AC Repair in Isle of Palms, SC
There's nothing quite like a South Carolina summer. On any given day, you can enjoy lazy days near the beaches in Isle of Palms, memorable outdoor activities with friends, and barbeque sessions that last well into the evening. While South Carolina is known for its beauty, outdoor temperatures begin to heat up in April and, by July, can reach over 100 degrees.
Having a reliable air conditioning system to keep your family cool and comfortable in the summer is a must. Unfortunately, AC systems often require repairs when you need them most. In these situations, you need AC repair in Isle of Palms, SC, as soon as possible. That's where Atlantis Heating & Air swoops in to save the day with efficient service, effective repairs, and outstanding customer service.
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The Atlantis Heating & Air Difference
When your A/C unit needs repairing, you're probably looking for a trustworthy company with highly-trained technicians, cost-conscious pricing, and unwavering commitment to you - the client.
As a family-operated AC repair company in South Carolina, Atlantis Heating & Air provides that and more. Our highest priority is to do what's best for our customers - no questions asked. By giving our clients honest evaluations, reasonable pricing, and access to AC repair experts, we gain customers for life. We find this approach to be much better than recommending unneeded repairs, charging outrageous prices, or constantly trying to sell you a product.
At the end of the day, our goal is to make it simple to live comfortably in your home, no matter the month. To achieve that goal, we provide a wide range of A/C repair services:
- AC Refrigerant Leaks
- Failed Blower Motor Repair
- AC Capacitor Repair
- Clogged Drain Line Repair
- AC Compressor Repair
- Evaporator Coil Repair
- Condenser Coil Repair
- Clogged or Dirty AC Filter Replacement
- Much More
What are the Signs You Need AC Repair in Isle of Palms, SC?
While modern AC units are built to withstand outdoor conditions and years of everyday use, like most machines, repairs are needed eventually. According to a recent poll conducted by Consumer Affairs, air conditioning was reported as the second-most needed home repair in the U.S., just after plumbing systems.
To keep your AC system going strong and to minimize major repairs and HVAC replacements, keep an eye on the following signs.
Never-Ending AC Cycles
Your AC unit's cooling cycles should come on at relatively routine times. Sure, you can expect your A/C to kick on more often during the hottest months of the year. But if you find that it's cycling on and off all the time, something is probably wrong. If you hear frequent cycles, contact Atlantis today so our team can diagnose your problem. Routine maintenance or a simple AC tune-up may be all you need.
Water Leakage from AC Unit
When warm air blows over your unit's evaporator coil, it cools down and forms condensation, which you often see on the ground around your unit. This is normal. However, if your condensation drain line is damaged or broken, it can lead to serious water leaks that must be dealt with professionally.
Different Room Temperatures
To keep the temperatures in your home uniform, keep your vents open, unobstructed, and clean. Be forewarned, though - if the insulation in your home is poor or you have ductwork in disrepair, opening vents probably won't help much. If you find that to be the case, call Atlantis Heating & Air ASAP so we can get to the bottom of your temperature fluctuations.
Nasty Odors
If you smell unpleasant odors and think they are coming from your air conditioning unit, you need to fix the problem before it gets worse. Fortunately, a quick diagnostic test from a professional can tell if your air conditioning system requires a complete tune-up, replacement, and cleaning or if your cooling system needs a further technical overhaul. Ultraviolet (UV) lights can do wonders for killing microbial growth in air conditioning systems. Contact Atlantis Heating & Air to learn more about how our AC experts can eliminate gross odors with AC repair in Isle of Palms, SC.
Warm Air Instead of Cold
Have you ever been sitting in your living room during a hot South Carolina summer and noticed that your air return vents are pumping out hot air? You aren't alone - this is a common problem that Atlantis AC technicians have seen a thousand times. Despite our experience, we know that these instances can vary. Sometimes, an air filter chance is all you need to remediate the problem. In other circumstances, warm air blowing instead of cold can be a more complex issue. Our team of highly-trained technicians has the tools and repair strategies needed to diagnose and repair these problems, so a replacement isn't needed.
AC Unit Freezes Over
Have you noticed that your AC unit's evaporator coil is freezing over during the summer months? This is most often caused by low refrigerant levels, a clogged filter, or poor airflow. Regardless of the cause, Atlantis Heating & Air has a cost-conscious solution to frozen evaporator coils.
843-761-0111
Atlantis Heating & Air Pro Tip
If your evaporator coils aren't clean, take some time to clean them. Your coils won't transfer heat correctly when covered with debris and dirt. Dirty coils can lead to all kinds of problems, from higher energy consumption to the system overheating and the compressor failing.
Are These AC Unit Noises Normal?
It doesn't have to be the Halloween season to hear scary sounds coming out of your home's AC unit. If your air conditioner seems like it's possessed, chances are it's trying to tell you it might need maintenance or repair. Keep your ears perked for these common noises that may mean you need AC repair in Isle of Palms, SC.
Hissing Noises
If you hear a hissing noise coming from your AC unit, it's probably not coming from a rattlesnake. Most likely, the hissing you're hearing is due to an AC leak. Though usually small, AC leaks can lead to many costly problems that ultimately shorten the lifespan of your HVAC unit. If left unchecked, a leak may lead to full AC replacement. Rather than going that route, contact Atlantis Heating & Air for an inspection. Our technicians will thoroughly examine your unit to spot the leak and make the necessary repairs, so you can carry on with your life.
Banging Noises
Banging noises coming from your AC unit can be disconcerting. If you hear banging noises, you're right to be worried - these sounds can mean a few things, but the typical culprit is a loose spring, screw, or bolt within your unit. In other, more unfortunate circumstances, these noises could mean you're dealing with a broken AC blower or motor. To find out what's going on, it's always best to work with a certified, licensed professional specializing in air conditioning repair.
Screeching Noises
A screeching or high-pitched squealing noise can be downright scary in the middle of the night. If you hear this noise in the summertime, though, chances are it's your AC unit telling you the fan belt is worn out or loose. Alternatively, this noise could mean you have a broken or malfunctioning motor.
What Do I Do If My AC Unit Won't Turn On?
When hot summer temperatures are in full swing in South Carolina, most residents turn to their air conditioners to cool down and relax. Could you imagine coming home from a hard day's work in the middle of July, only to find your house is hotter inside than it is outside? When your A/C unit doesn't turn on, it's not just a matter of sweaty inconvenience - it's a matter of health and safety. Without reliable cool air to keep your house comfortable, you could suffer from heat exhaustion or worse.
So, if your air conditioning unit won't turn on, what should you do? Consider these helpful troubleshooting tricks:
- Ensure Your Thermostat is on Cool
- Check Your Circuit Breaker Panel for Trips
- Check Your System's Power Switches
- See if Air Filter is Dirty or Clogged
- Remove Any Dirt and Debris from Outside
Have you tried these tips and tricks with little or no success? It might be time to bring in the pros. contacting a trustworthy HVAC maintenance company like Atlantis for AC repair in Isle of Palms, SC, is often the quickest and most effective way to fix a malfunctioning air conditioner.
Try These Tips to Save Money and Energy
Summers in South Carolina mean rising temperatures and, by proxy, higher electric bills. If you're like us, you don't want to pay any more than you have to. Fortunately, at Atlantis Heating & Air, we know a thing or two about saving energy. Try these easy tips and tricks to save money and energy this summer.
Protect Your AC Unit
While your HVAC unit is built to be outside, constant sun exposure shortens its lifespan and ability to function optimally. Consider installing an awning or planting a tree or bush near your unit to give it shade from the sun. Keep in mind, though, that trees and bushes shed leaves and other debris that can clog your unit. Be sure to select a bush or tree that doesn't shed much.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats give you complete control of your HVAC unit, even when you're not home. This allows you to set a schedule that accounts for your usage habits to reduce unnecessary AC power use. For example, if the whole family is away from home all day, your thermostat raises the temperature and only starts to lower it when people get home. You can save a lot of energy by not turning on the AC power when no one is in the house.
Think About Replacing Your Unit
At first glance, the cost of replacing an A/C system might seem incredibly expensive. However, if your hardware is older, the ROI you get on a new unit may happen quicker than you think.
Schedule AppointmentHow Do I Know When It's Time to Replace My AC Unit?
Your HVAC system is one of the most expensive and important appliances in your house, so it's important to make sure it's running well. A poorly functioning HVAC system can drive up utility costs and cause you to spend money on repairs. While minor repairs are commonplace, it's wise to think about how often your unit needs repairs and how serious they seem. If AC repair in Isle of Palms, SC, has run its course, it may be time to replace your AC unit. Here are some of the most common signs that it's time to do so.
Your AC System Runs Longer and More Often
An old and exhausted system takes longer to reach the intended temperature because it has to work harder than a new system. After several years of use, coils and motors can no longer operate at full capacity. They often take longer to produce desired temperatures and may not be able to circulate air as efficiently or effectively. Occasionally, replacing individual parts may extend the system's life; however, if you notice difficulty reaching certain temperatures or an increase in running time, it may be time to replace the system entirely.
You're Paying for Frequent Repairs or Replacements
No matter the quality or how much you pay for your A/C unit, it's going to need maintenance and repairs from time to time. The parts that make up your HVAC system - coils, filters, motors, and fans - can be worn or damaged, which affects your AC system's efficiency. While this is natural for air conditioning systems, needing frequent repairs is a red flag. If repairs and replacements are becoming more frequent, it's often a sign that it would make more financial sense to replace the entire system.
Your AC Unit is Old
If your AC system is more than 10 years old, the technology is likely outdated and far less efficient than modern equipment. Also, after 10 years, most older equipment starts to lose efficiency and have performance issues. Even a well-maintained system wears out after a decade or more of ongoing use. If your system is just too old to perform like it used to, a newer, more efficient heating and cooling system makes sense to consider.
Atlantis Heating & Air Pro Tip
Regardless of the type or brand of cooling system you have in your home, proper maintenance is essential for operation and efficiency. Make sure each unit is cleaned regularly, worn parts are replaced, and your system is checked annually by a professional. This can greatly help save costs and extend the life of the system.
Free Consultation
Choose Atlantis Heating & Air for Unmatched AC Repair in Isle of Palms, SC
When you need a reliable AC repair company that offers high-quality service at a price you can afford, nobody is better suited to serve you than Atlantis Heating & Air. From simple A/C system checks to evaporator coil replacements and everything in between, your comfort and peace of mind is our bread and butter. No tricky fine print. No unnecessary services. Only exceptional A/C repair for your family. Contact our office today to learn more about our company or to schedule a quick and easy evaluation today.
843-761-0111
Latest News in Isle of Palms, SC
Isle of Palms Is The Coastal Getaway Of The Summer
Tara Massouleh McCayhttps://www.southernliving.com/travel/south-carolina/isle-of-palms-south-carolina
Isle of Palms is just 30 minutes from Charleston and may just be the area’s best kept secret.Swaths of uninterrupted white-sand beach, the smell of salty spray, warm sun on your skin, and the rustle of palm fronds gently blowing in the wind—these are the sights, sounds, and scents of Isle of Palms. The South Carolina barrier ...
Isle of Palms is just 30 minutes from Charleston and may just be the area’s best kept secret.
Swaths of uninterrupted white-sand beach, the smell of salty spray, warm sun on your skin, and the rustle of palm fronds gently blowing in the wind—these are the sights, sounds, and scents of Isle of Palms. The South Carolina barrier island packs a lot of relaxation and big fun into a vacation destination that's just seven miles long and one mile wide. The island's proximity to Charleston (just 18 miles by car), make it a preferred summer hideout for locals. An abundance of vacation rentals and the iconic Wild Dunes resort have been drawing visitors from across the country since the early 1970s.
With the deep blue Atlantic on one side and marshy creeks of the Intracoastal Waterway on the other, Isle of Palms offers the best of the Lowcountry and the beach in one stunning setting that's begging to be added to your vacation calendar.
Beach Activities
Six of Isle of Palms' seven total miles are occupied by public beaches, which means you'll have your pick of the litter when looking for a sandy spot where you can post up for the day—or the week. Once you've staked your claim, all the normal beach activities are yours for the choosing, from splashing around in the surprisingly calm seas to building the ultimate sandcastle or playing a game of beach volleyball.
For families, the Isle of Palms County Park, located in the middle of the island's coastline, is ideal. The public beach has lifeguards, outdoor showers, chair and umbrella rentals, restrooms, and even a playground for little ones retreat to once they tire of the sun and surf.
On The Water
Make the most of a visit to Isle of Palms by scheduling a charter to take you offshore. Get your sea legs at the Isle of Palms Marina, where you can easily rent a boat and spend a day exploring the island's bays and waterways. Fishing charters are plentiful and offer both reef fishing and Gulf Stream fishing.
Consider a twilight fishing charter for the family, when sea life such as sharks are more active. Create indelible memories as your party witnesses the sunset over the Atlantic while casting a line for those fish that inhabit the bottom of the depths. Try booking through Barrier Island Fishing Charters for just the right adventure.
Wildlife Viewing
For adventure enthusiasts or wildlife lovers, Barrier Island Eco Tours hosts a range of naturalist-guided tours that take visitors through winding salt marshes, tidal creeks, and the Intracoastal Waterway on the way to uninhabited Capers Island. Animals you might see along the way include loggerhead turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and every shape and size of coastal birds.
Nets and traps are employed as your excursion unfolds for close-up viewing of some of the marine life that thrives just below the surface. When you arrive on the island, exploring the astonishing natural landscape is top priority. Take a slow walk along “Boneyard Beach,”and wander on the interior trails that provide excellent viewing of untouched ponds, vibrant with the wildlife that call this sanctuary home.
A Culinary Sweet Spot
Breakfast is noteworthy at Sea Biscuit Café. The tiny beachside shack has been dishing out delicious morning meals since 1968. While they offer all the classics, the daily specials are where the magic happens. Past offerings have included chocolate banana challah French toast, lemon lavender pancakes, and tomato pie.
When you need a mid-day refuel for the whole family, Coconut Joe's is the obvious choice. Located on Isle of Palms' main drag, you won't have to venture far to get fresh seafood and impeccable vibes. The open-air covered deck is the ideal spot for munching on the restaurant's namesake shrimp, while rocking sandy toes and sun-bleached hair. When happy hour hits, venture to the rooftop bar for a frozen cocktail or painkiller. Nothing will put you on island time faster.
By the time you're finally ready to come in from the sun and go out to dinner, Isle of Palms will be waiting with plenty of options. The Boathouse and Acme Lowcountry Kitchen are island staples that have stood the test of time thanks to excellent quality food and good old-fashioned Southern hospitality. For a special night out, try Coda del Pesce, a fine dining restaurant that specializes in Italian with lots of influence (and fresh catch) from the nearby seas.
All trips to Isle of Palms must include at least one visit to The Windjammer at Front Beach. The legendary local music venue is known for its incredible live shows, stellar views of the water, cold drinks, and unbeatable fried pickles.
Your Dream Accommodations
The obvious choice for places to stay in Isle of Palms is Wild Dunes Resort, a 1,600-acre family-friendly resort that offers everything from rooms and suites at two inns, to private beach condos and home rentals. In addition to a more-than-comfortable stay, the resort also features several resort-style pools, a spa, and two championship golf courses.
If you're hoping for a cozier stay, the newly renovated Palms Oceanfront Hotel consists of 68 modern rooms with gorgeous views of the sparkling Atlantic. There are also plenty of rentals through Airbnb and VRBO for everything from multifamily waterfront homes to one-bedroom condos.
Whether you book for a long weekend or stay for an entire week, the memories and magic of Isle of Palms will stay with you for months and years to come—maybe even until you have a chance to make another trip back!
Isle of Palms: Things to Do and See at This Coastal SC Beach
Andrea Beamhttps://kiddingaroundgreenville.com/isle-of-palms-charleston
If you are planning a family vacation to the SC coast, a stellar beach to visit is Isle of Palms. Things to do at IOP near Charleston are endless. Isle of Palms is convenient, family-friendly, and fun. You can even make a fun day trip out of it! She shares all the information that you need, including things to do, where to eat, and how much parking costs if you’re just planning a quick day trip at this local South Carolina beach. About Isle of PalmsRecently my family traveled to Charleston to ...
If you are planning a family vacation to the SC coast, a stellar beach to visit is Isle of Palms. Things to do at IOP near Charleston are endless. Isle of Palms is convenient, family-friendly, and fun. You can even make a fun day trip out of it! She shares all the information that you need, including things to do, where to eat, and how much parking costs if you’re just planning a quick day trip at this local South Carolina beach.
About Isle of Palms
Recently my family traveled to Charleston to spend the day at Isle of Palms. Yes, you read that right – we went for the day. Isle of Palms is completely doable as a day trip. It’s perfect if you’re like me and live on a budget but long to breathe in the salt air.
Let me tell you, I was so impressed. There’s a quaint beachfront road lined with restaurants and shops. The shops are your typical beach shops filled with t-shirts, trinkets, and every size/shape boogie board to hit the market. You know, the kind of shops full of souvenirs found only on the coast.
There are also plenty of unique places to eat, a wonderful and clean beach, and fun shops to explore!
Isle of Palms: Things to Do With Your Family
One of the best things to do while in town is to head to the beach. The beach at IOP is flat, and there is plenty of room, even during high tide. The boys had a great time with boogie and skimboards. You can also spend the day looking for seashells, building sandcastles, or just enjoying the sounds of the Atlantic Ocean. You can occasionally catch live music right by the dunes!
South Carolina’s crazy weather pattern has created a more hazardous environment for swimmers, so always be cautious of rip tides. In the midst of your family fun, make sure to keep an eye on the colored flag at the lifeguard stand.
Big Family Day Trip Tip: Isle of Palms County Park
If you park at Isle of Palms County Park, you’ll have restrooms, outdoor showers, and changing rooms available to you. This is a big deal when you’ll have 3 hour plus ride back home!
The beach can get pretty crowded, especially on Saturday, so plan to get there early in the day if you want a large space on the beach to set up camp. If you are in need of chair and umbrella rentals, there is a company for that! You can rent surfboards, bikes, chairs, and umbrellas from IOP Beach Chair Co. They even rent accessible beach wheelchairs.
You’ll also find rentals for chairs, umbrellas and boogie boards available at a cart by the restrooms at Isle of Palms County Park.
Bonus tip: There is a Harris Teeter across the street from Isle of Palms park. It’s a good place to stop before the beach to load up on snacks, fruit, or even some pre-made sandwiches. You’ll save some money here over restaurants and beach carts!
There’s certainly no shortage of food choices. Whether you enjoy live music and seafood, or you’re looking for some good ol’ American burgers and fries, you will find a delicious meal at Isle of Palms. One of the most popular places is Acme Lowcountry Kitchen. They have mostly seafood options and use fresh and local ingredients, which would make for a great dinner after a long day on the beach. They also have a pretty decent kids’ menu, which is always a plus.
If you are looking for something delicious right off Ocean Boulevard, then Smugglers Island Eats and Raw Bar will hit the spot. They pride themselves on a family-friendly atmosphere with a casual vibe. Smugglers, of course, offers seafood like fried shrimp baskets but also has smash burgers and vegetarian options if you want something else. Their frozen daiquiris are delicious by the way!
One of the most popular beach restaurants in IOP is Coconut Joe’s Beach Grill. They have lots of seafood dishes like crabcakes and shrimp and grits that are delicious, but they also have burgers and sandwiches. The restaurant is located by the ocean on Ocean Boulevard and offers a rooftop bar for patrons to enjoy a delicious cocktail while taking in the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
If you are a nature lover, then going on an ecology tour of the waterways and marshes near IOP would be a perfect addition to your trip. Barrier Island Eco Tours has public tours that are guided by a naturalist and include boat excursions, dolphin tours, an exploration of Capers Island, and more. You are certain to see lots of sealife on your excursion, and it is a wonderful way to learn more about the SC coast while also having a blast. The company offers public trips, private charters, school trips, and special events throughout the year.
Isle of Palms Beach Parking
The beachfront Isle of Palms County Park offers great parking, snack bars, restrooms, and beach access. Admission prices vary depending on the season but car prices do not exceed $15 during the week, and $20 on Saturday. If Saturday is your only option for travel, you’ll want to get an early start. The County Park lot will fill up, I promise. I’m speaking from experience.
Parking on the street is an option, but the spaces are limited on the weekends. There are electronic pay-boxes along the sidewalk, so make sure to have a card handy (it’s inexpensive). We lucked out with a spot on the street directly in front of beach access with a clean bathhouse.
Between the County Park and plenty of public beach access, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Isle of Palms. Whether you are renting a home, having a day trip, staying at Wild Dunes Resort, or vacationing at one of the few hotels in town, you are certain to find your Isle of Palms vacation worthwhile.
Visit the Isle of Palms website for more information on where to eat, what to do, and where to stay if you need more than a day trip.
Find a Place to Stay in Isle of Palms
Use the map below to find the perfect place to stay in Isle of Palms. Kidding Around earns when you book through these links through an affiliate relationship with Stay 22.
What’s your favorite thing to do when visiting the Isle of Palms?
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Isle of Palms continuing work on beach repairs after Idalia
Skyler Hillhttps://www.live5news.com/2023/09/01/isle-palms-begins-work-beach-repairs/
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - Isle of Palms city crews are working diligently to restore the beach after it experienced heavy erosion during Tropical Storm Idalia.The loss of tons of sand to erosion means the drop off between the access points and the beaches can reach several feet, making it dangerous for people to reach the beach from these points.Until the restoration of the beach is completed, Public Beach Access 1B, 2A, and 3A will be closed until further notice.“The cleanup will happen over the next couple of ...
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - Isle of Palms city crews are working diligently to restore the beach after it experienced heavy erosion during Tropical Storm Idalia.
The loss of tons of sand to erosion means the drop off between the access points and the beaches can reach several feet, making it dangerous for people to reach the beach from these points.
Until the restoration of the beach is completed, Public Beach Access 1B, 2A, and 3A will be closed until further notice.
“The cleanup will happen over the next couple of days and then next week we’ll start doing scrapping at low tide to bring some of the sand back up,” Isle of Palms Mayor Phillip Pounds said. “And build a dune in front of these people’s houses to protect them for the rest of the hurricane season.”
Not only is it hurricane season, but it’s also sea turtle nesting season. Inclement weather can leave turtles exposed, but Pounds said the city is doing all it can to keep the turtles protected.
“You’re not in the dunes and hopefully not disturbing the nest,” Pounds said. “Our turtle team does a great as far as marking the nest or moving them when they feel like they’re in harm’s way. So, it’s very coordinated with our local turtle team as well as the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to make sure they’re aware of what’s going, you know?”
Despite the city not receiving federal funding, city leaders have managed to receive an emergency permit from the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management to begin restoration work Tuesday.
Pounds stresses the importance of maintaining safety before heading into Labor Day weekend.
“So, we just ask folks to be respectful of the workers that’ll be coming in and out of here. There’s going to be trucks and bulldozers and all kind of stuff going on. So just watch out and be careful,” Pounds says. “Our guys will be out here next week with the bulldozers when most of our summer crowd is gone. So, the timing is decent from that standpoint, we just need to get protection on the beach for these folk’s home as soon as we can.”
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Two East Cooper islands, Sullivan’s and Isle of Palms, offer attractive choices
David Sladehttps://www.postandcourier.com/mycharleston/two-east-cooper-islands-sullivans-and-isle-of-palms-offer-attractive-choices/article_eb068e2e-e856-11ed-b850-c71231e6be16.html
The East Cooper barrier islands of Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island both sport beautiful beaches, popular restaurants, vacation rentals and some of the most expensive real estate in the Charleston area, but they are different in some important ways.Sullivan’s used to be the only island with a direct connection to mainland Mount Pleasant, and has a long military history that can be seen in the 20th Century ...
The East Cooper barrier islands of Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island both sport beautiful beaches, popular restaurants, vacation rentals and some of the most expensive real estate in the Charleston area, but they are different in some important ways.
Sullivan’s used to be the only island with a direct connection to mainland Mount Pleasant, and has a long military history that can be seen in the 20th Century structures that remain, and at historic Fort Moultrie. A trolley once ran to the island, explaining why the streets leading to the 2.5 miles of beach there are still called “stations.”
It’s a mostly residential island with a small-but-vibrant commercial strip, no resorts, no beach facilities (such as bathrooms) and no lifeguards. As a result, the beaches there tend to be less crowded, but not the restaurants.
Isle of Palms, larger with 7 miles of beach, was directly connected to the mainland after Hurricane Hugo, making it the closest beach for most residents of Mount Pleasant. The island is full of vacation rental homes, there’s a county park with a lifeguarded beach, showers and bathrooms are just steps from the sand, as are restaurants, and the Wild Dunes Resort has two public golf courses.
Separating the two islands is Breach Inlet, a scenic spot to walk or fish on the Isle of Palms side, but stay out of the ocean near the inlet due to powerful tidal currents. There are small, free parking lots on both sides of the bridge there.
Both islands prohibit smoking and vaping, alcohol, single-use plastic bags, plastic straws, and foam containers on the beach.
Explore
A day at the beach can mean different things for different people; a history tour of Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s, a round of golf at Wild Dunes on Isle of Palms, relaxing on the sand, playing tennis, a casual lunch or a fancy dinner, and maybe some live music.
For families with children, the availability of a lifeguard (daily from May 27 to mid-August), and places to change clothes and use a bathroom, tip the scales in favor of Isle of Palms at or near the county park (14th Avenue, with entrance fee). Both islands have playgrounds and free first-come tennis courts. Isle of Palms also has a dog park (29th Avenue).
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:
On the ocean side of Palm Boulevard up to 40th Avenue, and on both sides from 40th to 57th, vehicles must be at least four feet from the pavement. Right-of-way parking is less available on the west end of the island, but there is a small (and often full) parking lot at Breach Inlet off Palm Boulevard.
Those planning to take a canine companion to the beach should be aware that the islands have different rules. They are:
May 1 to Sept. 30, dogs can be off leash on the beach from 5 to 10 a.m., and on leash from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. (No dogs on the beach between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m). From Oct. 1 to April 30 dogs can be off leash from 5 a.m. to noon and on leash all other times.
Shopping
Shopping is limited on both islands, and particularly on Sullivan’s. Both are a short drive from many shopping centers and shops in Mount Pleasant.
Of the two barrier islands, Isle of Palms has a larger commercial district, just off the Isle of Palms Connector and Palm Boulevard, including a grocery store and a pharmacy. Shops on Sullivan’s can be found along Middle Street.
There’s also a farmers market on Isle of Palms from 4 to 7 p.m. on June 15, July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 21, and Oct. 21, at 24 28th Ave.
Eat and drink
On Sullivan’s, Dunleavy’s Pub has marked the entrance to the small business strip for more than 30 years (2213 Middle St.). The Irish bar has a small but reasonably-priced menu. Steps away are High Thyme Cuisine (dinner only), Poe’s Tavern (known for burgers), The Longboard (oysters, brunch), Home Team BBQ, Mex 1 Coastal Cantina (tequila!) and Republic Ice Cream.
For a reasonably-priced sandwich or Frosé any time of day, check out the Co-Op (2019 Middle St.), just west of the main business cluster. On the high end, locals like The Obstinate Daughter (2063 Middle St.) Reservations are recommended.
On IOP, there are beach-facing restaurants in the commercial area and more a short walk away, ranging from casual bar burger-and-wings offerings (The Windjammer) and brunch (Sea Biscuit Cafe, cash only) to high-end better-have-a-reservation Coda Del Pesce.
There’s also Papi’s Taqueria, Smuggler’s Island Eats and Rum Shack, Coconut Joe’s Beach Grill (beach views), The Dinghy, and Acme Lowcountry Kitchen. Across Palm Boulevard next to the Harris Teeter grocery store is The Refuge. On the marsh side of the island are two waterfront restaurants: Islander 71 at the marina (41st Avenue) and The Boathouse at Breach Inlet, which has a roof deck bar for sunset views.
Books can transport you to new worlds, and move you across time and reality. They also make great photography subjects.
This week’s winner is Paul Stone with a photo of a book sculpture in Bethany Cemetery. The honorable mentions are Patti Bagg with an image of Bart’s Books in Ojai, California, and Ken Schaub with a snapshot of a jazz café in Portugal.
Next week’s topic is bird life, which is abundant here in Charleston.
The rules: Send your best photo to yourphotos@postandcourier.com by noon Thursday. Include your name, town and where the photo was taken. Add your name and the topic to the file. If you want your photo to be eligible to run in the newspaper, it must be at least 1,500 pixels, not have a commercial watermark and not have been published in another publication.
On Fridays, we first announce the editors’ pick of the week at postandcourier.com/yourphotos and declare a topic for the next week. On Saturdays, we publish an online gallery.
On Sunday, the photo pick of the week will appear in this section, Life.
All photos submitted will be considered for publication in The Post and Courier’s yearly magazine, My Charleston. Some images may be selected for other editorial or noncommercial use.
We reserve the right to not publish any photo for any reason.
Get a weekly list of tips on pop-ups, last minute tickets and little-known experiences hand-selected by our newsroom in your inbox each Thursday.
Hurricane Idalia’s conditions on Isle of Palms
WCBD News 2https://www.counton2.com/video/hurricane-idalias-conditions-on-isle-of-palms/8953812/
The WOW: Week 6 The Pinewood Prep Panthers beat the defending state champs, Pee Dee Academy , 63-14 last Friday night. That earned the team the News 2 Sports WOW award. News 2 Sports Director Mark Morgan spoke to Corley Watson, Terrance Stallworth, and head coach Devonte Holloman. State Rep. Bustos requests inquiry into CCSD board State Representative Joseph Bustos has penned a letter to Governor Henry McMaster requesting the state Inspector General investigate the Charleston County School Board. Ma...
The WOW: Week 6
The Pinewood Prep Panthers beat the defending state champs, Pee Dee Academy , 63-14 last Friday night. That earned the team the News 2 Sports WOW award. News 2 Sports Director Mark Morgan spoke to Corley Watson, Terrance Stallworth, and head coach Devonte Holloman.
State Rep. Bustos requests inquiry into CCSD board
State Representative Joseph Bustos has penned a letter to Governor Henry McMaster requesting the state Inspector General investigate the Charleston County School Board.
Man arrested after crashing into Moncks Corner home
A man was arrested early Tuesday morning after he allegedly crashed into a woman’s Moncks Corner home repeatedly.
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