Posted on 6/17/2020 by Angie Schnell

Inside Sullivan's Island: a Charming Beach Town

Isle of Palms' neighbor to the south is Sullivan's Island, a beach town where time seems to stand still. The island is just over 3 miles long, and is also bordered by Mount Pleasant, so you're not too far from the grocery stores and shopping options nearby. Sullivan's Island is loved by so many for its beautiful beaches, delicious food, and small-town feel. Take a look at what makes the Island so special, and get some inspiration for your next trip!

Breach Inlet

Breach Inlet is where Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms meet. On the Sullivan's Island side you'll find Thomson Park, a great place to sit and enjoy the sunrise. The current in this section of the island is too strong to swim, but the views are unmatched!

A Stroll Down Middle Street: Sullivan's Island's Business District

Restaurants and stores on Sullivan's Island are unlike any other. You won't find mass-chain restaurants and retail here, which gives local businesses their time to shine.

Dining

Sullivan's Island has some of the best cuisine in the Charleston area! There's a great variety, from Dunleavy's Pub for bar bites, to the Obstinate Daughter for finer Italian-inspired cuisine.

  • Cafe Roux — Traditional Lousiana fare; try the gumbo or crawfish mac&cheese!
  • The Co-Op — Deli & market; come for the frosé, stay for the handcrafted sandwiches!
  • Dunleavy's Pub — Small-town take on an Irish bar, great place to catch live music!
  • High Thyme — Casual fine-dining offering American cuisine, best at brunch!
  • Home Team BBQ — A Charleston favorite for a reason; our favorites are the Gamechangers and wings!
  • Mex1 Coastal Cantina — Fresh mexican cuisine perfect for beach days, try out the shrimp tacos and margaritas!
  • The Obstinate Daughter & Beardcat's Sweet Shop — Italian-inspired meals in an elegant setting, should definitely be on your bucket list. Don't miss their unique pastas and the gelato shop downstairs!
  • Poe's Tavern — Popular burger joint named after the famous poet, who actually spent some time stationed on Sullivan's Island at Fort Moultrie. Be prepared to wait for a table, but menu items like the Annabel Lee make it so worth it!
  • Sullivan's Restaurant — A crowd favorite with generous portions of seafood classics. Try the shrimp and fried grits and some key lime pie for a taste of the Lowcountry!

Shopping

  • Almost Pink — Clothing 
  • Goldbug — Upscale jewelry and accessories
  • Sealand Adventure Sports — Water sports equipment rentals
  • Shades of Charleston — Sunglasses
  • Sullivan's Island Farmer's Market — Local food and craft vendors, seasonal

Fort Moultrie

 sullivansisland.com

Fort Moultrie is a National Historical Park towards the southern end of the island. These fortifications were constructed to protect Charleston, but today they serve as an opportunity for visitors to learn about the history of the fort and the part it played in the Revolution. While you're here, be sure to take a stroll around the cleared paths and take in the beautiful views.

Sullivan's Island Beaches

​The beaches on this island are much quieter than others in the Charleston area. Here there's always a peaceful place to lay out, swim, or enjoy the salty air. Beach accesses and streets are labeled by "stations," which refers back to the older times of accessing the island by only boat or trolley, which also makes it easy to remember where you parked! The further down the island you go, the more likely the beach is to be quieter and great for smaller groups. 

Insider's Tip: Make sure you're in the know about all of Sullivan's Island beach regulations! Learn more here

Plan Your Vacation

If you didn't know much about Sullivan's Island already, we hope this gave you a glimpse at all the things this great town has to offer! Check out our rentals on Sullivan's, and be sure to stop by next time you're here!

All images are courtesy of Island Realty Concierge unless otherwise noted.

Explore Sullivan's Island Vacation Rentals

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