This primarily residential area of about 5,000 people received the state’s first “Blue Wave” designation from the Clean Beaches Council for its very well-managed and preserved beaches. Like adjacent Sullivan’s Island, there are pockets of great wealth here, but also a laid-back, windswept beach town vibe. You get here from Mount Pleasant by taking the Isle of Palms Connector off U.S. 17 (Johnnie Dodds/Chuck Dawley Boulevard).

Aside from just enjoying the whole scene, the main self-contained attraction here is Isle of Palms County Park (14th Ave., 843/886-3863, www.ccprc.com, May–Labor Day daily 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Mar.–Apr. and Sept.–Oct. daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Nov.–Feb. daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $5 per vehicle, pedestrians/cyclists free), with its oceanfront beach, complete with umbrella rental, a volleyball court, a playground, and lifeguards.

The island’s other claim to fame is the excellent (and surprisingly affordable) Wild Dunes Resort (5757 Palm Blvd., 888/778-1876, www.wilddunes.com), with its two Fazio golf courses and 17 clay tennis courts.

Breach Inlet, between Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, is where the Confederate sub Hunley sortied to do battle with the USS Housatonic. During Hurricane Hugo the entire island was submerged.

Getting to Isle of Palms

Get here by taking the Isle of Palms Connector/Highway 517 from Mount Pleasant, going through the light at Palm Boulevard and taking the next left at the gate.