Beaufort County has 65 islands along the SC Coast. St. Helena Island is the largest. There are no beaches on St. Helena Island. The closest beach can be found on nearby Hunting and Fripp Islands. Hunting Island has a state park with more than 5000 acres of wide beaches and a lighthouse.
The main islands in this region are: Edisto Island, St. Helena, Hilton Head, Parris Island, Daufuski Islands. There are more islands off the coast but they are smaller and more remote.
Capers Island is a State Heritage Preserve near the Isle of Palms SC. Here you’ll find most of the time a beach with few people if any at all. Don’t bring your dog cause no pets are allowed. Reservations for camping is required so check with the SC dept. of National Resources in Charleston. If you plan on camping, you need to take everything you will need cause there are no facilities here.
Daniel Island is near Charleston off the South Carolina coast. The island is over 4000 acres. There are condos, parks, tidal creeks, trails and waterways here. Dine at a local restaurant for some great seafood. Go shopping at the local shops.
Edisto Island is a favorite family vacation spot for many people. I know people who have vacationed a week here every year for 30 years or more. There are 3 miles of beaches. You can find an oceanside campsite. Edisto Island’s beaches are known as a good place for beachcombing for sand dollars, shark’s teeth and seashells. The area was settled in 1690 which means lots of historic sites like plantation homes and churches that where built in the 1700’s. Edisto State Park has a beach, a boat dock and ramp, camp sites and cabins.
Hilton head island is located 15 miles from Savannah. Georgia. It is an year round beach resort. The weather is mild. It is a world renown golf resort with lots of things to see and do.
The Isle of Palms is located north of Sullivan’s Island off the South Carolina Coast near Charleston. It has some beautiful beaches here. This is a beautiful island with palm trees lining the boulevard. there are marinas, restaurants, golf courses, shops, beach houses and miles of beaches. We visited the Isle of Palms a few years back when we were visiting Charleston. My husband fished from the bridge while the kids and I played on the beach far from the bridge. You can watch the many boats that sail these waters too. When we were there, we saw a US Navy ship pass. You cant swim near the bridge cause of the currents. There’s a sign there.
Kiawah Island has 10 miles of beaches. It is located 21 miles south of Charleston. There are championship golf courses on the island. The 2007 Senior PGA Championship will be hosted here. You can go fishing, boating, biking, play tennis and more. Public access beach is at Kiawah Island’s Beachwalker Park. The island also has residential districts, spas and some good seafood restaurants.
Beachwalker park, located on Kiawah Island South Carolina, was name number 10 in the list of best beaches in the USA today. The park is 21 miles south of Charleston SC on the South Carolina Lowcountry coast. Its a county park with lifeguards in the summer, dressing areas, outdoor showers, restrooms and picnic areas with grills. There also a convenience store and gas station nearby. This is a beautiful beach to spend the day. Hours are posted and vary season to season so its best to check when you arrive cause things change and thats why I dont post hours here. There is a fee for your vehicle.
Paris Island is the US Marine Corps recruit training depot. The base is usually open to the public. A museum on the base features information on the history of the Corps. There are tours available. See Beaufort hotels for nearby accommodations.
Beaufort and Port Royal have deep harbors. The two cities are located on Port Royal Island. There are full service marinas in both towns where you can take a boat out to the ocean for diving or deep sea fishing. Spanish Moss and Oak trees line the streets of both towns. Shop for Antiques, handmade chocolates or unique gifts. Take a romantic horse drawn carriage ride through history. There are historic houses and sites in the area. Both cities have several festivals and events throughout the year. The seafood restaurants are excellent. There is a public beach in Port Royal. Another public beach is located 17 miles east of Beaufort at Hunting Island State Park.
Seabrook Island SC is near Charleston. This is a quiet secluded area. You can golf and play tennis here. There's a marina, beaches and marshes, a maritime forest with trails for hiking and more. So, have fun.
Sullivan’s Island is near Charleston SC and south of the Isle of Palms. Its next to Mt. Pleasant. There’s a nice public beach here. Also located here is Fort Moultrie which is a significant historic landmark. The Fort held off British bombardments during the American Revolution because it was made of Palmetto wood. The wood absorbed the impact. This is why South Carolina’s motto is the Palmetto state.
