Seabrook Island vacation rentals

Seabrook Island is as idyllic as it is exclusive. This little gated seaside hamlet 24 miles from downtown Charleston is open only to residents, members, and visitors who are staying on the island — but that doesn’t mean it’s unwelcoming. On the contrary, this tight-knit beachfront community is known for its hospitality, as well as being home to some of South Carolina’s most heavenly beaches. Miles of powdery, white-sand beaches trace the shores of this barrier island. The terrain is interspersed with marshes and a maritime forest, but at the center of it all is the Seabrook Island Club, featuring two championship golf courses, tennis courses, and an equestrian center. When residents aren’t golfing or yachting, they’re probably birding, as the island is known as a birder’s paradise.

Seabrook has one of the warmest climates in South Carolina. For the most pleasant weather, book one of the area’s vacation rentals for late spring, when the temperatures tend to be around 80 degrees Fahrenheit — hot enough to enjoy the beach, but not so hot that it will ruin your vacation. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures frequently reaching the 90s (August’s average high is 92 degrees). Note that August is the rainiest month, and fall gets a fair amount of rain too. May is the driest month. January has the coldest temperatures, dropping into the high 30s at night, and in general the winters are wet and windy, making this season less appealing to visitors.

The Seabrook Island Club

The club is the center of the universe on Seabrook Island. And with world-class golf courses, tennis courts, fine dining, and horseback riding set against the backdrop of the Atlantic, it’s hard to pull away. Add to that saltwater pools, a lounge area, and oceanfront beach chairs, and you may never want to leave. Visitors must have an amenity card to use the club.

Seabrook Beach

A wooden boardwalk through gently rolling dunes and wispy sea grass makes for an enticing entrance to Seabrook Island’s namesake beach. A favorite for quiet sunrise walks, this beach has a reputation as a place to reflect and absorb the surroundings — which is to say, don’t expect volleyball games and ample beach amenities. But that’s kind of the point.

Kiawah Island

Seven miles northeast of Seabrook is its larger sister island, Kiawah. This parallel gated community has even more unspoiled nature, beaches, and parks. Beachwalker Park is a good starting point, with hard-packed sand conducive for bicycling, an inlet perfect for river fishing, and concession stands ideal for a relaxing day on the shore.