Auto MechanicNear Isle of Palms, SC

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When was the last time you walked into a mechanic's shop and thought to yourself, "Wow, everyone here is so friendly! Their waiting room is nice too. I think I'll stay while they work on my car." The truth is, too many autobody shops in Isle of Palms are dark, dingy, and dirty. To make matters worse, their staff are aloof and often don't know a thing about customer service.

At A+ Auto, our goal is to change the way people view Automotive Shops. When you visit our shop, we want you to walk in and feel like you are a part of our family. When you become our customer, we will work hard to ensure you never have a reason to look for a different mechanic in Isle of Palms, SC. We want to restore your trust in the automotive business and make certain you never feel cheated or are unsure about your vehicle's repairs.

As a full-service auto mechanic shop in Isle of Palms, we do everything from routine maintenance like oil changes to major repairs involving engines and transmissions. We started off in 2004 as a Major Repair Auto Shop and barely made it through the 2008 recession. However, we persevered and came back strong in 2010 by adding more services and becoming a true full-service auto shop. Today, we have been at our location in North Isle of Palms for more than 16 years, and we have no intention of going anywhere soon.

Unlike some auto repair shops in Isle of Palms, we pride ourselves on A+ customer satisfaction and outstanding workmanship. We are so confident in our abilities that we back up our work with a four-year, 48K mile warranty - unheard of in our industry. When we say we're a one-stop-shop for ALL of your auto repair needs, we mean it!

Auto Service Isle Of Palms, SC

Some of the most requested auto repair services we offer include:

  • General Maintenance and Repair
  • Transmission Repair
  • Air Conditioning Repair
  • Engine Repair
  • Electrical Repair
  • Alignment Services
  • Diagnostic Services

SERVICE AREAS

Why Choose A+ for Auto
Repair in Isle of Palms, SC?

Our loyal customers keep coming back to A+ Auto because we genuinely want to provide them with top-notch auto repairs and the most helpful customer service in the Isle of Palms mechanic industry.

Why choose us, you ask?

We provide:

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The Best Warranty in the Biz

Our warranty covers your first 48 Months or 48,000 Miles

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The Best Car Mechanics in Isle of Palms

Our auto body professionals are ASE certified technicians. In addition, our shop is certified as Nationwide Gold and a NAPA Auto Care Center.

The Best Perks

We're talking FREE shuttle rides, same-day service on most repairs, quality work approved by you, and no surprise charges. Our business model is simple: give our customers the highest quality work with the most helpful customer service. No if's, and's, or but's.

As a family-owned and operated auto mechanic shop in Isle of Palms, we are proud to serve the Lowcountry. After all, you're our neighbors, and neighbors have to look out for one another. Swing by our shop to see the A+ Auto difference. We think you will like what you see!

General Automobile
Maintenance and Repair
in Isle of Palms

You have spent thousands of dollars on your vehicle. Doesn't it make sense, then, to take care of your investment? General maintenance and repair services like oil changes and tire rotations are crucial for maintaining the life of your car or truck. Perhaps more importantly, routine service can help ensure your safety systems are fully functional. When your car is up-to-date on maintenance, you have peace of mind knowing your friends and family are safe.

A few reasons you should bring your car or truck in for regular maintenance include:

 Automotive Shop Isle Of Palms, SC
Extend Your Vehicle's Life

Extend Your Vehicle's Life

With regular maintenance, you can keep your vehicle in good shape year-round. By keeping a regular maintenance schedule, you can prevent breakdowns and reduce wear and tear that can reduce the life of your vehicle. By giving your car or truck the attention it needs, you can get the most out of your vehicle and keep it in good shape well past the 100k mile mark.

Better Safety

Better Safety

Few situations are as sketchy as your vehicle breaking down on a road or highway, especially at night. Regular maintenance can help reduce the probability of getting stranded. Plus, your car will be in better working condition year-round.

Fewer Repairs Needed

Fewer Repairs Needed

When you have the A+ team perform preventative maintenance on your vehicle, you're staying ahead of the repair game. Wait too long to have your car's oil changed, or its engine checked, and you might need emergency auto repair. These problems often happen at the worst times and cost a lot of money. When you keep your vehicle maintained, you can reduce repairs and their cost.

Common maintenance and repair jobs include:

  • Oil Change
  • Brakes
  • Tune-ups
  • Water pumps
  • Radiators
  • Belts & Hoses
  • Fluid Services
  • Suspension
  • Chassis

All services performed by A+ Auto Service will be backed by our Industry Leading 4 Year/ 48,000 Mile Parts and Labor Warranty.

Electrical Maintenance and
Repair in Isle of Palms

Every day, we hop in our cars, crank the ignition, and make our way to whatever destination we're headed to. Most vehicle owners do this without a second thought, but have you ever taken a moment to think about your car's electrical components?

Your vehicle's electric system not only starts your car - it makes your radio, dashboard, and headlights functional. Today, most cars have complex electrical components that are responsible for on-road safety systems and all-wheel drive mechanics.

At A+ Auto, we perform a variety of electrical maintenance work in Isle of Palms, from simple battery replacements to comprehensive re-wiring. Our team of skilled electrical technicians will dial down to the root cause of your issues and provide you with a detailed explanation of what's going on with your car. Once we understand your car's electrical issues, we get to work on solving the problem at a price you can afford.

Some common automobile electrical problems we solve include:

  • Dead Batteries
  • Bad Alternators
  • Bad Battery Cables
  • Blown Electrical Fuses
  • Bad Starter

Engine Repair in Isle of Palms

When it comes to your car or truck, maintaining your engine is arguably the most important task you can take. That's because the engine is like the heart of your vehicle. Without a properly functioning engine, you can't drive anywhere. One of the most common signs that your engine needs service is an oil leak. If you notice a leak, we advise you to bring your vehicle to our experienced mechanic in Isle of Palms, SC, immediately. Driving a vehicle with a leak can cause more damage, which in the end, could cause engine failure and result in very expensive repairs.

Some common engine maintenance services we offer include:

  • Air and Fuel Filter Replacement
  • Spark Plug Replacement
  • Spark Plug Wiring Inspection
  • Throttle Body Services
  • Much More

At A+ Auto Service, we don't stop with routine engine maintenance. Our highly-skilled engine repair technicians can completely rebuild or replace your faulty engine at a price you can afford. If your "check engine" light comes on, don't ignore it - bring it in to our shop before the problem gets worse.

 Auto Mechanic Isle Of Palms, SC

Transmission Repair
in Isle of Palms

If your engine is the heart of your car or truck, consider your transmission its circulatory system. Problems with your vehicle's transmission are just as "mission-critical" as those with your engine. Fortunately, with regular maintenance checks and our transmission repair services, your vehicle is in good hands. However, waiting too long to have your transmission serviced can lead to a domino effect of issues. Those problems will be costly and may render your vehicle inoperable.

A few warning signs you may need transmission repair include:

  • Slipping Gears
  • Burning Smell
  • Leaking Fluid
  • Humming or Clunking Sounds
  • Unresponsive Gear Shifts

From minor maintenance services like transmission fluid changes to full transmission rebuilds, we have the tools and trained technicians to handle the job.

 Repair Auto Shop Isle Of Palms, SC

Air Conditioning Repair
in Isle of Palms

There are some things in the south that you must have. When it comes to your automobile, you can include air conditioning on that list. In Isle of Palms, the weather doesn't just get hot - it gets really hot, with a lot of humidity. Keeping your A/C maintained helps prevent serious situations where your A/C goes out when you need it the most. Of course, air conditioning isn't just reserved for hot days in the Lowcountry - your car's A/C plays an important role in the winter as well, like defrosting your windows. If you notice strange smells, leaks, or no air conditioning at all, it's time to bring your vehicle to our A/C mechanic in Isle of Palms, SC.

At A+ Auto, we service a wide variety of A/C issues, including:

  • Damaged or Failed Compressor
  • A/C System Leaks
  • Clutch Issues
  • Low Refrigerant Levels
  • Filter Problems
  • Broken Belts
  • Broken Blower Motor
  • Cross Contamination
  • A/C Control Head Malfunctions
 Auto Maintenance Isle Of Palms, SC

Vehicle Wheel Alignment in
Isle of Palms

Do you really need to have your wheels aligned when you bring your vehicle in for service? Yes, absolutely. A proper wheel alignment ensures your tires meet the road at the right angle, point straight when they need to, and remain centered in your wheel wells. When your wheels are out of alignment, your gas mileage and ride comfort suffer.

Common signs of misalignment include:

  • Car Pulling to Right or Left
  • Rapid Tire Wear
  • Uneven Tire Wear
  • Noisy Steering
  • Squealing Tires

Not only can alignment issues cause driving to be uncomfortable, but it can also cause a lot of damage to your vehicle. To avoid uneven tire wear and costly repairs, we suggest getting your vehicle alignment checked, which is FREE at A+ Auto.

Free Estimates
 Auto Repair Shop Isle Of Palms, SC

Tires & Brakes in Isle of Palms

Few situations are scarier than driving when the brakes go out. Your vehicle's brakes are its most vital safety system. They give you the ability to stop or slow down, so you can avoid serious car accidents and pedestrians in the roadway. Having good brakes can mean the difference between life and death, which is why it is so important that you keep them well maintained. If your brakes are getting worse and worse, it might be time to replace them.

The same goes for your tires - another vital part of your vehicle's makeup. When your tires are worn, you're putting yourself and your family at risk when you drive with them. Tires with worn-out tread won't function properly in adverse conditions, like when you drive through deep standing water on the highway.

A+ Auto Service is a Certified Hercules, General & Continental Tire Dealer. A lot goes into finding the right tire, whether you need basic all-season tires or real-deal off-road rubber. If you don't know where to start on your search for new tires, one of our auto mechanics in Isle of Palms, SC would be happy to help.

When you visit our shop for routine maintenance or new tires in Isle of Palms, be sure to have your brakes inspected while you wait. The last thing you want to do is drive off our lot with brakes that won't stop you.

Some common warning signs that you need brake repair includes:

  • Grinding Noises When Stopping
  • Spongy-Feeling Brake Pedals
  • Shaking Steering Column
  • Squealing and Squeaking Sounds When Stopping
  • Wobbling or Vibration at Highway Speeds
 Auto Body Shop Isle Of Palms, SC

Welcome to the A+ Auto
Family

When you trust us with your vehicle, know that we take that trust very seriously. Unlike some of our competitors, we like to treat our customers like family. And when you're like family, you can rest easy knowing your car or truck is in capable hands. Whether you need a simple oil change or a new engine install, we're here for you every step of the way.

Free Estimates
 Car Shop Isle Of Palms, SC

Latest News in Isle of Palms, SC

Isle of Palms continuing work on beach repairs after Idalia

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.

Isle of Palms Is The Coastal Getaway Of The Summer

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

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?

Are you a beach lover?

Check out our list of the 20 Best Beaches in the Southeast!

Two East Cooper islands, Sullivan’s and Isle of Palms, offer attractive choices

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.

Round-shaped things appear everywhere, as it is one of the most organic shapes occurring in nature and in the man-made world.

This week’s winner is Monica Vaughn with a photo of an almost full moon against the night sky. The honorable mentions are Richard Hernandez with an image atop a clock tower in Italy, and Ann Auburn with a photo of a sand artist in Spain.

Next week’s topic is rebuilding, so please share your photos taken after Hurricane Idalia passed through South Carolina, or any other similar situation.

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.

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Safety officials address beachside preparations ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - Public safety officials are addressing safety preparations for beachside communities ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia, which is set to hit the Lowcountry late Wednesday.Representatives with the Isle of Palms and Folly Beach say high winds, heavy rainfall and high tides could mean bigger concerns for safety along local beaches.“Being out here on the edge, we are very susceptible to flooding issues and storm surge,” Folly Beach Director of Public Safety Andrew Gilreath said. “We have t...

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - Public safety officials are addressing safety preparations for beachside communities ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia, which is set to hit the Lowcountry late Wednesday.

Representatives with the Isle of Palms and Folly Beach say high winds, heavy rainfall and high tides could mean bigger concerns for safety along local beaches.

“Being out here on the edge, we are very susceptible to flooding issues and storm surge,” Folly Beach Director of Public Safety Andrew Gilreath said. “We have to be extra cautious to make sure we communicate with our citizens and visitors.”

Live 5 News meteorologists are tracking the storm and say we can expect 4-8 inches of rain, along with eight-foot tides.

READ MORE: FIRST ALERT HURRICANE CENTER

They say the abnormally high tide is due to a combination of the effects from Idalia and the potential for a King Tide.

King Tides happen during a full moon and can heavily influence the strength of tides, rip currents and waves.

“We’re approaching a full moon as we get to the end of August here,” National Weather Service Charleston Representative Steven Taylor said. “Influences on the tides are at its greatest. Unfortunately, even without wind, without heavy rain, our tides would have already been causing problems.”

Beach officials warn residents and visitors to avoid entering any flood waters during the storm.

“90% of the island is on septic so the water is not something you want to play in or be in just by the nature. That’s something we try to keep people up to speed on,” Gilreath said.

They also strongly urge people to avoid the ocean during this time due to strong rip currents and high tide.

“With rip currents projected and the marine environment looking extreme. Please stay out of the ocean,” Gilreath said. “In certain situations, I will not put my employees at risk just to save someone out there to have fun.”

Gilreath says Folly Beach is already in the early stages of prep, which includes sandbagging operations, securing beach access areas, and monitoring bridge spaces for high winds.

The Isle of Palms released the following statement earlier today:

City of Isle of Palms officials are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Idalia and its impact on the island. According to the National Weather Service, heavy rainfall and tropical storm-force winds are expected to reach the South Carolina coast on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. Other risks along the coast include rip currents, high surf and the potential for beach erosion. The city is resuming normal operations until further notice.

City leadership encourages its residents and visitors to prepare for the storm now. Residents should remove or secure any items around the home that could cause damage due to the potential for strong wind gusts. It is recommended that citizens assemble an emergency supply kit that includes at least a three-day supply of water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, prescription medications, batteries and other essentials. More information on emergency kits and overall storm preparation is available on the city’s website: iop.net.

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