Guide to Fripp Island, SC (2026)
It’s the time of year when everyone is looking forward to summer vacations and preparing to head to the beach! So, I’m here to tell you about one of the most relaxing, private beaches in the Southeast that’s equal parts family and adult-friendly. It also happens to be my favorite place in the U.S., and a spot I’ve been visiting annually for the last twenty-plus years: Fripp Island Resort.
I was lucky enough to grow up visiting grandparents who lived on Fripp Island, so I visited multiple times a year throughout my life. It was special for so many reasons: the sun, the relaxation, the family time… And now my husband loves it just as much as I do, and we bring our young daughter. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve met several friends who also grew up visiting Fripp, and the love everyone has for it is shared.
I’m so excited to share my favorite things to do on Fripp Island, as well as the best restaurants, shopping, and surrounding towns to visit (I’m looking at you: Port Royal). Before we dive in, you should know that the island is very small and located off the coast of South Carolina, situated between Savannah and Charleston, close to Hilton Head. Because of its size, most people rent or drive golf carts to get to the beach, pools, shopping, and restaurants. But it’s also a great idea to take a car and explore the surrounding towns. If you’re flying, plan to fly into the Charleston or Savannah airports and rent a car for the duration of your trip.
Table of Contents
Off-Island Restaurants, Coffee Shops, and Grocery Stores
Where to Eat on Fripp Island
For such a small island, there are a fair number of convenient food and drink options. Check out this comprehensive list of markets, fast casual, and sit-down restaurants on Fripp Island. Looking to get out and about? Scroll down to find my off-island favorites.
Cabana Club Grille
A small restaurant with outdoor seating and an adjacent bar overlooking the ocean and right next to the best pool spot on the island. Great for French fries, chicken tenders, and a frozen drink.
Springtide Market
A small supermarket with most basic groceries, beach supplies, a liquor store, and a deli. It’s a great pitstop if you forget something at the grocery store in town, need a packaged snack (or boiled peanuts - a must try in my opinion!), or want to grab a 6-pack.
The Beach Club Restaurant
A sit-down restaurant inside the beach club, located just off the beach. I personally prefer the Bonito Boathouse if you’re looking for a sit-down experience on the island, but the convenience (and views) that comes with being right on the beach make this restaurant a great option.
Island Bites
Located inside the beach club, Island Bites is a small food court-style counter offering tacos, chicken, coffee, and snacks.
Food Trucks on the Beach Club Greene
Around the corner from Island Bites, you’ll find two food trucks at the Beach Club Greene. One serves ice cream, and the other offers delicious pizza.
The Sand Bar
A classic beach bar just off the Beach Club Beach Access. Stop by for a drink as you head out to the water. Quick note: The bar is located within the 21+ pool area, so you may not be able to stop for a drink if you’re walking through the area with kiddos.
Bonito Boathouse
An old-school seafood spot located at Fripp Island’s Marina. Delicious food and great views of the marsh, boats, and sunset.
The Marina Deli
Great for quick snacks and essentials. They also have bait and some fishing/crabbing supplies if you are planning to participate in those activities.
The 19th Hole
Great for sandwiches and a golf course view, the perfect stop after a round of golf.
Beach Access and View Points on Fripp Island
Skull Inlet Beach Access
The beach access at the very tip of the island has grown in popularity over the last several years. This spot usually has the most dogs and fishermen, and is also home to deeper water. However, finding a spot to sit down or lie out is never difficult.
Beach Club Beach Access
The Beach Club access is definitely the busiest entry point, but for good reason. You can rent chairs and umbrellas for a reasonable price, walk up to the bar, and run over to the Island Bites for lunch.
Rock Beauty Rd Beach Access
Located one or two access points down the beach from the Beach Club, this area is my go-to. Rock Beauty Rd is a great option if you want more space than you can find at the Beach Club, or need room for a large group, but still want to be close to the Sand Bar, food trucks, or Beach Club.
Access Point 1B
This part of the beach tends to be less crowded and is a perfect spot to settle in with a cooler and sandwiches for the whole day. It tends to have water that pools in the middle of the sand before the ocean, making it great for kids or for sitting in shallow water to cool off.
Sunset Bench
Not a Beach Access, but a bench that overlooks the marsh and is perfect for sunset.
Pools on Fripp Island
The Cabana Club Pools
The Cabana Club has 3 pools and an ocean view. It’s definitely the spot if you’re looking for a pool day, and it tends to fill up quickly. My recommendation is to arrive when it opens to get chairs, then grab lunch and drinks from the Cabana Club Grille, and head to the beach (or take a nap) in the afternoon. Here’s a big plus if you’re visiting on a chilly fall or spring week: The first pool you see upon arrival at the Cabana Club is heated (it’s the only heated pool on the island).
The Beach Club Pool
One of the larger pools on Fripp, located just off the Beach Club Beach Access. There is also a decent amount of parking here, especially if you’re driving a golf cart.
The Beach Club Adult Pool
For 21+ and right next to the Sand Bar with a beautiful beach view.
The Marina Pool & The Ocean Point Pool
Both of these options are smaller pools with limited parking, but they’re great if you are visiting during a less busy time of year or if you’re staying in a house or condo nearby.
Things To Do on Fripp Island
Visit the Nature Center
If you love animals or are at Fripp with kids, swinging by the Nature Center is always a lot of fun. We used to make sure to stop by at least once every time we visited when we were younger. They usually have snakes and baby alligators (I forget what else, because obviously) that you can hold if you like- or take pictures of your family members holding if you’re me. They also run Camp Fripp out of the Nature Center as a day camp for kids in the warmer months.
Play Golf
Fripp Island is home to two extraordinary, championship golf courses (and that’s coming from a non-golfer). One course recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation and has gorgeous ocean views.
Play Tennis or Pickleball
Fripp Island’s Racquet Club now offers a whopping six tennis courts and twelve pickleball courts. They were recently renovated and are ready for you to play on! Simply book a court for your personal play time or take a lesson with a pro.
Set Sail on a Cruise
Take a relaxing sunset or dolphin cruise that conveniently departs from Fripp’s Marina.
Go Fishing or Crabbing
There are several great docks around the island that you can fish or crab on. As a kid, I loved to go crabbing. Don’t worry, we always returned the crabs safely, but it gave us a lot of quality Grandad-Granddaughter time.
Off-Island Restaurants and Grocery Stores
Publix & Walmart
Superior Coffee
You have to promise me you’ll go here. We drive to this adorable coffee shop every morning when we stay on Fripp. The staff is so nice and the coffee is the best I’ve ever had. Really. They also make great pastries and sandwiches and have great gifts and merchandise too.
A fun seafood restaurant that lets you draw on a dollar bill and staple it to the wall. It definitely has a hole-in-the-wall vibe, but it’s super popular and a must-stop.
Port Royal Farmers Market
Every Saturday year-round, the town of Port Royal has their Farmers Market outdoors. It’s so refreshing to see a small community come together and meet some of the vendors there. I would HIGHLY recommend a breakfast sandwich with sriracha (you’ll know the tent), some oysters if they’re there, and flowers. The FLOWERS! You can give the ladies your price point and your favorite colors or flowers and they will arrange a bouquet using the buckets of flowers they bring right in front of you. It’s magical.
Fishcamp on 11th Street
A delicious (and very cute) seafood place right on the water. I’d recommend getting a reservation if you plan to go!
Shellring Ale Works
If you’re a beer-lover, you simply must spend an evening (or afternoon) at Shellring. It’s located right next door to Fishcamp, so my family always heads to Shellring for happy hour before eating at Fishcamp. The vibes at both places are immaculate, making them the perfect pair!
5 Tips for Staying on Fripp Island
Rent a golf cart, even if your rental doesn’t come with one.
Definitely not a necessity, but at most places on the island, there are more golf cart parking spots than car spots, and it’s just a lot of fun. You can also rent bikes as there are bike paths that cover the island.
Get amenity cards.
Rental properties may come with them, and they grant you access to all of the Fripp Island Resort amenities, including the Beach Club, golf, tennis, the pools, and the on-island dining options.
Stop by the grocery store on your way to the island.
Fripp Island is the 5th island off the coast, so getting in and out can be a bit of a hike. It’s an easy drive, but it’s easier to stop on the way for a big grocery run. There is a Publix and a Walmart on the road that leads to the island (about 20 minutes out).
Visit Downtown Beaufort.
Downtown Beaufort has coffee shops, art galleries, and a few great restaurants. It’s definitely worth a half-day trip into town, especially if you’re spending a whole week on Fripp.
Go on a day trip to Charleston.
Consider taking the 1.5-hour drive to see what Charleston has to offer. The architecture is colorful, and there are lots of amazing restaurants. The drive isn’t too long, and it’s a gorgeous place for a day trip! I could say the exact same for Savannah, and it’s even closer!
Fripp Island Rental Properties
Okay, so you know you want to stay on Fripp Island. Now, the question is: Where? There are no Fripp Island hotels, so you’ll need to rent a house or condo.
The main thing to look for when searching for rental properties is whether the property includes amenity cards. Amenity cards are essential for accessing Fripp Island Resort’s golf, tennis, pools, and dining. If the rental you’re eyeing doesn’t provide cards, you may be able to purchase them after booking. Make sure you confirm that purchasing cards is an option with the property owner or manager before booking.
Where to search for Fripp Island rentals:
Fripp Island Map
I hope it was fun for you to read along with all of my favorites on (and off) of Fripp Island. If you’ve also been to the Fripp Island Resort, I’d love to hear your favorites and tips! And if you haven’t, I hope you visit sometime soon!