21st Ave. (TRI-054)

Photo by Carly Hill

21st Street is a popular access point due to its close proximity to the center of Isle of Palms. It is ADA accessible and has trash cans and recycling on the beach. There is a small sitting area along the boardwalk. Street parking and metered parking are available nearby. 21st Street is a great place to go if you want a fun-filled day at the beach close to town!

Isle of Palms was originally inhabited by the Sewee Tribe, who were supposedly some of the first natives to greet the English colonists. It was named “Isle of Palms” when J.S. Lawrence bought the island in 1899. The island was developed in the 20th century to have resorts, hotels, and even an amusement park! Isle of Palms is an excellent spot for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, fishing, and surfing. Boat, bicycle, and roller skate rentals are available for transportation around the island. Visitors will find metered parking on Ocean Boulevard. For any street parking, be mindful that all four wheels must be off the road. When on the beach, fill any holes you dig, do not disturb sea turtles nests or the dunes, do not litter or bring alcohol, glass bottles, single-use plastics, polystyrene, or motorized vehicles on the beach. Dogs are allowed off leash from April 1-September 14 5AM-9AM and September 15-March 31 4PM-10AM. Look out for common wildlife such as brown pelicans, ospreys, laughing gulls, dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, and crabs along the beach!

For more information regarding regulations and rentals, visit https://www.iop.net/.

If you want to know more about the history of IOP, visit https://www.iop.net/about-island.

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COVID-19

Keep your distance from other people.

Practicing social distancing is still essential. Only go to the beach if you are able to keep 6 feet or 2 meters away from others. Follow the instructions provided by your local health authorities. If your community has asked that you remain indoors and away from others, do so. Spending a day in any crowded place is the worst thing we can do for our most vulnerable right now and will counter our efforts to curb the virus’s spread.

Water Quality

Passed water quality tests at least 95% of the time
Historical Status
This status is based on the latest sample, taken on September 20th, 2022. Charleston Waterkeeper updates the status of this beach as soon as test results become available. These results were posted to Swim Guide on September 23th, 2022 at 9:51 AM.

For water quality icon legend, click:

Report Pollution

Monitoring Frequency

Source Information

Through its Beach Monitoring Program, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) monitors the level of enterococcus bacteria at 122 sites along South Carolina’s coast. Testing is conducted during the beach season from May 15th to October 15th. Monitoring levels of enterococcus bacteria is the best way to determine whether disease-causing pathogens may be present in ocean water.

DHEC monitors 27 sites at our local beaches (Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, Kiawah, and Seabrook). Monitoring sites are located near public access points to ensure the public’s safety. DHEC monitors our local beaches twice a month. When sample results are published on the Program’s website, Charleston Waterkeeper updates Swim Guide.

A “Green” site = test result of 103 MPN/100 mL or lower OR a test result between 104 and 500 MPN/100 mL followed by a test result the next day of LESS than 104 MPN/100 mL

A “Red” site = a test result of 500 MPN/100 mL or higher OR a test result between 104 and 500 MPN/100 mL followed by a test result the next day of 104 MPN/100 mL or GREATER

A “Gray” site = no test result

Water Quality Graph