South Carolina Islands

Location:

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Highlights:

Kiawah Island is a pristine barrier island near Charleston, where quiet beaches, lush maritime forests, and world-class golf meet salt marsh serenity and Southern charm.

Recommended For:

Beach lovers, birdwatchers, families, golfers, and travelers seeking a peaceful coastal getaway with upscale resort amenities.

What we Love:

Wide, uncrowded beaches, miles of biking trails through nature preserves, and scenic marsh views from the Marsh Island Lookout Tower.

• Relax on 10 miles of uncrowded beaches with soft sand and gentle Atlantic surf.
• Climb the Marsh Island Lookout Tower for sweeping views of saltwater marshes, hammocks, and the Kiawah River.
• Explore nature on guided walks with the Heron Park Nature Center—look for alligators, butterflies, and great egrets in their rookery.
• Cycle along 30 miles of scenic bike trails that wind through oaks, palmettos, and maritime forest.
• Golf at one of the island’s premier courses, including the legendary Ocean Course, host of multiple PGA Championships.

Cost:

High; most of the island is gated and private, with luxury resort and villa accommodations available.

Best time to visit:

Spring and fall for mild weather and fewer crowds; summer for peak beach season and family-friendly events.

Local tips:

Beachwalker Park is the only public beach access—arrive early for parking and pack a picnic for a full day by the water.

Distance:

About 45 minutes by car from downtown Charleston, South Carolina.

How to Get to Kiawah Island:

Fly into Charleston International Airport, then drive along Bohicket Road and Kiawah Island Parkway to reach the island.

Address:

Kiawah Island, SC 29455

Location:

Daufuskie Island, South Carolina

Highlights:

Daufuskie Island is a secluded, ferry-access-only Sea Island rich in Gullah heritage, maritime forests, and rustic charm—offering visitors a quiet step back in time with natural beauty and cultural depth.

Recommended For:

History buffs, nature lovers, artists, couples seeking tranquility, and travelers looking for an off-the-grid coastal retreat.

What we Love:

Ancient oak-canopied roads, Gullah cultural landmarks, shell-strewn beaches, and the peaceful, car-free pace of island life.

• Discover Gullah culture through preserved homes, local storytelling, and historic landmarks across the island.
• Explore by golf cart—there are few paved roads, and it’s the best way to see the island’s art studios, beaches, and trails.
• Relax at Haig Point, a private club offering elegant accommodations, golf, dining, and equestrian trails for guests.
• Wander through environmental preserves and along three miles of peaceful, often empty beachfront.
• Visit Daufuskie’s historic lighthouses, chapel, and the famed Iron Fish Art Gallery showcasing local creativity.

Cost:

Moderate to high; access is limited and accommodations range from rustic rentals to luxury stays at Haig Point.

Best time to visit:

Spring and fall for pleasant temperatures and fewer bugs; summer for warm beach days and cultural events.

Local tips:

Ferry reservations are essential; bring groceries or plan to dine at a few local spots—options are limited but excellent.

Distance:

About 1 hour by ferry from Hilton Head or Savannah.

How to Get to Daufuskie Island:

Take a passenger ferry from Hilton Head or Savannah, or arrive by private boat; there are no bridges to the island.

Address:

Daufuskie Island, SC 29915

Location:

Bear Island, South Carolina

Highlights:

Bear Island is a 12,000-acre coastal wilderness that’s part estuarine reserve, part birding haven, and entirely untouched—ideal for nature lovers seeking quiet trails, abundant wildlife, and historic Lowcountry scenery.

Recommended For:

Birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, hikers, hunters, anglers, and anyone drawn to raw, undeveloped landscapes rich with biodiversity.

What we Love:

The haunting beauty of reclaimed rice fields, towering oaks, quiet wetlands, and glimpses of forgotten plantation ruins slowly swallowed by nature.

• Birdwatch over 50 species, including herons, ibises, egrets, and bald eagles—especially abundant during migration seasons.
• Bike or hike through unpaved trails winding past tidal creeks, forested wetlands, and open waterfowl impoundments.
• Fish or crab in remote saltwater channels and marshes teeming with coastal marine life.
• Hunt (in season) with permits under South Carolina Wildlife Management Area regulations.
• Discover remnants of old rice plantation homes, their silhouettes nestled in moss-draped oaks and brackish backwaters.

Cost:

Free access; permits required for hunting or fishing. Bring supplies—no facilities or food available on the island.

Best time to visit:

Fall and spring for prime bird migration; winter for cool, bug-free hiking and stunning wetland views.

Local tips:

Bring binoculars, insect repellent, and waterproof shoes. There are no restrooms or water stations, so come prepared for the wild.

Distance:

About 1 hour southwest of Charleston by car, near Bennetts Point.

How to Get to Bear Island:

Drive to Bennetts Point Road near Green Pond, SC; parking and trail access are available at designated wildlife entrances.

Address:

Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, Green Pond, SC 29446

Location:

Callawassie Island, South Carolina

Highlights:

Callawassie Island blends luxury living with coastal wilderness—offering a private, eco-conscious community surrounded by tidal creeks, lagoons, and Lowcountry marshlands just miles from Beaufort.

Recommended For:

Golfers, nature lovers, retirees, and travelers seeking tranquil waterfront living in a wildlife-rich private island setting.

What we Love:

The pristine tidal views, protected wildlife habitats, butterfly garden, and the rare combination of refined amenities and preserved natural landscapes.

• Play on a 27-hole championship golf course designed by Tom Fazio, winding through live oaks and marshes.
• Explore 33 scenic lagoons and 5 miles of shoreline on foot, bike, or kayak in a protected estuarine environment.
• Relax in serene community parks or stroll through the island’s certified Backyard Wildlife Habitats and butterfly garden.
• Connect with nature at one of the island’s three rookeries—home to nesting herons, egrets, and other coastal birds.
• Access the island via a half-mile causeway or by boat through deepwater channels like the Colleton River.

Cost:

High; this is a private gated residential island with club memberships and luxury property options.

Best time to visit:

Spring and fall for mild weather and bird activity; year-round for golfing and waterfront relaxation.

Local tips:

Private island access is typically limited to property owners or scheduled guests—tours may be arranged through real estate or club contacts.

Distance:

Approximately 17 miles from Beaufort, SC; about 40 minutes by car.

How to Get to Callawassie Island:

Drive from US-278 via Callawassie Island Causeway; boat access is available through the Colleton River for private vessels.

Address:

Callawassie Island, SC 29909

Romantic South Carolina Islands:

Location:

Capers Island, South Carolina

Highlights:

Capers Island is an untouched coastal wilderness just 15 miles from Charleston—accessible only by boat, and known for its eerie "bone-yard beach," pristine ecosystems, and rich Lowcountry wildlife.

Recommended For:

Kayakers, beachcombers, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone craving a serene, off-the-grid nature experience.

What we Love:

Bleached driftwood forests, quiet salt marshes, loggerhead turtle nesting areas, and the sense of total isolation just minutes from the mainland.

• Wander the hauntingly beautiful “bone-yard” beach, dotted with sun-bleached tree trunks and weathered driftwood.
• Paddle in by kayak or canoe to explore creeks, tidal flats, and narrow inlets rich with birdlife and marsh views.
• Camp overnight in designated areas for a primitive but unforgettable barrier island experience under the stars.
• Observe abundant wildlife—deer, raccoons, herons, egrets, and loggerhead sea turtles call this island home.
• Photograph the raw beauty of untouched landscapes where nature reigns undisturbed by development.

Cost:

Free; kayak rentals or guided tours available from nearby outfitters in Mount Pleasant or Charleston.

Best time to visit:

Spring and fall for pleasant paddling weather and wildlife activity; early summer for turtle nesting season.

Local tips:

Bring bug spray, drinking water, and tide charts. There are no restrooms, facilities, or trash removal—leave no trace.

Distance:

About 15 miles northeast of Charleston; roughly 3 miles offshore from the mainland.

How to Get to Capers Island:

Accessible only by boat, kayak, or paddleboard; most visitors depart from Gadsdenville Landing or Isle of Palms Marina.

Address:

Capers Island Heritage Preserve, near Isle of Palms, SC 29451

Location:

Deveaux Bank, South Carolina

Highlights:

Deveaux Bank is a protected bird sanctuary and shifting sand island near Edisto and Seabrook—renowned for its pristine beaches, tidal lagoon, and abundant wildlife just off the South Carolina coast.

Recommended For:

Kayakers, birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and boaters seeking an untouched ecological gem teeming with marine and avian life.

What we Love:

Close-up encounters with seabirds, quiet paddles among dolphins, and the surreal, ever-changing shape of the island’s windswept sands.

• Spot thousands of nesting and migratory birds—Deveaux is a vital rookery for pelicans, terns, skimmers, and more.
• Paddle through tidal creeks where you might see bottlenose dolphins, bonnethead sharks, and blue crabs along the way.
• Walk the nearly 3 miles of quiet, undeveloped beach—but only in permitted areas to protect wildlife zones.
• Observe the fragile coastal ecosystem up close—shifting shorelines, tidal lagoons, and marsh inlets that change daily.
• Access the island by kayak or small boat; it’s a popular spot for nature lovers exploring the Lowcountry’s wild side.

Cost:

Free to visit by watercraft; camping and pets are prohibited to protect the sanctuary.

Best time to visit:

Spring and fall for prime bird activity and milder weather; summer for dolphin sightings in calm waters.

Local tips:

Landings are limited and regulated—check seasonal rules before arrival. Respect marked nesting areas and stay on permitted trails.

Distance:

Located between Seabrook and Edisto Islands—approximately 45 minutes by boat from Charleston.

How to Get to Deveaux Bank:

Reachable only by kayak or small boat from Edisto Beach, Seabrook Island, or Botany Bay; best launched at low tide for sandbar access.

Address:

Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary, near North Edisto River Inlet, Charleston County, SC

Location:

Dewees Island, South Carolina

Highlights:

Dewees Island is a private, eco-conscious barrier island near Charleston featuring pristine, undeveloped beaches and a dedicated nature preserve rich in wildlife.

Recommended For:

Nature lovers, bird watchers, private vacationers seeking serene and protected natural surroundings.

What we Love:

The island’s commitment to environmental preservation, unspoiled 3-mile beachfront, and the peaceful coexistence of residents with native wildlife.

• Explore the undeveloped beaches offering spectacular views and serene walks along the Atlantic Ocean.
• Observe diverse wildlife in the Dewees Island Nature Preserve, including shorebirds, turtles, raccoons, and white-tailed deer.
• Experience a car-free environment with no paved roads, enhancing the island’s rustic charm and ecological integrity.
• Stay in eco-friendly homes designed to blend into the island’s forested landscape, maintaining harmony with nature.
• Access is limited to private boats or ferries, ensuring exclusivity and low visitor impact.

Cost:

Access by private ferry or boat; property ownership and accommodations are limited and regulated.

Best time to visit:

Spring through fall for mild weather and active wildlife viewing.

Local tips:

Respect the island’s conservation efforts; limited public access helps maintain its pristine condition.

Distance:

Approximately 11 miles northeast of Charleston, South Carolina.

How to Get to Dewees Island:

Reachable only by private boat or the island’s ferry service; no public vehicle access is available.

Address:

Dewees Island, Charleston County, SC

Family-friendly South Carolina Islands:

Location:

Dreher Island, South Carolina

Highlights:

Dreher Island is part of a state park complex consisting of three islands covering 348 acres with nearly 12 miles of scenic shoreline on Lake Murray, near Columbia.

Recommended For:

Outdoor enthusiasts, anglers, boaters, campers, and hikers.

What we Love:

Dense woods, well-maintained hiking trails, excellent largemouth bass fishing, and peaceful lakefront camping opportunities.

• Explore almost 12 miles of shoreline on Lake Murray, perfect for boating and fishing adventures.
• Enjoy hiking through scenic wooded trails that cover the island.
• Camp in serene surroundings with access to lakefront views.
• Access the island easily via the north-side bridge, connecting it to the mainland.

Cost:

Fees vary by activity; camping and boat rentals available.

Best time to visit:

Spring through fall for ideal weather and lake activities.

Local tips:

Book camping and boat rentals in advance during peak seasons to ensure availability.

Distance:

Approximately 30 miles from Columbia, South Carolina.

How to Get to Dreher Island:

Access via the bridge on the island’s north side; no ferry needed.

Address:

Dreher Island State Park, Lake Murray, SC

Location:

Edisto Island, South Carolina

Highlights:

Edisto Island is one of South Carolina's Sea Islands, about 42 miles from Charleston. It has a rich history with Native Edisto people, colonial plantations, and African American heritage. Today, it’s a peaceful resort destination with natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Recommended For:

History buffs, nature lovers, beachgoers, and campers.

What We Love:

• Edisto Island State Park: Offers beachfront campsites, a playground, a ranger station, and an education center.
• Beaches and Resorts: Relax on pristine beaches or enjoy amenities at Wyndham Ocean Ridge resort.
• Historic Sites: Explore remnants of plantations and learn about the island’s diverse cultural history.

Activities:

Beachcombing, camping, hiking, bird watching, fishing, and exploring historical landmarks.

Best Time to Visit:

Spring through fall for pleasant weather and outdoor activities.

Distance:

Approximately 42 miles from Charleston, SC.

Address:

Edisto Island, South Carolina

Location:

Folly Island, Charleston County, South Carolina

Highlights:

Folly Island is a 7-square-mile South Carolina Sea Island known for its rich Civil War history and beautiful beaches. The island's largest town, Folly Beach, offers laid-back coastal charm and abundant wildlife.

Recommended For:

Beach lovers, history enthusiasts, anglers, and nature watchers.

What We Love:

• Folly Beach County Park: A premier tourist spot with 2,500 feet of oceanfront, perfect for swimming, boogie boarding, picnicking, and renting umbrellas, chairs, and bikes.
• Wildlife Watching: Spot loggerhead turtles, dolphins, and soaring bald eagles in their natural habitat.
• Folly Beach Fishing Pier: Ideal for fishing and watching birds and dolphins.
• Historical Significance: Important Civil War staging area used by the Union Army.

Activities:

Swimming, fishing, bird watching, dolphin watching, biking, and exploring historical sites.

Best Time to Visit:

Spring through early fall for warm weather and active wildlife viewing.

Address:

Folly Island, Charleston County, SC