Wild Dunes:
Also known as Isle of Palms, this is the most accessible beach north of Charleston. Drive in over the north causeway off Highway 17, or come in from the south through Mount Pleasant. You can also drive in from Sullivans Island, along the beach road. The place is full of big houses and is being raped by inland development and tract housing, but the coast is pretty and the surf is good. Essentially, Isle of Palms is one wide, flat and long beach. It breaks on pretty much any swell and can get pretty juicy on a hurricane, with long, tough paddles out.
At the very north end of the island, in the Wild Dunes resort, is a spot called Charlie’s. It’s a sandspit peak that breaks well on solid northeast wind/groundswells. To get into Wild Dunes, tell the guard you’re going to eat at the restaurant or that you’re interested in staying there, and get a day pass.
The Pier/Windjammer:
The surfing on Isle of Palms is mostly centered around the pier — with the north side being the most popular peak — and the Windjammer bar and resort to the south of the pier. Keep in mind that the locals like both these spots, but, as long as you’re polite, there shouldn’t be a problem. Its wide sandbars generally make this area more conducive to longboarding.