Seabrook Island is a hidden gem about 45 minutes from downtown Charleston, yet somehow it feels a world away. We packed our weekend with horses, bikes, golf, pickleball and a beach picnic, and honestly? We’d do every minute of it again.
Here’s exactly how we spent it, plus what to know if you want to steal our itinerary.
First, the Access Details
Seabrook is a private, gated community, so this isn’t a drive-over-for-the-afternoon kind of beach. We stayed in a vacation rental and added a Seabrook Island Club amenity card, which covers the Beach Club pools, golf, tennis at the Racquet Club and dining at spots like Pelican’s Nest. The Equestrian Center is the exception: it’s open to every guest on the island.
Pro tip: Arrange your amenity cards at least two weeks before arrival and they can be mailed to you, which saves a stop at check-in.
Saturday
Morning: The Equestrian Center
We started the weekend where Seabrook really stands out. It’s the only private island community in the Charleston area with a full-service Equestrian Center: 22 acres, 42 stalls and about three miles of trails winding through marsh, woods and tidal creeks.
Whether you’ve never been on a horse or you ride competitively, there’s a way in. The staff teaches Western and English lessons for all ages, and guided trail rides are open to riders 8 and up. Little ones 7 and under can book 30-minute pony rides.
Know before you go:
- All rides are guided, require reservations and have a 240-pound rider limit.
- Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Helmets are provided.
- Open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 843-768-7541 to book.
Midday: Biking the Island
Once we parked the car, we didn’t miss it. Seabrook has beautiful neighborhoods, plus hard-packed sand at low tide, so we pedaled everywhere. Several local shops deliver bikes to your rental and pick them up when you leave, which made it so easy.
A few rules of the road: ride single file on the right, cyclists have the right of way in roundabouts, and bring lights if you’re out after dark.
Lunch: Pelican’s Nest
We biked straight to lunch. Pelican’s Nest is a local favorite for a reason: it’s right on the beach, the seafood is fresh and the vibe is exactly what you want in the middle of a beach weekend. It’s seasonal, so check hours before you go.
Afternoon: Golf
We finished the day with a round. Seabrook has two 18-hole courses, and both are gorgeous. Crooked Oaks winds through marsh and century-old live oaks draped in moss. Ocean Winds brings Atlantic breezes that keep club selection interesting.
Before you tee off: Book through the Pro Shop at 843-768-2529, and leave the denim at home.
Sunday
Morning: Tennis and Pickleball
We traded clubs for racquets and started Sunday on the courts. A little friendly competition before breakfast is the best way to wake up on vacation.
Late Morning: The Trails
Next we slowed things down with a walk through the maritime forest. More than 300 acres of forest are protected on the island, and it’s full of life. We spotted deer, and the island is also home to foxes, bobcats and more than 80 bird species, from pelicans and egrets to roseate spoonbills. Pack binoculars if you have them.
A quick note: keep your distance from the freshwater ponds, which are home to alligators, and keep dogs leashed near the water.
Afternoon: A Beach Picnic
We saved the best for last. Seabrook has 3.5 miles of quiet, pet-friendly beach, and because the island is gated, it never gets the crowds of Folly or Isle of Palms. We spread out a blanket, packed a picnic and watched pelicans glide low over the surf.
Plan your beach time around low tide, when the water pulls back and sandbars appear. If you’re lucky, you might catch the bottlenose dolphins that feed near Captain Sams Inlet. Stay at least 15 yards back, and never feed or approach them.
Sea turtle season: Loggerheads nest from about May through the end of September. If your rental is oceanfront, turn off lights visible from the beach by 9 p.m.
Why We’ll Be Back
Seabrook asks you to plan a little more than a public beach town does. You need a rental, an amenity card and ideally a tide chart. In return, you get a weekend that feels like your own private island: horses in the morning, pickleball before brunch, and a beach picnic with more pelicans than people.
