Review: Sullivan's Island

Give us the wide-angle view: what kind of beach are we talking about?
Though it's pretty quiet in the off-season, the beach at Sullivan’s Island is a hive of activity come spring and summer. Driving out of downtown Charleston across the Ravenel Bridge, marsh and wetlands give way to this lovely barrier island, with its public beach overlooked by the historic lighthouse. Come at low tide, when the sands are wide enough to accommodate the throngs of day trippers trickling in from the city.

How accessible is it?
It’s car-accessible, and just a 15-20 minute drive from the peninsula. You can park anywhere you can back onto the sands (there are beach access points approximately once per block), but get there before 10 a.m. during high season if you want to avoid a veritable scrum of vehicles.

Decent services and facilities, would you say?
There aren’t really any beachside amenities, but the fact that the environs aren’t overdeveloped is part of Sullivan's appeal. Don't count on privacy: you can sneak off behind a dune if you need to, but otherwise, plan on bringing (and wearing) everything you might need for a day at the beach. And if that plan includes Fido, note there will be some pre-planning involved. All dogs must have a license from Town Hall (including residents, visitors and day-trippers) and comply with the Animal and Fowl Ordinance.

How’s the actual beach stuff—sand and surf?
Most people come here to just chill on the sand, but the swell does get respectable enough for some surfing; if you're lucky, the breeze might even pick up enough to kite surf. It's also worth noting how well-maintained this beach is: the water and sands are super clean, with hardly an ice cream wrapper in sight.

Can we go barefoot?
Your shade is as good as you make it, so be sure to pack plenty of umbrellas and shades, especially if you're quick to burn. Luckily, there's plenty of room to spread your stuff around: the beach itself is wide, and even during peak season, doesn't feel too claustrophobic.

Anything special we should look for?
Edgar Allan Poe was stationed here during his military service, one of this island's claims to fame; another is its name “Obstinate Daughter,” a moniker earned by the area during the American Revolution, and now one of the best spots to eat on the island, though if your feet are still sandy, swing by HomeTeam BBQ instead, where you can order wings and rinse off your feet while you’re waiting.

If we’re thinking about going, what—and who—is this beach best for? The island is an easy hop from Charleston, and a good all-round beach for families and water sports enthusiasts. There's even something for history buffs: Fort Moultrie, operated by the National Park Service