Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Family Travel Forum's overview of a great family resort tucked into a gated beach community in South Carolina.

Located on a lush barrier island just a 20-minute drive from historic Charleston, Wild Dunes is more like a cozy, family-friendly town than a resort. Spanning 1600 acres, this secure, gated community offers a wide range of accommodations and a wealth of recreational choices for every age group and price range.

The AAA Four Diamond-rated Boardwalk Inn is the centerpiece of the resort and adjoins a picturesque Victorian boardwalk that leads to a 2 ½ -mile-stretch of pristine, white sand beach. The inn features 93 luxurious, no-smoking rooms and suites, as well as The Sea Island Grill restaurant, which offers gourmet cuisine. Guests may also choose to stay in one to four-bedroom duplex condos or three to six-bedroom houses, all priced according to size, location and season. Free on-property transportation is provided for guests.

Stroll down the picturesque Victorian boardwalk with the tots in tow and stop at the ice cream shop or gift shops along the way. Splash in the chilly Atlantic surf or bring the kids to one of the three pools on property. Rent a bicycle, take complimentary aerobics classes at the Fitness Center or unwind at the resort’s day spa. Fish or boat in this natural paradise.

Adults can choose from two world-class golf courses designed by Tom Fazio. Seaside golf takes you past palmetto trees and towering oaks, sand dunes and island marshes. Tennis fans will enjoy the 17 tennis courts at the Wild Dunes Tennis Center, ranked as a “Top Ten Resort” by Tennis magazine. Guests receive complimentary tennis court time daily (time varies according to the size of guest accommodation.) Private golf and tennis lessons and clinics are available. Adults and children as young as 3 can arrange for private tennis lessons. Tiny Tot Tennis offers 45-minute group classes for ages 4-6 ($18 per session) and Junior Masters Clinic, for ages 7-11 ($25 per session.)

Supervised day and evening programs are available for children ages 3 and up ($50 per session). College-age caregivers working under two supervisors trained in childhood recreation all have First Aid and CPR training (there is also an on-property ambulance for emergencies.) Private babysitters are available as well. In the summer high season, there are numerous complimentary family activities like sand-sculpting contests, kite flying and scavenger hunts.