Isle of Palms County Park offers the best combination of accessibility and beach quality near Charleston. The county park has a large paved parking lot, accessible boardwalk to the beach, restrooms, outdoor showers, and a lifeguarded swimming area in season.
The beach is wide and well-maintained. The island has a residential character that keeps the crowds more manageable than Folly Beach on summer weekends. The water is clear and the waves are gentle enough for families with young children.
The county park is the public access point on an otherwise private island. Arrive early on summer weekends as the parking lot fills by mid-morning.