South Carolina, located in the southeastern United States, features a stunning 187-mile coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Just off this coast lies a chain of barrier and tidal islands known as the South Carolina Islands. These islands are famous for their scenic beauty, rich history, and thriving ecosystems. Many are preserved as parks or wildlife refuges, home to marshes, birdlife, and unspoiled beaches. Whether you’re into nature, history, or luxury vacations, the South Carolina Islands offer something for everyone.
1. Island of Palm
Located just 12 miles from Charleston, the Isle of Palms is a well-known beach destination. With wide sandy beaches, salt marshes, and a lively community, it’s a favorite getaway. The island features upscale resorts, waterfront homes, and attractions like beach volleyball tournaments and Wild Dunes Resort. Each year, sea turtles come ashore here to lay eggs, adding to the island’s natural charm.
2. Johns Island
Johns Island is the largest of the South Carolina Islands, bordered by Kiawah, Seabrook, and Wadmalaw Islands. It’s home to the ancient Angel Oak Tree, believed to be over 400 years old. With its mix of historic roots, rural landscapes, and growing neighbourhoods, Johns Island offers a peaceful escape while still being close to Charleston.
3. Lady’s Island
Located just north of Beaufort and Port Royal, Lady’s Island is a former agricultural area now transformed into a peaceful residential community. With scenic waterfront views, easily accessible boat ramps, and homes nestled among equestrian farms and maritime forests, the island offers the quintessential Lowcountry lifestyle.
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4. Morgan Island
Nicknamed “Monkey Island,” Morgan Island is a remote, protected barrier island near the Coosaw River. Managed by the U.S. government, it’s home to over 3,000 free-ranging rhesus monkeys used in biomedical research. The island spans 635 acres of upland forest and nearly 4,500 acres of marshes, making it one of the more mysterious and ecologically significant South Carolina Islands.
5. Morris Island
Accessible only by boat, Morris Island is a remote and uninhabited barrier island at the entrance of Charleston Harbor. Once an important Civil War site, remnants of Fort Wagner and the iconic Morris Island Lighthouse still draw history enthusiasts. Erosion has reshaped much of the island, yet its haunting beauty and historical importance endure.
6. Pinckney Island
Part of the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, this island near Hilton Head is a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers. With over 4,000 acres of preserved marshes, forests, and freshwater ponds, the island features 10 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails. It’s one of the best places to experience the untouched beauty of the South Carolina Islands.
7. The Isle of Port Royal
This island in Beaufort County blends military significance with Southern charm. Home to both the Naval Hospital and the Marine Corps Air Station, Port Royal also boasts antebellum architecture, riverside views, and fantastic opportunities for boating, fishing, and bird-watching. Its historic downtown, lined with moss-draped live oaks, is a favorite among visitors.
8. Saint Helena Island
Rich in Gullah culture and Lowcountry history, Saint Helena Island is a cultural gem among the South Carolina Islands. Located near Beaufort, this large island is known for its rural charm, historic communities like Frogmore and Lands End, and its thriving arts and food scene. Though not directly on the Atlantic, it’s surrounded by lush marshlands that give it a distinctive look and feel.
9. Spring Island
An exclusive 3,000-acre island with private estates and protected preserves, Spring Island is a master-planned community that blends luxury living with nature. With golf courses, equestrian centers, nature trails, and over 600 plant species, Spring Island offers a truly immersive coastal lifestyle for residents who value peace, privacy, and biodiversity.
10. Wadmalaw Island
Bordering Johns Island, Wadmalaw remains largely undeveloped and agricultural. It’s home to the Charleston Tea Garden—the only tea plantation in the U.S.—originally established by Lipton in 1960. Surrounded by creeks and marshes, Wadmalaw offers a quiet, rural experience that reflects the traditional lifestyle of the South Carolina Islands.
11. Waties Island
One of the last undeveloped barrier islands in South Carolina, Waties Island is used by Coastal Carolina University for environmental research. Rich in Native American history and archaeological finds, the island is a sanctuary of natural preservation, home to dunes, wetlands, and diverse wildlife.