As summer approaches, the excitement for that annual family vacation is palpable. That’s most definitely the case this year more than ever. What’s better than a beach getaway, filled with wide-open spaces, sand and surf, walks along the beach, starry nights, and falling asleep to the sounds of the waves lapping along the shoreline?
So, grab your family and friends and make plans to head to South Carolina’s Lowcountry island playground of Fripp Island Golf And Beach Resort. Located just 20 miles east of bucolic Beaufort, Fripp Island features lots of oceanfront houses and other accommodations options, with all the bells and whistles and amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean, available to rent for a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation (or longer, if you are lucky). Plus, with plenty of island activities and amenities and room for everyone, Fripp Island has all the makings for the perfect summertime getaway.
Whether you prefer to lay on the beach, frolic in the surf, play a round of golf or hit the tennis courts, set sail in a kayak or pontoon boat, go fish, read a book, or simply watch the sunset, there is truly something for everyone on Fripp Island. Here are ten top things waiting for you and your family for the ultimate Fripp Island beach vacation this summer.
Beaching It
With three miles of fine white sand and easy public beach access, the days can be filled with walks along the shoreline, frolicking in the warm Atlantic surf, boogie boarding and body surfing, sand castle building, catching some much-needed Vitamin D, shelling and kicking back with a good book. Since Fripp Island rents chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards and skim boards, all you need to bring are your favorite beach toys, towels and sunscreen.
Pool Time
If clear water is more your thing, Fripp Island boasts four pool complexes with six pools for swimming, sunbathing and splish-splashing. With spectacular views of Skull Inlet and Pritchard’s Island, the Cabana Club features an oval pool for lazing, a lagoon pool with misting caves and waterfalls, and a kid’s pool complete with Frog slide and fountain. At the Beach Club, there is the Olympic Pool with lanes for lap swimming and a family pool, along with an adult pool—complete with the fun Sandbar. Or cool down after a round of golf or kayak in the adult pools at the Ocean Point Golf Links and the Marina Pool.
Tee it Up
Get your golf game going with two championship golf courses, driving ranges, chipping areas, practice bunkers, putting greens and pro shops. The views of the Atlantic Ocean, meandering marshes, and native wetlands will undoubtedly improve those handicaps. There is even a Wee Links course for the kids. For beginners, Fripp Island offers golf instruction and private lessons, as well as all-age golf clinics.
Tennis Rackets
For tennis players or those who want to give the sport a try, there are eight soft courts and two hard courts just steps away from the beach. Fripp Island is also the perfect place to try your hand at pickleball. If you’ve always wanted to learn, lessons are available, as are instructional programs and clinics. You can pick up the newest in racquets or gear in the pro shop.
Adventures Await
For those looking for a bit more outdoors adventures—or trying their hand at something new—the island offers surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and beach and paddle board yoga at the NALU Paddle Boarding Shop at the Marina. They even rent all the equipment, so all you must bring is your sense of adventure.
Fish Tales
Due to its ideal location, Fripp Island has miles of waterways, marshes, and ocean expanses to catch the big one. Or at least provide the makings for fish tales on how the big one got away. Whether fishing off the dock at the marina, putting in your own boat at the boat ramp, or hiring a fishing charter, the waterways and fish await. And you can keep it simple and rent your gear.
The Natural World
Fripp Island is surrounded by native wetlands and undeveloped woodlands, so it’s only natural that wildlife would abound. From active birdlife along the shore, deer wandering through the property, turtle nests, alligators sunning along the ponds or dolphins escorting a pontoon cruise, the animal world is abundant Just don’t forget your binoculars.
It’s a Kid’s Life
It’s easy to inspire curiosity and learning for the kids (and kids at heart) at the bustling activity and nature center near the Cabana Club. Visitors will meet many of the island’s residents, with up- close and personal exhibits of snakes, alligators, turtles and iguanas. They’ll also learn about the islands fish life and ecology through interactive displays. Or they can participate in one of dozens of nature programs like gator walks, marsh kayaking, crabbing, turtle walks, sunset and moonlight kayaking and so much more.
Hunger Games
With all the fun you’ll be having, t might be hard to remember to stop to eat. But with up to ten varied restaurants and watering holes across the island, it’s easy to satisfy everyone’s taste. There’s fine dining at The Beach Club, family dining at Cabana Club Grill, seafood and sunsets at Bonito Boathouse, breakfast, and lunch specialties at Ocean Point Grille, and truly something for everyone at the Food Court at the Beach Club. For adult beverages, enjoy a cold one at the 19 th hole or something more exotic at Willies Wet Bar or the Sandbar.
Family Time
Possibly the best reason to head to Fripp Island is to leave all the worries of the day behind, and truly be in the moment with friends and family. Whether it’s trading stories and laughs on the back deck with twinkling lights and sunsets, early morning strolls down the beach with the kids and the family dog or quiet times reading one of beloved Pat Conroy’s quintessential Lowcountry novels (Conroy lived on Fripp Island for years), a summer vacation might be just what the family needs to relax, rewind and rejuvenate.