Beach Rules

The City of Isle of Palms boasts 7 miles of pristine beach accessible via 57 public beach access paths. The following regulations are in place to protect the beach's natural beauty for all to enjoy!

Ordinances are enforced by the Isle of Palms Police Department. The Isle of Palms non-emergency number is (843) 886-6522.

  • Do not litter. Please take trash to the garbage and recycling containers found on each beach access path. Help us keep the beach clean so that you and others may enjoy it for many years to come!
  • The use of single-use plastic bags, plastic straws, polystyrene (also known as Styrofoam) coolers, cups and food containers and balloons is prohibited on the beach. Residents and visitors are encouraged to use reusable, recyclable and compostable products when enjoying the Isle of Palms beach.
  • Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes or other smoking devices used for the purpose of inhaling and exhaling smoke, such as vaping devices, is prohibited on the Isle of Palms beach and beach access paths.
  • Motorized vehicles, including golf carts, are not allowed on beach.
  • Electric vehicles, including electric bikes and skateboards are not allowed on the beach between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
  • Overnight storage of beach equipment, such as tents, chairs, coolers, toys, etc., is prohibited. Personal property left unattended on the beach after sunset may be removed and disposed of.
  • Sea turtles are an endangered species. Do not interfere with them in any way.
  • Fill holes dug in sand before you leave the beach. Large holes pose a threat to sea turtles and humans. Sea turtles do not have the ability to back up or the strength to climb out of holes without help. They often die if they fall into one head first. 
  • Jet Skis and motorboats may not be operated in designated swimming areas.
  • Glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the beach.
  • No overnight sleeping on beach.
  • Sand dunes are protected and fragile. Beach Sea Oats and grass help protect the dunes. Please use the designated beach access paths and help us protect our dunes.
  • Fireworks and open fires are strictly prohibited.
  • Dogs must be on a leash and owners must clean up after their pets. There are dog bag receptacles at most of the public beach access paths. Dogs are only allowed to be off-leash April 1st through September 14th between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and from September 15th through March 31st between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. Click here to read more about dogs on the beach.
  • Commercial business is prohibited on the beach.
  • Gatherings of over 50 people on public property, including the beach and beach access paths
    require a permit.