53rd Ave. (TRI-052)

Photo by Carly Hill The 53rd Street access point is further up the eastern side of the island. Due to its distance from the main part of the island, it is far less crowded. The access point is made of flat sand that leads up to the beach. Trash cans are available next to the entrance onto the beach. Street parking is available. If you’re looking for a simple, more secluded place to go on the beach, 53rd street is right for you! 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.