South Carolina Islands: The gorgeous state of South Carolina is located in the southeastern United States and has a total of 187 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. A lengthy series of barrier and tidal South Carolina islands that are continually changing with the tides and currents, rich in history, and strikingly picturesque, the Sea Islands are one of the most remarkable areas of the state and are located just off the shore. The majority of islands of South Carolina are renowned for their wonderful sandy beaches, which often stretch for miles and are expansive in scope. The locals have a strong commitment to protecting the delicate ecosystems of the islands, and as a result, enormous swaths of land on the islands are preserved as parks or wildlife refuges and are teeming with avian life.
1. Island of Palm
The Isle of Palms is a Charleston islands in South Carolina that are located about 12 miles from the center of Charleston. It is flanked on all sides by unspoiled sandy beaches and is traversed by a network of marsh waterways. Since the 19th century, the island has been a well-liked place to spend a vacation; but, after the construction of a bridge in 1929, the island’s allure increased significantly. The community of Isle of Palms is situated on a skinny sliver of land that runs parallel to the shore, and the Intracoastal Waterway is the feature that separates it from the mainland. Nowadays, the island is home to a wealthy community that is characterized by expansive coastal mansions, luxurious resorts, and upscale dining establishments. The island is well-known for the beach volleyball competitions that are held there, as well as for the Wild Dunes Resort and the turtles that come to the beach each year to lay their eggs.
2. Johns Island
The most extensive and best island in South Carolina is called Johns Island. It is located off the coast of Charleston County and is a barrier island that is flanked by Seabrook Island, Kiawah Island, James Island, and Wadmalaw Island. Johns Island and the mainland are separated from one another by the Stono River, which is a section of the Intracoastal Waterway. The most well-known landmark on the island is the ancient Angel Oak, a living oak tree that is estimated to be at least four hundred years old. A vast amount of shade is cast over an area that is 17,000 square feet thanks to the tree that is 65 feet tall. The City of Charleston maintains a visitor’s center that is located within a small park that is situated all around the tree. Barbadians were among the first people to settle on Johns Island, and they were the ones who decided to name the island after Saint John Parish which is located in Barbados.
3. Lady’s Island
One of the Sea Islands that make up South Carolina is called Lady’s Island, and it may be found to the north of Port Royal and Beaufort. Although it is now primarily residential, the island spent the greater part of its history as an agricultural and rural region. The construction of a bridge in the 1920s led to a faster pace of growth, which resulted in the transformation of former indigo plantations into residential subdivisions. The first bridge was built in 1980, and the second bridge was built in 1980. Together, the two bridges offer the most breathtaking views of the entire island to guests before they ever arrive. The island features a stunning waterfront that extends for miles and is equipped with boat ramps that are simple to reach. A significant number of the houses are constructed on expansive parcels of land that also contain marine forests and equestrian farms.
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4. Morgan Island
Morgan Island is a part of the South Carolina Islands and is a barrier island that may be found between the Coosaw and Morgan Rivers. It is bounded to the west by Parrot Creek and to the east by Saint Helena Sound. This abandoned island is commonly referred to as “Monkey Island” due to the fact that it is home to a population of rhesus monkeys that are free to roam the island. The Food and Drug Administration of the United States founded the colony in 1979, and it is currently under its ownership. The colony of monkeys, of which there are more than 3,000 in total, was at one time utilized for the purposes of testing as well as for conducting research in the field of biomedicine. The total land area of Morgan Island consists of 635 acres of upland and 4,489 acres of marshes. The area of the island’s upland which is 370 acres in size is covered by a semi-tropical maritime forest, which serves as a habitat for the monkeys who live on the island.
5. Morris Island
The only way to get to the 840-acre, uninhabited island that is Morris Island, which is located in the outer reaches of Charleston Bay in South Carolina, is by boat. It is located in Charleston County and is a part of both the city of Charleston and Folly Beach. Because of its location, the island was given a significant amount of military importance during the American Civil War. It was substantially fortified in order to protect Charleston Harbor, notably the area around Fort Wagner. The effects of erosion have been responsible for the destruction of most of the island’s four forts, including portions of Fort Wagner. Two lighthouses are the other sights that can be found on the island. The Morris Island Light, which can be seen on the southern side of the entrance to Charleston Harbor and directly to the north of Folly Beach, is the more well-known of the two. Visitors can board any one of a variety of tour boats to make their way to the island.
6. Pinckney Island
Within Beaufort County, South Carolina’s Pinckney Island can be found in close proximity to both Hilton Head Island and the mainland. The Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge covers an area of 4,053 acres and is located on the island. The refuge was established to conserve and preserve the forest and other habitats on the island. In addition, the refuge encompasses the islands of Big Harry and Little Harry, Corn Island, Buzzard Island, and a number of smaller islands with hammocks. The only island in the refuge that is accessible to visitors is Pinckney, which is also the largest of the islands there. Salt marsh and a variety of tidal rivers occupy the majority of the refuge, while Pinckney Island contains even more salt marsh in addition to brushland, fallow fields, forested land, and freshwater ponds. A significant number of bird species can be found living in these varied settings. The island is home to 115 archaeological and historical sites, some dating back to prehistoric times. Hiking, mountain biking, nature photography, and simply taking in the sights and sounds of the local fauna are all activities that attract a lot of nature lovers. Within the refuge, there is a network of hiking routes that totals 10 miles in length.
7. The Isle of Port Royal
Port Royal Island is a Sea Island that can be found in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina and can be found in Beaufort County. In addition to having the highest population of any island in the county, it is also home to both the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and the Naval Hospital Beaufort. Historically, agriculture has played a significant role on the island, and during the antebellum period, there were a number of major plantations. The island has been developed since the early 1960s to become largely residential and commercial, however, the western parts of the island still retain a charming rustic quality to them. Port Royal is the largest town on the island and is known for its fantastic boating, fishing, bird-watching, hiking, and relaxing activities. As a result, it is visited by a significant number of tourists each year. The old downtown streets are beautiful, with antebellum mansions that have been carefully restored and ancient live oak trees that are covered with moss. In whichever direction you turn, you may take in the breathtaking scenery of Battery Creek and the Beaufort River.
8. Saint Helena Island
Only a few miles separate Saint Helena Island from Beaufort, the county seat of South Carolina’s Beaufort County, from whence it is accessible through United States Route 21. It is one of the islands that make up the Beaufort Sea. The island has a total population of 8,763 people and covers an area of around 64 square miles. The island is noted for its quaint rural Lowcountry ambiance and is a major cultural and language center of the African American Gullah people. In addition, the island is known for its proximity to some of the world’s best beaches. The Atlantic Ocean does not touch the coast of Saint Helena Island, and the island is encircled on all sides by huge marshes, particularly in the southeast corner of the island. The island is made up of several diverse settlements, each of which has a very unique character and history. Lands End and Frogmore are the two that have been around the longest. Visitors to Saint Helena have the opportunity to get a genuine look into the rural life of the traditional Lowcountry. Downtown Frogmore is a wonderful place to visit since it is filled with vibrant art galleries, unique stores, and restaurants that serve regional cuisine.
9. Spring Island
Spring Island is a South Carolina coastal Sea Island that is 3,000 acres in size and is covered by a dense forest of live oaks. It also features affluent waterfront residences, the Colleton and Chechessee Natural Preserves, and residential development. The community features a wide variety of high-end amenities for its inhabitants, including two clubhouses, restaurants, golf courses, an equestrian center, deep water docks, 300 hiking paths, a sports complex, swimming pools, and much more. The unusual coastline topography of Spring Island has resulted in the formation of a diverse ecosystem that is home to more than 600 different plant species. The species include those that are generally found in mountainous locations or salt marshes, as well as those that live in historic hardwood bottomlands that are now a swamp.
10. Wadmalaw Island
Wadmalaw Island may be found to the southwest of Johns Island, and the two islands almost completely encircle each other. Church Creek, Bohicket Creek, and the North Edisto River are the creeks that surround it on all sides. A bridge that spans Church Creek links the island to the mainland on the opposite side of the waterway. There are 2,611 people living on the island, which is approximately 16 kilometers long and 10 kilometers broad. The Lipton Tea Corporation established an experimental tea farm on Wadmalaw Island in 1960, and the farm operated there until 1987. There is still a tea farm on the island, and it is the only one of its sort in the entire country. The property has changed hands a few times, but it is still there.
11. Waties Island
Waties Island is a barrier island off the east coast of South Carolina that is virtually completely undeveloped and hasn’t been developed at all. Coastal Carolina University makes the most significant use of the island as a venue for educational and scientific research. Waccamaw Indians occupied the island before the arrival of Europeans, and they left behind a multitude of artifacts, ceramics, and burial mounds on the island. Before the arrival of Europeans, the island was inhabited by the Waccamaw Indians. Horace Tilghman, who had purchased the island in 1920, later donated it to the university in his will. Waties Island is one of the few remaining unspoiled barrier islands off South Carolina. Its former private owners made the decision to preserve the island in its natural state rather than develop it.
