Day Trip to Sullivan’s Island Beach and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Traveling up and down the Carolina and Georgia coastline is an incredibly underrated road-trip itinerary, but it's one I would consider a “can’t miss” for travelers who appreciate Southern hospitality, island life, great seafood and amazing beach landscapes.

Lighthouse

Whether you have chosen to stay overnight on the downtown Charleston peninsula or you are just planning on driving up for the day before heading to your next pin on the map, you have no excuse to skip over Sullivan’s Island, as it can be done in one day or less!

If you do happen to be coming up from the south, you’ll be lucky enough to drive over the infamous Ravenel Bridge on your way to Sullivan’s Island. The breathtaking views from this bridge are beyond stunning – especially if a giant cargo ship happens to be sailing by. This sight always awes me as it puts into perspective just how grand this bridge and the harbor really are. You can also get a bird’s-eye view of Patriot’s Point and the historic navy ship U.S.S. Yorktown.

Start your day early to beat traffic and the crowds, but never forget the most important meal of the day! Bodega has classic brunch-style offerings and specialty caffeinated drinks for early risers, all available via their drive-thru for ease and convenience.

If you haven’t finished your breakfast already in the car, then it will be such a treat when you can sit and enjoy it on the beach, listening to the sound of the waves and the gulls overhead. The main aspect that always stands out to me about Sullivan’s Island is that it just feels so much quieter and more peaceful than the other beaches — a true hidden gem if you ask me.

Station 28 1/2 beach access

After a long day beaching, whether you are calling it a day a little after lunch or around happy hour, eventually you will need to get out of the sun and enjoy a relaxing, delicious meal to finish your day trip strong. I am thankful there are only a handful of options here as it makes any decision fatigue a lot less of a burden. You cannot go wrong with The Obstinate Daughter, Poe’s Tavern or The Longboard, or go across the inlet bridge to The Boathouse at Breach Inlet, which is right on the corner edge of Isle of Palms facing creekside. Next door to The Obstinate Daughter is a gelateria, so after you’ve become stuffed full of hearty pasta, it is almost obligatory that you also consume gelato for dessert.

Island bridge

If your journey home takes you back towards Mount Pleasant towards the highway interchange over the Ravenel Bridge, then on your way you absolutely have to stop at Shem Creek. Plan for sunset because there is more to miss here than a good meal and some cocktails after a long day in the sun. Around sunset and dusk, dolphins can be seen in Shem Creek chasing their evening meal while you are having yours! Red’s Icehouse, Sunsets, Tavern & Table and Saltwater Cowboys all sit along the creek with massive creekside decks for diners to gaze upon the sun going down behind the shrimpboat silhouettes. All offer various happy hours or specials, fresh-catch seafood, refreshing cocktails and more.

Shem Creek at sunset

When the day is done, your stomach is full and you can already see the tan lines settling into your skin, you’ll either head back to your hotel on the peninsula, begin your drive to your next destination or just simply head home. If you need to spend the night, you have a plethora of hotels nearby in Mount Pleasant to lay your head. One that stands out among all of them is The Beach Club at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina. This hotel is known for its water views facing the harbor at Patriot’s Point, luxurious pools and spacious guest rooms that all face the water. Other recommended hotels include Inn at I’On, Post House and Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant.

The public beach access points are called “stations” and they are labeled by numbers. I’d recommend thinking about which station you’d be looking to base-camp your beach day from ahead of time — some of the more popular ones are Station 18 (due to its proximity to Fort Moultrie and views of the Lighthouse), Stations 21, 22 and 22 ½ (due to each of them being within about two to three short blocks' walking distance from the main restaurant strip near the center of the island), Station 29 and Station 32 (which has tide pools and, closer to the end tip of the island, there are more shells washed up).

Sullivan’s Island has very strict leash laws and policies regarding dogs on the beach as they require you to obtain a dog license from the town hall whether you are visitor or a resident. You can find the local number for the town hall to call and complete this prior to your visit if you are planning on bringing your furry companion. Beyond that, their leash laws are similar to that of other surrounding area beaches: No dogs allowed at all on the beach between 10 am and 6 pm from May 1 to October 1 every year. They are permitted to be off-leash and under verbal control prior to and after those times. In the winter months for their off-season, they can be off-leash and under verbal control from 5 am to 12 noon, but after that time they must be on-leash.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our South Carolina page.