Hunting Island State Park, S.C.

Hunting Island State Park, S.C.
June 2, 2009
Jennifer Levitz
The Wall Street Journal

What to do: One of a string of marshy, semi-tropical sea islands along the coast south of Charleston, Hunting Island State Park is north of Hilton Head. Hunting Island has five miles of resort-quality beach (without the condos), and its marshes, tidal creeks and forests are home to wildlife ranging from loggerhead sea turtles to alligators. Visit the park's Nature Center to try one of many daily programs, such as salt-marsh kayaking and "gyotaku," the Japanese art of making imprints from actual live catch. Call 843-838-7437 for schedules, or check out Hunting Island at SouthCarolinaparks.com. Beaufort Kayak Tours (Tel: 843-525-0810; beaufortkayaktours.com) guide adventurers on long trips through the marshy inlets. At low tide, the beach is perfect for walking, running or gathering shells. Off the beach, a maritime forest feels like a jungle out of Robinson Crusoe -- towering leafy palms provide a canopy over twisty nature trails. The park is home to South Carolina's only lighthouse that is open to the public. Breathtaking views await those who climb to the top. For a taste of Southern charm and history, spend a day in the nearby coastal town of Beaufort (pronounced BYOO-fert). Stroll the historic downtown and surrounding waterfront neighborhoods, where sweet-smelling Confederate jasmine scents the air and huge oaks are draped with Spanish moss. The town has lots of galleries and shops and is heavy on the arts. (See Beaufort.com for upcoming events.) Learn about local history on a Spirit of Old Beaufort walking tour (thespiritofoldbeaufort.com; Tel: 843-525-0459), led by guides in period dress who tell tales of the Low Country and sing songs from the antebellum past. Tours run year-round, Monday through Saturday. Tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for children ages 6-12.

Where to eat: You'll find many restaurants in Beaufort and along Sea Island Parkway, which connects the sea islands. On the road near Hunting Island State Park, Johnson Creek Tavern (johnsoncreektavern.com; Tel: 843-838-4166; 2141 Sea Island Parkway) has live music, marsh views and specials like shrimp and grits. Boondocks, at 1760 Sea Island Parkway, serves all-you-can-eat crab legs on Monday nights (Tel: 843-838-0821). In downtown Beaufort, stop for coffee at the Common Ground Cafe (102 W. Street Ext.; Tel: 843-524-2326) where the old-fashioned porch has harbor views.

Where to stay: At the north end of the park, the Hunting Island campground has hot showers and both RV and tent sites ($17 to $25 per night), and provides easy access to the beach. At dusk, deer visit the campgrounds, and as darkness falls, there's a cheery atmosphere around the campfires. For non-campers, the park has rental cabins, some with screened porches and fireplaces, and all with central air, grills, TVs and cooking supplies ($89-$172 per night; Tel: 866-345-7275; southcarolinaparks.com).