Five must-visit South Carolina sea islands. Here’s what makes them special

Dozens of sea islands span South Carolina’s, from gated Lowcountry communities like Kiawah and Fripp islands to remote and storied spots like Daufuskie and Bulls islands. All are lush with native plants and trees. Some feature busy beachfronts while others are unfettered.

These five barrier islands, narrow and parallel to the mainland, each have their own experience to offer. Book a camping trip in a state park to or go on a half-day kayak tour to an undeveloped island. Soak up South Carolina history or learn about barrier island ecology.

Hunting Island — Beaufort County

As one of South Carolina’s most-visited state parks, Hunting Island is no secret. The five-mile Lowcountry stretch boasts a sprawling sandy beach, 5,000 acres of lush maritime forest with trails running through, a historic lighthouse with one coveted cabin to rent on the grounds, a fishing pier and nature center, and over 100 campsites.

North of the lighthouse, the beach widens and feels almost remote compared to the middle of the island filled with swimmers, readers, sand castle builders and nappers. South of the lighthouse is the boneyard. Over time erosion whittled away the south end’s shoreline that trees are felled, some have their root systems exposed, and remnants of old cabins remain embedded in the sand.

Don’t miss:

• A fishing pier at the southern tip of the park that extends 950 feet into Fripp Inlet.

• The single cabin left on the island. It’s near the lighthouse and can be reserved for a stay.

• While the historic lighthouse is currently closed, the grounds around it are worth checking out and speaking with a docent to learn more.

Before the trip:

• There is an admission fee.
  
  

• Review pet rules before coming to the island.
  
  

• In the summer months and, especially on holiday weekends, the island can be packed. The parking lots fill and a line of cars snakes along the outside of the main entrance. The line moves, but be prepared to wait.

For admission fees, cabin-booking and additional information, visit southcarolinaparks.com/hunting-island.

St. Phillips Island — Beaufort County

About a 30-minute ferry ride from Hunting Island and with an entirely different experience, St. Phillips Island is for those who want to get a glimpse of media mogul Ted Turner’s former home or, for those who have deep pockets, stay in it.

Now owned by the state, Turner’s former residence and a grounds keeper’s home are the only structures on the island. It was intended to stay that way to preserve the island’s habitat. St. Phillips is thick with vegetation and home to wildlife as small as the northern flicker to as burly as the American alligator.

Don’t miss:

• The obvious: Visit the Turner house grounds.
  
  

• Take the trail system that’s carved through the maritime forest.
  
  

• To reserve a five-night stay in the Turner house, the price starts at $12,000.

Before the trip:

• Visiting St. Phillips requires a day-long trip.
  
  

• The day trip is associated with a cost and requires advanced booking.

To book a St. Phillips trip, head to Coastal Expeditions Beaufort’s site at coastalexbeaufort.com/portfolio/saint-phillips-island-ferry/.

Morris Island — Charleston County

At the mouth of the Charleston harbor, Morris Island is known for its historic lighthouse. For those who want a quiet view of South Carolina history from an undeveloped, small island, the trip is worth taking. In 1872, construction began on the 161-foot lighthouse, which became fully operational by 1876, according to the Charleston School of Law. Before the lighthouse grounds were damaged by a cyclone in 1885, an earthquake a year later and Hurricane Hugo, it had at least 15 buildings on the grounds.

The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1962 and replaced by the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse. Today, the worn tower juts from the Atlantic Ocean but still remains the tallest lighthouse in the state.

Don’t miss:

• The obvious: See the Morris Island Lighthouse up close.
  
  

• The island is particularly good for shelling and fossil-hunting.
  
  

• There are many guided boat and kayak tours options to venture to the island safely.

Before the trip:

• Journeying onto Morris Island requires a boat or kayak.

• Parts of the area are shallow and the tides and currents are strong, meaning only experienced boaters should make the trip.

Tripadvisor provides several options for trips out to Morris Island on its site at tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Products-g54231-d263245-Morris_Island_Lighthouse-Folly_Beach_South_Carolina.html.

Bulls Island — Charleston County

Part of Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, the 5,000-acre barrier island is a nature-lover and bird-watcher’s dream. Bulls Island, accessed by ferry or boat, is lush with a maritime forest, salt marsh and has a long sandy beach. Over 293 species of birds have been documented on the refuge, with most found on or near the island, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The island has hiking trails, a viewing platform to watch wading birds, a 16-foot high observation tower, a boneyard beach riddled with felled trees, and what is believed to be a small fort called a Martello Tower. The towers originated in Italy to signal the approach of a pirate ship, the service said.

Don’t miss:

• Explore the island’s trail system.

• The boneyard beach, a 3-mile section at the island’s northeast corner, is good for shelling.

• See the nearly 100-year-old Dominick House, which Gayer Dominick built in 1925 after he bought the island as a winter retreat.

Before the trip:

• A ferry reservation or boat ride is needed to get to the island.
  
  

• Only one small bag of unoccupied shells can be taken.
  
  

• Roads and trails are not paved.
  
  

• With a lot of walking involved, flip-flops and sandals are not recommended.
  
  

Coastal Expeditions provides a handful of different trips to Bulls Island on its site at coastalexpeditions.com/tours-trips/category/bulls-island/.

Waites Island — Horry County

The state’s northernmost barrier island, the approximately 1,000-acre expanse is one of the last undeveloped barrier islands in South Carolina. Despite Coastal Carolina University using part of Waites for research and education, it is open to the public. For those who want a serene kayaking trip, a quiet beach or an oceanfront horseback ride, the remote island provides just that.

Waites is a vital habitat for rare and threatened species, including migratory shorebirds and loggerhead turtles, according to the Open Space Institute. Blue herons, egrets, osprey, marsh hens and dolphins can be spotted on the unspoiled island.

Don’t miss:

• Look for local seashells and sand dollars.

• Kayak through marsh channels and learn about a barrier island’s natural state.

Before the trip:

• Waites is only reachable by kayak, paddleboard, boat or horseback.
  
  

Explore North Myrtle Beach’s site provides links to kayak and horseback riding tours at explorenorthmyrtlebeach.com/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/waites-island.