First time going, 2 of us...best beach with good restaurants and music venues and lodging near beach? I was referred to stay on Isle of Palms. Folley Beach looks eclectic and lots to walk to...??? We will be there first week in October and I'm hoping for beach weather and may stay at Dunes/Seagrove on IOP, but wonder if I may prefer Folley Beach? Really want to stay right on the beach! Would be nice to not have to drive to everything, not sure that is the case on IOP??? Any info is appreciated. Don't mind driving DT Charleston, just prefer to stay on the beach! Thank you.

Hello,

We have been to Isle of Palms, a short add on after weekend in Charleston. It is very quiet. We stayed the The Palm (it was very nice) and there were a few places we could walk to. Beach was nice and wide. You are close to Sullivan's Island (which has quite a few fun places (check out Poe's)), but I don't believe there are any hotels there, maybe go the air bnb route (not even sure if those are there).

I have not been to Folly. What I do know from starting to explore those islands down there, is that some of them have a large gated community on them and you cannot get in. We tried to see Kiawah and Fripp, but had no luck. And most of them do not have many restaurants on them. Only at the beginning ungated part where you might also find a grocery store.

Not sure how long you are going for or how quiet you want it, but Isle of Palms was very quiet when we were there off season.

Happy planning,
Ellen

singbeach--I would wait till next week before making too many big plans in Charleston for now. They are due to have some severe flooding with Dorian, regardless of whether they receive any hurricane force winds.

We plan to be there 10/8 to 10/11...at Wild Dunes in a "beachfront" condo. Have read about Windjammer on IOP... We'll see I guess!