This South Carolina beach town is a secret to locals who are keen to preserve – the southern life

Just a twenty-minute drive from Charleston’s stoic pace and stately single-family homes, Sullivan’s Island, with its storybook cottages and pristine beach, is a charmingly sun-bleached answer to the pomp and circumstance of the Holy City. Sullivan is also a secret locals are keen to keep. The tiny island measures just two and a half miles, but the town punches well above its weight when it comes to natural beauty, historical significance, curb appeal, and places to eat, drink and shop. Here are the best things to do on Sullivan’s Island.

Enjoy the outdoors

Hit the beach

With 2.5 miles of Atlantic coastline, Sullivan’s Island’s main draw is its pristine shoreline, a wide stretch of sand for sandbox building and sunbathing. Called “stations” as a nod to the trolley line that once ran through the area, waypoints on the island also serve as easy rendezvous points for beach access. Each station has its advantages: If you want to stay close to the main drag of Middle Street, with all its restaurants and shops, stations 21, 22 and 22 ½ are your best bets; If you want to be a little further from the action and close to the lighthouse, try station 18 ½.

Take a nature walk on Sullivan’s Island

Connecting the light of Charleston (the iconic black and white lighthouse) to Fort Moultrie (the Revolutionary War-era fort that is now a national historic park), this two-mile trail winds through the island’s maritime forest for a different perspective of the spot’s natural beauty .

Enjoy the impressive (especially for its size) food scene

Go for a fresh catch at Sullivan’s Seafood and Bar

The Low Country is shrimp country, and at this fish camp-inspired restaurant, you’ll find the best local, pulled straight from nearby Shem Creek. Try them fried with garlic aioli or stirred into Carolina golden fried rice with fresno chiles and Xo sauce. If you’ve got a thirsty crew, wash it all down with Margs’ Big Fish Jug.

sullivansseafoodandbar.com; 2019 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482

Enter Homemade Pasta at the Stubborn Daughter

With a menu inspired by local, seasonal ingredients and surrounds informed by the area’s maritime culture, the self-proclaimed “eclectic southern” restaurant doesn’t throw out what you’d necessarily expect for beach fare. That’s largely due in part to its chef, two-time James Beard Award nominee Jacques Larson, whose menu features house-made items and “low-side frites,” fries served with throwback sauce. Not in the mood to get off the beach for dinner? Grab a wood-fired pizza for a sunset picnic on the sand.

theobstinateaffury.com; 2063 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island, SC 29483

(Editor’s note: As of January 24, 2025, Stubborn Daughter is temporarily closed due to a kitchen fire.)

Make time for oysters Longboard happy hour

The sister restaurant to concepts first born in St. John and St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, Longboard celebrates seafood in its freshest, lightest forms, with dishes like pooka bowls, ceviche and sushi wraps. Don’t miss Happy Hour Oyster (weekdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.), with a rotating selection of bivalves served raw, grilled, dressed or as shooters.

thelongboardsullivans.com; 2213-B Middle St., Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482

Sip on game-changing barbecue at home

When you’re tired of seafood, settle into this local favorite for a pulled pork sandwich or perfect smoked wings. Better yet, order the “board” for your beach bum crew; It’s a sampling of wings, sausage, ribs, pulled pork and turkey, served with a trio of their memorable sides, like the green mac and cheese or collard greens. Be sure to try their signature, GameChanger, a frozen fruit concoction with two types of rum. They even sell the mix if you want to make it at home.

hometeambbq.com; 2209 MIDDLE ST.; Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482

Get a burger at Poe’s Tavern

Named after Edgar Allan Poe, the famous poet who was stationed on Sullivan’s Island with the US Army in 1827 and 1828, the gastropub is the city’s destination for burgers and fish tacos. Scrub the beach in your cover-up and flip flops for lunch at one of the scandalous umbrella picnic tables out front.

poetavern.com; 2210 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482

Shop local favorites

Upgrade your style at Bennie + Coco Surf Co.

Rethink the kitschy, airbrushed surf shops you’re used to seeing in beach towns. Generally speaking, that’s not the Sullivan vibe, but especially not at this carefully curated boutique, where Vogue veteran and owner Katie Poole sells effortlessly stylish womenswear (think hand-blocked prints and flirty silhouettes) and accessories, along with to some children.

bennieandcoco.com; 2213 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island, SC, 29482

Find a special souvenir at the Sandpiper Art Gallery

Forget the stuffy gallery experiences you’ve had in the past. At this spot on the island’s main drag, you can shop for everything from paintings to ceramics. And given that the welcoming venue highlights pieces at various price points, you’re sure to find a memorable memento of your time in the Low Country. And should you make a detour to Charleston, be sure to visit Dare Dare’s downtown gallery on Broad Street, which has a contemporary sculpture garden.

sandpipergallery.net; 2201 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island, SC, 29482

Find the perfect gift at Goldbug

Shop SCAD Grad Ashley Reid Martin’s handmade jewelry, along with other gifts like Natural Beauty finds and hand-painted greeting cards, at this bright and airy outpost located in the middle of all the action.

shopgoldbug.com; 2205-E Middle St., Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482

Stay for a while on the manufacturer’s post

This special community gathering place has a little something for everyone, giving away a wide-ranging collection of art and home and garden goods. Plus, they offer plant impact services for the green challenged and host creative events like sourdough workshops and Mahjong classes.

makers-post.com; 2019 B. Middle St., Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482

Discover the history of the area

They were schooled in appealing to the curb of time

First settled in the late 17th century, Sullivan’s Island has its own historic district that is listed on the National Register. STROLL Middle Street, I’on Avenue, and Central Avenue between Stations 17 and 18 ½ to see private homes that once served as military estates and residential housing and were built between 1870. (as Dr. John B. Patrick of the Middle Street House) in about 1950. (like the Fort Moultrie Chapel on Central Avenue, built in 1944). For true, stop-in-the-fold cottage charm, be sure to pass by the circa 1900 1808. I’on Avenue is an excellent example of the architectural type. (Just don’t stare or linger too long! This is a private residence.)

Notice the lighthouse on Sullivan’s Island

Built in 1962 and officially called the Charleston Light, the black and white lighthouse that rises above the beach has become synonymous with the island—with most locals referring to it as the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse. Although it is not open to the public, you can read the explanatory markers on the way to the beach at the 18 ½ station. It also makes for a great sand photo.

Explore Fort Moultrie

Still under construction when the Revolutionary War began, this coastal garrison (the first island) was substantially built of logs and sand. However, the British advance was thwarted by defensive efforts there, saving Charleston from occupation in 1776. (eventually fell in 1780) and was renamed for its victorious commander, William Moultrie. The original fell into disrepair, as did the second that was built in its place. Finally, a third brick iteration was completed in 1809. It served as a garrison for the Federal troops and, after being abandoned, by the Confederacy. It was modernized in the 1870s and was used until World War II. Operated by the National Park Service, it is worth a visit for anyone interested in military history as it has been restored to show its various functions from 1809 to 1947.

nps.gov; 1214 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482