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Visitor Publication
Isle of Palms Is The Perfect Place To Play
By Ashley Morris
This wisp of a barrier island that curls around Mt. Pleasant and north Charleston’s mainland is a
gentle reminder of the Lowcountry’s natural coastal beauty. The IOP Connector itself – over
miles of salt marshland – is a picturesque preview of its palmetto inhabited namesake.
“Isle of Palms” was coined by Dr. Joseph S. Lawrence in 1898 to attract tourists. And slow,
quiet historic marks, along with rapid tourist appeal, have followed in his footsteps.
Through the island’s only traffic light is the Isle of Palms County Park, followed by a street of
public beach parking hugged by souvenir shops, restaurants and beachfront cafes on either side.
A little more navigational effort is needed to find the Isle of Palms Marina, three or four miles
curving north along the island (go back to the traffic light intersection and make a right). Here, a
whole day’s worth of water activities await.
The marina, a refreshing, sunny oasis, is tucked into the estuary with 50 boat slips. For
vacationing boaters, the marina rents out everything from pontoons to powerboats, plus staffers
will customize a fishing excursion or charter. Be sure to stock up on groceries and supplies at
the impressively clean general store. Visit www.iopmarina.com or call 843-886-0209 for
additional info.
Tidal Wave Watersports will also kickstart your water adventure, with parasailing, waverunner
rentals, wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing and banana boat rides. Call 843-886-8456 for
reservations.
For a more peaceful promenade along the water, Coastal Expeditions offers kayak tours led
by trained naturalists/instructors. Half-day (three-hour) tours will paddle you to Shem Creek or
“The Narrows” behind Sullivan’s Island. You could discover an undeveloped barrier island,
historic plantation or the cypress trees of the pristine Francis Marion National Forest on a full-
day tour. Or just rent a kayak and explore on your own; don’t be surprised if you spot native
loggerhead turtles, dolphins or pelicans. Call 843-884-7684 for reservations
The perfect place to pacify your appetite is the marina’s Morgan Creek Grill, a welcoming
beacon to boaters. The restaurant’s Upper Deck Bar & Grill opens for lunch at 11:30 a.m. (and 2:
30 p.m. for Sunday brunch) with an unparalleled panoramic view of the waterway – complete with
to-die-for ocean breezes and live entertainment most evenings. Try the Morgan Creek crab dip,
herb-fried scallops served with a zesty garlic marinara, or a seafood basket of shrimp, scallops,
flounder or oysters piled high with coleslaw and french fries. The lower level dining rooms and
porch are open for dinner only (daily starting at 5 p.m.) and are accompanied by a more upscale
menu. Visit www.morgancreekgrill.com for a complete menu and entertainment schedule, as
well as reservations.
By Ashley Morris
This wisp of a barrier island that curls around Mt. Pleasant and north Charleston’s mainland is a
gentle reminder of the Lowcountry’s natural coastal beauty. The IOP Connector itself – over
miles of salt marshland – is a picturesque preview of its palmetto inhabited namesake.
“Isle of Palms” was coined by Dr. Joseph S. Lawrence in 1898 to attract tourists. And slow,
quiet historic marks, along with rapid tourist appeal, have followed in his footsteps.
Through the island’s only traffic light is the Isle of Palms County Park, followed by a street of
public beach parking hugged by souvenir shops, restaurants and beachfront cafes on either side.
A little more navigational effort is needed to find the Isle of Palms Marina, three or four miles
curving north along the island (go back to the traffic light intersection and make a right). Here, a
whole day’s worth of water activities await.
The marina, a refreshing, sunny oasis, is tucked into the estuary with 50 boat slips. For
vacationing boaters, the marina rents out everything from pontoons to powerboats, plus staffers
will customize a fishing excursion or charter. Be sure to stock up on groceries and supplies at
the impressively clean general store. Visit www.iopmarina.com or call 843-886-0209 for
additional info.
Tidal Wave Watersports will also kickstart your water adventure, with parasailing, waverunner
rentals, wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing and banana boat rides. Call 843-886-8456 for
reservations.
For a more peaceful promenade along the water, Coastal Expeditions offers kayak tours led
by trained naturalists/instructors. Half-day (three-hour) tours will paddle you to Shem Creek or
“The Narrows” behind Sullivan’s Island. You could discover an undeveloped barrier island,
historic plantation or the cypress trees of the pristine Francis Marion National Forest on a full-
day tour. Or just rent a kayak and explore on your own; don’t be surprised if you spot native
loggerhead turtles, dolphins or pelicans. Call 843-884-7684 for reservations
The perfect place to pacify your appetite is the marina’s Morgan Creek Grill, a welcoming
beacon to boaters. The restaurant’s Upper Deck Bar & Grill opens for lunch at 11:30 a.m. (and 2:
30 p.m. for Sunday brunch) with an unparalleled panoramic view of the waterway – complete with
to-die-for ocean breezes and live entertainment most evenings. Try the Morgan Creek crab dip,
herb-fried scallops served with a zesty garlic marinara, or a seafood basket of shrimp, scallops,
flounder or oysters piled high with coleslaw and french fries. The lower level dining rooms and
porch are open for dinner only (daily starting at 5 p.m.) and are accompanied by a more upscale
menu. Visit www.morgancreekgrill.com for a complete menu and entertainment schedule, as
well as reservations.
