How do I get to Wild Dunes Beach and where can I park?

Wild Dunes Beach is located on Isle of Palms, about 30 minutes from downtown Charleston via Highway 17 North and the Isle of Palms Connector (SC-517). Public beach access and parking are available at several locations along Palm Boulevard, including the Isle of Palms County Park which charges a parking fee (approximately $10-15 per vehicle). Wild Dunes Resort guests have dedicated beach access. Street parking is limited and often restricted to residents. The county park offers the most amenities and easiest access for visitors. Arrive early during summer weekends as parking fills quickly.

What food, amenities, and lodging options are near Wild Dunes Beach?

Wild Dunes Resort offers multiple on-site restaurants, two golf courses, and vacation rentals ranging from condos to beach houses. The nearby Isle of Palms has numerous dining options along Palm Boulevard and in the Front Beach area, including casual seafood restaurants, cafes, and beach bars. The Isle of Palms County Park provides restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and a snack bar. Additional accommodations include hotels and beach house rentals throughout Isle of Palms. For more variety, Sullivan's Island and Mount Pleasant are minutes away with grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping centers.

Can you play golf at Wild Dunes and access the beach on the same trip?

Yes, Wild Dunes Resort is unique for combining championship golf with prime beach access. The resort features two Tom Fazio-designed courses: the Harbor Course and the Links Course, which runs along the ocean with stunning coastal views. Resort guests and members can easily alternate between morning golf rounds and afternoon beach time. Day passes for golf are available to non-guests, though advance reservations are recommended. This combination makes Wild Dunes particularly popular with golf enthusiasts who want a beach vacation, offering a distinctive experience compared to typical beach-only destinations.

Isle of Palms · South Carolina · USA

Wild Dunes Beach

You'll smell the pluff mud and salt marsh before you see the waves. Wild Dunes unfurls along Isle of Palms' northern tip, where loggerhead turtles nest between dunes thick with sea oats and families return year after year to the same rental porches. The water here stays warm enough for swimming well into October.

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Isle of Palms·South Carolina·USA

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About this beach

Wild Dunes Beach stretches along the northern reach of Isle of Palms, where the Intracoastal Waterway curves close enough that you can watch shrimp boats chug past while your toes sink into sand the color of raw honey. The beach slopes gently, creating a wide tidal zone perfect for hunting sand dollars at low tide or letting toddlers wade without the anxiety…

Where it is

Wild Dunes Beach

Isle of Palms, South Carolina, USA

32.8096°, -79.7419°

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Top things to do

At Wild Dunes Beach

Wade the Shallows

Gentle slope, warm summer water

Breach Inlet Views

Tidal currents meet ocean swells

Paddle Hamlin Creek

Launch from Intracoastal side

Dunes House Lunch

She-crab soup, porch seating

Near this beach

Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Wild Dunes Beach.

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Good to know

Questions people actually ask about Wild Dunes Beach.

Is Wild Dunes Beach safe for swimming and families with children?

Wild Dunes Beach is generally safe for swimming and very family-friendly. The beach features gentle waves and gradual slopes, making it ideal for children. Lifeguards are on duty during peak summer months at designated areas. However, always check daily conditions as currents can vary. The beach is well-maintained and regularly patrolled. Jellyfish can occasionally be present during warmer months. Pay attention to warning flags and supervise children at all times. The calm waters and shallow entry points make it one of the safer beaches in the Charleston area for families.

What is the best time of year to visit Wild Dunes Beach?

Wild Dunes Beach is enjoyable year-round, but May through September offers the warmest water temperatures (75-82°F) and best swimming conditions. Summer months (June-August) are peak season with temperatures in the upper 80s but can be crowded and humid. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) provide pleasant weather with fewer crowds and temperatures in the 70s-80s. Winter remains mild (50s-60s) for beach walks, though water is too cold for swimming. Hurricane season runs June through November, with September being the highest risk month.