What To Do on Sullivan's Island - Sullivan's Island Weather & Tides (2024)

FAQs

What are the best stations at Sullivan's Island? ›

The Sullivan's Island Lighthouse is located at Station 18 1/2, and Stations 21 through 23 are the primary beach access points for visitors who are having breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner on Sullivan's Island. One of the many public beach access points on Sullivan's Island.

No plastic, polystyrene or glass containers area allowed on the beach at any time. All alcoholic beverages are prohibited on all streets, boardwalks and beaches. No motorized vehicles are allowed on beach paths or beaches.

Though it is the smallest of Charleston's beaches, Sullivan's Island beach is among the most pristine. Less frequented than Folly Beach, the beach at Sullivan's Island remains unspoiled and is often uncrowded, ideal for locals' morning walks on the beach, or picnics on the sand.

6-mile Sullivan's Island Nature Trail offers a boardwalk and sandy path through 190 acres of protected maritime forest that runs along the beach from Station 12 to Station 29.

Sullivan's Island is a two and a half-mile long barrier island near the entrance of the Charleston Harbor. It is home to a little over 2,000 residents in half as many households. Residents enjoy the small-town charm and relaxed lifestyle that the Island has retained since first being settled in the 17th Century.

Sullivan's Island Beach Parking

Parking areas are marked. There is not any paid parking available on the Island. Also, some parking is available behind Town Hall when it is closed for business and at Battery Thompson on Breach Inlet. Best Deals On Admission To Charleston Attractions and Tours!

Handicap beach access includes: Station 18, Station 19, Station 22.5, and Station 26.5. One other thing to note: there are no public restrooms available at the beach.

The beaches have a strict, no-alcohol policy. Many state park beaches also prohibit alcohol, though some will allow you to pop a top. The California state beaches where you can drink are: Carmel Beach, Monterey County.

You can never go wrong with a sparkling seltzer or a light canned beer. They're great for grabbing and going. Looking for a beach day pro-tip? No matter what kind of alcohol you're drinking, you can keep all your canned drinks in one place with an insulated cooler or bag, which is a win-win for everyone.

It really depends on what you're looking for. If you want a bustling beach community with ample amenities and recreation opportunities, Isle of Palms might be your best bet. But if you're seeking a quieter, more historical atmosphere with a touch of culinary excellence, Sullivan's Island could be the perfect fit.

What is the nicest island near Charleston? ›

Thanks to its 10 miles of pristine coastline, Kiawah Island is generally regarded as one of the country's most beautiful barrier islands—and you can bet the asking prices reflect the admiration.

The opaque minerals are responsible for the patches of black sand on beaches (sometimes mistaken for oil pollution)—concentrations of heavy minerals that are examples of natural placer deposits. The heavy minerals are dispersed through the entire beach, but under the right conditions, placer deposits form.

In fact, many celebrities have caught onto its charms and relative exclusivity, which is why Reese Witherspoon, Bill Murray, and Stephen Colbert have purchased homes on the island (Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel lived there as well, though I was told they only rented).

Sullivan's Island Offers More Than Just Great Beaches

Along with its beautiful beaches, Sullivan's Island boasts a unique history that includes a famous Revolutionary War battle.

The entrances to the beach are at streets named “stations,” due to their original use by trolleys en route to Isle of Palms.

The best beaches on the Channel Islands are spread across Jersey, Alderney, Herm and Guernsey. One thing they have in common are unique vantage points of the sea and surrounding beauty, like rocky cliffs, green grass and steeply contoured coves.

Best Time to Visit

“Sullivan's Island gets incredibly busy during the weekends once the weather warms up. I recommend visiting during the weekdays to avoid the crowds of locals who flock here during the weekends,” recommends Rhodes. If you want to avoid peak season — and have an easier time parking — consider the fall.

All of the beaches on Folly Island are superb, but, arguably the Folly Beach County Park, at the island's west end, is perhaps the best with amenities like 2,500 feet of ocean frontage, picnic areas and boogie board, bicycle, umbrella and chair rentals available between Labor Day and Memorial Day.