The main reason to come to Fripp is to enjoy the miles of quiet unspoiled beaches. There are 33 beach access points along the 3 1/2 miles of private beach, it is fun to check them out to find your own favorite access to paradise! Most rental homes offer beach chairs, but you may want to pack a beach towel. More information about the Fripp beaches can be found at the link below.
Fripp Island is a designated wildlife sanctuary, it is impossible to come to Fripp and not see amazing birds, alligators, deer, and possibly even loggerhead sea turtles. The wedding will be taking place during the loggerhead sea turtle hatching season; the mama sea turtles come to Fripp from late April through mid July and the babies hatch from early July through September. You will find turtle nests along the beach that have been roped off, the date the nest was laid will be indicated on a marker, nests hatch 60 - 90 days after they have been laid. For more information about the Fripp Turtle Patrol check this out…
Fripp has two beautiful championship golf courses, a driving range, putting greens and a short range. Amenity cards are required to use the golf facilities, and pre-planned tee times are encouraged. 18 hole rates range from $60 to $105 depending on the time of day and 9 hole rates range from $40-$70. More information about Fripp Island Golf at the link below.
Most homes come with a golf cart included in your rental, but you will want to make sure you have a seat on a golf cart for everyone in your party. Golf carts are the primary mode of transportation on Fripp, and hours of fun can be had driving around Fripp looking at the nature with a cocktail in hand! You can reserve additional golf carts from the following companies. Fripp Island Excursions (amenity card required) - https://frippislandresort.com/things-to-do/island-excursions/ Island Golf Cart Rentals - http://islandgolfcartrental.com Sea Island Carts - https://seaislandcarts.net We See’um Rentals - https://carts.weseeumrentals.com Seaside Scoot Coupes (cute 2 seater golf carts) - https://seasidescootcoupes.com
Carolina Skiff boats can be rented through the Marina (amenity card required) and are a fun way to explore the inland marshes, go on dolphin watching cruise, or boat to a deserted beach on Pritchards Island for great shelling. Reservations are encouraged, cost ranges from $220 - $315 for a half day rental depending on the size of the boat. Kayaking is another great way to get out on the water with out as high of a cost, $20 or $35 an hour for a single or double kayak. For the more adventurous you can give paddle boarding a try with a rental through Nalu Paddleboards at the Marina https://www.nalu.co . Fishing is a passion for many on Fripp and guides can be hired for inland fishing or even a deep sea adventure, you can also surf cast right off the beach or find your own favorite fishing spot on one of the fishing piers on the island or just off at Hunting State Park.
There are 7 different pools available to Resort guests with amenity cards. A favorite for adults is the adult pool at the Beach Club which features live music on the weekends and a fun bar overlooking the ocean called the Sandbar. Families like the Cabana Club pool complex with a heated pool, kids pool featuring caves and waterfalls, and a baby pool with a fun frog slide. Lunch and adult beverages are also served at the Cabana club along with a gorgeous ocean view.
The island you drive through to get to Fripp is one of the most popular state parks in South Carolina. It features miles of hiking trails through the maritime forest, 5 miles of pristine beaches, an historic light house open to the public, a brand new fishing pier and one of the most unique beaches in South Carolina called the bone yard.
Fripp is located 19 miles from one of the most lovely historic towns in South Carolina, Beaufort. You will find a quaint 300+ year old historic town with fun shopping, great restaurants, an historic fort, horse and carriage tours, with beautiful historic neighborhoods to explore.
All Fripp Island Resort restaurants require an amenity card for everyone in the group over 12 years old. Obviously these are the easy restaurants to get to, just a golf cart ride away from your rental home and on the island. Bonitos Boathouse at the Marina is the best bet for dinner on the island with fried seafood, good shrimp tacos, and decent She Crab soup. Palmera Taqueria is a newer restaurant at the adult pool with decent food, an easy stop for for a quick dinner when you don’t feel like cooking. Cabana Club Grille is at the Cabana Club pool complex, a good spot for a burger or chicken fingers for lunch in your bathing suit. Ocean Point Grille is the short order grille at the Ocean Pointe Golf Course, that has really good breakfast options (great biscuits) and a great lunch spot on the island. The Island Food Court this is a fine spot to stop for an ice cream cone or a piece of fried chicken!
Johnson Creek Tavern -The next closest restaurant to Fripp is JCT found just past Hunting Island on Harbor Island. JCT is a hole in the wall where you write on dollar bills and staple them to the walls (kids love it!), they specialize in fried fish and shrimp, but can be hit or miss sometimes. A good spot to go for a beer and an easy dinner when you don’t feel like driving very far. Beach Bums Barbecue -This is a new restaurant in the parking lot of JCT with fabulous St. Louis style barbecue, very flavorful and the meat just falls off the bone. The restaurant itself is nothing special, it is really more of a take out place, and the hours of operation are a little strange, but it is definitely worth a stop, or better yet call in for a take out order.
Shrimp Shack -Like the name sounds this is a roadside hole in the wall well known for their shrimp burgers. It is owned by the people that own Gays fish company across the highway, so the shrimp are always fresh and delicious having been brought in by the shrimp boats at Gays. (Only open for lunch!) Beedos -This is another great lunch/breakfast stop not too far from the island. Beedos is well loved by the locals, lunch features a fantastic burger, great fried chicken sandwich, and amazing sides. Sunday brunch is a highlight with breakfast served all day and always some fantastic specials. Foolish Frog -This restaurant is in Frogmore, half way back to Beaufort, where Frogmore stew was born; definitely something to try while you are in the low country. Lowcountry Cider Company & Superior Coffee -This is a favorite spot to grab a delicious cup of coffee, baked goods and sandwiches. They have a terrific gifts area to check out while you are waiting for your coffee to be made.
Dockside -This is a Beaufort staple with fresh fish, and amazing corn bread, but usually very crowded, even during the height of COVID! The sunsets are beautiful and the Fried Green Tomatoes are the best in Beaufort. Mameem & Maudie -M&M is the perfect spot to stop if you are going to Lady’s Island for groceries, they have yummy sandwiches, good soup and a nice outdoor patio to eat on. They also serve a huge assortment of shaved ice for a sweet treat on a hot day. Q’s Chicken Shack -This is where the locals get their fried chicken (or Publix!) and they serve great chicken sandwiches too! They have a few picnic tables to eat at or you can take it home for dinner.
Morgon River Grill -A very good spot for dinner at Dataw Island, a retirement golf community just outside of Frogmore. The food is excellent, the crab stuffed shrimp appetizer is a favorite, and the setting is lovely at the Dataw Marina (ask for a table on the porch!) Dataw is a private gated island, so you must stop at the gate and tell them you will be eating at Morgan River Grill to get a gate pass and directions to the restaurant.