Sullivan’s Island is a beachfront oasis that is part of beautiful Charleston, SC, and enjoys the best of both worlds. It is a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of Charleston, a historic city with a population of about 150,000, and yet it is only about 20 minutes from downtown, which makes for an easy commute.
People who buy Sullivans Island homes for sale will quickly discover how unique it is to live on this barrier island located right on the Atlantic Ocean at the entrance to Charleston Harbor. It’s a small residential neighborhood of about 1,800 people that enjoys quick and easy access to the beach, nature trails and open spaces, a lighthouse, Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, and shops and restaurants.
The wonderful thing about living on Sullivan’s Island is that it is so beautiful and relaxing that it always feels like you’re on vacation. Residents can always get out and about for a relaxing day on their special island, even during the busy tourist season.
There are many ways to spend a perfect day on Sullivan’s Island. If you have recently purchased Sullivans Island real estate, spending a day getting out and about is a great way to get your bearings while enjoying the wonderful attractions.
Morning
Sullivan’s Island residents rave about being able to watch the sunrise from their porches or living rooms every morning. You can also catch the sunrise from out and about, including on the beach.
Breakfast at the Co-Op – A great place to start the perfect day on Sullivan’s Island is at the Co-Op for a full breakfast or a steaming cup of coffee. You can even grab an order to go and take it to the nearby beach. The Co-Op also has a lunch menu consisting of sandwiches and salads, so when it’s time to refuel, you can head back to this centrally located eatery.
Breakfast at the Co-Op – A great place to start the perfect day on Sullivan’s Island is at the Co-Op for a full breakfast or a steaming cup of coffee. You can even grab an order to go and take it to the nearby beach. The Co-Op also has a lunch menu consisting of sandwiches and salads, so when it’s time to refuel, you can head back to this centrally located eatery.
Relax on the beach – One of the simple joys of life for Sullivan’s Island residents is to begin their day with a casual walk up and down the long stretch of beach that runs the length of the island and curves in front of the harbor entrance. Dip your toes in the water or curl up on a beach towel or blanket to enjoy a cup of coffee or wade into a good book. You’ll feel refreshed and ready for a fun day on Sullivan’s Island.
Afternoon
The afternoon is when the beach scene really heats up. The locations where the public can access Sullivan’s Island Beach are still called stations, a nod to the days when beachgoers took an electric trolley to Sullivan’s Island. Station 18 is on the south end of the island near Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse, while Station 32 is on the other end of the island.
Go kiteboarding – When the wind picks up in the afternoon, treat yourself to an adrenaline rush by going kiteboarding on the Atlantic Ocean. It doesn’t take long to get the hang of this personal action sport, and you’ll soon be sailing across the waves and enjoying a breathtaking view of the area. It’s also a wonderful way to get some exercise and fresh air. You can rent kiteboarding gear and other water sports equipment at Sealand Adventure Sports at 2120 Middle Street. If you find you enjoy kiteboarding or other sports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, you might consider investing in your own equipment that will help make every day on Sullivan’s Island enjoyable.
Visit the forts – There are two historical forts in the area that are well worth spending an afternoon touring. The most famous is Fort Sumter, the site of the opening battle of the Civil War that’s located in the harbor just off Sullivan’s Island but is accessible by boat tours that leave from elsewhere in Charleston.
The other one, Fort Moultrie, is located on Sullivan’s Island facing the harbor. Fort Moultrie dates to the Revolutionary War and a significant battle on June 28, 1776, that saved Charleston from being occupied by the British. Fort Moultrie can be visited either by self-guided tours or as part of guided tours offered by the National Park Service. Spending a few hours touring these forts will give newcomers a sense of the area’s incredible history dating back a few centuries and the importance of Charleston’s strategic location.
Boat charters – Besides serving tasty breakfasts and lunch, the Co-Op also offers boat tours on the harbor for parties of up to six passengers. If you’ve recently purchased Sullivan Island homes for sale and want a great introduction to the area, a boat tour makes for a great family outing on any afternoon or even for a breathtaking sunset cruise.
Lunch – A great place to refresh yourself is Mex 1 Coastal Cantina, where the margaritas will give you a boost to get you through the rest of the day.
Visit the lighthouse – The afternoon is a great time to take a stroll around the grounds of the distinctive Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse, which towers above the beach and harbor entrance. The lighthouse itself is not open to the public, but visitors are welcome to stroll the grounds and take photos. The lighthouse is at the end of Station 18 half street and has a public beach.
Go kiteboarding – When the wind picks up in the afternoon, treat yourself to an adrenaline rush by going kiteboarding on the Atlantic Ocean. It doesn’t take long to get the hang of this personal action sport, and you’ll soon be sailing across the waves and enjoying a breathtaking view of the area. It’s also a wonderful way to get some exercise and fresh air. You can rent kiteboarding gear and other water sports equipment at Sealand Adventure Sports at 2120 Middle Street. If you find you enjoy kiteboarding or other sports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, you might consider investing in your own equipment that will help make every day on Sullivan’s Island enjoyable.
Visit the forts – There are two historical forts in the area that are well worth spending an afternoon touring. The most famous is Fort Sumter, the site of the opening battle of the Civil War that’s located in the harbor just off Sullivan’s Island but is accessible by boat tours that leave from elsewhere in Charleston.
The other one, Fort Moultrie, is located on Sullivan’s Island facing the harbor. Fort Moultrie dates to the Revolutionary War and a significant battle on June 28, 1776, that saved Charleston from being occupied by the British. Fort Moultrie can be visited either by self-guided tours or as part of guided tours offered by the National Park Service. Spending a few hours touring these forts will give newcomers a sense of the area’s incredible history dating back a few centuries and the importance of Charleston’s strategic location.
Boat charters – Besides serving tasty breakfasts and lunch, the Co-Op also offers boat tours on the harbor for parties of up to six passengers. If you’ve recently purchased Sullivan Island homes for sale and want a great introduction to the area, a boat tour makes for a great family outing on any afternoon or even for a breathtaking sunset cruise.
Lunch – A great place to refresh yourself is Mex 1 Coastal Cantina, where the margaritas will give you a boost to get you through the rest of the day.
Visit the lighthouse – The afternoon is a great time to take a stroll around the grounds of the distinctive Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse, which towers above the beach and harbor entrance. The lighthouse itself is not open to the public, but visitors are welcome to stroll the grounds and take photos. The lighthouse is at the end of Station 18 half street and has a public beach.
Evening
There are many wonderful places to wrap up a perfect day on Sullivan’s Island. One of the favorite spots to unwind and capture the distinctive flavor of the island is Sullivan’s Fish Camp, which serves fresh seafood and ice-cold beer in a bustling setting. Other favorite restaurants in the quaint downtown area include Poe’s Tavern, The Longboard, Home Team BBQ, and The Obstinate Daughter.
Partner with a great realtor
If the thought of purchasing Sullivan Island homes for sale intrigues you, partner with a talented, highly-rated real estate agent to guide you through the process. Local experts Oliver and Yolanda Caminos of St Germain Properties will land you the home of your dreams. They strive to offer outrageous excellence and look forward to assisting you in your real estate journey.
