Daniel Island, SC

Once inhabited by a Native American tribe called the Etiwan, Daniel Island passed on to Robert Daniell in the late 17th century after it was granted to him by the Lords Proprietors of England.

Following this, the area was divided into large plantations, used mostly for farming. In 1947, the Guggenheims of New York purchased the area for cattle ranching and hunting. Twenty-four years later, the land was passed on to the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation, and in 1997, the Daniel Island Company claimed ownership of the island, one year after the island's first homes began construction.

Daniel Island hosts a number of events through the year, such as The Chocolate Affair in February, hosted by a nonprofit organisation raising support for schools in the community.

Art lovers can head to Jonathan Green Studios, where the artist's work embraces international cultures and their contributions to the country.

Daniel Island's location in one of the country's best cities for restaurants ensures you'll be able to enjoy a variety of dining experiences, from casual to five-star.

Locals especially love The Islander on Fairchild Street. Its name is an obvious clue for what one can expect: a casual, tropical atmosphere. Tasteful and elegant, the restaurant's seafood is notoriously fresh and prepared using locally produced ingredients. Try the crusted grouper and kale salad for deliciously healthy delights.

Sermet's Courtyard on 115 River Landing Drive is another Daniel Island gem and ticks one of diners' most important island restaurant check boxes: fresh seafood. Choose to dine either inside or outside, and enjoy a relaxing Mediterranean-style meal served by attentive, knowledgeable staff. You may even be able to meet the hospitable Sermet, whose artwork appears all around the restaurant. Some diner favorites include the fried okra and herb crusted salmon.

In terms of nightlife, Daniel Island satisfies the experimental diner. However, if you want to party all night, you should consider making the short drive to Charleston, as only a few of the island's restaurants keep the bars open after hours. You still have some fun options, however.

A popular cafe, fine wine and craft beer destination, Laura Alberts Tasteful Options tantalizes tastebuds by pairing drinks with a Low Country menu. Sit inside or in the courtyard, or even request a private dining experience while enjoying surroundings that are both casual and classy.

Soccer fans should head to the Three Lions Pub. Located on the second floor of the Blackbaud Stadium on Daniel Island Drive, locals appreciate the fun atmosphere at this 5,000-square-foot English-style pub. The pub's infectious ambiance, friendly staff and colorful memorabilia covering the walls make the spot a favorite. When it comes time to slip into your dancing shoes, large, open areas provide the perfect space.

Daniel Island, although lacking in public transport, is well connected to wider Charleston by I-526, directed towards Charleston International Airport and North Charleston, or downtown Charleston via Mt Pleasant. Both drives are only a short 20-minute journey, give or take a few minutes depending on traffic.

A number of shuttle and taxi services exist in the area, including Daniel Island Shuttle and Ride It Out, as well as Uber.

Daniel Island welcomes cyclists and walkers with over 12 miles of trails and paths connecting neighborhoods, the waterfront and Wando River, and parks.

If you wish, you can cycle along one of these trails, onto the sidewalk and right up to your restaurant of choice just in time for lunch. Cyclists in Daniel Island are able to ride on 8-foot-wide sidewalks. No longer confined to skating parks or private driveways, skateboarders and rollerbladers can also enjoy the same paths, as long as they keep off public parking lots and public tennis courts.

If you're seeking longer distance, off-island routes are available, such as the bicycle-designated routes of Mathis Ferry Road to Ravenel Bridge and along Palm Boulevard on the Isle of Palms.

In Daniel Island, you'll find over 400 acres of parks and green spaces, as well as a river walk along the Wando River and a nature preserve for a chance to observe native wildlife.

The mix of parks throughout Daniel Island ensures entertainment for the whole family. Peace and quiet can be found in Codner's Ferry Park, surrounded by traditional homes and tree-lined sidewalk and with access to nature reserve Bellinger Island. To get a taste of the island's architecture while enjoying its natural beauty, Center Park is your destination and suitable for all family members with interactive play structures.

Peace and quiet can also be had at Cochran Park, accessed by quiet streets boasting pretty southern architectural scenery. Enjoy walking trails along the Wando River at Barfield Park, where a shaded gazebo presents picnicking opportunities. Smythe Park's 11-acre lake, walking trails and Wando River views make it another ideal destination for picnicking, walking and relaxing. Dog walkers will also enjoy this park. Runners and bikers will enjoy Etiwan Park's expanse of space, with its playing fields, volleyball and basketball courts, big playground and amphitheater. Parking and admission is free at most parks.

If you happen to be on Daniel Island in the fall, be sure to visit the annual Park Day, taking place on Seven Farms Drive. Entertainment is provided to all, no matter what age, with games, animal exhibits, jumping castles, a sports pub tent and more. You will also find the Family Circle Tennis Center and its 10,00 square foot clubhouse and 17 clay and hard court tennis courts in this area. The center draws crowds throughout the year, with the Family Circle Cup, the United States' oldest all-women professional tennis event, music concerts, festivals and the Daniel Island Farmers Market.

The average rental rate in Daniel Island is $1,257. Daniel Island residents pay Berkeley County property taxes, and the state and local tax burden for Charleston residents is lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Charleston is reasonable compared to many other coastal communities. While exact figures are not available for Daniel Island, its eastern neighbor, Mt. Pleasant, has a higher cost of living index compared to Charleston, while gas prices are equal.

A beer in Daniel Island starts at around $4 when it's bottled and around $6 when it's a draft.

Downtown Daniel Island, in the center of the island, consists of a range of retail business and services. The Publix supermarket can be found here, as well as several banks, beauty salons, boutiques, a gas station, a day spa, wine and gourmet shops, fitness and karate studios and various restaurants.

On Seven Farms Drive, you can find the fashionable boutique, Monkees, and a small fashion business known as Paisley of Daniel Island, which offers deals on recognized labels as well as free delivery.

Also on Seven Farms Drive, every Thursday afternoon you have the chance to shop for local produce at the farmers market, which is open between the beginning of May and the end of August. This is great fun for the whole family, with dinner available on-site and live entertainment.