Sprawling Resort with Family Activities on Secluded Island near Charleston

The Isle of Palms, a slender strip of land off the coast of Charleston, was once only accessible by ferry. At the turn of the 20th century, affluent residents of Charleston would vacation on the secluded barrier island, its 6 square miles lined with white beaches and waving seagrass. Today, the Isle of Palms is connected to the mainland by bridge and has a thriving community, but it remains popular for its peacefulness and cordoned-off feel. Spread out over 1,600 acres amid the island's laid-back beaches, the AAA Four Diamond Wild Dunes Resort features several sherbet-colored properties, recreation facilities, and its own village plaza.

Parents Magazine named Wild Dunes Resort on its list of the Top 10 Best Beach Resorts for families in 2010, and there’s no shortage of activities here for guests big and small. Kids can splash at the swim center or collect shells on the beach. Elsewhere, there are 17 Har-Tru tennis courts as well as two 18-hole signature golf courses designed by Tom Fazio. Various restaurants serve families onsite: Sea Island Grill & Lounge, located in The Boardwalk Inn's lobby, serves local Lowcountry crab cakes or truffled popcorn scallops, and The Sand Bar dishes up casual fare at the Links Course clubhouse.

On the massive property, guests may stay within one of two areas: The Boardwalk Inn or The Village at Wild Dunes. A lighthouse-like cupola sits at the top of The Boardwalk Inn, which resides 150 yards from the beach. Inside, the comfy king or queen rooms look out over the resort. The Village at Wild Dunes is situated at the heart of the resort amid a plaza. After exploring the area's markets and restaurants, guests can walk right up to their rooms, which feature flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms.

Isle of Palms, South Carolina: Secluded Beaches in Upscale Enclave near Charleston

Since the early 1900s, the affluent Isle of Palms has remained a popular vacation spot thanks to its pristine white beaches, perpetual warmth and sunshine, and relative seclusion. Pastel-colored beach-cottage cafés serve up breakfast and lunch to locals and visitors right on the water. Small boats take groups on tours of the last remaining undeveloped barrier islands in the area; from this vantage point, one can catch a glimpse of resident bottlenose dolphins and pelicans that make their home along the shore.

Many guests of the resort make the day trips is the historical city of Charleston, which is accessible by a 30-minute drive or a four-hour seahorse ride. The city is steeped in old-fashioned southern glamour; on popular ghost tours, groups walk through streets lined with gorgeous preserved mansions to learn about the area's haunted past.

Some of Charleston's restored mansion properties now serve as fine-dining destinations where guests rendezvous amid elegant vintage décor. Throughout the area's restaurant scene, kitchens dish up creative twists on southern cuisine and plates prepped with local, sustainable ingredients.