1. Home/
  2. Things to Do/
  3. Sullivan's Island

Things to Do  •  February 16, 2023

Best Things to Do in Sullivan’s Island

Danielle Vito
Danielle Vito

As Senior Social Media Manager, Danielle manages AvantStay's social media platforms and writes content for the Atlas blog. Previously, Danielle was the Social Media Producer at The Points Guy where she ran TPG's Instagram and wrote articles on the most social media-worthy destinations, and tips on hacking your travels by using credit cards.

LinkedIn

If you’re seeking things to do on Sullivan’s Island, explore this guide for inspiration as you plan your next getaway. 

Sullivan’s Island is a 2.5-mile long island located near the entrance of the Charleston Harbor and near Isle of Palms and just minutes from Charleston, South Carolina.

This barrier island is a favorite destination for East Coast beach lovers. You’ll find that this small town is filled with a plethora of historic sites, civil war history, sightseeing attractions, and outdoor activities to enjoy.

Check out our list of the best things to do in Sullivan’s Island to add to your itinerary for the perfect getaway. 

Soak Up Sunshine Along the South Carolina Coast

Explore the beaches of The Barrier Islands just past the city limits of Charleston, South Carolina for a relaxing getaway filled with all these great beaches have to offer. You’ll find some of the most famous beaches like Sullivan’s Island, Folly, and Isle of Palms. You can’t go wrong with one of these beautiful beaches for your getaway. 

Sullivan’s Island Beach 

Wake up early and take a morning beach stroll to experience the spectacular sunrise on Sullivan’s Island beach. This beach is only about 20 minutes from downtown Charleston offering smooth white sand, calm waters perfect for plenty of fun activities and watersports including kayaking, charter fishing, kiteboarding, paddleboarding and more. 

Arrive early before the beach begins to get busy in the summer months as there’s limited parking available. Or, book a Sullivan’s Island vacation home to enjoy the beach within easy access of your home-away-from-home. 

Isle of Palms Beach

Located Northeast of Sullivan’s Island, this charming small beach community offers many water sports like surfing, kayaking, and fishing charters. Isle of Palms beach is perfect for families offering convenient amenities to guests like umbrellas, showers, and lifeguards. Stay just a block away from the beach at the Pelican vacation rental perfect for your next beach getaway. 

Folly Beach

Folly Beach is a popular beach spot for locals looking for a daytrip from Charleston. Come early to beat traffic and find a parking spot. Enjoy the day stretched out on the sand, surfing or take a sunrise stroll along the beach. Stay just minutes from the Folly Park at Live Oak or explore more vacation rentals in Sullivan’s Island to create the perfect getaway. 

Explore Sullivan’s Island by Bike

Sullivan’s Island has a 32 mile bike path connecting all three beaches to downtown Charleston making it an excellent way to explore. The path connects Isle of Palms with Folly Beach and goes through Sullivan’s Island, Old Mount Pleasant, and over the Ravenel Bridge. You can take an adventure over the Ravenel Bridge to Sullivan’s Island while staying in the biking lane. Summer in South Carolina can be quite hot. The best time to take this 2 hour bike trip will be during the fall, winter, or spring months.

Source: Canva

Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse

Standing at 140 feet, Sulivan’s Island Lighthouse is one of the last lighthouses to be built in the United States. While this black and white lighthouse is closed to the public, it is still fully operational and a great place to take a photo with friends or family on your vacation. 

Source: Canva

Sullivan’s Island Restaurants

Gather your friends and family and enjoy a fresh local meal while dining al fresco at one of Sullivan’s Island’s outdoor restaurants. Our favorites are Poe’s Tavern, named after Edgar Allen Poe, Home Team BBQ and The Obstinate Daughter. These restaurants are popular among foodies, so prepare for longer wait times or be sure to call ahead to reserve a table. 

Source: Canva

Enjoy the Best of Sullivan’s Island   

Ready to experience all of the history, fun, and beauty Sullivan’s Island has to offer? Create your list of fun things to do and see on Sullivan’s Island to prepare for your next getaway.

If you’re looking for other recommendations in the area, be sure to check out our other resources:

Browse Sullivan’s Island Vacation Rentals 

Best Things to Do in Charleston SC  

Best Restaurants in Charleston 

Danielle Vito
Danielle Vito

As Senior Social Media Manager, Danielle manages AvantStay's social media platforms and writes content for the Atlas blog. Previously, Danielle was the Social Media Producer at The Points Guy where she ran TPG's Instagram and wrote articles on the most social media-worthy destinations, and tips on hacking your travels by using credit cards.

Read 66 more stories

Share the story

TwitterFacebookLinkedIn

Don’t forget to subscribe to our mailing list to get notified about the latest stories.

Inspiration for your next tripChevron Down
30AVacation RentalsAshevilleCabin RentalsAustinVacation RentalsBendVacation RentalsBerkshiresVacation RentalsBig BearCabin RentalsBlack MountainCabin RentalsBreckenridgeVacation RentalsCannon BeachVacation RentalsCharlestonVacation RentalsCoachella ValleyVacation RentalsDestinVacation RentalsFort LauderdaleVacation RentalsHilton HeadVacation RentalsHudson ValleyVacation RentalsIsle of PalmsVacation RentalsJoshua TreeVacation RentalsKey WestVacation RentalsLake ArrowheadCabin RentalsLake NormanRentalsLake TahoeCabin RentalsLos AngelesVacation RentalsMalibuVacation RentalsMauiVacation RentalsNashvilleVacation RentalsNewport BeachVacation RentalsOahuVacation RentalsPalm SpringsHotelsPark CityVacation RentalsPaso RoblesVacation RentalsPort AransasRentalsSan DiegoVacation RentalsScottsdaleVacation RentalsSedonaVacation RentalsSmoky MountainsCabin RentalsSonomaVacation RentalsSullivan's IslandVacation RentalsTellurideVacation RentalsTemeculaVacation RentalsVailVacation Rentals
AVANTSTAY

We are here to set the new standard for short-term rental experiences.

experience@avantstay.com+1 (833) HI-AVANT
InstagramFacebookLinkedInGlassdoor
Terms and ConditionsPrivacy PolicyFair Housing Policy

© 2024 AvantStay, Inc. All rights reserved

Scroll Top