Located 25 miles away from downtown Charleston, Seabrook Island is a private oceanfront community often frequented by daytrippers. While it’s a perfect destination for sun seekers who want to enjoy the sand and surf in relative peace and quiet, Seabrook Island also offers a variety of activities for everyone.
For an unforgettable experience, follow our comprehensive guide on the top things to do on Seabrook Island, SC.
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OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
As a barrier island off the coast of South Carolina, it’s not hard to find adventure in and around this oceanfront community. In fact, there are a wide variety of outdoor things to do on Seabrook Island, SC. From joining a horseback riding tour to reeling in fish, here are the top activities:
- Play a round of golf on a championship course
Apart from being a beloved beach destination, Seabrook Island has a reputation of being a golfer’s paradise. It is home to two championship courses: Ocean Winds and Crooked Oaks.
The Ocean Winds Golf Course is a par-72 course designed by golf course architect Willard Byrd. It covers around 6,800 yards and features sloping fairways and stunning natural surroundings. One of the most challenging aspects of the course is the wind. While the golf course doesn’t have many views of the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll feel the breeze and the challenge of playing with (or against) it instead.
The Crooked Oaks Golf Course is just as challenging, if not more. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., it’s a par-72 course that covers around 6,700 yards. The Crooked Oaks course is known for its tough but fun layout. Expect undulating greens, rolling fairways, and a classic links design.
- Engage in water activities
As a coastal community, Seabrook Island has no shortage of water recreation on offer. Those who are after a thrilling excursion can rent a jet ski and explore the surrounding bodies of water like Botany Bay, Bohicket Creek, and the Wadmalaw River. If you prefer exploring these areas at a more relaxed pace, you can also do so by paddleboard or kayak. Some equipment rental services like Water Dog Paddle Co. have guided tours that will take you around the Lowcountry waters.
The Bohicket Marina and Market is a full-service marina that offers plenty of boating, fishing, and dolphin-watching activities. Located between Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island, the marina is fully equipped with wet slips, dry storage slips, a laundromat, and freshwater showers. At the Bohicket Marina, you can rent a Key West Skiff or a Bentley Pontoon to explore the scenic waterways of South Carolina.
- Try your luck at fishing
Seabrook Island is also a fantastic place to fish, whether you are a beginner or an avid angler. Since its waters are diverse and abundant with marine life, you have the opportunity to catch flounder, Spanish mackerel, striped bass, and blue marlin. Fishing in Seabrook Island can be done all-year-round. However, the best time to go is between April to November: there are more types of fish to catch during these months.
When you go fishing in Seabrook Island, you have the option to rent a charter or use your own boat. Alternatively, you can try shore or surf fishing, which only involves standing along the shoreline. For this method, using a rod between 7 to 10 feet is recommended. Local Seabrook fishermen swear by this tried-and-tested technique. Some of their frequent catches include trout, shark, redfish, and even stingrays on lucky days.
- Take advantage of the state-of-the-art tennis facilities
For tennis enthusiasts, Seabrook Island is home to 15 clay courts that are professionally maintained all-year-round. Tennis players of all levels are welcome to step onto the court, from recreational players to competitive athletes. Looking to improve your tennis game? The Seabrook Island Racquet Club offers private and group lessons. At the full-service pro shop, you can purchase tennis apparel, equipment, and accessories.
Tennis isn’t the only racquet sport that you can play in Seabrook Island. There are two lighted pickleball courts in the vicinity as well. You can join a drop-in session and meet fellow pickleball enthusiasts or book your own court time for uninterrupted play.
Learn more about the Seabrook Island Racquet Club here.
- Go on a scenic horseback ride
Experience the thrill of riding at the Seabrook Equestrian Center. Whether you’re new on a horse or a seasoned rider, you will have a grand time with the scenic beach and trail rides. The equestrian center’s Walking Beach Ride is a fun and relaxing experience along Captain Sam’s Inlet. Since this ride typically takes place during low tide, you can easily spot the shorebirds, seabirds, and other types of wildlife.
The Scenic Trail Ride, on the other hand, will take you through the forests, marshes, and tidal creeks in Seabrook Island. Along the 3-mile journey, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see the area’s diverse wildlife like deer, alligators, and turtles.
For more information about the Seabrook Equestrian Center and its facilities, see their website here.
- Explore Seabrook Island on a bike
One of the best ways to see Seabrook Island is on two wheels. If you’re looking for something else to do on Seabrook Island, SC, then biking should be your next activity. It’s your chance to witness the area’s natural beauty and the diverse wildlife that inhabit it. There are plenty of areas that you can explore, from the beaches to the maritime forests. Remember to ride single file when the bike path ends and have bike lights on after dark. If you don’t have a bike of your own, it’s very easy to rent one. Alligator Bike and The Island Bike & Surf Shop are the most popular bike rental shops on Seabrook Island.
- Spend a day observing local wildlife
Depending on the time of the year, you may be able to feast your eyes on a fantastic display of local wildlife on Seabrook Island. On land, different kinds of mammals live, including white-tailed deer as well as red and gray foxes. Consider grabbing a pair of binoculars to go bird-watching; over 80 bird species are known to inhabit Seabrook Island or fly around the area, including bald eagles and ospreys.
On the beach, keep your eyes peeled for sea turtle nests or loggerhead sea turtles, known locally as Caretta caretta. During low tide at North Beach, you may be able to spot pods of bottlenose dolphins swimming off the coast. They are known to engage in a behavior called “strand feeding” on Seabrook Island’s surrounding waters.
Fans of cold-blooded animals will also find something of interest on Seabrook Island. Seabrook’s reptilian residents include chameleons, treefrogs, and alligators, all of which can be seen in various parts of the island.
SHOPPING
While Seabrook Island isn’t known as a retail paradise, shoppers can be sure to find high-quality items locally and in the surrounding areas.
If you are in the market for unique Seabrook Island merchandise to add to your collection (or give as gifts), Seabrook Shoppe is one of the best places to go. It is open from April through September and also carries other items, such as bathing suits, pool toys, and summer clothing.
For anyone looking for new sports gear, The Racquet Club has activewear and a variety of tennis gear, some of which shoppers can demo. And as mentioned earlier, the Golf Pro Shop offers golf-related items, from clothing for men and women to state-of-the-art clubs and other equipment. At Bohicket Marina, you will find a few stores that sell tackles, baits, and other gear to supplement your fishing forays.
Outside Seabrook Island, there are two shopping destinations to check out: Freshfields Village on Kiawah Island and Charleston Tanger Outlets. Both are a relatively easy drive out of Seabrook Island and offer a wide variety of brand names and retail options.
RESTAURANTS
One of the top things to do on Seabrook Island, SC is to enjoy its culinary offerings. There are a plethora of local dining spots in and around the area, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. Check out these amazing restaurants below:
- Pelican’s Nest
Located at the Seabrook Island Beach Club, Pelican’s Nest is the only oceanfront restaurant in the community. Restaurant-goers are treated to a casual, outdoor dining experience complete with picturesque water views. And if you’re lucky, you’ll even get to spot dolphins while you eat. The Pelican’s Nest menu includes chicken tenders, grilled shrimp bowls, New York strip steaks, and pan-roasted salmon.
Pelican’s Nest is open seasonally and typically from April through the end of October. Certain days are exclusive to members only.
- Bohicket Lounge
Also located at the Seabrook Island Club is Bohicket Lounge. Known for its laid-back, pub-style dining experience with views of the driving range and putting greens, the Bohicket Lounge is the go-to restaurant post golf. Enjoy a Southern cuisine-filled menu of smoked wings, sweet potato fries, and crispy chicken. The Bohicket Lounge is open for lunch, dinner, and happy hour.
If dining at Bohicket Lounge, come in your best club casual sports outfit, which shouldn’t be a problem if you are coming after playing golf.
- Palmetto Room & Seaview Terrace
The Palmetto Room & Seaview Terrace is an upscale dining area in the Seabrook Island Club that also serves Southern-inspired cuisine. The menu for this restaurant focuses on fresh seafood and local ingredients. However, it also changes depending on the availability and quality of the ingredients.
The Palmetto Room is open year-round, though business hours vary depending on the season. That said, the restaurant is open for Sunday brunch service throughout the year, from 10:00 PM till 2:00 PM.
- Saveurs du Monde Café Seabrook Island
A hidden gem in Seabrook Island, the Saveurs du Monde Café is the perfect place for a delicious and healthy meal. It’s a popular breakfast and lunch spot that serves a variety of French-inspired dishes like galettes, baguettes, quiches, and paninis. You can never go wrong with their pastries as well; they’re light, flakey, and delicious.
- Cap’n Sam’s Grill
Open from April through September, Cap’N Sam’s Grill is a great place to relax while snacking on sandwiches, wraps, and salads, especially with its poolside location. The restaurant also features a full-service bar where you can order your favorite cocktails or try a new, tropics-inspired concoction by one of Cap’n Sam’s Grill’s experienced mixologists.
NIGHTLIFE
Looking for a place to unwind at the end of the day? You’ll discover several bars and taverns that offer a cozy atmosphere and a top-notch menu of wines, cocktails, beers, and spirits.
- Locker Room Lounge
Open all-year-round, the Locker Room Lounge is a great place to relax after a long day of work or play. The men’s and women’s locker rooms of the Seabrook Island Club have a full service bar in addition to its well-equipped locker facilities.
- Fischer’s Sports Pub & Grill
Located in neighboring John’s Island, less than 10 minutes away from Seabrook Island, Fisher’s Sports Pub & Grill is a family-owned and operated restaurant. Established in 2003, this local bar welcomes everyone with its laid-back atmosphere and large menu of food and drinks.
- FortyEight – Wine Bar & Kitchen
FortyEight – Wine Bar & Kitchen at Freshfields Village is a wine lover’s paradise. Guests can enjoy 48 wines by the glass, from chardonnay to cabernet sauvignon. Aside from wine, FortyEight also offers 840 hand-selected wines and 48 local and regional craft beers. Your wine experience at FortyEight won’t be complete without great food. Among the must-orders from their menu are the crab cakes, scallops, and charcuterie board.
- Firefly Distillery
Located in Charleston, Firefly Distillery is where you can go to enjoy the best of the city’s spirits. There are more than 30 different spirits that you can try, from vodkas to bourbons. Firefly Distillery’s signature drink is its Sweet Tea Vodka. The first of its kind, it is made from all–natural ingredients and can be mixed into a southern sweet tea cocktail.
OWN A HOME ON SEABROOK ISLAND
Make the most out of the exciting things to do on Seabrook Island, SC by investing in a real estate property here. Start by working with an experienced real estate team like ChuckTown Homes Real Estate.
As one of the leading real estate teams in Charleston, we have a proven track record of putting our clients’ needs first. Our team has been serving the Charleston community since 2003 by helping buyers find their dream home and assisting sellers in getting top dollar for theirs. Reach out to the ChuckTown Homes Real Estate team today. Contact us at 843.647.9711 or send us a message to get started.