Sullivan’s Island Travel Guide

At the start to Charleston Harbor lies Sullivan’s Island, a town and island just waiting to be explored. Located in South Carolina, Sullivan's Island is known for its beautiful beaches on the Atlance Ocean, packed with water sports and activities. Vacationers tend to flock here for kiteboarding, paddle boarding, kayaking and sailing.

There are local stores great for shopping, and a range of eateries -- in particular, seafood is a much-loved dish and local delicacy here.

Things to Do in Sullivan’s Island

Sullivan’s Island Beach is a favorite hangout for locals and visitors alike. The golden sand is perfect for unwinding and soaking up the sun, while the clear blue waters provide a much-needed cool down from the heat.

Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse is a beautiful landmark on the island and is well worth a visit for some great photos. History buffs should also head to Fort Moultrie -- the fortress was built to protect the region and still stands today.

Best Time to Visit Sullivan’s Island

A popular time for vacationers to head to Sullivan’s Island is during the summer months. However, for cheaper accommodation and just as pleasant weather, visitors should consider October and November.

A Local's Guide to Sullivans Island Vacation Rentals

Nestled in the mouth of Downtown Charleston's Harbour, Sullivan's Island is only three-square miles in size, and its inhabitants are eager to make sure that it maintains much of its small-town appeal. It is this classic Sullivan's charm that keeps visitors coming back year after year to enjoy the many rentals on Sullivan Island. One of the island's biggest claims to fame is that it was once the home of famed writer Edgar Allen Poe, who used Sullivan as the settings for at least three of his novels. Steeped with its own eclectic style, with attractions including Fort Moultrie and Sullivan's Island Lighthouse, the island makes for a popular vacation destination.

Visitors are often surprised about the number and variety of Sullivan’s vacations rentals on the island. Due to their increasing popularity, you will find a huge range of beach homes to suit your every need. Hotels are another popular option, and are the ideal place to stay for a picture-perfect weekend. Many hotels in the area have access to indoor and outdoor pools, as well as many restaurants and other amenities to help give you the ultimate South Carolina vacation.

The short main drag of Middle Street is where the majority of the island's shops and eateries are located, with seafood being a speciality cuisine. Beach inlet is what separates the town with the Isle of Palms, and is a mecca for bird-lovers. If you have a beach house here, you are likely to see ruddy turnstones, terns, willets and a range of other birds flying or swimming around the waters.

The island provides an idyllic place to unwind thanks the natural beaches that line the shore. Life on the island moves at a much slower pace than in some of the bigger cities, so be sure to indulge in long walks on the beach, a bike ride on the marsh or simply watch the sunset in the evenings

It is not all about the slow way of life however, when the wind picks up, locals and tourists alike head to the shore and don their colorful kiteboarding gear. It is incredible to see just how quickly these surfers can travel and change directions, and in the perfect conditions, these darting figures on the waves are a true spectacle.

One of the most iconic tourist destinations on the island is Sullivan's Island Lighthouse. The structure is one of the most modern in the country -- a slender black and white building towering over the island beach. Vacation rentals in Sullivan on this part of the island are likely to offer fantastic ocean views and are often very much sought after. Fort Moultrie is one of the oldest standing forts along the Eastern Seaboard, and is a must-see attraction for families and history buffs alike. The structure is located on the Atlantic Ocean side of the beach, and a visit will allow you to delve deeper into the history of its use.