Aside from the many activities available on Fripp Island, nearby Beaufort and the surrounding Sea Islands provide many additional attractions when you're ready to venture out from your Fripp Island vacation rental.
Beaufort’s National Historic Landmark District, the second oldest city in South Carolina, delights its visitors with its breathtakingly beautiful and natural vistas along with the intricate architecture from the Colonial and Antebellum Eras. Beaufort remains the Queen of the South Carolina Sea Islands in its charm, natural beauty, fascinating history, and rich and diverse cultural heritage.
Other area attractions include the lighthouse, pier, and beaches of Hunting Island State Park. Located between Fripp Island and Harbor Island on US 21, this popular park is a large secluded barrier island with a historic 1859 lighthouse as its centerpiece and a semi-tropical abundance of plants and wildlife. The Hunting Island Lighthouse is the island's third lighthouse and is open to the public.
The history of Fripp Island and the surrounding area is as omnipresent as the Spanish moss draped over the limbs of the live oaks. The Penn Center, Parris Island Museum, and Beaufort Museum are but a few of the places for a visitor to begin. Check out Local Fun for activities to enjoy during your Fripp Island vacation.
Hunting Island State Park
NOTICE: As of February 2022, the Hunting Island Lighthouse is closed for repairs. The grounds will remain open but visitors cannot climb to the top.
Take in the beautiful coastal views while exploring the top of the Hunting Island Lighthouse. The historic lighthouse, located in the Hunting Island State Park, is the only publicly accessible lighthouse in South Carolina. The lighthouse is open daily from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., where visitors can make a reservation to enter the lighthouse. There is a limited number of people allowed up in the lighthouse at one-time to provide a unique and private experience. For a $2 admission fee per person, visitors can walk up the 167 steps and reach the top of the observation deck and breathe in the salt air.
Downtown Beaufort
The port town of Beaufort perfectly embodies the southern charm of the Lowcountry. Historic homes dating from as early as 1717, and grandiose mansions built in the pre-Civil War era have been carefully restored to bring you back in time.
Beaufort has the charm of a historic southern town and the class of the big cities! From fine dining options to waterfront pubs, Beaufort offers an eclectic experience. You can explore the history of the town, peruse the shops, or attend a weekend festival! Not to mention, Beaufort also has several locations to drop a boat in the water, explore the intercoastal waterway, and even cast your fishing line to take a fresh catch home.
Beaufort also offers great shopping and art galleries. Bay Street, Carteret Street and the surrounding avenues offer a number of boutiques, specialty stores and places to get your favorite beach gear. You'll find something for everyone.
And don't miss the many festivals held annually. You can check our Events Calendar for all the details.
Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
Parris Island
Parris Island is home to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. Start your journey at the visitor's center and pick up a map of the the best places to see during your visit.
You'll enjoy exploring the museum with friends and family to learn the history of the area and the Marine Corps branch of service.
Port Royal
Less than an hour from Fripp, Port Royal is worth a visit. Local attractions appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and folks who enjoy coastal living. A highlight of the area is The Cypress Wetlands. It is a nature lover's dream. History buffs will want to take a stroll through Port Royal's Old Village. Take in the sights and enjoy Street Music events and the annual Soft Shell Crab Festival held in April each year.
Head over the Sands Beach and stroll along the Henry Robinson Boardwalk, climb the observation tower and take it all in. This southernmost point of Port Royal is where Battery Creek flows into the Beaufort River. The beach itself is a great place to look for sharks teeth and is a good spot to launch a boat or kayak. Fishing and crabbing are allowed on the boardwalk.
Hilton Head Island
You certainly don't need to leave Fripp to get the best of Lowcountry nature but if you're up for a little roadtrip, Hilton Head offers some fun things to do. Kids of all ages will enjoy the adventure of ziplining through the trees or taking a few laps around the go-cart track. There's even several rope challenge courses with different levels of difficulty for all ages.
For the littles, you might want to visit The Sandbox, an interactive children's museum.
Up for some shopping? Head over to Shelter Cove Harbour. Enjoy a bite to eat and browse the boutique shops. Harbour Town is also a great shopping and dining experience. Climb the lighthouse for beautiful harbor views.
Savannah
It's a bit of a drive, but a great way to spend the day. Savannah is historic, to be sure, but it's also vibrant with it's many dining and entertainment spots.
Whatever your group is looking for, you'll find it in Savannah and it's a great day trip for all ages. Be sure and visit the river-front with it's shops and eateries. River Street Sweets is one of our favorites!
Tours are available as well to see the beautiful architecture and learn about the rich history of the city.
Charleston
Known for his rich history and southern charm, Charleston is a beautiful place to visit. Shop at the City Market, stroll along the cobblestone streets, lined with antebellum homes, and enjoy the waterfront parks.
Visits enjoy great dining and shopping as well as horse-drawn carriage tours and more. Don't forget to visit Rainbow Row with its pastel-colored homes along the waterfront.
Nearby plantations and harbor tours might also be something of interest to your group. It's a magical city with an amazing past.
