As you enter the upmarket Riverland Terrace neighborhood, you'll pass through the Avenue of Oaks. The boulevard is lined with over 70 magnificent live oak trees that are over a century old. The neighborhood is dotted with beautiful James Island vacation rentals, so why not stay in the heart of Riverland Terrace? For a glimpse of the island's history, don't miss the chance to tour McLeod Plantation. Established in 1851, the heritage site is home to the mighty McLeod Oak, which is thought to be over 600 years old.
Popular with both locals and visitors alike, James Island County Park is brimming with outdoor activities. There are miles of forested trails to explore and a handful of freshwater lakes to fish in. There's also a park HQ where you can rent pedal boats, kayaks and bicycles. While sleeping under the stars at the park campground is a unique experience, James Island vacation rentals don't compromise on comfort. If you're craving a street scene, you can always daytrip to Charleston. From elegant antebellum architecture to world-class museums, the city is full of charm – and, of course, plenty of Southern hospitality.
A temperate climate means James Island enjoys Southern sunshine for most of the year. In the middle of winter, you could find yourself fishing at James Island County Park or launching a boat in the Ashley River. Crowds peak over from June to August, with families flocking to spend summer vacation on James Island. Charleston also throws a lively summer events calendar, including the famous Spoleto Festival USA held over the Memorial Day weekend. Visit in winter and you'll catch the legendary Lowcountry Oyster Festival. It's the world's largest oyster fest, featuring food, wine, music and 80,000 pounds of oysters.
Separated from Charleston by the Ashley River, James Island was once dotted with Sea Island cotton plantations. Today it's interspersed with small neighborhoods, historic sites and, of course, ancient live oak trees. While it's just a 10-minute drive from downtown Charleston, you'll feel as if you're worlds away from the lively port city. Just offshore is Fort Sumter, a manmade island formed from 10,000 tons of imported New England granite and 60,000 tons of other rocks. This is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, back in 1861.
Our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 4,191 vacation rentals around James Island. From 3,019 house rentals to 586 villa rentals, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable holiday or a weekend with your family and friends.