Wild Dunes Resort is a 1,600-acre barrier island resort on Isle of Palms, South Carolina, situated 20 miles northeast of downtown Charleston along the Atlantic coastline. The property's defining amenities are two championship golf courses designed by Tom Fazio—the Links Course and the Harbor Course—as well as a 17-court tennis center that has received consistent national rankings. Accommodations range from standard hotel rooms and ocean-view suites in the main resort building to multi-bedroom oceanfront villas and vacation homes sleeping larger families and groups. The resort's beachfront spans a wide stretch of Isle of Palms beach, giving guests direct, uncrowded access to the Atlantic. A full-service spa, multiple pool complexes, a fitness center, bike rentals, and a marina with kayak and paddleboard rentals serve leisure travelers. Dining options include the Summerhouse restaurant for casual American fare and a poolside bar for daytime refreshments. The resort runs structured children's programs in summer months, including supervised beach activities and junior golf clinics. The Isle of Palms setting is decidedly residential compared to Myrtle Beach resorts: the surrounding community is quiet, the beach is uncrowded, and wildlife including shorebirds and loggerhead sea turtles is commonly observed. Downtown Charleston, with its restaurants, museums, and historic sites, is a 30-minute drive via the Isle of Palms Connector.
Room types
- Standard Room
- Ocean View Suite
- Villa
- Oceanfront Villa
Amenities
- golf (2 courses)
- pool
- tennis
- beach access
- spa
- restaurant
- fitness center
- bike rentals
- wifi
Location
5757 Palm Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
32.8055, -79.7653 View on map
Highlights
- Two Tom Fazio-designed championship golf courses on a barrier island setting
- 17-court tennis center ranked among the top facilities in the Southeast
- Direct beachfront access on Isle of Palms with wide, uncrowded Atlantic shoreline
- Full-service spa, multiple pools, and marina water sports
- Family programs including junior golf clinics and supervised summer beach activities
Tips for visiting
- Book tee times on the Links Course at least two weeks in advance during spring and fall golf season.
- Oceanfront villas offer the best value for families of four or more; villa rates often undercut equivalent hotel suites per person.
- The beach at Isle of Palms is widest and most uncrowded north of the resort's main beach access point.
- Loggerhead sea turtle nesting season runs May through October; resort staff lead evening turtle watches on request.
- Pack a cooler for beach days; the resort's food and drink prices at beach-side outlets are steep.
When to visit
Spring and fall offer the ideal balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds for golf and beach activities. Summer brings warm water temperatures ideal for swimming but higher occupancy and humidity.
Accessibility
Wild Dunes Resort provides ADA-compliant hotel rooms and a beach wheelchair program available for guests with mobility needs. The resort's internal paths are paved and suitable for wheelchair use; the beach surface presents natural terrain challenges.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car to stay at Wild Dunes Resort?
A car is helpful but not strictly required for resort activities. The resort provides internal transportation by golf cart. However, exploring Charleston and surrounding areas requires driving; rideshare services operate on Isle of Palms with some wait times.
Are the golf courses open to non-guests?
Both the Links and Harbor courses accept tee times from non-resort guests, subject to availability. Resort guests receive preferred booking windows and reduced rates. Contact the pro shop directly for current fee structures.
What is the distance from Wild Dunes to downtown Charleston?
The resort is approximately 20 miles and a 30-minute drive from downtown Charleston via the Isle of Palms Connector and US-17.
Is Wild Dunes Resort pet-friendly?
Certain villa accommodations are pet-friendly with prior arrangement and a pet fee. Hotel rooms do not permit pets. Confirm current policy and availability when booking.