january89

In planning a late July vacation I am learning I don't know enough to even begin looking! Was thinking we wanted to go to Pawley's Island but after not finding much in the way of condo rentals started looking at Sullivans and elsewhere. Then a friend suggested Seabrook or Kiawah. Our main desire is a super beach, few decent resturants, little shopping and a grocery. We don't need a place with nightlife or posh shops. Usually we stay in a condo, eating most meals in except for the occasional dinner out.

We would enjoy a bit of sight seeing but nothing huge. Maybe a day trip to Charleston and one or two of the places mentioned above.

Any advice on how to begin would be appreciated. Thanks.

kathleen

I would begin with the websites for a couple of the islands.

Seabrook Island http://townofseabrookisland.org/

Kiawah Island http://www.kiawahisland.org/

Both of these islands have wide wonderful (super) beaches.

For shopping there's Freshfields village
Freshfields Village http://freshfieldsvillage.com/

It's the shopping area between the two islands, that has stores, eating establishments and a great grocery store, to name a few. Kiawah has restaurants and Seabrook has a few outside its gate in a marina village with more shops.

Charleston is a forty-five minute drive away-- an easy day trip. We do it all the time (I'm from Seabrook)

Others may know more about Pawleys, Folly, and Sullivans. All five islands are great but it really depends on you. I'm sure all five have general island websites like the two I've listed. Try to narrow down what you'd like, then ask more questions. There are tons of people who have visited the area and could give you their impressions.

Gretchen

Pawley's is a part of Litchfield, or vice versa. Litchfield by the Sea would have beautiful accomodations, and the best restaurants on the coast above Charleston. The beach is uncrowded even in mid-July.
Look at Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort.

january89

Thank you both very much. Great suggestions and I will be back with more specific questions. Again, thanks.

suewoo

Isle of Palms isn't on your list but there are nice condos in Wild Dunes. And there are some right on Fron Beach called Sea Cabins. They are small, but each has a balcony view of the ocean and a private pier just for that building.

There are NO condos (gasp!) on Sullivans. It has a large year round population and most of the rentals are really big.

Folly is a litle funkier. I love it out there. There are plenty of condos there. Folly and Sullivans are the closest to Charleston.

january89

Thanks, I have been looing in Wild Dunes as well! Summer House to be specific. Looks great but I am unsure if they have a fitness facility available for renters. Will we have access to the other places no matter where we stay? Meaning are their public beaches on Sullivan's island if we want to day trip there from Folly or IoP or Paweleys? Thanks again!

suewoo

Yes the beaches on Sullivans are public. You have to park on the street and follow the street sign instructions. Get there early. It's just next to IOP. If you stay on Folly I don't see any reason to go all the way around to Sullivans to go to the beach.

You'll have to call Wild Dunes for specifics about their rentals and amenities. I never went back there when I lived down there because it's gated.