Daufuskie Island for the Day

ON ISLAND TIME

Daufuskie Island transports travelers to a simpler time.

By Laura Lee

As the pelican flies, Daufuskie Island is just a few miles from Hilton Head Island, but nestled between river marshes and the Calibogue Sound, it feels a world away. You can only access the island by boat; step off the ferry or water taxi, and you’ll find yourself in another place, in another time.

While Daufuskie Island is just five miles long and two miles wide, there’s plenty to see and do. Explore historic churches, a haunted lighthouse and whimsical art galleries, Lowcountry restaurants and a rum distillery. Cars are restricted, so lace up your walking shoes, rent a bike or golf cart and set out on a day of discovery.

PLAN

TRIP

Today, 400 locals live on the island. Adventurous visitors can make the journey over for a day trip or an overnight getaway to immerse themselves in the island’s rich history, artsy vibe, pristine beaches and small community feel.

• Stroll through the vineyards and enjoy a tasting at

Silver Dew Winery, South Carolina’s first winery, founded in 1883. • Explore on horseback with Daufuskie Island Trail Rides, which offers informative tours of historic landmarks or sunset rides along the oceanfront. • Book a vacation package with Haig Point to spend the night in the beautiful Strachan Mansion or Haig Point

Lighthouse, built in 1872 and said to be haunted. • Savor the shrimp and grits at Lucy Bell’s, some of the best in Lowcountry.

• Shop handcrafted local sculptures by acclaimed artist Chase Allen at The Iron Fish Gallery, featured in Southern Living and Wall Street Journal. • Score a limited guest pass at Rees Jones’ Top 100

Signature Calibogue Course at Haig Point, an exclusive island golf community. • Dine on delicious seafood, sip a signature cocktail and dance to live music on weekends at Freeport Marina’s Old

Daufuskie Crab Company. • Sample a variety of rums and spirits at

Daufuskie Island Distillery. • Book a charming oceanfront cottage, complete with your own golf cart, through Daufuskie Island Rental. • Get a real-life history lesson at The Daufuskie Island

Historical Foundation Museum Complex, complete with an old Gullah Bible and Native American artifacts. • Grab a mid-morning treat at School Grounds Coffee, inside the one-room schoolhouse featured in

Pat Conroy’s memoir The Water Is Wide. • Rent a golf cart through H2O Sports or Tour Daufuskie and explore the island’s sandy streets, unspoiled beaches and maritime forests. • See goats and chickens, and meet Richard the Goose at

Daufuskie Community Farm and Artisan Village. • Visit Bloody Point Lighthouse

Museum at the southern tip of the island and see how indigo,

Sea Island Cotton and Carolina

Gold rice are planted.

A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

Daufuskie visitors share their favorite island pics.

@danojustice Daufuskie Island, SC

Daufuskie Island is a must see! #islandlife #spanishmoss

@autumnpagni Daufuskie Island, SC

Très bonne journée (very good day) #ocean #daufuskieisland #ferry #sunset

@battlegroundsouthcigarlounge

Daufuskie Island, SC

A beautiful beginning to the end of a great vacation. #vacation #sunrise

Green Tip: You’ll need a golf cart to get around the island. Inquire about rental options with your boat or ferry operator, or check out options from Tour Daufuskie. GETTING THERE

These boating services run from Hilton Head Island and Bluffton to Daufuskie Island.

Daufuskie Island Ferry Service — The 45-minute ferry makes several trips every day of the year, rain or shine. Depart from Buckingham Landing on the mainland and arrive at Melrose Landing. Pets and bikes are allowed; additional fees may apply. daufuskieislandferry.com Daufuskie Difference — Take a one-hour ride on the island’s original ferry. Depart from Broad Creek Marina and arrive at Freeport Marina. Pets and bikes are allowed; additional fees may apply. daufuskiedifference.com H2O Sports — This 20-minute water taxi is the quickest service to the island, departing from Harbour Town Marina to their private dock or to Freeport Marina. h2osports.com May River Excursions — Take a 25-minute public water taxi from the Bluffton Calhoun Street Dock to the Beaufort County Public Dock. Daytime service only. Pets and bikes are allowed; additional fees may apply. mayriverexcursions.com Outside Hilton Head — Take a four-hour guided history tour to the island, by reservation only. Departs from Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. outsidehiltonhead.com