12 Best Things To Do In Fripp Island, South Carolina

1. Visit the Fripp Island Activity Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This nature center is a part of the Fripp Island Resort, and consists of a turtle conservation, as well as a series of nature programs. You can see their ball python and their baby alligator, or join them for a nature or craft activity, a wildlife education program, or an island bike tour. In the summer the activities ramp up to include sea turtle education programs, crabbing lessons, movies hosted at their pool, and more. There are guided kayaking tours (even some at sunset or by moonlight), a herpetology class, a gator or turtle walk, a nature cruise, and other guided tours done by the naturalists. There’s so much to choose from!

Fripp Island Activity Center

Address: 2119 Sea Island Parkway, Saint Helena, SC 29920

Website: Fripp Island Activity Center

Website: Nature Program list

2. Golf at Ocean Point or Ocean Creek

Both of these golf courses are specially designed. The Ocean Point Golf course is one of the most highly rated golf courses in South Carolina, and has even won an award; its “dramatic” views of the ocean offer a stunning backdrop to the game. Ocean Creek is highly rated as well, and is set among marshes and lakes; while enjoying a game here you may be visited by wildlife such as deer and osprey, egrets, and herons. You can find more information about both courses below.

Fripp Island Golfing

Website: Fripp Island Golfing

3. Go paddle boarding

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Nalu Paddle Boarding is more than a paddle boarding company. Aside from a beginner-friendly guided paddle boarding tour down Old House Creek (during which you may see some dolphins and other wildlife, according to the website), they also offer surfing lessons, yoga on the beach, and paddle board yoga. Yep, paddle board yoga! This consists of paddle boarding out to the creek, anchoring the board, and doing yoga on the paddle board.

Nalu Paddle Boarding

Address: 899 Bonito Dr, Fripp Island, SC 29920

Website: Nalu Paddle Boarding

4. Take an excursion to Pritchards Island

Pritchard’s Island is an uninhabited island that is only possible to get to by boat (the ferry departs from Fripp Island, or you can go there yourself via canoe or kayak). Naturalists can take you surf fishing, on beach sweeps, and host workshops for photography, tagging turtles, night walks, and more. On the island, there’s the “Phillip Rhodes Barrier Island Research Facility,” where a number of guests can stay overnight. Only 18 spots are available, so you have to make reservations for this amazing Fripp island excursion.

Pritchards Island

Address: Pritchard’s Island, SC

Website: Pritchards Island

5. If you want to skip the beach, go to the Cabana Club Complex

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

There’s not just a pool here - there’s three. There’s an oval-shaped pool that’s heated year-round, a lagoon-style pool that has waterfalls and caves, and a kids pool with a slide. There’s a pool-side bar called Willie’s Wet Bar, and the club also has a restaurant and shop. Plus, the complex overlooks the ocean. Perfect for a few hours of fun, or an all-day stay.

Cabana Club Complex

Address: Bonito Drive, Fripp Island, SC

Website: Cabana Club Complex

Nearby options

6. See a flick at the Hwy 21 Drive-In theater

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Yes, drive-in theaters still exist; Hwy 21 in Fripp Island is one of the few left in the country. If you’ve never been to one I highly recommend it - imagine opening your trunk and sitting on a blanket, or setting a few chairs out by your car, eating food and drinking drinks from your cooler, all while watching a movie on a giant screen under the stars. Hwy 21 hosts movies nightly, plus a handful of other events, and there’s also a concession stand; keep in mind it’s about a 45-minute drive from Fripp Island. Visit their website for movie times and event schedules.

Hwy 21 Drive-In

Address: 55 Parker Dr, Beaufort, SC 29906

Website: Hwy 21 Drive-In

7. Take in the views at the Hunting Island Lighthouse

If you’re looking for a Fripp Island lighthouse, the closest you’ll find is Hunting Island Lighthouse, which is about a half hour’s drive from here and located on St Helena Island. It was built in 1859 (and rebuilt in 1875 after the civil war) and became inactive in 1933. Today you can climb the 167-step spiral staircase to the top balcony for 2 USD, and enjoy panoramic views of the park and the ocean. The Hunting Island park also has a marsh boardwalk, a nature center, lots of wildlife to view, and a beach to hang out on - you’re even allowed to collect seashells!

Hunting Island Lighthouse

Address: 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920

Website: Hunting Island

8. Go horseback riding

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you’re looking for a unique activity, the Camelot Farms Equestrian Center will take you horseback riding. They’re only about 20 minutes away from Fripp Island, and they offer different kinds of trail rides, such as the Plantation Ride (50 USD a person and an hour long), and the Coastline Ride (75 USD a person and two hours long). If you like, you can also camp there, or stay in their Saddle Bag guest house, which can be booked through VRBO.

Camelot Farms Equestrian Center

Address: 101 Tom and Mike Lane, St Helena Island, SC 29920

Website: Camelot Farms Equestrian Center

9. Spend the day at the Penn Center

The Penn Center is a significant historical site; in fact, it used to be the Penn School, one of the first schools for freed slaves, established in 1862. Today it’s an educational center for African American history, social justice, and historic preservation; they host a number of events, such as the 1862 Circle Gala, and the Heritage Days festival. There’s also a museum called The York W. Bailey Museum, and a welcome center and gift shop. The Penn Center is a truly unique place to explore history, and learn how to preserve it.

Penn Center

Address: 16 Penn Center Circle West, St. Helena Island, SC 29920

Website: Penn Center

10. Get the best seafood deals at Island Fish Market

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

When you drive by St. Helena, you will definitely be stopped by the wafting aroma of grilling seafood and barbecue from a local restaurant called the Island Fish Market. Located 6.51 mi (10.48 km) northwest of Fripp Island, Island Fish Market is the best place to get seafood and barbecue in the area. While seafood from local fishermen is their main fare, the food place is also well-known for serving glorious racks of pork barbecue ribs and platters of delicious pulled pork. Guests cannot help but praise the quality of their food and the hospitality of the owner that will make you feel at home.

Island Fish Market

Address: 520 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920, United States

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 7pm (closed from Sun - Tue)

11. Historic Port Royal Foundation

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Around 24 mi (38.6 km) from Fripp Island lies the Historic Port Royal Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 1976 that maintains a museum and conducts informative lectures, monthly meetings, and walking tours portraying the town of Port Royal’s history. Guests will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of when Lowcountry living depended on the harvesting of seafood from the local creeks and rivers and how the deepest natural port provided opportunities and inspired local craftsmen to build boats and trawlers and market their bounties. The 34-stop walking tour will start at Carpenter’s Hall at 933 Paris Avenue, pass through several more historic stops, and conclude with a tour of Cypress Wetlands Amphitheater.

Historic Port Royal Foundation

Address: 1634 Paris Ave, Port Royal, SC 29935, United States

Website: Historic Port Royal Foundation

12. Taste South Carolina's finest wines at Island Winery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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A post shared by Island Winery (@islandwineryhiltonhead)

If you are a wine enthusiast or simply a curious traveler, you must head to Island Winery, a hidden-away storefront featuring wine bottles for sale, complimentary tastings, and souvenirs. Located outside of Fripp Island, their store, which opened in 2006 on Hilton Head Island, relocated just across the street to a bigger and more attractive venue. Island winery purchases premium grapes from renowned wine regions and creates wines that capture the uniqueness of Hilton Head Island. Starting at 8 USD, you will get the chance to try 6 variants from their menu categorized into white, red, and Lowcountry specialties. Crackers are also available for you to munch on during the tasting. You can purchase bottles of wines that are decorated with brightly colored labels that showcase local artists and Lowcountry scenes.

Island Winery

Address: 15 Cardinal Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, United States

Website: Island Winery

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12:30pm - 5:30pm; Sun: 12:30pm - 4pm

An island oasis

There are plenty of Fripp island activities, both in the daytime and evening. Plenty of beaches, and ocean - not to mention the wildlife you’re bound to see. Visitors can also stay in one of the top beachfront rentals or vacation rentals with a private pool. It seems to me that Fripp Island would be the perfect location for a weekend getaway.

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