
Sea Island Parkway Scenic Drive
Pristine beaches, iconic lighthouse, and unique driftwood shores offer a wild, natural escape in South Carolina's Lowcountry.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds

Sea Island Parkway Scenic Drive
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Pristine beaches, iconic lighthouse, and unique driftwood shores offer a wild, natural escape in South Carolina's Lowcountry.
"This place gets 5 stars for the beach alone. It is gorgeous!!! Probably the prettiest U.S. beach that I have been to."

🦟 Pack Serious Bug Spray
Mosquitoes and biting insects can be relentless, especially during warmer months. Don't skip this!
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Prime spots fill up fast, especially on weekends. Beat the rush for the best beach access.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Boneyard Beach
Hunting Island State Park
Eerie, driftwood-strewn shores create a unique, almost otherworldly landscape. Perfect for photography.

Hunting Island Lighthouse
Hunting Island State Park
Iconic 1800s lighthouse offering panoramic views of the coast. Check for renovation status before visiting.

Shelling Paradise
Hunting Island State Park Beaches
Thousands of shells, including live sand dollars, await beachcombers. A true treasure trove for collectors.

Forrest Gump Filming Location
Hunting Island State Park Lagoon
Visit the lagoon where iconic scenes from the movie Forrest Gump were filmed. A treat for movie buffs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Bugs & Crowds
Embrace the Natural Beauty
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦟 Pack Serious Bug Spray
Mosquitoes and biting insects can be relentless, especially during warmer months. Don't skip this!
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Prime spots fill up fast, especially on weekends. Beat the rush for the best beach access.
🐚 Bring a Bucket for Shells
You'll find countless treasures, from shark teeth to sand dollars. A bucket is essential!
👟 Comfortable Shoes for Hiking
Explore trails that lead to the beach for a dual nature experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🦟 Pack Serious Bug Spray
Mosquitoes and biting insects can be relentless, especially during warmer months. Don't skip this!
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Prime spots fill up fast, especially on weekends. Beat the rush for the best beach access.
🐚 Bring a Bucket for Shells
You'll find countless treasures, from shark teeth to sand dollars. A bucket is essential!
👟 Comfortable Shoes for Hiking
Explore trails that lead to the beach for a dual nature experience.
📸 Capture the Boneyard
The driftwood beach is incredibly photogenic, especially on overcast days.
💧 Rinse Off Sand Easily
Showers and foot-washing stations are available to help you clean up after a beach day.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning, natural beauty of Hunting Island State Park, particularly its expansive, uncrowded beaches and unique driftwood-laden shores. Many highlight the abundance of shells and the serene, peaceful atmosphere. However, some campers mention issues with mosquitoes and occasional flooding at campsites.
"Gorgeous State Park! We camped 24-26 August and there were no crowds. At times, we had the entire beach all to ourselves!! The campground sites weren’t really anything special and were mostly flooded when we came. Mosquitoes were horrible! Definitely bring bug spray! We were at site 130, which was at the end, so it was nice not having neighbors on each side. Site had water and power; no sewer hookup.
It’s about a 5 minute walk to the beach from the campsite. You can ride your bike or golf cart. This place gets 5 stars for the beach alone. It is gorgeous!!! Probably the prettiest U.S. beach that I have been to. It’s so natural and not cluttered with hotels and people. I can’t speak for other times and if it is packed, but when we went it was absolutely perfect. Great place for collecting shells. There were shells all over the place.
It has a nice camp store with the basic necessities and gifts. I can’t say anything about the bath house, since we didn’t use it. The laundry mat had 2 washers and 2 dryers. I think it was $1-$1.25 a load.
The visitor center and nature center were ok. It still gets 5 stars because the beach is worth the visit!!"
Carrie Clinard
"Best beach and one of the main reasons I moved to Beaufort SC!! Turtle patrol gets me on the beach once a week at sunrise. My phone storage album is filled with photos just like these. It is a magical place in the morning. There is a campground as well as a beach with a lifeguard. Picnic areas and dog friendly too."
Julianne Clark
"I had no idea a place like this existed. It is so serene, peaceful and beautiful, that is hard to describe. The camp ground is well maintained. They have 2 dump stations for rvs. The beaches make you fell like you are the last person on earth."
Don Anderson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sea Island Parkway is the main road leading to Hunting Island State Park. It's accessible from Beaufort, South Carolina. Many visitors drive their own vehicles or rental cars to explore the park and its surroundings.
While Sea Island Parkway itself is a public road, there is an entrance fee to access Hunting Island State Park, which is the primary destination along the parkway.
The most popular way to experience Sea Island Parkway is by driving to Hunting Island State Park. You can stop at various points to enjoy the scenery, access beaches, and explore the park's amenities.
Public transportation options directly to Sea Island Parkway or Hunting Island State Park are very limited. It's best to have a car for easy access and exploration.
The parkway is generally well-maintained and offers scenic views of marshes and waterways. Be mindful of wildlife crossings, especially at dawn and dusk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you don't need tickets to drive Sea Island Parkway itself. However, to enter Hunting Island State Park, there is a per-vehicle entrance fee.
The entrance fee for Hunting Island State Park is typically around $8 per vehicle for South Carolina residents and $10 for non-residents, but it's always best to check the official South Carolina State Parks website for the most current pricing.
Yes, camping fees are separate from the daily entrance fee. Discounts may be available for South Carolina residents or for longer stays.
While you can't typically buy 'tickets' in advance for daily entry, you can reserve campsites in advance through the South Carolina State Parks reservation system.
Hunting Island State Park is generally open daily from 8 AM to sunset. The lighthouse and visitor center may have different hours, so it's advisable to check their specific schedules.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the iconic Hunting Island Lighthouse, the unique Boneyard Beach with its driftwood, and the chance to find shark teeth and shells.
Absolutely! Families love the beach for playing, shelling, and exploring. The campground offers a great outdoor experience.
Yes, swimming is permitted at the beach. The water can be warm, and there are often lifeguards on duty during peak season.
You might spot various shorebirds, dolphins, and other coastal creatures. The park's diverse habitats support a rich array of wildlife.
Yes, there's a popular campground with sites offering water and electricity. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a camp store that offers basic necessities and some snacks. For a wider selection of seafood and dining options, you'll need to venture to nearby Beaufort or St. Helena Island.
The Lowcountry region is famous for its fresh seafood, including shrimp, oysters, and fish. You can find broiled, fried, and blackened preparations.
Yes, there are designated picnic areas within the park, perfect for enjoying a meal amidst nature.
The camp store has essentials, but for full grocery shopping, you'll find supermarkets in Beaufort. It's advisable to stock up before heading to the park if you plan to cook.
While specific recommendations vary, exploring Beaufort and St. Helena Island will offer numerous seafood restaurants. Look for places known for fresh, local catches.
📸 📸 Photography
Boneyard Beach with its driftwood, the lighthouse, and the marshlands offer stunning photographic opportunities. Early mornings provide beautiful light.
Definitely. The combination of beach, marsh, and the lighthouse creates diverse and dramatic landscapes.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for the lighthouse. Overcast days can also create a moody, atmospheric shot.
Yes, the park is home to various birds and other coastal wildlife. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and use a zoom lens.
Drone usage is typically restricted in South Carolina State Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check the park's specific regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the lighthouse is a point of interest, the real magic for kids often lies in the simple joy of exploring the beach, discovering treasures like shark teeth, and experiencing the natural environment. The park's serene atmosphere allows families to disconnect and create lasting memories together.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own food and drinks is highly recommended, as dining options within the park are limited to a camp store. This strategy, combined with the free activities like beachcombing and exploring, makes for a very economical trip.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Beyond the iconic spots, the park's salt marshes and diverse wildlife present endless opportunities for capturing stunning nature shots. Early mornings are particularly magical, with soft light and fewer visitors, allowing for a more intimate connection with the landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Hunting Island State Park
The park's most striking feature is arguably Boneyard Beach, where weathered driftwood creates an almost surreal landscape. This area is a photographer's dream, especially on overcast days that enhance its eerie charm. Visitors also flock to the beach to collect shells, with many finding shark teeth and thousands of live sand dollars.
Beyond the beach, the Hunting Island Lighthouse stands as a historic landmark. While often undergoing renovations, climbing to the top (when accessible) offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and marshlands. The park also holds significance as a filming location for the movie Forrest Gump, adding a touch of cinematic history to its natural allure.
Camping and Accommodations
Despite potential challenges, the campground's proximity to the beach—often just a short walk or bike ride away—is a major draw. Many campers appreciate the feeling of seclusion and the opportunity to have large stretches of beach almost to themselves, particularly during off-peak times. Reservations are highly recommended, as the campground is a popular choice for families and nature enthusiasts seeking an immersive outdoor experience.
Wildlife and Nature
The park's natural state is a significant part of its appeal. Unlike more developed beaches, Hunting Island retains a wild, untouched feel. This natural environment is perfect for those who appreciate raw beauty and the chance to observe nature in its element. The presence of live critters in shells and thousands of sand dollars highlights the vibrant marine life.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit