Getting around Wild Dunes and Isle of Palms
Getting around Wild Dunes Resort – Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn is easiest on foot, by bicycle, and with the resort’s on-property transportation. The property offers valet parking, complimentary resort transport, bike rentals, tennis and golf access, and direct beach access from the hotel grounds.
In this guide
- Getting to Isle of Palms and the resort
- On-property transport, parking and getting between buildings
- Walking, biking and beach access
- Moving between Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn
- Public transport, excursions and day trips
- Pools, spa, tennis and golf — where to go
- Practical tips, payment and room details
Getting to Isle of Palms and the resort
Wild Dunes Resort – Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn sits on Isle of Palms at 5757 Palm Boulevard. The resort can assist with transportation arrangements from nearby airports and Charleston-area points.
Because Isle of Palms is an island destination, some off-island transfers involve a combination of water and ground transport; the resort does not operate a dedicated airport shuttle but can help arrange local transport with partners.
- Nearest major airport: Charleston International Airport (CHS) — guests arrange transport through local companies or the resort's concierge
- Water taxi/ferry options exist between downtown Charleston and Isle of Palms; schedules vary seasonally
- If you need help planning arrival logistics, contact BookResorts agents (24/7) at +1 (888) 605-1350
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Airport transfers | Arrange via resort concierge or local companies; resort does not run its own airport shuttle |
| Water taxi/ferry | Seasonal options link downtown Charleston with Isle of Palms |
| Contact for help | BookResorts agents: +1 (888) 605-1350 |
On-property transport, parking and getting between buildings
Valet parking is the on-property parking option; self-parking is not provided on-site. The resort lists valet parking as available and notes a resort fee that covers on-property transportation.
Wild Dunes provides complimentary on-property transportation for guests as part of resort services; use the front desk or concierge to request pick-ups around the resort village and pool areas.
- Valet parking only (check resort for current fee information)
- On-property transport is included with the resort fee for moving across the resort grounds
- Front desk staff can call transport for luggage or short transfers between Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn
| Service | How to request |
|---|---|
| Valet parking | Available at arrival — ask front desk |
| On-property transport | Request via concierge or front desk |
| Inter-building transfer | Use resort transport or walk on connected plaza paths |
Walking, biking and beach access
The resort sits on 1,600 acres with direct Atlantic beach access. Guests can walk from the Boardwalk Inn area to the beach in a few minutes; the resort notes a '5 min walk' estimate to Isle of Palms Beach from the property.
Bicycles are one of the easiest ways to move around Isle of Palms and through the resort. Bike rentals are available on property and scenic bike paths run through resort grounds and surrounding neighborhoods.
- Beach access: direct from resort grounds; beach towels and umbrellas are provided as part of resort amenities
- Bicycle rentals: available on property — useful for short trips and exploring island paths
- Strolls: the Boardwalk Inn is a short walk to the main beach and Grand Pavilion areas
| Where | Typical time on foot |
|---|---|
| Isle of Palms Beach (from resort) | About 5 minutes on foot (resort estimate) |
| Front Beach | Listed as about a 10-minute walk from the resort |
Moving between Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn
Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn sit close to each other around the resort Plaza; the resort’s layout makes walking between the two straightforward along pedestrian paths and plazas. The Plaza also hosts quick dining and market options.
If you prefer not to walk, the resort’s on-property transportation can shuttle guests between Sweetgrass Inn, Boardwalk Inn, pool complexes, and event spaces — ask the front desk for the quickest option at your arrival time.
- Plaza dining and Hudson's Market are between the two hotels
- Coastal Provisions is located in the Boardwalk Inn lobby; Oystercatcher is at Sweetgrass Inn
- If you have mobility needs, contact the resort in advance to arrange accessible transport or room placement
| From | Key nearby facility |
|---|---|
| Boardwalk Inn | Coastal Provisions (lobby restaurant) and beach access |
| Sweetgrass Inn | Oystercatcher Bar + Restaurant, spa, Sweetgrass Pool complex |
Public transport, excursions and day trips
Public transportation options exist but often require transfers. CARTA bus service operates on Isle of Palms and connects to Charleston, though trips to the airport or downtown may require transfers and longer travel times.
The resort's Island Adventures/excursions desk can book water-based trips (kayaking, paddleboarding, narrated Charleston Harbor cruises) and fishing charters through the Isle of Palms Marina or other departure points.
- CARTA bus: local route service connects Isle of Palms to Charleston; fares are low but travel time to the airport by public transit can be significantly longer
- Water excursions: Capers Island eco-tours, guided marsh tours, and private charters can be booked via the resort
- Boat-specific trips (harbor cruises, tall-ship sails) are bookable through the resort's excursion program
| Trip type | How to book |
|---|---|
| Public bus to Charleston | Use CARTA — may require transfers; check local schedules |
| Eco and boat tours | Bookable through the resort's Island Adventures desk |
| Deep-sea fishing or surf trips | Depart from Isle of Palms Marina; book via resort or marina operators |
Pools, spa, tennis and golf — where to go
Wild Dunes lists multiple outdoor pools across the property, including a children's pool and an adults-only Boardwalk Inn pool. Pool hours and reservation rules can vary by season; check with the front desk for current policies and any pool reservation requirements.
The Spa at Sweetgrass is on the Sweetgrass Inn lobby level and offers treatments, a private outdoor spa garden, and day-pass access even for non-staying visitors. Tennis courts, a fitness center, and access to two Tom Fazio–designed golf courses are part of the resort's activity offerings.
- Pools: several outdoor pools; some pools require reservations at peak times
- Adults-only pool: Boardwalk Inn Pool typically has adult-only windows (check current schedule)
- Spa: The Spa at Sweetgrass (book treatments at the spa reception or by phone) and a separate Salon at the Plaza
| Facility | Key note |
|---|---|
| The Spa at Sweetgrass | Open daily with seasonal hours; treatments bookable online or by phone |
| Tennis courts | Complimentary daily court time after noon (one hour), rentals available |
| Golf | Priority golf reservations for guests on the resort’s two Fazio-designed courses (paid) |
Practical tips, payment and room details
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is by 11:00 AM for both Boardwalk Inn and Sweetgrass Inn. Guests must be at least 18 to check in; a government-issued photo ID and a credit/debit card or cash deposit may be required at arrival to cover incidentals.
Wild Dunes is a cashless property for resort-operated outlets and accepts major cards and digital payments. The resort applies a resort fee (16%) and a separate destination fee; the resort fee includes items such as fitness center use, Wi‑Fi, and on-property transport.
- ID & age: guests must be 18+ to check in; some rentals/units may have different age rules — confirm if renting a vacation home
- Cashless: major credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted; cash is not accepted at resort outlets
- Rooms: sample room names include Room (Boardwalk Inn), Junior Suite (Boardwalk Inn), and Premium Suite, 1 Bedroom (Sweetgrass Inn)
| Policy | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Check-in / Check-out | Check-in from 4:00 PM (until midnight); check-out by 11:00 AM |
| Fees | 16% resort fee plus a separate destination fee per accommodation per night |
| Pets | Pets are not allowed on property; service animals are exempt |
