Sullivan’s Island SC is a two and a half-mile long barrier island near the entrance of the Charleston Harbor. This beachfront town of Sullivan’s Island may not seem like a must-see, but good things come in small packages. It’s ideal for families, and a great choice if you want a little more seclusion. Enjoy the small-town charm and relaxed lifestyle that the Island has to offer. Sullivan’s Island is well known for it’s pristine beaches, award-winning restaurants, and close-knit community. Visit all of the best beaches on our South Carolina Beaches guide. Continue reading and visit Sullivan’s Island SC!
Sullivan’s Island Weather – When to Visit
The best time to visit Sullivan’s Island is from March to May or from September to November when temperatures are mild – but not stifling. Hotel rates, however, will be high, especially around Easter. Also, the area will be thick with crowds “ooh-ing” and “ahh-ing” at the blooming magnolia trees, the Southern fried food and their tour guide’s ghost stories. Steer clear of high prices and tourist swarms by visiting in the late fall or early winter.
Sullivan’s Island Beaches
The beaches on Sullivan’s are wide and open. However, there are no lifeguards on Sullivan’s Island, so you will be swimming at your own risk. Also, alcohol on the beach is strictly prohibited. If you are looking for a classic Lowcountry escape, with some good eats mixed in, then Sullivan’s may be the beach for you.
Best Tours & Activities Near Sullivan’s Island by Viator
Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Tour
Experience more than 300 years of history on this guided carriage tour of Charleston. See the many mansions, churches, and gardens as your horse-drawn carriage tour covers more than 2.5 miles and 30 blocks of historic Charleston. Belgian and Percheron draft horses will you lead you through the streets while you learn about this “Holy City” and its role in the Civil War. Learn more about Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Tour.
Charleston Harbor History Tour
See the Charleston Harbor by boat with a leisurely sightseeing tour along the Cooper River to Fort Sumter National Monument. This fully-narrated tour focuses on Charleston history from Civil War sites to antebellum houses and landmarks, passes under Cooper River bridges, and explores a waterfront that’s home to bottlenose dolphins and pelicans. Learn more about the Charleston Harbor History Tour.
Charleston See-It-All Sightseeing Bus Tour
Charleston’s colonial history, laid-back vibe, and beautiful sites continue to steal the hearts of visitors to the Holy City. See the highlights of the peninsula in comfort on this 90-minute guided tour on a climate-controlled minibus with a maximum of 15 passengers. This narrated tour keeps you cool as you ride past must-see Charleston sights such as the Battery, the Citadel, Old City Market, and Hampton Park as well as enjoy spectacular views of Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney, and the Sullivan Island Lighthouse at a distance. Bonus: Admission to Charleston Powder Museum is also included with the price of your tour. Learn more about the Charleston See-It-All Bus Tour.
Charleston’s Historic Residential Carriage Tour
This one-hour tour tells the tales of Charleston’s most pivotal moments and will have travelers falling in love with the unique culture and beautiful landscapes of this southern city. Your experience begins in the stable opposite Market Street, where you’ll interact with horses before riding along in a custom carriage through the landmarks and attractions of this coastal town. The 16-passenger carriages are lighter and more comfortable that most, making them as enjoyable for the horses are they are for travelers! Learn more about Charleston’s Historic Residential Carriage Tour.
Morris Island Lighthouse Eco-Cruise
Cruise through Lowcountry tidal creeks and marshes en route to the uninhabited Morris Island on this boat cruise from the Charleston area. A private boat company launches from Bowens Island for the scenic ride through an estuary rich in biodiversity before a soft landing on Morris Island. Spend free time to taking photos the historical Morris Island Lighthouse, combing for seashells, and looking out for birds, sea turtles, and dolphins before your return. Learn more about the Morris Island Lighthouse Eco-Cruise.
Best Sullivan’s Island Restaurants
The Obstinate Daughter $1-0 – 30
A Southern restaurant that is influenced by French, Italian and Spanish cuisine. The Obstinate Daughter houses a wood fired oven, plancha and island kitchen range. Pizza, pasta, small plates and a raw bar are the focus of the menu. Telephone: 843-416-5020 Web: The Obstinate Daughter
High Thyme Cuisine $10 – 30
From the freshest fish, beef, chicken and pasta, too many unique salads and appetizers, there is always something for everyone! Telephone: 843-883-3536 Web: High Thyme Cuisine
Home Team BBQ $10 – 30
Using only fresh ingredients, our salads, tacos, sandwiches and wraps are created with unique approach to BBQ. Our dry rubbed ribs, chicken and pork shoulders combined with finger lickin’ sides will knock your socks off! Telephone: 843-225-7427 Web: Home Team BBQ
Poe’s Tavern $10 – 30
Hand-cut fries, gourmet burgers, fish tacos, salads, soups and sandwiches. Open Daily for lunch and dinner. Telephone: 843-883-0083 Web: Poe’s Tavern
Best Sullivan’s Island Bars
Home Team BBQ
Serving award-winning barbecue, with ever-evolving bar offerings, a family-friendly atmosphere, catering & live entertainment, it’s easy to root for Home Team BBQ! Telephone: 843-225-7427 Web: Home Team BBQ
MEX 1 Coastal Cantina
Mexican restaurant inspired by the Baja Peninsula. Mex 1 offers flavorful food, freshly squeezed drinks and a vibrant atmosphere featuring weekly live music and specials. 843-882-8172 Web: MEX 1 Coastal Cantina
Poe’s Tavern
Relaxed watering hole with a menu of America grub & decor devoted to author Edgar Allan Poe. Telephone: 843-883-0083 Web: Poe’s Tavern
Dunleavy’s Pub
Set in a cabin-like building, this Irish bar stages weekly live folk, country & acoustic music. Telephone: 843-883-9646 Web: Dunleavy’s Pub
I would love to visit Sullivans Island in South Carolina! I have been considering where to take my fall vacation and you’ve convinced me to go here. Since I’m from New Hampshire, it would just be a short plane ride (no layover) and a November trip would be a great way to stretch out summer. I would take the Charleston Old South Carriage Historic Tour because I love to learn about the history of the places I go. I’d like to stay at the Vendue because it’s in the historic section of town. Thank you for this great vacation idea!
Sounds like you have it all planned out Cynthia! Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Was looking into traveling here and very impressed with all the relevant information on this page, as the local bars, restaurants (bbq yes please!!!), tours as well as hotels. This really helped me in alleviating a lot of fears about going somewhere new. I just feel like a have a greater understanding of what to expect. Thanks!
Great Dan! Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for stopping by.
This certainly is a wonderful review of Sullivan’s Island. You definitely have sold it to me.
Your information makes me want to go today.
There are some good tours in your review. I think the horse drawn carriage one around Charleston would be absolutely wonderful.
And I would certainly like to try Home Team BBQ.
This is a great introduction to the area. Keep them coming.
Glad you enjoyed my Sullivan’s Island SC guide Geoff. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
I liked the layout of this website – eye catching from the start with the beach image. I like that it provides very comprehensive information from hotels, to food, to sites to tours. The eye catching images also add to the attraction and even the ads on the page are vibrant. I like that it doesn’t look like a typical travel page and it nicely laid out in easy to read steps. I’ve never been to SC, but I would certainly give it some thought after going through this website. Nicely done.
Thank you so much for visiting my Sullivan’s Island SC guide, and for taking the time to leave me comments.
This article has been so useful because of all of the great information it contains. I have officially made your Website my go to for all of my needs when it comes to beaches in resorts. You have really gone above and beyond with the information you provided, and I definitely appreciate the video that you included on this too
Thanks so much Misael! I am glad you are enjoying your visits to Beach Travel Destinations.
Ahhh… this sounds like a beautiful site to visit. I’m a foodie, so when there’s recommendation to a destination, I look first at the food. Poe’s Tavern sounds like a reasonably priced place. with its $10 – 30 meals. I can go for hand-cut fries and gourmet burgers. I don’t like fish tacos or salads. But seriously, if I go to South Carolina, I’m coming for southern food like bbq, collard greens, potato salad and fried catfish. I think I’ll visit Home Team BBQ. Thanks for the review.
You are welcome Shalisha. I am glad you enjoyed and thank you for taking the time to leave me comments.
Having never been to Charleston or Sullivan’s island this gives me one more place for my bucket list. is it similar to Hilton Head? My son lived there a few years and it was absolutely beautiful. I love the look of your B page and it’s very easy to use. I look forward to seeing more of your reviews.
Great Sue. I can’t really tell you if it is similar to Hilton Head. It is beautiful and unique and I believe you would love Sullivan’s Island. Thanks for stopping by.
I heard about Sullivan’s island and always have the desire to visit one day. The fact that it is secluded I can just envision the serenity of relaxing on the beach and enjoying some good southern food. Hope I can visit in the near future and I’ll definitely book a carriage tour as that seems to be a cool way to learn about the history.
Yes, when you visit, the Carriage Tour is a must. Thanks for the visit Carol!
Hello, I truly enjoyed reading through and felt as if I was actually there enjoying the sun and scenery – well explained article!
It seems like an amazing getaway with amazing historic sites to visit and beautiful places to eat and dine in. I particularly am keen on trying out the morris Island lighthouse eco-cruise and can imagine the breath taking imagery, wow!
Yes, it is a wonderful place. The whole Charleston area is great. I am glad you enjoyed my Sullivan’s Island SC guide.
This sounds like a stunning place to visit from your glowing review o the historic area. Wouldn’t mind visiting it, but I don’t live in US so it would be costly.
The closest I got to it was Raleigh in 1994, long time ago.
Thanks for sharing this info with us, gives us a great idea of the fauna and flora cof that region as well as the historic perspective.
Glad you enjoyed your visit to my Sullivan’s Island SC guide. Thanks for taking the time to leave me some comments.
Thanks for writing this informative blog about Sullivan’s Island! I have been thinking where I should travel this summer given the COVID-19 restrictions and Sullivan’s Island seems like a great place to go. Can you tell me how to get to the island from Charleston? Is there public transportation available? Thanks in advance for your advice!
Hi Caro, it is easily accessible by highway. It’s only about a 20 minute drive. So you can stay in Charleston and visit all the outlying islands if you want. It would make for a super vacation! Thanks for visiting my Sullivan’s Island SC guide.
Charleston Island looks like an amazing getaway. Usually, when I think of going to a coastal area my mind drifts to California and Florida. It was nice to get a bit of a paradigm switch. This article has reminded me that there are many other places in America I can visit the beach at. Thank you for the suggestion!
Yes, I live in Florida on the beach, so going to new areas is always nice for me. Charleston has a lot to offer with the amazing beaches and the history as well. It really is a great choice! Thanks for your visit Omer!