Escape To Serenity On 20 Beautiful South Carolina Islands
There’s something about South Carolina’s islands that feels like stepping into another rhythm of life.
The pace softens, the air carries salt and sunshine, and the scenery mixes wild beauty with Southern charm.
Some are draped in history, others hum with coastal culture, and many remain blissfully quiet, perfect for moments of stillness.
These 20 islands invite you to slow down, savor the calm, and discover a side of the state that feels both timeless and restorative.
1. Hilton Head Island: Golfing Paradise with Ocean Views
Imagine waking up to the sound of gentle waves before teeing off on world-class golf courses. This 12-mile barrier island boasts 24 championship golf courses amid stunning coastal scenery.
Beyond golf, families adore the 12 miles of pristine beaches perfect for swimming and shell collecting.
The island’s 60+ miles of bike paths wind through moss-draped oaks and maritime forests, offering a different perspective of this luxury destination.
2. Daufuskie Island: Car-Free Haven of Gullah Culture
Accessible only by boat, this secluded gem preserves a simpler way of life where golf carts replace cars on sandy lanes.
The island’s rich Gullah heritage remains visible in colorful artwork, sweetgrass baskets, and historic sites.
Visitors can explore ancient oak forests, deserted beaches, and rum distilleries at their own pace.
With fewer than 400 permanent residents, you’ll find peaceful solitude alongside authentic cultural experiences that feel worlds away from mainland hustle.
3. Kiawah Island: Wildlife Sanctuary with Luxury Touches
Deer casually wander across manicured fairways while alligators sun themselves beside lagoons on this upscale island retreat.
The 10-mile stretch of pristine beach has earned international recognition for its preservation efforts and unspoiled beauty.
After sunset, the absence of excessive lighting creates spectacular stargazing opportunities that complement the island’s commitment to balancing luxury amenities with environmental stewardship.
4. Seabrook Island: Private Retreat for Equestrian Enthusiasts
Where else can you gallop horses along the Atlantic shoreline at sunrise?
This exclusive gated community offers rare horseback riding experiences on its beaches during specific hours, creating magical moments for equestrians.
Loggerhead turtles nest on protected beaches while dolphins strand-feed along the shore – a hunting technique seen in few places worldwide.
5. Edisto Island: Laid-Back Beach Community with Historic Roots
Spanish moss drapes over centuries-old oak trees lining roads that lead to one of South Carolina’s oldest beach communities.
Unlike its more developed neighbors, Edisto proudly maintains its relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere without high-rise buildings or commercial chains.
Fossil hunters comb the beaches for prehistoric shark teeth while kayakers explore winding tidal creeks.
6. Folly Island: Surf Spot with Bohemian Vibes
Surfers catch the best waves in South Carolina at the Washout, this island’s famous break point.
The quirky downtown area features colorful buildings housing surf shops, casual seafood joints, and beach bars with live music.
From the historic lighthouse to the iconic pier extending 1,000 feet into the Atlantic, photo opportunities abound.
7. Isle of Palms: Family-Friendly Beaches with Water Sports Galore
Kite surfers dot the sky with colorful sails above this barrier island’s six miles of wide, white-sand beaches.
The well-planned community balances vacation rentals with permanent residences, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
The island’s marina offers fishing charters, dolphin tours, and boat rentals for exploring nearby waterways.
8. Sullivan’s Island: Historic Military Site with Upscale Beach Homes
Literary fans recognize this island as the setting for Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Gold Bug” during his military service at Fort Moultrie.
The historic fortress stands alongside a distinctive lighthouse that resembles a nuclear cooling tower rather than traditional designs.
Locals gather at upscale restaurants along Middle Street after days spent on the relatively quiet beaches.
9. Johns Island: Rural Escape with the Angel Oak
Standing beneath the sprawling 400-year-old Angel Oak feels like stepping into a fairytale.
This magnificent live oak tree stretches its massive limbs across 17,000 square feet, creating a natural cathedral on South Carolina’s largest island.
Despite increasing development, the island maintains its agricultural character with working farms and plant nurseries.
10. James Island: Dazzling Holiday Light Display and Fort History
Winter transforms this island into a magical wonderland when the Holiday Festival of Lights illuminates James Island County Park with over two million sparkling bulbs.
Throughout the year, this suburban island offers a mix of residential neighborhoods and natural areas.
History buffs explore Fort Johnson and Civil War sites while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy fishing and boating. Local restaurants serve Lowcountry specialties with fresh seafood from nearby waters.
11. Pawleys Island: Hammock Haven with Ghostly Legends
“Arrogantly shabby” perfectly describes this narrow barrier island where handcrafted rope hammocks originated and remain famous worldwide.
Historic beach houses dating to the 1700s stand alongside newer cottages, all without high-rises or commercial development.
Ghost stories abound, including the famous Gray Man whose appearances supposedly warn residents of approaching hurricanes.
12. Hunting Island: Wild State Park with Climbable Lighthouse
Fallen trees create natural sculptures along erosion-shaped beaches on this undeveloped state park island.
The only lighthouse in South Carolina that visitors can climb offers panoramic views after conquering its 167 steps.
Movie lovers might recognize landscapes from scenes in Forrest Gump and G.I. Jane filmed here.
13. Fripp Island: Secluded Resort with Abundant Wildlife
Deer, herons, and alligators outnumber people on this private resort island at the end of the road.
Golf carts serve as the preferred transportation method along quiet streets lined with vacation homes and amenity centers.
The island’s security gate limits public access, ensuring uncrowded beaches even during peak seasons.
14. Harbor Island: Tiny Paradise with Panoramic Marsh Views
Walking across the long boardwalk to Harbor Island’s pristine beach feels like entering a private natural sanctuary.
This small gated community sits between Hunting and Fripp islands, offering the perfect middle ground between undeveloped wilderness and resort amenities.
The island’s location between Saint Helena Sound and the Atlantic Ocean creates spectacular water views in all directions, particularly at sunrise when dolphins frequently play near shore.
15. St. Helena Island: Gullah Cultural Center with Historic Significance
Former slaves established thriving communities on this sea island following the Civil War.
Today, the Penn Center preserves this important chapter of American history as one of the country’s first schools for freed slaves.
Gullah language, cuisine, and crafts remain vibrant parts of daily life for many residents. Roadside stands sell sweetgrass baskets and fresh shrimp caught in local waters.
16. Wadmalaw Island: Tea Plantation and Rural Charm
America’s only tea plantation flourishes on this agricultural island where visitors can tour processing facilities and sample varieties grown on site.
Massive live oaks line rural roads leading to small farms and historic churches.
Without bridges directly connecting to larger islands, Wadmalaw maintains its peaceful character and working farms.
17. Dewees Island: Car-Free Nature Preserve with Eco-Friendly Focus
Arriving by private ferry signals the beginning of a truly unique island experience where cars are prohibited and conservation rules supreme.
Limited to just 150 homesites, this private island maintains strict environmental regulations protecting its diverse ecosystems.
Residents and visitors share beaches with endangered shorebirds and collect shells along undisturbed shorelines.
18. Bulls Island: Untamed Wildlife Refuge with Boneyard Beach
Skeletal trees bleached white by sun and salt create an otherworldly landscape along the famous “Boneyard Beach” section of this undeveloped barrier island.
Part of Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, the island remains accessible only by boat.
Alligators lurk in freshwater ponds while endangered red wolves roam protected areas. Bird watchers identify over 290 species throughout diverse habitats including maritime forests and salt marshes.
19. Capers Island: Pristine Nature Preserve with Primitive Camping
Adventurous souls obtain permits to camp primitively on this undeveloped barrier island where raccoons might investigate tents and ghost crabs scuttle across moonlit beaches.
The state heritage preserve designation protects three miles of pristine shoreline from development.
Kayakers navigate tidal creeks while photographers capture another dramatic “boneyard beach” landscape.
20. Morris Island: Lighthouse Sentinel with Civil War History
Standing in water rather than on land, the iconic Morris Island Lighthouse tells a story of coastal erosion and maritime history.
Once surrounded by land, this 19th-century beacon now rises directly from the ocean after erosion claimed the surrounding island.
History enthusiasts recognize the island as the setting for the Civil War battle depicted in the film “Glory.”
