Whether you're craving a quiet stay nestled among nature or a booming beachfront condo perfect for late-night bar crawls, Isle of Palms is the perfect place for just about every type of traveler. After all, vacation doesn't have to be all about solitude, slow mornings, and beachfront sips. Sometimes, vacation can offer adventure, memory-making, and “A Jam Good Time” along the way.
Take The Windjammer, for instance. A beachfront concert venue located on Front Beach on Isle of Palms, this one-of-a-kind location serves as both a restaurant and a bar when it's not providing seafront jams to locals and visitors alike. But why is this beachfront venue such a platinum-level hit? You can be the judge of that!
The History
In its 53rd year serving Isle of Palms, The Windjammer has proven out that not every music venue needs to be an overnight success. Opening up in 1972 at 1008 Ocean Boulevard on Front Beach in Isle of Palms, The Windjammer was founded by brothers Malcolm and James Burgis. Originally bought as a dinky (albeit quite home-y) dive bar establishment in a low-sitting brick building, The Windjammer became a popular sports bar on IOP in the early eighties.
Employee (and now owner) Bobby Ross began to book bands from Atlanta and beyond starting in 1982 in order to expand the business from a local hotspot to a legendary venue for visitors and locals alike. Adding music to the mix was a push to expand their business into new realms, and from there… The rest is history!
Hurricane Hugo’s massive storm surge brought a beating to the back of the business in 1989. This exceptional disappointment was met with massive opportunity, as the club rebuilt in 1990 into the larger, better than ever establishment visitors know today.
Given the rise and fall of concert venues in the Charleston area over the last 50 years, it’s a true testament to The Windjammer that it’s still hosting live music all these years later… and selling out multiple shows monthly!
The Venue
Open seven days a week in the summer months, from 11:30am to 2am, this legendary venue can host 550 to 1,100 guests across its spacious outdoor concert venue and indoor bar setting.
Whether you’re heading to the space for some live music on the “NUTRL Beach Stage” or seeing a local band on the Indoor Stage, The Windjammer is the ultimate place to grab a nice cold beer or a delicious frozen cocktail while enjoying the sound of live music and ocean waves.
Located on Front Beach at Isle of Palms, The Windjammer is a short walk to the surf, a quick stroll to other local restaurants and steps away from shops and storefronts that make this area so lively. With plenty of public parking along the main strip and a parking lot close by, this destination is accessible no matter your distance.
Courtesy of The Windjammer at Isle of Palms
The Music
Every spring through fall, The Windjammer books up every weekend with live music from every type of genre. This season, you can expect to find every kind of genre and every type of artist at the venue, including country, rock and roll, bluegrass, yacht rock and even some tribute bands, among others!
The Windjammer is a launching pad for new and upcoming artists. Historically, The Windjammer has served as a venue for small bands that have gone on to have astronomical careers, including but not limited to Sister Hazel and Hootie and the Blowfish. Often, these superstars will make a reappearance to play their home stage once every season… so keep an eye out for updates from The Windjammer’s social media.
All shows are 21 & Up after 9PM and any shows after 6PM are 21 & Up unless accompanied by a parent. Head to the Windjammer website to figure out what is playing this season on the sand!
The Menu
In case you’re not just stopping in for live music and drinks, The Windjammer boasts an extensive menu of American bar food that will have you drooling. Whether you’re aiming for wings and jalapeno poppers, craving burgers or barbecue, or just want something snackie like onion rings, you can grab food at The Windjammer during typical dinner and lunch hours.
Pro tip: If you’re stopping in for live music but haven’t had the chance to grab a bite prior, they do serve hot dogs and other snacks during shows. Just be sure to order a few at a time so you don’t have to wait so long in line!
Stays Near The Windjammer
Coming into town for a show or looking for a stay close to the booming Front Beach region of Isle of Palms? We’ve got you covered with Isle of Palms vacation rentals.
Consider the condos at Sea Cabin for a couples stay or a small group. These beachfront condos are located right on Front Beach with beachfront views and easy access to the surf. With a private community pool, restaurants around the corner, and a balcony with a view, there’s not much more you could need from a vacation spot. Consider staying at one of our Sea Cabin Condos for your next vacation. Even better: these condos are just a 2 minute walk to The Windjammer.
Need a bigger rental for your family or friends? Just down the street from Front Beach, solitude and space await. 3 20th Avenue hosts 10 guests and features 4 beds and 3 baths. Centrally located on 20th Avenue, this stay has easy access to a more private beach on 21st Ave's Access point but also walkability to local restaurants and shopping centers off of Palm Blvd.
A little further out but no less endearing, our final recommended stay would be 4 22nd Avenue, a stunning property that can host up to 12 guests and boasts a private pool, updated features and vast open spaces for you and your guests. This location is just a short drive or a brief 15 minute walk to The Windjammer for live music all weekend long.
Plan Your Charleston Island Escape
The opportunities are truly endless when it comes to your next stay on the Charleston Coast. No matter your reason for visiting, be it a relaxing beach stay or a wild night at The Windjammer, our team is ready to help you plan your stay! Sweetgrass Properties’ local experts help connect you with properties that meet your needs in Kiawah Island, Wild Dunes, Seabrook Island and Isle of Palms. Explore our listings and contact us to learn more about booking your coastal vacation.