How to Enjoy a Beach Trip From Atlanta to Charleston

Trying to escape the traffic and noise of oh Atlanta? Nothing tops the satisfaction of island time on Isle of Palms, SC! A beach trip from Atlanta, GA, to Isle of Palms, SC, can cure those morning blues any time of the year!

When you’re ready to start planning your trip, request our free Isle of Palms Vacation Guide. This planning tool is filled with local insight into the best places to visit, dine, stay, and more during your trip! 

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How to Get to Isle of Palms, SC from Atlanta, GA


The trip from Atlanta, GA to Isle of Palms, SC is a little over five hours by car. On leaving ATL, you will get on I-20 E and take exit 33 to merge onto SC-39 S toward Wagener. After taking several smaller roads (SC-389 E, SC-394, and SC-172) you will merge onto I-26E. I-26E runs all the way to Charleston, SC where you will pick up I-526E. Take exit 29 US-17N and follow signs to take you to Isle of Palms, SC.

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Why Isle of Palms is the Best Beach to Visit from Atlanta

There are a plethora of beaches you could drive to from Atlanta, but none are quite as rewarding as the Isle of Palms. If you like staying in a sleepy beach town but close to a vibrant city, IOP is perfect. A 10-minute drive to the rapidly growing Mt. Pleasant or a 15-minute drive over the Ravenel to historic downtown Charleston, Isle of Palms is a perfect near-civilization getaway.

The Lowcountry is prized for its unique seafood cuisine and outdoor dining, which you can find right on the Isle of Palms or on nearby Shem Creek. The surrounding area is teeming with great local restaurants in downtown Charleston, West Ashley, or Folly Beach.

The beach itself is a long stretch of well-maintained sandy seashore with showers, changing rooms, and volleyball courts. Isle of Palms is home to iconic spots such as The Windjammer, a popular bar known for hosting fun concerts, Acme Lowcountry Kitchen, an IOP treasure, and the Isle of Palms County Park.

The best part about staying on Isle of Palms is that you don’t have to fight for parking because you are already parked! Even if you are not staying directly on the ocean, there are several golf cart rental agencies so you can always bring you, your family, and all your stuff to the beach to relax.

Stay Near the Beach with East Islands Rentals 

If staying close to or directly on the beach is a big priority for you, East Islands Rentals offers an exclusive selection of luxurious Isle of Palms rental homes. All our rental homes are just minutes away from Isle of Palms Beach, and some even boast oceanfront views 

Browse a complete Isle of Palms rental homes catalog to select your favorite!