I vividly remember the first time I saw the ocean. My aunts and uncles invited me to come along on their trip to Myrtle Beach and after a very long drive, we were heading down Ocean Boulevard. I looked out the window and there, between the hotels and condo buildings, was a sliver of sand and surf - glimpses of magic between brick and mortar.
I was 8 years old then, and now that I am an adult, glimpses of the beach still hold the same magic. One thing that has changed for me is my desire to seek out those beaches that are relatively untouched, quiet, and remote. This takes a relaxing day at the beach to a whole new level. This is why, when my friend told me about one of her favorite places — Daufuskie Island — I immediately added it to my list of places to visit.
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What makes Daufuskie Island special?
Daufuskie Island is approximately 8 square miles of remoteness in South Carolina, close to Bluffton and Hilton Head. Its history is long, its natural beauty is vast, and it is a quiet respite amongst the busy and popular beaches of this area of South Carolina. My friends, the Aytes family, have visited for decades and they say Daufuskie is like traveling back in time. “When you are there, you get to escape the chaos and slow down. It’s a laid back island. No one is in a hurry to get anywhere.”
I’ve always been mesmerized by their photos of empty beaches, fishing under rainbows, and golf cart adventures. As I did my own learning, I also became fascinated with the history of the island and the people who call it home. In addition to all of this, Daufuskie is an island with no bridge. You cannot drive to Daufuskie; the only way to reach this place is by boat through the Calibogue Sound.
How do you get to Daufuskie?
While I believe Daufuskie Island is worthy of its own week-long vacation, many visit the island as a day trip from Hilton Head. Either way, with no bridge, you must take a boat to get there. There are many options for ferry services, private boats, and boat tours that offer one-way rides or back and forth for a day trip.
A few of our favorites include:
This is one aspect of your visit that you will definitely want to plan ahead of time. Your accommodation may be able to help coordinate your boat ride to the island or you can book with one of the services listed below (There are others, but these are some of our favorites.). Keep in mind, you’ll be leaving your car at this ferry service and taking everything you need for your visit with you.
Where to stay on Daufuskie?
If you’ve visited other South Carolina beaches, such as Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, you know you’ll find just about every type of accommodation. The quiet escape of Daufuskie Island is nearly the opposite of these well-known beaches and its overnight stays are no exception. You won’t find towering hotels or massive, multi-unit condo buildings. Instead, you’ll discover a mix of quaint cottages and beachfront homesteads, many of which are available to rent through sites such as Airbnb.
Palmetto Cottage is the guest house of the historic Sarah Grant home. It is nestled amongst palm trees and marsh grass and the views are remarkable.
It’s a small, studio-style home that shares the property with the owners of the main house, but this is the ideal accommodation for those looking to slow down while delving into the history of this island.
If you’re traveling with a larger group, Secret Beach Cottage is the beachfront oasis you’re seeking. With five bedrooms and lovely, inviting living spaces, there is plenty of room to spread out both within the home and outside. The screened in porch is where you’d find me, sipping iced tea and taking in the views of the Atlantic Ocean. And better yet… that sandy beach is just a 90-second walk away and you’ll likely have it all to yourself.
36 Hours on Daufuskie Island: A Quintessential 2-Day Itinerary
The peace and quiet of Daufuskie Island and its slow pace nature mean that it’s not for everyone. I am actually grateful for this because hopefully it means that the island will remain the same for years to come. You could spend a few hours or an entire week on Daufuskie and only have one thing on your agenda - slow down. But because this is such a special place and there are incredible experiences, kind locals to meet, and delicious food to taste, we recommend slowing down while taking in quintessential Daufuskie.
Begin your day with a golf cart ride to the historic Mary Fields School and School Grounds Coffee. Whether iced or hot, their coffee is delicious and it’s always a treat to support a local endeavor. If you’re hungry, grab a baked good while you’re there and then ride around the corner, down Beach Road, to the nearby public beach. You can’t go wrong with starting your day with an ocean breeze and toes in the sand.
The history of Daufuskie Island is best learned from its locals and we highly recommend you continue your day with a tour led by Sallie Ann Robinson. She is a sixth generation native of the island and hearing the stories of this land and its people from her perspective will give you even more insight into the magic and mystery of Daufuskie. Book an 11 am tour and spend three hours seeing the island through the eyes of someone deeply tied to its roots.
After the tour, head to another historic site on the island, Silver Dew Winery. South Carolina’s first winery and the only island winery in the country, this spot is worthy of a visit, even if you are only on the island for a short amount of time. Reserve a tour, taste the wine, and take a bottle or two with you to enjoy throughout the rest of your trip.
Daufuskie may be small, unassuming, and quiet, but it has its own culinary scene that must not be missed. For dinner, head to Old Daufuskie Crab Company at Freeport Marina. This marina is arguably the busiest area of the island, but you should have no problem dining here, especially during the week. Sit outside, people watch - and boat watch - and don’t leave without ordering the island’s specialty, Daufuskie Deviled Crab.
One activity that I love to seek out while traveling is horseback riding. It’s such a unique way to experience the natural beauty of an area and on Daufuskie, you can book a ride with Haig Point to begin your second day. Daufuskie Trail Rides will customize your ride to your group, your abilities, and what you’d like to experience during the ride. While this is a bit of a splurge experience, it may just be the most memorable.
After working up an appetite, head to a mouthwatering hidden gem on the island, Frye’s Corner. This walk-up counter eatery may look like a shack in the middle of nowhere, but don’t judge a book by its cover. Frye’s serves up hand-battered chicken and freshly made onion rings, among a few other menu items. Order the Beach Box that also includes an ice cold bottle of water and enjoy lunch in the lowcountry shade at a picnic table.
Remember the theme of your time on Daufuskie is slow down. So it’s time to slow down at the beach and perhaps even indulge in an afternoon nap on the sand. This time, head to Bloody Point, a site named after battles that took place there in the 1700s. The name may be disturbing, but the scenery is far from it. Use the public beach access, set up a chair and umbrella, and enjoy the respite of a quiet beach.
When it’s time to tear yourself from the beach and wash off the sand and salt, head to a local favorite shop, Daufuskie Soap Company. Located in the middle of the island, you are going to fall in love with the handmade soaps and lotions. Stop in, chat with the owner, and grab a few new favorite soaps to take a bit of the island home with you.
As the day winds down, it’s time for one more meal. All of Daufuskie feels off the beaten path and so do its hidden restaurants. The Sportsmen at Melrose is a great little spot for dinner and you won’t find it unless you’re looking for it. The building blends right in with the surrounding horse barns, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the friendly service, comfortable atmosphere, and delicious array of menu options.
One last stop you must make while on Daufuskie is Fuskie Bikes. Their electric bikes are a great way to get around the island, but your priority should be to snag one of their fresh fruit ice cream cones. Here’s a tip… You will need to stop here earlier in the day as they usually close around 5 or 6 pm and they often sell out. Expect a line, but it’s worth it!
If you’re staying overnight on Daufuskie, slowing down to watch the sun set is a must. Any spot on the beach is wonderful, but head to County Dock on the southwest side of the island for spectacular sunset views.
1.
Plan your ferry ride and golf cart rental ahead of time. These are both essential when visiting Daufuskie Island.2.
Find a place to stay that will assist with the logistics of visiting an island with no bridge. Many rental companies and owners will help with ferry and golf cart arrangements. Sandy Lane Condos, like this oceanfront, 3-bedroom option, is a great place to look into for ease of planning and travel.3.
Confirm hours and locations of destinations you wish to visit on the island. We've recommended our favorites, but business hours do change and places come and go in such a sleepy place.4.
Pack minimally. Remember, you have to bring everything over on a boat and the whole point of a visit to Daufuskie is to slow down and simplify.
The beauty of Daufuskie Island is its ability to force you to slow down. Everyday life is fast-paced and often overflowing with the unnecessary. This South Carolina island begs you to notice the ocean breeze, see the beauty of a backroad, listen to the locals, truly taste your food, and enjoy the simplicities of life that we tend to rush through. I’m grateful there is no bridge to Daufuskie, because once you hop on a ferry and head to the island, you won’t want an easy route back to that other way of life.
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