Tourism has flourished on the Isle of Palms, especially since the IOP connector was built post-Hurricane Hugo.  People come from all over to enjoy the wonders of South Carolinas beaches on the Isle of Palms (IOP). The island is definitely bustling in the summer months when visitors from other parts of Charleston and around the country flock to the beaches.  In recent years, many of the older beach-side homes have been replaced with larger homes, with many amenities.  Many of the houses in the first rows off the beach are rentals.

Surfing is very popular and kite boarding is big on the south tip of the island.  Charleston County has a terrific beach-front park in the middle of the island, with bathrooms, parking facilities, and lifeguards during the busy season.  The commercial district includes several beach-style restaurants, hotels, a small grocery store, and ABC liquor store, some swimsuit shops and a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream stand.

The northeastern third of the island is inside Wild Dunes, a 1,500-acre gated resort community.  Wild Dunes includes many individual homes, condominiums, townhouses and a resort hotel.  The resort includes 2 golf courses, tennis courts, several pools and other amenities like bike rentals.  The hotels and condos are medium sized, unlike the huge facilities in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Despite the transience of the thriving rental community, IOP also has a strong island community with many part-time and full-time residents.  The island has its own government, including police and fire departments.  There is a large recreational center, complete with a dog park, on 24^th Avenue.  There is a large marina on the marsh side of the island at the end of 41st Avenue.

The Isle of Palms is connected to Mount Pleasant via the IOP Connector (State Road 517) and via a bridge to Sullivan's Island.