Things to Do In Hilton Head – Weekend On Daufuskie
One of my absolute favorite things to do in Hilton Head when I need to relax and recharge – is to spend a weekend on Daufuskie Island. It sits less than a mile away from Hilton Head across the Calibogue Sound, but it might as well be a world away. In this post I will share local’s point of view and cheat code on how to make the most of your time visiting this tropical paradsie.
Why Daufuskie Island?
Next to hitting one of our beaches, I would rank visiting Daufuskie as one of my top three things to do in Hilton Head. Daufuskie Island is remote with a capital “R”. I haven’t experienced anything quite like it in the continental United States. Without many cars, traffic, or noise, it’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. So, if you are looking to REALLY get away from things – this magic tropical island is your spot.
How to Get There?
It’s actually pretty easy. You can only get there by boat, and the two services that we recommend are:
- Daufuskie Island Ferry (Getting to Daufuskie | The OFFICIAL Daufuskie Island Ferry) – Departs from the north end of the island at Buckingham Landing. They are regularly scheduled and relatively turn-key. Word of advice – pack light because they charge you something like $10 per bag after your first bag.
- Island Head (Hilton Head -> Daufuskie Island Daily Round Trip | Island Head (islandheadhhi.com)) – They leave from Broad Creek Marina and also go over on a pretty regular schedule.
Where to Stay?
There are no hotels on Daufuskie, so you need to look on the web for accommodations. Three of the our favorite to find a place to stay are:
- Haig Point (Haig Point) – if you are looking for a luxury/premium experience and money isn’t a concern – Haig Ponte is fantastic. That – and they have their own private ferry service.
- Melrose Resort (Haig Point)- Is stunning and has a very interesting history. It has a beach club and pools that are open during the season, stunning tree lines roads, totally remote beaches, and there are waterfront cottages there that you can rent with views of the Calibogue Sound and the south end of Hilton Head Island.
- VRBO or Airbnb – These are your go-to resources for all things Daufuskie as it relates to accommodations.
What Are the Food Options?
Contrary to popular belief – there is food on Daufuskie.
- Freeport General Store (Daufuskie Difference | Visit Daufuskie Island, SC Today!)
- D’Fuskies (daufuskies store – Search (bing.com)).
- There are also 3-5 restaurants that are open daily to choose from.
- Snacks – For a weekend, I would just bring snacks and whatever you would like to drink and just wing it. We see way too many people overpack in preparation for food Armageddon when going over there and it just isn’t necessary.
What Do I Pack?
- A backpack of clothes. Daufuskie is not a fashion show and for a weekend you need two changes of clothes and a bathing suit. Trust me on this one.
- Bug spray, hat, sunglasses, suntan lotion, beach towel.
- Some cards, a book, board game
- A small Bluetooth speaker.
There Are Plenty of Things to Do In Hilton Head – What Is There To Do On Daufuskie?
- Relax. That’s what Daufuskie is all about. This is your chance to unplug and disconnect from the world at large. Take advantage of the opportunity at large?
- Rent a Golf Cart (Daufuskie Island Tours, Ferry & Golf Cart Rental Packages, and Kayaking (tourdaufuskie.com) – Cruise the island. North to south, east to west. There is so much to see and you don’t need a plan. Just stop when you see something interesting. Simple.
- Tour Daufuskie (Daufuskie Island Tours, Ferry & Golf Cart Rental Packages, and Kayaking (tourdaufuskie.com) – They have tons of options for seeing the island from guided tours to private beach days to kayaking.
- The Iron Fish Art Gallery (Iron Fish Gallery | Handmade Coastal Decor By Chase Allen (ironfishart.com)) – Chase Allen’s art is amazing – you won’t regret stopping here.
- Daufuskie Island Rum Company and Distillery (LANDING PAGE | differenthere (daufuskierum.com)) – Adult Beverages anyone? Yes please! New as of this summer they have food and a massive deck with seating. Go
- The Beach – There are a few to choose from. My personal favorite is Turtle Beach. There’s also Melrose Beach, or Beach Road takes you to another breathtaking spot as well. The best thing about the beaches here is that they are sparsely populated. You haven’t been on a beach with this few people – like ever.
- Bonus – Take a private boat tour with Hilton Head Boat Charters Hilton Head Boat Charters – Private Tours of Hilton Head, SC (hhiboatcharters.com). Experience the backwaters of Daufuskie Island and surrounding areas. Take in the lush landscape, and have a fantastic Dolphin Tour at the same time. You can also reach Savannah by boat in less than an hour for a full half-day of fun.
Things To Do In Hilton Head – In Conclusion
Visiting Daufuskie Island is surely one of the most unique things to do in Hilton Head when you are vacationing here. I hope that this quick article gives you a little inspiration and serves as a local’s cheat code for you on how to experience a few amazing days of relaxation and bliss on Daufuskie Island.
About the Author
When he isn’t writing articles on things to do in Hilton Head, Neil Arlett is a 20-year local resident and partner in Hilton Head Boat Charters. They provide private Hilton Head boat tours for small and large groups like – Hilton Head Dolphin Tours, Sunset Cruises, and the occasional Hilton Head Bachelorette Party. You can check them out here (Hilton Head Boat Charters – Private Tours of Hilton Head, SC (hhiboatcharters.com) – or check out their reviews on Google here – https://g.co/kgs/KBdsZq
