. Offering Neopolitan-style pies made with locally-sourced ingredients, this will be a family favorite. If fine dining is what you want, Coastal Provisions is ideal. Chef Thalita Smith consistently presents a delectable seasonal-infused menu of seafood and chops. Her salads are a must-try, as are the beef and seafood dishes.
Things to Do Nearby
If you want to venture out of Wild Dunes resort, there are plenty of places to go and things to do.
Head to Charleston
This cultural city is a mere 30-minute drive from the Isle of Palms. Spend some time admiring the historical homes, take a carriage ride, hit up the playground near Rainbow Row, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry!
Visit the South Carolina Aquarium or the Center for Birds of Prey
Whether they love sea life or the Lowcountry habitat, there's a place for your little naturalists. The Sea Turtle Care Center at the aquarium is especially fun for budding conservationists.
Check out Shem Creek & Boardwalk
This waterfront area in Mount Pleasant is over two thousand feet long and offers panoramic views of Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter, and Castle Pinckney.
