With a population of under 400, no hotel, and no way of getting there other than by boat, Daufuskie Island in South Carolina is an oceanfront oasis. One could spend an entire week in Haig Point, the private community on the island, without seeing more than a dozen individuals. You literally have the beach to yourself. That’s more than 3 1/2 miles of white sand to watch the sunrise, let the kids and dogs run free, and ride bikes along the shoreline.
Outdoor Activities
Horseback rides on the beach are offered year round, and golf aficionados will enjoy the rare experience of seven tee boxes or greens with ocean views at Haig Point’s signature course. Tour Daufuskie makes a day at the beach hassle free (since the only way to get to the island is by ferry/no cars) with packages that include your chairs, tent, table and adventures for the day so you don’t have to schlep anything with you.
Distillery and More
The Daufuskie Island Distillery is one of only 2 island distilleries in the US, and perhaps the best of all is the island art at Iron Fish Gallery- that operates on an honor system: if you like something take it, put a check in the box by the door, or just leave your phone number and the artist will call you later for payment.
Gullah history is apparent across the 10 sq mile island- with handwritten signs for signature deviled crabs posted on trees, the local indigo dyeing shop Daufuskie Blues and the Tabby Ruins located on the former Indigo and Cotton plantation that is now Haig Point community.
You can visit the Mary Fields school house where beloved author Pat Conroy taught, the first African Baptist Church and meet Pat Conroy’s former student and 6th generation Gullah- Sallie Ann Robinson- who runs history tours on the island.
Beautiful Cottages
New guest cottages are under construction in Haig Point but for now visitors can enjoy this secluded beach getaway by staying in a real lighthouse that dates back to 1873 or a mansion built in 1910 as a summer retreat.
This spring the former site of Marshside Mama’s will reopen as a new restaurant that will still boast the best sunset views on the island.
All of this can be enjoyed while exploring from your golf cart- there are no cars on the island either. Of course, you can also just choose to relax on the beach- which you’ll pretty much have to yourself.
For more information, visit: www.haigpoint.com.
Haig Point: A South Carolina Paradise
