Tree Servicein Wild Dunes, SC

Many vacationers planning a trip to the Southeastern region of the United States find themselves wondering if it is better to visit North Carolina or South Carolina. While North Carolina is filled with beautiful small towns and is home to the exciting city of Raleigh, travelers should choose South Carolina as their next travel destination.

The state of South Carolina is beautiful year-round, with hot summer days and calm autumn evenings. The Palmetto State is also home to some of the most beautiful towns in America. Need more reasons to choose South Carolina as a travel destination? Below are ten reasons why South Carolina is worth visiting.

Some travelers venture to South Carolina for fishing trips. One of several awesome things to do in South Carolina is deep-sea fishing. Deep sea fishing involves boating out into the ocean to catch fish located 100+ feet deep. The best times to enjoy deep-sea fishing in South Carolina are from April to November. Common catches include barracuda, sailfish, and blue marlin.

Those looking to deep sea fish in Charleston should check out Folly Beach Deep Sea Fishing Charters. This company offers a memorable fishing experience for guests of all ages and skill levels.

Another reason to book a trip to South Carolina is for the delicious cuisine. This Southeastern state is home to some of the best BBQ restaurants in the United States. Just the scent of the crispy pork, glazed ribs, and creamy mac and cheese is enough to make guests’ mouths water. Round out the perfect Southern meal with moist cornbread and a side of vegetables.

One must-try BBQ spot in Hemingway, South Carolina, is Scott’s Bar-B-Que. This rustic spot serves up delicious pit-roasted pork and chicken. Be sure to bring cash, as this restaurant is cash only.

Live music lovers should visit South Carolina for incredible bluegrass and jazz concerts. Concerts and music festivals take place in this state year-round, and a list of live music events can be found on Discover South Carolina’s website.

Aiken Bluegrass Festival, an exciting two-day event, takes place in South Carolina every May. The festival features both local talent and renowned musicians. Solo travelers, couples, and families with small children all enjoy this spring bluegrass event. A popular jazz festival in the state is Carolina Downhome Blues Festival in Camden. This festival is over two decades old, offering stellar live performances every October.

South Carolina is also known for its spectacular golf courses. There are hundreds of golf courses scattered across the state to choose from. Arguably the best area for golfing in South Carolina is Hilton Head. Hilton Head Island contains 24 world-class golf courses, including the renowned Harbour Town Golf Links. This course is open to the public, and esteemed professional golfers such as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus have played this iconic course.

Other notable Hilton Head courses include Atlantic Dunes, Heron Point by Pete Dye, Arthur Hills, and Robert Trent Jones Course.

Some travelers believe the best time to visit South Carolina is in the fall when the leaves are changing and the air is crisp and cool. Vacationers cannot go wrong with a fall trip to the Palmetto State, as its fall foliage is unmatched. One of the ten best places for fall foliage in the Southern US is South Carolina’s Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway. The SC 11 weaves through the beautiful Upstate region, passing over half a dozen state parks ablaze with bright red and orange leaves. South Carolina’s lovely city of Charleston is often referred to as the perfect autumn city, complete with charming cobblestone streets lined with brightly colored trees and fall festivities.

Vacationers in search of a lavish and luxurious vacation will be amazed by South Carolina’s vast selection of beautiful resorts. Planning a stress-free, beachfront vacation is easy with so many resort options. Resorts offer inclusive packages and virtually any amenity one could ask for, making for the perfect vacation. There are many reasons to stay at Kingston Resorts while in Myrtle Beach, from the resort’s proximity to the beach to the relaxing spa.

Another wonderful South Carolina resort is Wild Dunes Resort, offering access to the spectacular Isles of Palms beaches. Guests also enjoy the resort’s golf courses, tennis courts, and spa.

Vacationers craving a beachy getaway should plan a trip to one of South Carolina’s most beautiful beach towns. Travelers who detest crowds can still enjoy the sunny shores and clear waters by visiting one of South Carolina’s least-crowded beaches. Litchfield Beach, for instance, boasts a quiet environment with luxurious resorts nearby.

Beaches are not just a summer destination; South Carolina also features beaches worth visiting in the winter. Walks along the sand, exploring boardwalks, and enjoying the tranquil off-season are all reasons to explore SC beaches in the winter.

The state’s natural beauty extends far beyond sandy beaches and fall colors. South Carolina is also home to 47 stunning state parks. First-time visitors should set out to explore the ten highest-rated state parks in South Carolina. Croft State Park offers lush foliage and a plethora of outdoor activities. Guests enjoy hiking, biking, boating, canoeing, fishing, and swimming in this vast state park.

Yet another reason to visit South Carolina is for the historic sites. The number one tourist attraction in South Carolina is Fort Sumter National Monument. The Civil War officially began when Fort Sumter was attacked on April 12th, 1861. Located in Charleston Harbor, guests can only access the fort via tour boats.

There are also plenty of old, historic hotels in South Carolina that history buffs should book. Guests craving a luxurious stay filled with history and Southern charm should stay at Mills House in Charleston.

A final reason to plan a trip to South Carolina is to see the oldest garden in the United States, located in Charleston. Charleston, founded in 1670, is known for its delicious dining options, excellent golf courses, spas and luxurious hotels, and beautiful parks. Charleston’s must-visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is the oldest garden in America. The garden contains lovely paths, charming bridges, and endless amounts of greenery and flowers. Daffodils, azaleas, and hydrangeas are among the flowers that bloom in this beautiful garden. For the best views, visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens during the spring bloom.

Everything you need for a relaxing beach vacation can be found at Wild Dunes Resort

Isle of Palms is 12 miles from Charleston, SC, but it feels like a different world. With a calm stretch of beach, a charming boardwalk, and winding bike trails, it gives off the feeling of relaxation and retreat. If you want to experience the tranquility of this island hamlet, the Wild Dunes Resort includes all the perks of island life plus the bonus of having everything you need right at your fingertips. With world-class dining, several lodging options, and plenty of activities to keep the kids busy, this sprawling resort is the perfect location for families looking for a low-key beach experience.

How to Plan Your Vacation at Wild Dunes Resort

The best part about Wild Dunes is that you can select lodging that’s perfect for your group. There are several options from which to choose. If you want an incredible concierge service, The Sweetgrass Inn, which opened in 2021, offers charming rooms, a spa, and several dining options. For larger groups and more space, check out the Residences at Sweetgrass. Located right above the Sweetgrass Plaza, you can choose from one-to three-room furnished rentals with all the hotel perks. For more privacy, Wild Dunes also offers private rental homes and condos.

Plan your itinerary

Whether you come to Wild Dunes during the off-season or the busy months, there’s plenty to keep you and your family entertained.

The PoolsKids will want to spend plenty of time in the pools. The Sweetgrass Inn Pools (they’re heated!) are the shining gem in the middle of the resort, with a zero-entry pool, a splash pad, and poolside Island Adventure programs. There is even live music by the firepit in the summer.

The Grand Pavilion offers two stunning beachside pools; it’s where you’ll find Beachside Burgers. If you want to swim laps or join in on the family friendly games and recreation happening in the warmer months, head for The Swim Center Pool.

The BeachOf course, the Isle of Palm beach is the main attraction for good reason. Wide, sandy beaches, mellow waves perfect for kids, and stunning beach homes to admire, it’ll be easy to spend all day enjoying the sun and surf. Wild Dunes has direct access to the beach, and they offer beach chair and umbrella rentals for guests.

The ActivitiesThere is so much going on at Wild Dunes! It’ll be tricky to find time to fit in all the fun like Sunday S’mores, Bingo Night, Minute to Win It Game Night, Dive-In Movie Night, Family Movie Night, a sunset sandcastle contest, guided beach walks, poolside crafts, and much more. Many of these events are complimentary, but some require reservations and a fee, so be sure to check. If you want to see the resort by bike, there are rentals available daily, including tandem bikes for parents with little kids.

If you feel like relaxing, there are many places to do just that! Enjoy the swinging hammock chairs at Sweetgrass Inn, the Adirondack chairs in Sweetgrass Plaza, and the beach and pool loungers just about anywhere.

Decide where you want to eat

Charleston is known for its world-class cuisine, and Isle of Palms lives up to the hype. Guests of Wild Dunes have access to all the restaurants on the property; the biggest challenge might be deciding where to go.

For breakfast, if you’re in the mood for something quick, head to Woody’s, where they serve all-day breakfast (this spot has many options for kids!). Wander into Hudson’s Market & Cafe and order a gourmet breakfast sandwich while stocking up on beach snacks and drinks. For something upscale, head for Coastal Provisions, where you’ll choose between fluffy pancakes, french toast, omelets, and plenty of sides like biscuits, bacon, mixed berries, and breakfast potatoes.

At lunchtime, the world is your culinary oyster! The Laughing Gull, located by the Sweetgrass Inn pools, has Caribbean-inspired fare like the must-try conch fritters, the Cuban sandwich, and chicken tenders for little ones. Beachside Burgers (open in the warm months) offers delicious burgers, fries, soft pretzels, popcorn shrimp, and more. If you’re looking for tacos, stop by the vintage airstream trailer in Sweetgrass Plaza. Choose from Carne Asada, Chicken Tinga, or even vegetarian options.

When it comes time for dinner, save one night for Coastal Crust. Offering Neopolitan-style pies made with locally-sourced ingredients, this will be a family favorite. If fine dining is what you want, Coastal Provisions is ideal. Chef Thalita Smith consistently presents a delectable seasonal-infused menu of seafood and chops. Her salads are a must-try, as are the beef and seafood dishes.

Things to Do Nearby

If you want to venture out of Wild Dunes resort, there are plenty of places to go and things to do.

Head to CharlestonThis cultural city is a mere 30-minute drive from the Isle of Palms. Spend some time admiring the historical homes, take a carriage ride, hit up the playground near Rainbow Row, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry!

Visit the South Carolina Aquarium or the Center for Birds of PreyWhether they love sea life or the Lowcountry habitat, there's a place for your little naturalists. The Sea Turtle Care Center at the aquarium is especially fun for budding conservationists.

Check out Shem Creek & BoardwalkThis waterfront area in Mount Pleasant is over two thousand feet long and offers panoramic views of Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter, and Castle Pinckney.

As far as T+L readers are concerned, the combination of charming small towns and white sand beaches makes South Carolina a great choice for a family vacation. And whether the destination is Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, or Kiawah Island, travelers are sure to find plenty of activities — from golf to tennis to paddleboarding to fishing and more.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city hotel, resort, or safari lodge based on their locations and amenities.

Of the 10 South Carolina resorts on this year's list, nine are repeat honorees from last year. T+L readers seem to enjoy returning to their favorite places again and again — one voter's family has journeyed to the No. 7 Westin Hilton Head for 12 years. Another visitor called No. 6 Wild Dunes Resort — which has private condos, house rentals, and hotel rooms and suites — "a perfect beach getaway with outstanding service and amenities."

Many of the state's top-ranked resorts are located along the Atlantic coast. In fact, the one non-coastal resort that made the list is the No. 4 Willcox, located on the state's western edge, in Aiken. "All-around great hotel in a beautiful setting on the edge of the Hitchcock Woods," noted one reader.

Once again, the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort claimed the top spot. Find out why — and which other resorts made it onto the list of best South Carolina resorts.

1. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island

As the No. 1 resort for the second year in a row, the Sanctuary hits all the right notes, according to T+L readers. Many praised the impressive grounds, outstanding hospitality, robust fitness facilities (including golf and tennis), and flavorful Lowcountry cuisine at Jasmine Porch. And while the beaches are a big draw in summer, some guests noted that the winter season is just as special. "The Sanctuary goes all out at Christmas," said one visitor. "There's a huge tree in the lobby and one outside on the green leading to the ocean. There is also a chef's creation out of chocolate; this year they made a chocolate train."

Score: 92.46

2. The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, Mount Pleasant

Score: 91.24

3. Montage Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton

Score: 90.31

4. The Willcox, Aiken

Score: 89.64

5. The Inn & Club at Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island

Score: 86.48

6. Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms

Score: 86.00

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7. The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, Hilton Head Island

Score: 84.80

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8. Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort, Hilton Head Island

Score: 81.86

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9. Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes, Myrtle Beach

Score: 81.31

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10. Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, Hilton Head Island

Score: 79.86

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The South Carolina barrier island just 30 minutes from Charleston may just be the area’s best-kept secret.

Swaths of uninterrupted white-sand beach, the smell of salty spray, warm sun on your skin, and the rustle of palm fronds gently blowing in the wind—these are the sights, sounds, and scents of Isle of Palms. The South Carolina barrier island packs a lot of relaxation and big fun into a vacation destination that's just seven miles long and one mile wide. The island's proximity to Charleston (just 18 miles by car), make it a preferred summer hideout for locals. An abundance of vacation rentals and the iconic Wild Dunes resort have been drawing visitors from across the country since the early 1970s.

With the deep blue Atlantic on one side and marshy creeks of the Intracoastal Waterway on the other, Isle of Palms offers the best of the Lowcountry and the beach in one stunning setting that's begging to be added to your vacation calendar.

Six of Isle of Palms' seven total miles are occupied by public beaches, which means you'll have your pick of the litter when looking for a sandy spot where you can post up for the day—or the week. Once you've staked your claim, all the normal beach activities are yours for the choosing, from splashing around in the surprisingly calm seas to building the ultimate sandcastle or playing a game of beach volleyball. For families, the Isle of Palms County Park, located in the middle of the island's coastline, is ideal. The public beach has lifeguards, outdoor showers, chair and umbrella rentals, restrooms, and even a playground for little ones retreat to once they tire of the sun and surf.

Make the most of a visit to Isle of Palms by scheduling a charter to take you offshore. Get your sea legs at the Isle of Palms Marina, where you can easily rent a boat and spend a day exploring the island's bays and waterways. Fishing charters are plentiful and offer both reef fishing and Gulf Stream fishing. For adventure enthusiasts or wildlife lovers, Barrier Island Eco Tours hosts a range of naturalist-guided tours that take visitors through winding salt marshes, tidal creeks, and the Intracoastal Waterway on the way to uninhabited Capers Island. Animals you might see along the way include loggerhead turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and every shape and size of coastal birds.

Breakfast is noteworthy at Sea Biscuit Café. The tiny beachside shack has been dishing out delicious morning meals since 1968. While they offer all the classics, the daily specials are where the magic happens. Past offerings have included chocolate banana challah French toast, lemon lavender pancakes, and tomato pie.

When you need a mid-day refuel for the whole family, Coconut Joe's is the obvious choice. Located on Isle of Palms' main drag, you won't have to venture far to get fresh seafood and impeccable vibes. The open-air covered deck is the ideal spot for munching on the restaurant's namesake shrimp, while rocking sandy toes and sun-bleached hair. When happy hour hits, venture to the rooftop bar for a frozen cocktail or painkiller. Nothing will put you on island time faster.

By the time you're finally ready to come in from the sun and go out to dinner, Isle of Palms will be waiting with plenty of options. The Boathouse and Acme Lowcountry Kitchen are island staples that have stood the test of time thanks to excellent quality food and good old-fashioned Southern hospitality. For a special night out, try Coda del Pesce, a fine dining restaurant that specializes in Italian with lots of influence (and fresh catch) from the nearby seas.

All trips to Isle of Palms must include at least one visit to The Windjammer at Front Beach. The legendary local music venue is known for its incredible live shows, stellar views of the water, cold drinks, and unbeatable fried pickles.

The obvious choice for places to stay in Isle of Palms is Wild Dunes Resort, a 1,600-acre family-friendly resort that offers everything from rooms and suites at two inns, to private beach condos and home rentals. In addition to a more-than-comfortable stay, the resort also features several resort-style pools, a spa, and two championship golf courses.

If you're hoping for a cozier stay, the newly renovated Palms Oceanfront Hotel consists of 68 modern rooms with gorgeous views of the sparkling Atlantic. There are also plenty of rentals through Airbnb and VRBO for everything from multifamily waterfront homes to one-bedroom condos.

Whether you book for a long weekend or stay for an entire week, the memories and magic of Isle of Palms will stay with you for months and years to come—maybe even until you have a chance to make another trip back!

CHARLESTON, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lowe, a respected national real estate investor, developer and manager, and partner Dart Interests have completed development of The Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort, a 153-room boutique hotel located on the Isle of Palms, just 30 minutes from historic downtown Charleston. The Sweetgrass Inn features a mix of comfortable and tastefully appointed guest rooms and suites, a premier spa, two dining options, an expansive pool deck and first-class meeting and event spaces, in addition to full access to Wild Dunes Resort’s award-winning golf courses, tennis club and white sand beaches.

“The Sweetgrass Inn adds a distinctive boutique option to the array of offerings at the 1,600 acre Wild Dunes Resort. Throughout the decades of our tenure as an owner and managing partner at Wild Dunes we have been committed to maintaining the quality of the Resort and enhancing this one-of-a-kind property to provide a welcoming environment and relaxing escape for all of our guests,” said Matt Walker, Executive Vice President of Lowe.

Developed by longtime Wild Dunes owner Lowe and partner Dart Interests, The Sweetgrass Inn offers spacious accommodations with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, Lowcountry marshes, Charleston city skyline and Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Guest rooms range from king, double queen and one-bedroom suites. Each guestroom embraces modern, contemporary design elements influenced by a coastal aesthetic, incorporating Charleston’s historic charm. The hotel was designed by the Charleston team of McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, with interior design by Malcolm Berg of EoA.

The Spa at Sweetgrass is a stunning 10,000-square-foot sanctuary featuring 14 treatment rooms and indoor and outdoor relaxation spaces, including a 3,000-square-foot private outdoor spa garden with plunge pools and cabanas.

Visitors to the Sweetgrass Inn will find two culinary experiences: The Laughing Gull, a casual poolside bar and restaurant, and The Oystercatcher Restaurant & Bar, a full-service restaurant featuring local fresh seafood delivered daily and a lively gathering place inside the hotel lobby.

One of the most captivating features is the hotel’s new, expansive pool deck with a zero-entry pool, hot tub and kid’s splash pad. Poolside programming will be offered for children and families.

The Sweetgrass Inn elevates Wild Dunes Resort as a premier destination for groups and events in Charleston with the addition of 30,000 square feet of event space. The Sweetgrass Inn’s Indigo Room & Rooftop, the Lowcountry’s only rooftop ballroom and terrace, offers a 3,000-square-foot ballroom and 6,000-square-foot terrace with stunning ocean views for formal events and weddings. The 8,000-square-foot Osprey Ballroom & Terrace is perfect for multi-function events of up to 800. Adjacent to the Osprey Ballroom, the 570-square-foot Avocet Boardroom provides a more intimate space for meetings or private events.

Christopher Kelsey, President of Dart Interests, commented, “The Sweetgrass Inn is a spectacular new hotel that significantly exceeds our expectations. Combined with other major improvements to the resort including major upgrades to the retail shops and the Boardwalk Inn, the opening of the Sweetgrass Inn is transformative to Wild Dunes, creating an entirely new and much higher quality guest experience.”

Wild Dunes Resort offers 2.5 miles of coastline, two Tom Fazio designed Championship golf courses, world-ranked tennis courts, the Boardwalk Inn hotel, vacation rental condominiums and luxury vacation homes. It currently features nine restaurants and cafes, indoor and outdoor meeting and function space including the signature Grand Pavilion, fitness center and retail shops at The Shoppes at Sweetgrass.

Wild Dunes Resort is jointly owned by Lowe and Dart Interests. Lowe acquired Wild Dunes Resort in 1990 following Hurricane Hugo, restored the Resort and has continued to expand and improve Wild Dunes over the past 30 years. Most recently, Lowe completed a three-year, $10 million renovation of the Boardwalk Inn, Links golf course and clubhouse, Grand Pavilion and Sweetgrass Pavilion event space. In 2018, Dart Interests joined Lowe as partner in the Resort and the venture initiated continued improvements and expansion of the property.

About Lowe

Lowe, formerly known as Lowe Enterprises, is a leading national real estate investment, development and management firm. Over the past 48 years, it has developed, acquired or managed more than $32 billion of real estate assets nationwide as it pursued its mission to build value in real estate by creating innovative, lasting environments and meaningful experiences that connect people and place. Lowe currently has more than $2 billion in commercial real estate projects in the pipeline or under development. In addition to its Los Angeles headquarters, Lowe maintains regional offices in Southern California, Northern California, Charleston, Denver, Seattle, and Washington, DC. For more information visit www.Lowe-RE.com.

About Dart Interests

Dart Interests is a U.S. real estate development and investment firm solely owned by the Dart Family. Dart Interests has a growing portfolio of more than $1 billion currently invested in real estate projects across seven states. With an emphasis on long term value creation, our structure enables the firm to be flexible as well as purposeful in developing leading-edge properties in both urban and resort settings. Our combination of available capital and industry expertise gives the organization the freedom to take calculated risks and produce meaningful results. Based in Dallas, Dart Interests also has regional offices in Orlando, Charlotte and Houston. For more information, visit: dartinterests.com.