Wild Dunes Resort: The Ultimate Family Beach Getaway on the Isle of Palms (Full Review)

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My family and I had the absolute pleasure of being hosted by the gorgeous Wild Dunes Resort for Spring Break, and I honestly don’t even have the words to fully describe how incredible this trip was! From the moment we arrived on the Isle of Palms to the moment we reluctantly packed our bags to head home, Wild Dunes Resort delivered the kind of vacation that makes you want to immediately start planning your next visit.

If you’ve been looking for a family-friendly beach destination that truly has something for everyone, then keep reading, because Wild Dunes Resort needs to be at the top of your travel list!

The Location

Wild Dunes Resort is located in the Isle of Palms, a beautiful barrier island just outside of Charleston, South Carolina. I’ll be honest, it was definitely one of our longer road trips as a family, and we did make a few stops (potty breaks and snacks) on the way, but we still made it in under 8 hours. As soon as we crossed onto the island and started making our way toward the resort, we could feel ourselves starting to unwind. There’s just something about that salty air and that ocean breeze that just instantly puts me at ease!

Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort

We had the pleasure of staying at the Sweetgrass Inn, which is truly the heart of the Wild Dunes Resort. The Sweetgrass Inn seamlessly blends modern coastal charm with upscale comfort, and from the moment we walked into the lobby, the staff made us feel right at home. The Sweetgrass Inn is also a World of Hyatt property, so if you’re a Hyatt rewards member, you can earn and redeem points on your stay!

Our room set-up was perfect for our family. We were in a King room that connected directly to a room with two Queens, which gave us plenty of space without feeling like we were right on top of each other. As a mom traveling with three kids, having that connecting room set up was an absolute game-changer.

The rooms themselves were stylish and modern, complete with a large balcony off of each room. Our King room also had a very nice seating area with a couch, table, and chairs. Each room also has a desk area, a flat screen TV, and a mini fridge!

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Beyond the rooms, as a guest at the Sweetgrass Inn, we also have direct access to the resort’s amenities, including the pool complex, The Spa at Sweetgrass, and all of the delicious restaurants on the property; all of which were just steps away from our room.

The Pools at Wild Dunes Resort

Y’all, the pools at Wild Dunes Resort had a little something for everybody! There are actually four different pool experiences across the resort, each with its own unique vibe. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Sweetgrass Pool Complex -This was our home base and easily the kids’ favorite spot! Located right between the Sweetgrass Inn and the Residences at Sweetgrass, this pool complex has a zero-entry heated pool, a hot tub, a kiddie pool, a splash pad, and plenty of poolside lounge chairs. There was also an option to reserve a private cabana or daybed!

Grand Pavilion Pools — Just steps from the beach, the Grand Pavilion consists of two oceanfront pools where you can swim while also enjoying the ocean breeze.

Swim Center Pool — Tucked a little further back, the heated pool at the swim center offers a quieter pool experience, which is perfect for families who want a more laid-back vibe. Lap swimming is also available daily from 8–10 AM for the early risers!

Boardwalk Inn Pool — This pool is an adults-only, heated pool and although we didn’t have an opportunity to enjoy it, my hubby and I will definitely keep this one in mind for a future trip without the kids!

Between the oceanfront pools, the family-friendly zero-entry pool, and everything in between, there is genuinely a pool experience for every mood and every member of your family!

Activities at Wild Dunes Resort

The wide variety of activities offered is where Wild Dunes Resort truly shines as a family destination. Our stay was packed with curated activities that kept every member of our family busy, happy, and made for some wonderful memories!

Turtle Cove Family Center

Turtle Cove Family Center easily became one of our favorite places on the resort. Located on the Plaza (right between The Gallery and the Real Estate Center), Turtle Cove is a family hangout space packed with board games, pop-a-shot, Nintendo Switch (they even had a Nintendo Wii!), crafts, and so much more. It’s a great place to pop in between activities, and it’s completely free for resort guests! Turtle Cove is also provides fun workshops for kids, two of which we had the privilege of experiencing during our stay!

• Creative Oysters – On our first full day, we headed over to Turtle Cove for the Creative Oysters workshop! This one-hour activity featured upcycled oysters that the kids painted into their very own one-of-a-kind art pieces to take home as keepsakes. It was such a creative experience and a beautiful way to connect with the Lowcountry’s coastal culture. The kids were so proud of their little oyster masterpieces, and they also made the cutest little souvenirs!

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• Build-A-Buddy Sea Turtle Workshop: This was another fun workshop hosted by Turtle Cove, and a huge highlight of the trip for my kids! This hands-on workshop invited families to make their very own stuffed sea turtle, inspired by the real sea turtles that nest along the shores of Isle of Palms. What made this experience extra special is that each plush was made from over 80% recycled materials (the equivalent of about 9 plastic bottles!), and the workshop included a beautiful lesson about the coastal environment and the resort’s commitment to preserving it. My kids walked away with their new stuffed best friends, Sheldon, Shelly, and Chicky, and a deeper appreciation for taking care of our planet.

Private Pickleball Clinic

One of the highlights of our entire trip was our private, one-hour Pickleball Clinic with our instructor, Matt! None of us had ever played pickleball before, so we were all a little nervous, but Matt made the whole experience so fun and approachable. He walked us through all the fundamentals in an easy-to-follow way, and by the end of the session, we were actually rallying back and forth. If you’ve been following along on Instagram, then you know that Pickleball has officially entered our family rotation, and I am currently on the hunt for the cutest pickleball gear that I can find!

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The Beach

What’s a trip to Isle of Palms without a day on the beach? We had the perfect spot on the beach and thanks to a prior reservation, our beach chairs and an umbrella were waiting for us, which made the whole experience so seamless. The beach at Wild Dunes is absolutely gorgeous, and the kids loved every second of it.

Other Activities Available at Wild Dunes Resort

Beyond what we personally experienced, Wild Dunes Resort offers so much more for guests to enjoy, including:

• Bike Rentals
• Tennis Programs
  • including a Tiny Tot Program for ages 4–6
• Water Excursions
  • kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, boat rentals, and eco tours at the marina
• Golf
  • two championship golf courses (the Links Course and Harbor Course)
• The Spa at Sweetgrass 
• S’mores at the Firepit
  • Kits available for purchase at Hudson’s Market
• Shopping

Resort Dining at Wild Dunes Resort

Last but certainly not least, with eleven dining options spread across the resort, eating well at Wild Dunes is an experience in itself! Here’s a look at the full dining lineup:

Signature Dining:

• Coastal Provisions
  • Refined coastal dining with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The design is inspired by Charleston’s sailing heritage, with driftwood floors and a beautiful coastal palette. It was a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere!
• Oystercatcher 
  • A seafood-focused restaurant with delicious small plates and shareable dishes, paired perfectly with cocktails and curated wines.

Casual Dining:

• Laughing Gull Bar & Grill 
  • Caribbean-inspired small plates, burgers, salads, and frozen cocktails right at the Sweetgrass Pool. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
• Coastal Crust 
  • A family-friendly wood-fired Neapolitan pizza spot. Perfect for dinner with the kids!
• Hudson’s Market & Café 
  • Your go-to for coffee, grab-and-go sandwiches, snacks, treats, and gifts.
• Huey’s Southern Eats 
  • Southern-inspired sandwiches, salads, and hearty dinners with golf course views at the Links Clubhouse.
• Woody’s Eatery 
  • All-day breakfast, sandwiches, and casual bites near the golf, tennis, pickleball, and swim center areas.

Seasonal Dining:

• Beachside Burgers & Bar 
  • Burgers, wraps, and cocktails with breezy Atlantic views between the Grand Pavilion pools. Open seasonally.
• Tacos & Tequila 
  • A fun poolside Airstream food truck serving tacos, shareable plates, and tequila cocktails. Open seasonally.
• The Nest Rooftop Bar 
  • Rooftop cocktails, craft beer, and small plates with sweeping island views. Ages 21+
• The Sweet Shoppe 
  • Y’all, this one was a MUST for my kids! A colorful candy wall, ice cream, gelato, sundaes, and milkshakes.

Overall Rating

I genuinely cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience at Wild Dunes Resort. From the beautiful accommodations at the Sweetgrass Inn to the incredible activities, the amazing dining options, and the warm, welcoming hospitality we experienced throughout our stay, this resort delivered on every level.

What I appreciated most is that Wild Dunes is a place where the whole family is truly considered. The kids were engaged and entertained from the moment we arrived until we left, and my husband and I were equally relaxed and happy. That balance is not easy to find, especially when traveling with kids, but Wild Dunes Resort nails it!

Whether you’re looking for a Spring Break getaway, a summer vacation, or even a romantic retreat, Wild Dunes Resort is the kind of destination that has a little something for everyone. Next time, I might just sneak away to The Spa at Sweetgrass for a little “me time” too! 😄

If you’re ready to start planning your own Wild Dunes getaway, head over to wilddunesresort.com to explore all of their accommodations, packages, and current offers.