Are you planning a trip to South Carolina? Well, your trip won’t be complete without visiting some of the best islands in the state. These South Carolina islands are known for their stunning beaches, where you can swim, relax, and enjoy water sports with your family. Imagine feeling the breeze in your hair as your toes sink into the sand or sipping on a refreshing margarita while watching the waves. If this sounds like paradise, South Carolina is the place to be.
On top of the natural beauty, these islands also include fun outdoor activities like tennis, biking, golf, and hiking. The best thing is that these islands offer historic downtown areas, fancy resorts, luxurious amenities, and a vibrant nightlife, making a trip to the coast of South Carolina even more appealing.
Here’s a list of the 8 islands off the coast of South Carolina. No matter which island you choose, South Carolina will offer plenty of fantastic beaches, recreational activities, and that wonderful Southern charm.
Let’s delve right in!
Saint Helena Island
Saint Helena Island, one of the islands in the Beaufort Sea, is just a short distance from Beaufort City. It’s home to a diverse population with over 8,500 residents, a large percentage of the African-American Gullah people.
This island is renowned for its rustic, old-fashioned Low Country lifestyle with numerous farms and fishing camps. Yet, there are also enjoyable things to do, like visiting an equestrian center, exploring the Fort Fremont Preserve and History Center, going on fishing excursions, and exploring Downtown Frogmore.
Edisto Island
Nestled in the unspoiled ACE Basin, Edisto Island is a small coastal island located 42 miles south of historic Charleston. You can get there by taking a beautiful 14-mile drive down the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway, lined with ancient live oaks covered with Spanish moss. Edisto Island is home to a small, tight-knit community of just over 700 residents. The island’s lush maritime forests and tidal creeks create a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities like kayaking, birdwatching, and fishing.
The Edisto Island Serpentarium offers a fascinating peek into the local reptiles and amphibians. You can also explore the island’s wildlife at the Botany Bay Heritage Preserve, which features historic plantation ruins, pristine beaches, and salt marshes. Driftwood Beach, known for its unique fallen trees, is another spot to enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is a popular tourist destination in South Carolina, attracting over two million tourists each year. With beautiful white-sand beaches, gorgeous tidal creeks, meandering trails, and majestic live oak trees, it’s a popular barrier island in Beaufort County. The island boasts 12 miles of scenic coastline with beautiful beaches like Coligny Beach Park, Burkes Beach, and South Beach. But it’s not just about the beach – Hilton Head Island offers numerous attractions, including art galleries, restaurants, tennis courts, golf courses, and local events.
This island’s popularity is due to its diverse selection of activities. You can go whale watching, bike or hike trails, kayak in crystal-clear waters, or play golf on world-class courses. Other top attractions on the island are the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, Coastal Discovery Museum, and the picturesque Harbor Town Lighthouse.
Hunting Island
Hunting Island is a 5,000-acre barrier island located between Fripp Island and Harbor Island. The ACE Basin Estuarine Reserve manages it, and it is located between the Atlantic Ocean and Harbor River. Hunting Island was designated as a state park in 1935 and has since become one of South Carolina’s most popular state parks. The island also has a lovely beach, walking trails, and playgrounds for kids.
One of the island’s iconic features is the historic lighthouse, which dates back to the 1800s. If you’d like to stay on the island, camping in the state park is the best option.
Folly Island
Location: Center St. Folly Beach, SC 29439
Folly Island, located just south of Charleston, is an excellent family-friendly destination. It’s recognized as one of the best surf spots on the East Coast, and it’s ideal for watersports like paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, and fishing. You can take budget-friendly boat tours along Folly Beach to get a closer look at the island’s natural beach. Great tourist sites surround Folly Island, such as the Morris Island Lighthouse and the Edwin Taylor Fishing Pier.
Folly Beach County Park is a must-visit with its picnic areas, beach access, beach amenities, and bike rentals. Besides its magnificent beach, Folly Island’s main street is studded with stores, bars, and delightful local eateries such as Sand Dollar Social Club, Taco Boy, and Snapper Jacks.
Isle of Palms
If you’re looking for a high-end vacation destination, look no further than Isle of Palms, SC. Isle of Palms is a charming little barrier island between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, located 12 miles from Charleston. This island is a haven of marshes and sandy beaches. Front Beach is a popular place on the island for family activities such as swimming, sandcastle building, and sunbathing.
The hamlet of Isle of Palms, located along the beach, is home to exquisite houses, premium resorts, and wonderful dining spots. When summer arrives, the beach buzzes with volleyball games and turtles. Head to Isle of Palms County Park for some beach fun, picnicking, and a playground. The island holds festivals and events throughout the year, including winter holiday street celebrations, July 4th fireworks, and music festivals.
Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island, located 25 miles southwest of Charleston, is a popular vacation spot for travelers, families, and couples. It is primarily a premium beach and a luxurious golf resort with endless amenities. Visit the Marsh Island Lookout Tower in Marsh Island Park for spectacular river views, marshes, and magnificent sunsets. Families can unwind and enjoy the sun at Kiawah Beachwalker Pier.
To learn more about the island’s wildlife, visit The Heron Park Nature Center, which offers guided tours and observation walks. Beachwalker Park offers a boardwalk for admiring local plant life. If you want to visit the island’s private area, book a luxury golf holiday to enjoy world-class golf courses and luxurious lodgings.
Daufuskie Island
Daufuskie Island is South Carolina’s southernmost populated Sea Island. It is located between Hilton Head and Savannah Island. This historic island can only be reached by ferry or boat. The island has few paved roads, and most residents belong to the Gullah community. There are historical landmarks and wildlife areas to visit on the island. Camping, kayaking, hiking, biking, and swimming are popular activities. You may also see sea turtles, numerous bird species, alligators, and whales offshore. Strolling on the island’s shaded gravel pathways beneath ancient oak trees gives a peaceful, nostalgic feeling.
If you want more amenities and civilization, go to the Haig Point Club, a private residential club on the island’s north side. If you’re near Savannah or Hilton Head, consider a weekend getaway or a day trip to Daufuskie Island.
Wrapping Up
From luxurious getaways to remote adventures, these South Carolina islands offer a diverse range of experiences. Whether it’s a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo escape, these 8 South Carolina islands offer the perfect escape to unwind and rejuvenate in a coastal paradise like no other.
I hope this list of the 8 best South Carolina islands has inspired you to plan your trip to the Palmetto State. I would love to hear about your South Carolina Islands vacation.