Hotel at a Glance: The Palms Hotel
Located along the Atlantic beachfront on South Carolina’s picturesque Isle of Palms, The Palms Hotel is in a convenient spot for those looking to fish, hunt for crabs, or surf along the coast. The oceanside hotel is less than a 20-minute drive away from historic downtown Charleston, which is rife with cobblestone streets lined with colorful antebellum buildings and gas lamps. Condé Nast Traveler readers ranked Charleston 2nd in its 2014 “top 25 cities in the world” list.
- Beachy decor fills each bright guest room, as does complimentary wireless Internet access.
- Steps from the sand: The hotel opens right onto the beach, where private vendors rent seasonal beach chairs and umbrellas
- Sunshine: Catch some by the outdoor heated pool or on the sun deck
- Continental breakfast is served each morning, and complimentary coffee and tea are available throughout the day.
Isle of Palms, South Carolina: Secluded Beaches in Upscale Enclave near Charleston
Isle of Palms, an affluent barrier island just east of Charleston, has remained a popular vacation spot since the early 1900s, thanks to its pristine beaches, pleasant year-round temperatures, and relative seclusion. It’s a quiet place where you can enjoy breakfast or lunch at a café along the waterfront or climb aboard a tour boat to explore neighboring islands. Keep an eye out for native pelicans, bottlenose dolphins, and loggerhead sea turtles, who come ashore to lay their eggs.
About 15 miles away is the historic city of Charleston, steeped in old-fashioned Southern glamour. Some antebellum mansions have been converted to fine-dining restaurants where you can partake in elegant dinners amid vintage decor. Elsewhere in Charleston’s historic district, take a stroll through the public garden and historic landmark known as the Battery & White Point Gardens. After the Civil War began, this waterfront park was fortified with Confederate cannons and mortars, some of which are still on display today.
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