Last October, John and I spent a few days in South Carolina after leaving Savannah—where John had a work trip. Last October. And, it just hit me that I never wrote a recap about that part of our trip! You can read the Savannah recap here.

Whether you’re looking for fall trip inspiration or a taste of coastal South Carolina (that isn’t Charleston or Myrtle Beach), I hope this blog gives you a few travel ideas.

Afternoon in Beaufort, South Carolina

We booked an Airbnb on Fripp Island, but on the way we passed through Beaufort, SC and had to stop for lunch and a walk around town.

Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina, which is pretty neato if you’re into historical places. And, it’s only about an hour drive from Savannah.

Lunch in Beaufort

After wandering around the gorgeous marina and charming downtown, we decided on Hemingway’s Bistro for lunch. The bistro is around the back of a historic building, in the basement, in fact. John and I both opted for the Cuban sandwich and ate outside on a picnic table. I love an unfancy lunch, and my sandwich was 10/10—even without the cheese (thanks to my dairy intolerance).

Downtown Beaufort

Post-lunch, we popped into a few shops and I bought some Christmas gifts. From there, we walked through a few neighborhoods and passed a church hosting its own pumpkin patch, with seemingly enough pumpkins for the entire town!

We also meandered past blocks and blocks of large, historic homes and an old arsenal from 1789, that’s now a museum. Being a Sunday afternoon, not much was open, but John and I both enjoy simply walking around new places.

If I had to describe the charm of Beaufort in one sentence, I’d say it reminds me of a mini Savannah or Charleston. If you visit the area, add it to your list for a day trip at the very least!

The Marshes of South Carolina

Sure, I’ve seen it in movies and between Savannah and Tybee Island, but outside of Beaufort, it gets reeeaaalllyyy marshy. Acres and acres of marsh as far as you can see in some places! And gosh, it was beautiful.

As a former Michigander, it reminded me of all the cornfields near my childhood home. Yet, this was water, not land. Or, I suppose flooded land would be more accurate. Regardless, it felt like another world to me. The sheer magnitude of the marshes. The rural, coastal wetland lifestyle. The wildlife. I find such wonder in new-to-me places that show just how creative God is in making different regions of our country so unique!

Fripp Island, South Carolina

Fripp Island is a private island, requiring a pass to enter at the end of the causeway. If you stay on the island, your accommodations—either vacation rental or resort—will include a pass for the island. Our Airbnb did not make us pay extra for this pass, but I can’t speak to all vacation rental properties.

We did have the option to pay for a resort pass through our Airbnb host, which gave access to all the resort amenities. Things like the pool, pickleball courts, and a few restaurants. But, we didn’t see the value, so we declined. What we didn’t realize till later was that ALL the open restaurants on the island are run by the resort. Whoops!

If you visit Fripp, I recommend doing your research on the Fripp Island Resort to determine if the pass is valuable to you—especially for access to more dining options.

Even without the pass, though, we were able to enjoy the island and it did not deter from our overall experience.

Tips to Stay on Fripp Island

Our Airbnb was a condo unit located across the street from the resort’s pool and food court, and right next to a whole lot of pickleball and tennis courts. Though we couldn’t use any of that, we could access the beach, also across the street. It was a close walk to the nearest public access path, and there are plenty of other access paths along the main road, spaced out at regular intervals.

I also loved that our Airbnb was located on the marsh. The third floor balcony had a gorgeous marsh view, and we also had access to a dock along the marsh. Perfect for catching sunsets!

I absolutely suggest using Airbnb to find a place on Fripp, unless you prefer to stay in a resort-owned unit.

Fripp Island Beach

John and I have traveled to a LOT of beaches, and we both thought Fripp Island Beach was one of the nicer ones we’ve experienced! It’s 3.5 miles of white sand and, even at high tide, the water didn’t get too close to the houses—except at the point.

Yes, we walked all the way to the end, because we love a good beach walk. In fact, we walked the beach all three days of our stay.

If you’d rather relax on a towel, we did that, too and it was peaceful. Of course, it was also October. But, the weather was still warm enough to be in a bathing suit!

Food Options and Places to Eat on Fripp Island

I’ll admit. Without the resort pass, food was pretty scarce.

We made use of the Spring Tide Market—open to everyone and located just past the guard shack when you arrive on the island. In addition to grocery items, the market includes a deli with a to-go menu. You can also order by phone and pick it up.

Bonito Boathouse Restaurant looked amazing, overlooking the river—but, being resort-owned, we weren’t able to eat there.

One night, we got take out from the market.

Another night, we drove off the island to Johnson Creek Tavern on nearby Saint Helena Island. For a Sunday night in October, it was busy! We waited almost 30 minutes for a table, but I get it. There aren’t a lot of options in that area. And, the fish was fresh.

And, on our last night there, we brought back food from a Publix Super Market near Beaufort, that we passed on the way back from a day trip to Port Royal. (More on Port Royal below!)

Overall, the food on Fripp Island is limited, so come with a cooler of groceries or plan to go off island—unless you opt in on the resort pass.

Best Ways to Get Around on Fripp Island

Golf carts are VERY popular, and for good reason. The speed limit is slow everywhere on the island and a cart is honestly more convenient than a car. We chose not to rent one and used our vehicle and walked.

Walking is also an easy option because the island isn’t very large. It was only 1.6 miles from our Airbnb to the market, and about the same to get to the other side of the island. One morning, we walked around various neighborhoods, across a boardwalk in the marsh, and over by the causeway leading to Hunting Island across the channel.

Regardless of how you choose to get around, you’ll see a LOT of deer.

Saint Helena Island in South Carolina

On our last full day, we ventured over to St. Helena Island for some free, historic exploration.

Saint Helena Parish Chapel of Ease Ruins

First, we stopped at the ruins of Saint Helena Parish Chapel of Ease. And, when I say stopped, we literally pulled over on the side of the road. No parking lot. No entrance fee.

Just the remains of a church, built in 1740 and burned down by forest fire in 1886. John and I explored what was left of the structure, including a small cemetery.

If you’re into history and architecture, it’s a quick, unique stop!

Fort Fremont

Next, we ventured further into rural Saint Helena Island to more ruins. This time, an old fort.

Active from 1898 to 1911, Fort Fremont never saw action in a war. The grounds consist of a history center (not open when we visited) and what’s left of the battery and bunkers and barracks.

The fort is free, with a small parking lot, and paved walking trail, plus restroom facilities when the history center is open.

Overall, if you’re looking for free, off-the-beaten-path things to do near Beaufort, Saint Helena is for you.

Port Royal, South Carolina

After our morning on Saint Helena Island, we drove over to Port Royal, another historic town.

Lunch was high on the agenda, so we set off on foot to find a spot. Fishcamp on 11th Street won our business, and we weren’t disappointed with the food or the view of the river from our table outside on the wrap-around deck.

We spent the rest of our afternoon wandering around Port Royal.

In the middle of town, we strolled around the Cypress Wetlands boardwalk and saw an alligator and other wildlife.

Then, at The Sands beach south of town, we witnessed quite a lot of people digging for oysters. The beach itself wasn’t large and seemed more of an oyster harvesting destination than a relaxing spot to catch some rays.

Nearby, we climbed the Port Royal Observation Deck, which gave us a birds eye view of the Port Royal harbor, the river, and surrounding islands.

From Port Royal back to Fripp Island, it’s about a 45 minute drive, give or take. This was the day we stopped at a Publix to grab food for dinner that night.