Saint Helena Island vacation rentals

"I have a dream"

Saint Helena Island lies a few miles east of Beaufort and has a long history of Gullah culture. It was home to one of the first schools in the country for freed slaves and was the spot where Martin Luther King Jr drafted his world-changing "I have a dream" speech. Today, Saint Helena Island is one of the best kept secrets in South Carolina, with its rich historical sites and ocean-faring activities from kayaking to deep sea fishing. Book one of the Saint Helena Island vacation rentals and get treated to true Southern hospitality.

Historic sites and Southern cuisine

From your Saint Helena Island vacation rental, you'll be just a few minutes' drive from Fort Fremont where you can travel back in time to the late 19th century and discover the fortifications which sprung up during the Spanish-American War. In nearby Beaufort, a visit to the Tabernacle Baptist Church is a must. It's the resting place of Robert Smalls, a notable character who had a remarkable life – going from the status of slave to a career in the public service at the House of Representatives. To try Southern seafood at its best, gorge on fishy delights at the Shrimp Shack, a reported favorite of Tom Hanks.

It's all about the sea

It'll come as no surprise that the activities around Saint Helena Island are focused around the waters. You can easily rent a kayak or paddleboard near Saint Helena Island vacation rentals and glide across the calm ocean. Just remember to bring your camera. If that all sounds like a bit too much effort, board one of the eco cruises whose guides will help you spot dolphins and other Atlantic marine life. Alternatively, take the kids out on a crabbing adventure to show them where food really comes from. Haul in your catch and take them back to cook up a seafood feast.

Summer's hot and winter's peaceful

The humid subtropical climate in South Carolina means hot tropical summers and mild coastal winters. Other than perhaps certain days in spring, when the winds can blow a little too hard, it is always a fine time to stay in a Saint Helena Island vacation rental. You can cool down in the sweltering summers with refreshing dips in the cold Atlantic Ocean. As the temperature begins to drop a little in fall and winter, most travelers stay a home, but those who come are treated to a wonderfully peaceful town where it's not uncommon to be warm enough to eat outside.

Exploring the natural features in Saint Helena Island

Whether you're an active traveler or just want to take in the scenery, Saint Helena Island is a great place to get out in nature. These are some of the area's noteworthy natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

• Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park (7.3 mi / 11.7 km)
• The Sands (7.8 mi / 12.6 km)
• Folly Field Beach (13.9 mi / 22.3 km)
• Folly Field Beach Park (15.1 mi / 24.3 km)
• Edisto Beach State Park (16.6 mi / 26.7 km)
• Coligny Beach (19.9 mi / 32 km)

How to get to and around Saint Helena Island

The nearest airport is in Charleston Intl. Airport (CHS), located 45.2 mi (72.7 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you can also fly into Savannah - Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), which is 42.3 mi (68.1 km) away.