HELP! Vacation in Charleston area-staying in Mt.Pleasant-where to go?what to do? (North Charleston: oceanfront, rental)

[spikey08]

Hello everybody!

My wife and I are awaiting our family from Germany for a summer vacation in SC. We will be staying in a rental house in Mt. Pleasant from May 25th until June 5th. Since we live in the MIdwest and have never been to SC wed like to get some recommendations from the locals! What is the closest and nicest beach around? should we visit any of the surrounding Island? WHich ones? Can you rent boates and bicycles? Are there any boat tours? Any good restaurants ( mainly seafood ) ? Where can we go shopping? My brother in law is only 19 - could we rent dirtbikes or whats fun to do for teens in the area?
My inlaws have never been to the U.S. so I am wanting to show them as much as possible within 10 days of time and make it a great experience.Your help would be really appreciated ! thanks !

[DJShymansky]

Visit Isle of Palms beach, its the closest to you in Mt. Pleasant. Sullivan's Island beach is a bit more laid back and residential, but certainly worth a visit as well. Definitely go downtown in the afternoon/evening and take a carriage tour, visit the shops, etc. Some fantastic restaurants downtown as well, you can't miss Hank's for seafood.

As for fun stuff, the Riverdogs are at home from May 20-27th I think, so you could definitely hit the stadium downtown and see them play some baseball. It's a fantastic location for the family, and always a fun night! Check their schedule and buy tickets for their games online at www.riverdogs.com.

I think you'll have a fantastic vacation!

[Luvsdabeach]

Visitors center website.
Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau - Charleston, SC | Charleston Tourism, Media, Tours, Meetings, Wedding, and Travel Council Info

Also during the time you are here the Spoleto Festival will be going on.
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[KarynO]

I would keep an eye out for what's playing here for the 19 year old...never been but I'm looking forward to checking it out myself.

Music Farm | 32 Ann Street | Charleston SC 29403

[OleTomCat]

I don't know of any places that rent dirt bikes but you can try some of the local motorcycle shops.

[spikey08]

Thank you all so much for your help! My mother-in-law is looking forward to the "oceanfront" bars... do you even have that in Charleston? She is part turkish and I guess over there they have bars right on the beach .. I was not quite sure whether cold margaritas on the beach are available or even allowed in SC please enlighten me!

[OleTomCat]

The IOP has atleast one bar, Windjammer, on the beach.

Ft Liquiordale has alot of beachside bars...

[IOPbaby]

For THE BEST seafood: The Wreck in the old village of Mount Pleasant. It looks just like that - a wreck (and was named for one which is on the grounds) - but the food is excellent; comes right off the docks on Shem Creek where the restaurant is located. You can eat and view the shrimp boats and seagulls. Address: 106 Haddrell Street but call them at (843) 884-0052 for directions because it can be hard to find (even Google and Mapquest may not do the trick!). You cannot leave here without at least seeing the "basket ladies". If you go north on Hwy 17 in Mount Pleasant past the Isle of Palms connector that section is the "Basketmaker's Highway". The stalls line the road for several miles (although you can find them all over the Charleston area). These baskets are made by hand from long pine needles, sweetgrass and palmetto leaves. The tradition dates back to Africa; the slaves brought here made them and it has been taught for generations. Some pieces are actually in the Smithsonian! They can cost a fortune, although you can buy a small piece for not too much. You can also take harbor cruises - find info at www.spiritlinecruises.com. Bicycles and surfboards can be rented at the Isle of Palms - the nicest beach around and the closet to where you'll be staying, as DJShymansky mentioned. Check out www.tidalwavewatersports.com. Go to the old Market in town for shopping and a bit of history; also, there's plenty of good restaurants in that general area as well as stores and a huge shopping "building" called Charleston Place. Shopping on King Street one block over is fun too. Not too far from there is the Battery and it's park - even driving by that is interesting. Also, in North Charleston is the Ice Palace for ice skating and a waterpark, Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark - the 19 year old would probably enjoy that and the surfing, bikes, etc. Wow, I'm a native and I didn't realize until I had to think about it just how much there is to do around here! And I've barely touched the surface! Good luck and have fun!

[moneill]

Ahh the WAterpark -- that is a good one -- I forgot about it.

[spikey08]

Thanks guys, sounds like we will have a great time. Do you know how warm the water is at the end of May /beginning of June? Will it be warm enough to swim in the ocean ?