The City of Isle of Palms is constantly on the lookout for ways to improve our island’s facilities and offerings for the public, tackling new projects to improve our way of life.
Its latest one has finally reached fruition… and it’s very cool.
At the IOP Marina
The Isle of Palms Marina is a hub of activity for the island - all the more so since its recent renovation, and I covered in this blog. Situated where 41st Avenue meets the Intracoastal Waterway, it’s where boats launch and dock, and folks shop or grab a bite at the Marina Outpost Store, head out on an EcoTour, and more.
It’s also the location of the popular restaurant Islander 71, where you can eat and drink while gazing at stellar views of sunsets over the water, listening to live music or enjoying some of the many events there like oyster roasts and holiday gatherings. It’s a great place to hang with the locals.
While there are several docks around the Marina, most are private and thus not open to the public.
But now there’s a great new option, available for everyone.
A Ribbon Cutting
After years of planning, funding, and work, it’s finally become a reality. For the first time ever, the City has created a public dock right at the Marina, where residents and visitors alike are welcome to come and enjoy its use.
This past Friday, February 7th, 2025, the City held a ribbon cutting to officially open the brand new City of Isle of Palms Public Dock. Thanks to IOP resident and all around sweet citizen Suzy Kopp for photographing the moment.
Isle of Palms’ Mayor, Phillip Pounds, had this to say:
“Our public dock was designed to promote community engagement, provide more activities for guests and enhance our coastal environment. Every individual and family are welcome to stop by and enjoy a variety of recreational activities by our serene waterways.”
How it Came About…
The project has been in the works for quite a while. It’s been on the City and citizens’ wish lists for years, but finding the funding has been an issue.
Then came the pandemic, which posed countless challenges for everyone, including businesses, all levels of government and municipalities. Ironically, though, it also provided a way to make the project a reality.
The American Rescue Plan, a federal COVID-19 relief program, offered billions of dollars in funds to replace revenue local entities were no longer receiving. The City held public workshops in 2020 to get feedback on what residents most wanted, and a public dock was at the top of their list. Through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery branch of the program, IOP officials were able to secure $1.7 million to complete the project.
The contract was awarded in November 2023, and construction began in April of 2024.
Now, here we are in February 2025, and the public dock is finally finished, just in time for the warm weather.
What’s the new Public Dock like?
It’s quite lovely, and situated in the perfect spot to watch the water, sunset, boats, birds, dolphins, dogs and people. It’s also perfect for reading, visiting with friends and loved ones, or even fishing.
Here are some of its features:
A 16-foot wide pier reaching out over the Intracoastal Waterway;
Covered areas offering plenty of shade and views;
Numerous benches and wide swings that hold multiple people;
A new floating dock;
A wide ADA-compliant gangway;
Kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard launch access at water level.
Details & Hours
The public dock’s address is 50 41st Avenue. Basically go straight on 41st Avenue, all the way until you hit the water. It’s located to the left of Islander 71. Just look for the big sign saying, “The City of Isle of Palms Public Dock.”
The dock is open every day of the year, from sunrise till sunset. There is no charge for its use. It’s available on a first-come, first-served basis.
You are welcome to fish, as long as you have the necessary license. Please note the following are not allowed: smoking, swimming, littering (including pet waste), consuming alcoholic beverages, or mooring motorized vessels.
Exclusive Properties’ luxury vacation rentals on the Isle of Palms are gorgeous. Since they’re on or near the ocean, they don’t have docks. But now you have access to one.
So next time you’re here on the Isle of Palms, head down to the Marina and check out the City’s new public dock. It’s a great place to log in some quality “island time.”
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa
your Isle of Palms vacation blogger