Fripp Island, South Carolina, is a quiet, family-friendly barrier island off the state’s southern coast. Known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and wide beaches, it’s a perfect place for families to slow down, reconnect, and explore together.
On our drive in, we noticed a lot less traffic than we were use to seeing on some of the nearby islands. The vibe here is much more laid back and we were hooked from the moment we arrived.
Where is Fripp Island?
Fripp Island is located about 20 miles east of Beaufort in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. It’s the most seaward of the state’s barrier islands, offering an unspoiled mix of beach, marsh, and maritime forest. The island is located about 1.5 hours north of the more commercialized Hilton Head Island and 1.5 hours from the Savannah/Hilton Head International airport.
We visited in September, which is considered their shoulder season. I am sure it is busier in the peak summer season but still not as busy and overcrowded and some of the other islands close by.
How Far is it from Charleston SC to Fripp Island
Fripp Island is roughly a two-hour drive from Charleston. The scenic route takes you through the South Carolina Lowcountry and across a series of small islands and waterways before reaching Fripp. There is talk of maybe offering boat trips between the two locations. That would definitely make for a fabulous day trip in the future.
Can you drive to Fripp Island?
Yes, you can drive directly to Fripp Island via US-21, and it is connected by road to the mainland. The island is private and gated, so visitors must either rent a home or stay as a guest to access it. The drive in truly sets the tone for your visit. The overhanging large oaks covered in Spanish moss line the roadways and remind you of a time gone by.
Once on the island, golf carts are the primary mode of transportation. Golf cart transportation was one of the highlights of the visit for us. You will find Fripp Island Resort Carts on the right after guest services. You can rent one for your entire stay, and there are many sizes and styles to choose from.
Arriving on the Island
Just after passing the security gate, you will find Fripp Island Guest Services. This area includes the club office, group sales, a real estate office, the Springtide Market, Liquor and deli store. This market is a great way to stock up on items upon arrival. The selection is fabulous for such a small island.
Accommodation Guide to Fripp Island
Accommodations on Fripp Island are primarily made up of rental homes. These homes range in size and location. The largest of these would be perfect for groups or multi generational family trips.
Locations include beachfront, marsh views, overlooking one of the golf courses, or secluded in the tranquil forests. During our visit we stayed in a large 5 bedroom home overlooking one of the golf courses.
The west facing back porch provided the most beautiful sunsets and views of the wildlife. Each evening, alligators, deer, raccoons, squirrels, and various birds made an appearance at the pond just a few feet away. This was certainly a treat and allowed us to capture hundreds of pics of the animals during our stay.
Wildlife photographers would absolutely love their stay on Fripp!
To make a reservation, visit the Fripp Island Resort website. You can narrow down your search to find the perfect property for your stay.
Things to do on Fripp Island
Most of the activities on Fripp Island revolve around the outdoors and nature. There are dolphin and sunset cruises, boat rentals, fishing, tennis, golf and most importantly – time to unwind.
The beaches stretch far and wide, especially during low tide. We loved the fact that nowhere ever felt crowded. September/October and March/April are the shoulder season and are, in my opinion, the perfect time to visit Fripp Island. The weather is perfect, the crowds are minimal and there are still plenty of activities to choose from.
Golf
Fripp Island is home to two top-rated golf courses – Ocean Point and Ocean Creek – perfect for both casual rounds and serious play.
We played a round at Ocean Point golf course on the north end of the island. The ocean views were breathtaking but the narrow fairways did prove to be a challenge for us. The strong ocean breeze definitely adds to the challenge of the course.
Our accommodations were overlooking the Ocean Creek golf course. This course is much more shaded and includes wider fairways.
This course is also home to King Arthur, the 11 foot alligator that we had the pleasure of watching from our back porch!
See more about playing Golf of Fripp Island
Horseback Riding on the Beach
We visited the Camelot Equestrian Center about 12 miles from Fripp Island. This nearby equestrian center offers guided horseback rides along the shoreline, giving families a memorable way to experience the island’s natural beauty. Payton enjoyed the trail ride to the shoreline as much as she enjoyed riding on the beach. The large oaks, Spanish moss and quiet breeze allows you to reach peak relaxation mode!
After riding along the coast, we ventured back a different route that took us past a plantation home that was built in the early 1800’s. This home was also featured in the movie Forrest Gump as the home Forrest grew up in and later returned to for the remainder of his life.
The last part of our journey took us along the famous road where he outran the truck full of teenagers chasing him. The equestrian center offers many other activities including camping and riding lessons and the grounds are absolutely beautiful.
Nature & Conservation
Depending on the time of the year, there are many nature and conservation programs to take part in. The island is teeming with wildlife and an abundance of trails. There are kayak tours and many educational options for the kids as well.
The slower pace and open air gave us a chance to really enjoy the wildlife. And did I mention the deer? Over 700 deer reside on Fripp Island. They are everywhere and will just come right up to you! Everywhere we went, there was an abundance of wildlife.
As a homeschool family we really appreciated the conservationists that we met and the plethora of knowledge that we gained. Payton even enjoyed touching a jellyfish and learning how to do it safely.
Fishing
With access to tidal creeks, marshes, and the open Atlantic, Fripp Island is a great spot for surf fishing, crabbing, or booking an inshore or offshore charter.
During our stay we decided to go beach fishing with Hannah, one of the island’s naturalists. Imagine fishing without any of the hard work.! We showed up on the beach and Hannah had everything prepared for us. She taught Payton how to cast, what to watch for and how to reel in the catch.
We ended up catching 3 fish during our time and releasing them back into the ocean. We were on the beach fishing as the tide was going out. It was a great time to explore the marsh and all of the crabs and birds that were feeding. Hannah was great at explaining everything to us.
It was a perfect afternoon!
Sunset or Dolphin Cruise
Local operators offer evening boat trips where you can enjoy dolphin watching, Lowcountry scenery, and breathtaking sunsets over the marshes.
We were not on the sunset cruise during our stay. Instead, we were on the 4pm dolphin cruise. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any dolphins but the views were amazing. Our guide, island naturalist Colleen, was full of valuable information that made the tour quite interesting even without the dolphins.
Watching the sunset over the marsh after our return convinced me that we will definitely book a sunset cruise when we return.
Cabana Club
Tha Cabana Club is located on the very south end of the island adjacent to the Ocean Creek golf course. The Cabana Club is home to the Cabana Club Grille which was our favorite place for lunch. The food was fresh and the prices very reasonable.
You are able to sit indoors, outdoors on the covered porch or by the pool. There are TV’s inside that allowed us to follow college football during our Saturday lunch. The outdoor porch overlooks one of the three pools and out over the Fripp Canal. This canal becomes very shallow at low tide and you are able to walk across to the beach.
In this area you will also find a kiddie pool, a lagoon pool and an oval pool. There are beach chairs and a bar too. Inside the Cabana Club you will find the Veranda Beach Salon to add to your relaxation. On the way to the Cabana Beach Club, you will pass the golf course on your right. On your left, you will pass a playground, a basketball court and a volleyball court. All of these providing amazing views of the marsh.
The Beach Club Circle
Located in the center of the island is Beach Club Circle. Here you will find a fitness center, an arcade, an olympic pool, a gift shop, Island Bites, the Beach Club restaurant, the Oceanview lounge, an adult only pool and sandbar.
The Beach Club Greene area is here as well which includes grassy lounging areas, games and food trucks. We visited Island Bites multiple times for gourmet coffees, grab and go food, and snacks. The Beach Club restaurant was by far our favorite meal during our stay.
On Sunday mornings, on the beach here, you will find church services available at 9am. There was a large crowd present on the Sunday morning of our stay. Across the street you will find the Raquet Club Pro Shop tennis and pickleball courts.
A Hidden Paradise…
There is a secret hidden marsh view that we would have missed if it had not been for the locals we met during our stay. We visited this hidden boardwalk and crabbing dock on our way home, but next visit we intend to watch the sunset from here…
Take Tarpon Blvd (the main road on the island) to Fiddlers Trace Road located just before or just after the security office depending on which way you are traveling. Fiddlers Trace Road is a loop. Follow the loop until you reach Fiddlers Ridge Road and continue straight. It is one of the most quaint spots on the island in my opinion. You will reach an end to the road for cars. From here on it is only accessible by golf cart or by foot.
At this point you are walking between private homes out to the crabbing dock. Of course, be respectful of people and their property as you pass by. As you continue, the views will take your breath away. At the end of the trail you will find yourself in the middle of the marsh, completely surrounded by wide open views. It is so quiet and serene. We were here around 9am but I can imagine that sunsets here would be spectacular.
Homeschooling Activities on Fripp Island
Our family has been homeschooling since Payton was in K4. Travel has been a great way for her to learn. Fripp Island was no exception.
The Island’s wildlife programs, nature trails, and tide pool explorations double as hands-on science lessons, making it an excellent spot for educational family trips. From exploring the island to interacting with the naturalists, we were constantly learning.
The laid back vibe provided the perfect environment for her to work on her curriculum as well. Cell service and wifi were great across the island so she could stay connected with school while relaxing on island time.
Where to eat on Fripp Island
Dining on Fripp Island is a special treat.
- For dinner, our absolute favorite was the Beach Club – fresh Lowcountry dining with incredible service. The restaurant includes a bar and more casual setting as well. We enjoyed lobster, shrimp, tuna and the most fabulous desserts. The toffee cake is an absolute must!
- The best brunch is at the Ocean Point Bar and Grill located at the Ocean Point golf course on the north end of the island. All of the breakfast classics found here such as eggs Benedict, omelets, waffles, pancakes, and of course – shrimp and grits. This is also the best place to enjoy breakfast or lunch before hitting the greens for a round.
Other lunch options include the Cabana Club and Island Bites grab and go. The grab and go options range from pizza to sandwiches to other fast and easy treats.
Another option that we enjoyed was the catering service that can be delivered to your door. On Fridays (our arrival), it’s fajita night. The food was delivered ready to eat – chips, queso, guacamole, chicken, steak, refried beans, cheese, jalapeños and dessert. I highly recommend this option for the day of arrival or any night that you don’t want to dress and go out for dinner.
Other dining options that we didn’t have time to try out include: Bonito Boathouse (located at the cruise dock), Sports Bites, High Tide Pizza and Springtide Deli.
Fripp Island South Carolina: Family Vacation Guide
Our visit to Fripp Island was full of surprises. Before booking our trip, I had personally never even heard of the island. From the moment we drove onto the island we were hooked. We have visited Hilton Head Island on many occasions but Fripp definitely won us over.
In our busy lives, we rarely slow down and truly relax. We always seem to be in a hurry. Fripp Island was the perfect chance to decompress, enjoy nature, devour delectable meals, and reconnect with each other. I was amazed at how much we enjoyed leaving the car parked for the duration of the trip, jumping on the golf cart and exploring.
We literally snapped over 3,000 photos during our weekend on Fripp. The wildlife, the vibe and the Lowcountry hospitality was something we will never forget.
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