This Off-The-Beaten-Path Island In South Carolina Is The Perfect Place To Escape
By AnneMarie|Published July 10, 2023
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AnneMarie
Author
South Carolina has been home for AnneMarie since 2001. Her favorite part of the state is Lake Jocassee. An App State alumna, it's always the mountains; the lake bonus makes it heavenly. When not writing about the state, she may be spending time with family, relaxing by the pool, or out somewhere enjoying nature.
Some of the most beautiful parts of South Carolina are less traveled, often tucked away, and largely overlooked. Those who’ve explored them can surely attest that the bigger isn’t always better adage comes to mind. In fact, often we find the best experiences in the places we may have least expected. Enter stage right, please: Sandy Island. Prepare for an awe-inspiring journey as we explore together this place that’s perfect for a getaway trip in South Carolina.
Tucked in between the Pee Dee and Waccamaw Rivers in Georgetown County, the majority of Sandy Island – 9,000 acres – has been preserved as a refuge and nature center, protected by The Nature Conservancy.
With over 12,000 acres overall of wild beauty with striking scenery and diverse wildlife, it's the largest protected freshwater island on the East Coast and is accessible only by boat. It's truly remote, making it a peaceful place for your weekend getaway.
In fact, the children who live on the island travel by the state's only school bus boat, named "New Prince Washington," to an awaiting school bus on the mainland. As of 2020, there were just over 30 permanent residents on Sandy Island, all direct descendants of the Gullah People, brought from West Africa to cultivate rice for nearby plantation owners.
One way to experience the island is with Tours De Sandy Island, the only official tour of the island. But what a treat it is, led by Captain Rommy (pronounced row-me), who was born and raised in Sandy Island, enjoying the uniqueness that comes with living the remote island lifestyle. This gives him firsthand knowledge and perspective he passionately shares on the highly-rated guided tours.
Along with visiting the Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor in South Carolina, the Tours De Sandy Island experience is one of the best ways to learn about the Gullah culture. This guided tour won a 2023 TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award.
Captain Rommy's mother owns the charming Pyatt’s General Store, which opened in 1986 and offers African heritage gifts, Gullah Sweetgrass baskets, a few necessities, and the only public restroom on the island.
During your South Carolina getaway trip to Sandy Island, you could expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, including eagles, osprey, black bears, coyotes, deer, turkeys, bobcats, feral hogs, and its most famous creature, the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker.
There's even a trail named for it, the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Trail, a 3.9-mile loop that begins and ends near the Bull Creek boat landing and is the best chance to view this beautiful, rare species.
There are a couple of ways to stay overnight on the island, including camping (by permit) ...
... or at Wilma Cottage, a quaint bed and breakfast with five bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, den, bathroom, two porches, and a spacious yard for outdoor fun during your stay. The home still has its original furnishings.
Guests can enjoy delicious Gullah cuisine by the water outside Wilma Cottage.
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Recently, Pontoon Pizzeria found a "home" at Sandy Island, providing another option for food while visiting. The floating pizzeria is owned and operated by a New York City native, providing Brooklyn pizza made with ItalCrust, imported from Italy!
Check The Nature Conservancy website for details on camping permits, hunting on the island, and more to make the most of your Sandy Island getaway trip in South Carolina.
