Harbor Island is a private, 1,400-acre island set some 15 miles from the city of Beaufort, South Carolina. Renowned for its natural beauty, the island has miles of unspoiled beaches and sand dunes to explore. Why not hunt for your perfect vacation rental on Harbor Island with FlipKey?

About Harbor Island

Harbor Island is one of the California Sea Islands and was actually uninhabited until the 1930s. Land here was purchased by the Fripp Company who developed the gated community that exists here today. The island has a peaceful feel, and with plenty of outdoor activities it has become a popular vacation destination for families. There’s plenty of attractions nearby too including St Helena Island and the city of Beaufort itself.

Visit Beaufort in late April and you can enjoy the ‘Taste of Beaufort’ festival. This three-day event sees local restaurants take to the streets with their tasting menus and you can enjoy local specialties and live music on Bay Street. While you’re visiting South Carolina, make sure you sample local fried seafood, crab cakes and crab soup, found on most local menus.

What to do

Relaxing on three miles of white sandy beach is the perfect way to begin your vacation on Harbor Island. You can watch dolphins from the dunes or spot horseshoe crabs, herons and pelicans, or head for the island’s three outdoor pools with the kids. You’ll also find a putting green and tennis courts here, for something more active.

If you fancy taking to the water on a dolphin watching cruise, boats leave from Beaufort Downtown Marina. Beaufort itself is a colonial town which has been used as a film set in many Hollywood movies. Enjoy a stroll around the historic district, sample home-made cider at the Carolina Cider Company or dine on the riverfront.

Lovers of the great outdoors can head for Hunting Island State Park where scenes from ‘Forrest Gump’ were filmed. Relax on the isolated beach or climb to the top of the lighthouse for stunning views.

Top travel tips

A day trip to St Helena Island is well worth it – here you can visit the Penn Center to see the cottage where Martin Luther King Jr. penned his ‘I have a dream’ speech, or dine on traditional South Carolina cuisine in downtown Frogmore.

The nearest airport to Harbor Island is Savannah International Airport, around a 1-hour drive away.

For families and couples seeking a relaxing vacation by the sea, Harbor Island has plenty to offer, with beautiful beaches and activities for all ages.

Why not browse FlipKey’s rental properties to find your perfect oceanfront villa with pool on Harbor Island?