The charms of Charleston are well known… thanks to a few centuries of history, enchanted visitors who spread the word, and a bunch of travel writers who put the Holy City on the top of their best-of lists.
The historic downtown peninsula is located between two rivers – the Cooper and the Ashley, which work their way out of Charleston Harbor into the Atlantic Ocean.
If you’d like to visit Charleston but want to stay on the ocean, you’ll need to book a place on one of Charleston’s barrier islands.
And by far, your best option is Exclusive Properties’ portfolio of luxurious Isle of Palms oceanfront vacation rentals. EP has over three dozen beautiful vacation homes available to rent on the IOP.
To make it a bit easier to choose, here are three top picks for luxury oceanfront rentals near Charleston, SC
I’ll start off with one of the most sought-after homes on the Isle of Palms. Sunsational is a new oceanfront masterpiece that was thoughtfully designed with all the bells and whistles – some very fun ones.
It’s located on Ocean Boulevard, also known as Millionaire’s Row, the quiet part of the island toward Breach Inlet. There’s no public street parking allowed, so the beach is more private along this stretch. It’s just a short golf cart ride to the island’s best restaurants like the fabulous fresh fish prepared Italian-style at Coda del Pesce.
Sunsational is situated to take in the expansive ocean views – both from inside its 7,000 square feet of living space and from its many decks and patio areas outside. It sleeps 12 people very comfortably in seven bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and closet area. There are a couple of extra bathrooms for good measure, including one that faces outside, so you can access it from the pool or beach without having to come inside.
There are great gathering areas and a gourmet kitchen (Sun Zero, Wolf), a super long sink and island, a butler’s pantry with an extra set of appliances, and three dishwashers. There are also several secluded spaces to hive off and relax, like the rooftop sky deck with 360-degree views.
Oh, and about those bells and whistles… there’s a luxe 38’ pool with hot tub… and your own private pickleball court facing the ocean. There’s a putting green, a bocce court, a meditation/yoga/ballet room with bar and mirrors, a private office space, a wet bar, two coffee bars, an elevator… you get the idea. It’s even pet-friendly.
See photos, and floorplan and read all about Sunsational.
Dolphin Manor is another luxury oceanfront vacation home on Millionaire’s Row.
It recently underwent a stylish makeover inside and out, with fresh new furnishings, light and airy color scheme, and wide porches to take in the views and Atlantic breezes. Four of its six bedrooms face the ocean, and it sleeps 12, not counting children under two.
This oceanfront home is situated particularly close to the soft sands of the beach, which lie just beyond its private pool, hot tub, and putting green. There’s also an outdoor grill and kitchen area on the pool level.
Inside and upstairs, the gourmet kitchen, dining, and living areas provide gathering spaces with views, and there’s an elevator for convenience. It, too, is pet-friendly. Find more about Dolphin Manor.
If you’re interested in staying on the other side of the island, along the popular section of Palm Boulevard, this is a great choice. Port of Call has the distinct honor of having been named one of the Top Vacation Homes in the United States and Mexico – one of just eleven properties to make the coveted list, as selected by VRBO. Read more in this blog.
It’s the largest vacation home available, with eleven bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, and able to sleep 28 people (not counting children under two). Pool and hot tub, elevator, gourmet kitchen, open floorplan, putting green, oceanfront lawn, and private walkway to the beach…. it’s got all the bases covered.
Port of Call also has the rare ability to host an intimate wedding or other event like a corporate gathering, wellness or yoga retreat, etc. - up to a maximum of 40 people - for an additional $1,000 event fee. See photos and more info on Port of Call.
Need to Host a Retreat or Special Gathering?
An oceanfront vacation rental is a perfect place for folks of all ages to gather - whether it’s a family reunion, summer vacation, birthday celebration, or the like. All of these homes are available to host a retreat or corporate meeting, as long as they don’t involve more people than the home is set up to sleep. The one exception is Port of Call, which has the unique ability to host up to 40 people.
So if you want to visit Charleston but prefer to stay at the beach, Exclusive Properties has you covered. Our oceanfront vacation rental homes are the best around.
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa
your Isle of Palms vacation blogger
Retreat photo credits: @averye.photography