The Sea Islands

The Sea Islands include more than 60 small islands, with the primary inhabited ones connected by bridge and a few reachable only by boat. The unmatched scenic beauty is colored by views of glistening daily sunrises and sunsets unlike anywhere else in the world. Add the palmetto trees and live oaks draped with Spanish moss, the year-round blooms of hibiscus flowers, hundreds of varieties of coastal birds and the easy-going pace of life in the slow lane, and you'll recognize the attraction which lures thousands of tourists, retirees and relocating families.

To the east of the City of Beaufort are the islands of Lady's, Coosaw, Judge, Cat, Cane, Gibbs, St. Helena, Dataw, Distant, Harbor, Hunting and Fripp. These are a mixture of residential and resort areas, with Harbor, Dataw and Fripp being gated communities made up of residential property and resort rentals, some of which are situated along world-class golf courses.

Much rural and agricultural land on these islands is still worked by native Beaufortonians decended from slaves, and the shrimping and fishing industries based in these areas are of major importance to the local economy as well as the fine dining enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Callawassie and Spring Islands are south of the Broad River in Beaufort County and are private golf communities. Bull Point and Bray's Island are in the northwest portion of the county and also are private communities.

Daufuskie Island is another noted resort area reachable only by boat to the southwest of Hilton Head Island.