7 Reasons to Visit Seabrook Island: Charleston’s Island Playground
Seabrook Island is a gated, planned community about 25 miles, 45 minutes, and a world away from historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina, that is popular with boomers and retirees.
Adjacent to larger Kiawah Island, this relaxed four-season resort is a perfect destination for those seeking a sunny summer beach vacation, a serene cold winter getaway or something in between.
Comprised of about three square miles of lush maritime forest, the area is friendly, informal, and easily traversed by foot, bike, car, or golf cart.
The Island is named after Robert Seabrook, an English landowner and businessman who arrived in Charleston in 1679 and was convicted of trading with pirates. After changing hands many times over the years, it became an incorporated town in 1987.
1- Sandy beaches
Not too far from the beautiful live oak trees draped with Spanish moss, tall grasses, wildflowers, and other plantings are three miles of wide sandy beaches and dunes along the Atlantic Ocean.
The American Shore & Beach Preservation Association voted Seabrook Island Beach the country’s “Best Restored Beach.”
2- Recreation options
Onsite facilities include a fully staffed and equipped fitness and wellness center, pools, tennis courts, outdoor play areas, a large marina with opportunities for fishing, kayaking and boating
There are two 18-hole golf courses on Seabrook Island. Designed by Willard Byrd, Ocean Winds is a 6,802-yard, par 72 course.
3- Horseback riding on the beach
Seabrook Island has its own family-friendly equestrian center. Guests can explore the area on trails or ride along the sandy beach.
There are pony rides for younger riders and lessons for every level of skill, including first-timers.
4- Abundant wildlife
The mission of the Seabrook Island Property Association is to care for, protect, and preserve the wildlife and natural environment of the island.
As a result, sea turtles, alligators, Bottlenose dolphins, deer, and birds coexist in this lush natural area with residents and visitors. The golf course is an Audubon Society-certified cooperative sanctuary.
5- Sunsets over the marsh
One of the most magnificent times of day is at sunset. It’s a perfect time to wind down with a glass of wine after an active day, and watch the sun set from a jetty overlooking the tidal marshlands.
6- Proximity to Charleston
A bridge over the U.S. Intercoastal Waterway provides easy access to the enduring charms of downtown Charleston, located about 25 miles away.
A stroll or carriage ride through the city offers a glimpse of its historic architecture, quaint boutiques, world-class restaurants, and bars that serve low-country cuisine.
There are also a number of cultural, religious, and entertainment venues worth visiting.
In addition to having an expansive waterfront, Charleston also has a convenient, recently remodeled international airport.
7- Short and long-stay rentals
Close friends who live on Seabrook year-round introduced us to the area.
About 1/3 of the community is comprised of permanent residents, but there are also a range of vacation rental options. These include large homes, villas, and apartments—with golf and water views—suitable for young families, empty-nesters, or large multigenerational family reunions.
When we visited for a month last winter, we rented through Wyndham Vacation Rentals, but homes as also available on sites like Airbnb and VRBO.
The real danger of visiting, however, is that you may want to stay!
IF YOU GO
Also nearby:
If you are curious about a lovely seaside destination across the pond, check out the things to do in Bournemouth (Dorset, England)
All photo credits: Jerome Levine (unless otherwise noted)
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Looks like an incredible place to retire! This makes me rethink my Boca plans;)
Much heavier dose of Mother Nature:-)
I have a friend who just purchased a place there so this was great for me to check out her new home town vicariously before I can get there in person. I do wonder though how a retired lobbyist used to D.C. will do in such a small, quiet place. Maybe she’ll lobby on behalf of getting better sunscreen for the alligators!
We’ll have to introduce her to my ex-Washingtonian friends who have made a very easy adjustment to Seabrook Island!
Best, Irene
Seabrook Island just added to the “retirement possibilities” list — assuming we ever retire! 🙂 Looks great for a getaway or vacation. We visited Charleston only once when niece had a destination wedding there. Loved the city.
Did you know that Charleston is the second most popular wedding destination in the U.S.—right after Las Vegas.
I agree, it does look an amazing place to retire! Also added to ‘bucket list for retirement’! Not sure about the alligator though … but we get lots of crocs in Australia.
Those alligators are more interested in sunbathing than “interacting” with people:-) There are many on Seabrook, though.
Looks like a lovely spot to relax and enjoy beautiful this Seabrook Island. I especially like the birds and other animals I could spend hours watching the birds alone.
I think they may have bottled the magic of making time pass more slowly.
Seabrook Island looks like a magical place and not very well known among Canadians. Your Salt Marsh townhome looks like its set in the heart of nature – my kind of place.
It really was a great setting for a getaway.
Looks like a great place. I’ve never been to Charleston but have always wanted to visit. Seabrook looks lovely and the idea of renting a place for a few weeks or a month would be perfect….especially in winter! Love how it’s only 25 miles away from Charleston too.
There are even several good French restaurants in Charleston!:-)
Seabrook Island looks like a great place to visit for the landscape and the wildlife. The proximity to Charleston (a place I’ve long wanted to see) would be an added bonus.
Every time we visit Seabrook Island, we want to return!
It sounds like Hilton Head Island! Yes, those islands are the attractions in the Atlantic Coast!
I think it may be a little less developed than Hilton Head, also more permanent residents.
As my husband and I look for new places to spend part of the winter, we will have to add Seabrook Island to our list of possibilities. Sounds relaxing. And I would love to explore Charleston.
Since you have such an appreciation for history, I think you would love it.
As my husband and I go back and forth about the many spots to choose from for the next chapter in our lives, Seabrook Island looks like a spot we should certainly investigate. I love all the nature! We had such a great time visiting Charleston, the community has the best of both worlds.
Our friends who live there think it is idyllic!