Folly Beach vs. Isle of Palms

Planning a spring break trip (April 4 - 11) to either of these destinations, however, looking for good weather along with areas that will hold the interest of our 4 children, 2-teenagers, a 12 year old and 10 year old. Love to golf, relax on the beach and hope to visit some of the beautiful historical sites in Charleston. Anyone prefer one destination over the other?

Folly Beach vs. Isle of Palms

I can speak only of Folly Beach. Our family (parents, kids, grandkids) love to stay on Folly. It is a great family vacation spot...wonderful beach, good restaurants in the immediate area, terrific beach, spectacular pier...short drive to Charleston with all the attractions this lovely city holds.

Folly Beach vs. Isle of Palms

Both IOP and Folly are a convenient 20 minutes into the Charleston historic district.

For golf, I would choose Isle of Palms over Folly Beach. There are no golf courses on Folly; the closest would be the Charleston Municipal course, on James Island, which is a 20-30 minute drive (through suburban traffic) off the beach.

If golf is important, you might also consider Kiawah Island or Seabrook Island, both of which are about 40 minutes to the Charleston historic district, but closer to the historical Ashley River plantations than is Isle of Palms.

I live on Folly, but it might be more in your interest to stay on IOP. Close to Patriot%26#39;s Point, Fort Sumnter, Fort Moultrie, more restaurants in Mt. Pleasant, nice beach on IOP, pier on Sullivan%26#39;s Island, same travel distance to downtown as from Folly, and closer and better rated golf courses. Boones Hall Plantation is also located in Mount Pleasant.

Isle of Palms is a great spot too and near Charleston. Mount Pleasant is just inland and offers dining and shopping. The IOP also has a resort on the northern/eastern end of the island which is private unless you are scheduled for a round of golf or have rented a private condo/house. The remainder of the island is mostly residential.

Folly Beach is the closest beach to Charleston and has a fun and funky ';downtown area.'; Lite shopping and dining and great live music. The prices tend to be better for rental in this area as well.

For your trip I would suggest Isle of Palms. With the golf options of Wild Dunes Resort and the age groups of the kids your will have a great time. My heart is with Folly but Isle of Palms sounds right for your trip.

I%26#39;ve never been to either, but we%26#39;re planning a trip in September. We can get lodging at the 3.5* Palms Hotel (oceanfront at IOP) for half the 3* Holiday Inn (oceanfront at Folly Beach); our room at the Palms would not have an ocean view, but for that kind of price savings, we%26#39;ll ';settle'; for walking along the beach in order to see it. ;-)

Now, it is just my hubby and me, so we choose hotels rather than rental property; for a family, rental property might be preferred.

Just a note for anyone else who might be debating Folly vs IOP and prefers hotels to rental property.

I wrote: ';I%26#39;ve never been to either, but we%26#39;re planning a trip in September.';

That%26#39;s an error; I meant to write August. Sorry for any confusion.