Harbor Island, SC

I used to go there regularly. Harbor is nice and quite. Johnson Creek Tavern is a good spot to get seafood (oysters and fried food) and adult beverages. It’s a cool atmosphere. It’s a tradition to decorate a dollar bill and staple it to the wall or ceiling. The place is covered in dollars. They donate it to charity every few years.

Hunting Island is just a few minutes away and has a State Park. It’s beach is covered in old dead trees and drift wood. It’s pretty scenic.

Gay Fish Company catches and sells fresh seafood daily and is just down the road.

Make sure you visit the city of Beaufort. It’s like a mini Charleston. Has decent restaurants, shopping and a wonderful waterfront park along the river.

You’ll do your grocery shopping on Lady’s Island (inbetween Beaufort and Harbor). It’s a haul from Harbor so stock up when you shop.

Fripp Island is another popular vacation destination nearby but it’s private. So you can’t go very far past Hunting Island.

My family has a place on Harbor so we go quite a bit. Fishcamp in Port Royal is a good spot to go with or without kids. We have a 5 and a 6 year old and take them all the time. Shellring Aleworks is right next to Fishcamp which is a good time. There is also a great farmers market in Port Royal on Saturday mornings. That is all about 20 mins from Harbor
The waterfront in downtown Beaufort has several spots to choose from. I enjoy Plums and there is a nice playground and park they redid within the past year or so which is right on the water that my kids love. Old Bull Tavern is one of my favorite spots downtown but I wouldn't take kids there.
Johnson Creek Tavern and Hunting Island are great recommendations that are close to the island.
Harbor generally has a kids reptile show every Thursday in the summer where they can touch alligators, turtles, etc.. There is also a U-Pick(Dempseys) close to the island where you can pick up lots of fresh vegetables or pick them yourself if you want.
Best liquor store is Bills which is on Lady's Island on your way in
Best ice cream is in the same shopping center as Bills but I forget the name.
Harbor is a good ways out from town so be prepared to trek a little to get supplies

Oh hey