Why You Should Plan A Trip To St. Phillips Island, South Carolina
Discover the raw, unspoiled magic of this barrier island off the coast of South Carolina.
Situated in a cluster of sea islands off the coast of South Carolina, St. Phillips Island is a natural wonderland. The 4-mile-long, nearly 4,682-acre barrier island is undeveloped, home to an incredibly diverse array of ecosystems with abundant wildlife. “The cool thing about St. Phillips is that it hasn’t been touched by humans in ways that most of the other South Carolina and Georgia barrier islands have been touched,” says Southern Living Senior Editorial Producer Ivy Odom.
That’s not to say that it’s remained entirely unaffected by people over the years. Native American tribes lived on the island for a time, and the evidence of their stay is preserved in a midden, a shell-filled mound that served as their dumping ground, but now serves as a point of interest for visitors. In much more recent history, circa 1979, media titan and billionaire Ted Turner bought the place for $2.4 million. A spirited conservationist, Turner tended his acquisition carefully, eliminating the feral hog population, reintroducing endangered species like the fox squirrel, and partnering with the Nature Conservancy to ensure the protection of the island’s natural environment for generations to come. Forty years after purchasing St. Phillips Island, he sold it to the state of South Carolina in 2017, and today, it’s one of just six National Natural Landmarks in the state. Here’s what to know before visiting the land of roseate spoonbills, mystical boneyard beaches, and Spanish-moss-filled maritime forests.
Where Is St. Phillips Island
The barrier island is located off the coast of South Carolina, with Beaufort to the northwest and Hilton Head Island to the southwest.
How To Get To St. Phillips Island
The only way to reach St. Phillips Island is by water. Book a ferry in advance through Coastal Expeditions, a local outfitter that runs a service from St. Helena Island a few days each week (though the schedule changes depending on the season). On the hour-long ride over, a naturalist schools passengers in the wonders of Lowcountry waterways. “You’ll learn all about the marshes and the tides,” says Ivy. “There are tons of oyster beds that you’ll see.” You might even spot a dolphin. “We saw them on both ferry rides we went on,” she gushes. (Tickets for the all-day excursion are $65 for adults and $35 for children.)
What To Do On St. Phillips Island
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a truck-pulled tram—and maybe an osprey’s nest, if you’re lucky. Board the tram for a bumpy ride down the parcel’s lone road, which offers a comprehensive education in the island’s multiple ecosystems, from a maritime forest filled with Spanish moss-covered oaks and sabal palms to an otherworldly boneyard beach, a stretch of sand made mystical by bleached “skeletons” of trees. The island is then yours to explore. Your Coastal Expeditions guide can help you map out your route to make the most of your time. Hike one of the interior trails; bring out the binoculars for an exceptional birding experience (some 300 species call this place home!); or walk the length of the shoreline, searching for shells along the way. “It feels like there are a million sand dollars,” says Ivy. “I found 25 in 20 minutes.”
When To Visit St. Phillips Island
Consider climate—and what kind of flora you’re hoping to experience—when planning your excursion. “Springtime is a great window to visit because a lot of the native bushes will be in full bloom then,” says Ivy. “Later in the summer it’s going to be hotter.” If you’re hoping to stretch out on a wide expanse of the island’s boneyard beach, consult the tide charts. Visiting at low tide will allow you to see more of the tree skeletons.
What To Bring To St. Phillips Island
For day-trip adventurers, it’s important to remember that this is, for all intents and purposes, a deserted island. You won’t find a snack shack or a vending machine here. Pack a good lunch, plenty of water, sunscreen, and bug spray. Closed-toe shoes are a smart option for hiking the interior trails, though you can certainly put your toes in the sand on the beach side.
Where To Stay On St. Phillips Island
There’s only one place to stay on the island: The Turner House, the easygoing five-bedroom home the conservationist billionaire constructed on the Atlantic Ocean side of the island. The family beach house sleeps 10 and is available for 5-night-minimum stays, plus guests have the option to enjoy ranger-led activities and tours. Should you want total privacy (and no day-trip visitors on the island during your stay), you can opt for a full island buyout. Learn more about reserving the property here.
Plan Your Visit
When you visit St. Phillips Island on a day trip, you will most likely be hiking, exploring the beach, or bird watching. If you plan to stay overnight, the ranger can set up even more activities like fishing and kayaking. For more information on planning a trip to this South Carolina barrier island, visit discoversouthcarolina.com.
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