Take a Day Trip to Daufuskie from Hilton Head Island!One of my favorite things to do while on HHI is get a taste of its quieter neighbor: Daufuskie Island. Steeped in rich Gullah culture and history, with only boat access, and inhabited sites dating back 9,000 years, it is an island full of surprises. Authorskatherinebeard
Andrewthekook
DestinationsDaufuskie IslandItinerary

Local Logistics

H2O Sports
From HHI, there are no more public ferries that run to Daufuskie. When booking, I was looking for a company that would allow us a ton of time to spend the whole day on the island... H2O delivered! While booking, you choose your start and pick up times from the island, plus the golf cart add-on is cheapest through them, making it simple and convenient. We stayed on Daufuskie from around 9 a.m. until 2 or 3 p.m. (plus, their boat ride is the shortest since it starts at Harbour Town on the south side). Per person, the tour cost was around $100 (including the golf cart rental).
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Melrose Landing
After about 20-30 minutes on the boat, you will pull into Melrose Landing. It's a popular dock spot on the Northeast side of the island, near Daufuskie Island Crab Co.
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Daufuskie Carts
Make a reservation ahead of time for a golf cart if you plan to just book ferry tickets to the island. There are no cars here, and it's the easiest way to get around the island to visit beaches, restaurants, and shops.
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Daufuskie Island Daily Round Trip Ferry Tickets
Tap the top right corner to book your tickets to Daufuskie quickly & easily! Trust me, you won't regret a day trip; it's easily one of my favorite things I've done while in HHI.
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Bites & Sips

Daufuskie Island Distillery
Cruise over to the Daufuskie Island Distillery for refreshing cocktails and great bites. The coleslaw, mac and cheese, and fried fish sandwich, paired with a frozen vodka lemonade or a blueberry mojito (with rum, since that is what they distill here). This is a super popular spot for families, and children are always running around playing in the grassy area. P.S. Don't miss spotting alligators in the pond just beyond the dining pavilion – we saw THREE when we were here!
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Old Daufuskie Crab Company
Right next to the dock, Old Daufuskie Crab Company is a happenin' spot on the island! People with private charters or their own boats cross the bay for a day of live music, drinks, and good times, so the crowds can become pretty large. Grab a lemonade (or a cocktail) and their delicious ceviche before you go... Or when you arrive!
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School Grounds Coffee
One of my favorite stops on the island, School Grounds Coffee is an old schoolhouse turned coffee shop. They have the most delicious, homemade pastries and their coffees/chais are to be remembered! Plus, the staff here was so welcoming and kind, telling us all about the island <3
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Frye’s Corner
We didn't get the chance to eat here (next time!), but the sandwiches are legendary. Come for the famous fried chicken!
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Silver Dew Winery
South Carolina's first and the country's only island winery is located on Daufuskie at Silver Dew (dating back to 1883). Make a pit stop after spending the morning at Bloody Point to grab a glass of wine and walk around the museum here. The museum-home has a ton of old artifacts, images, and even an educational video playing to give you a better sense of early life here and a look into Gullah culture.
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Best Beaches

Bloody Point Beach
Located on the far south coast of the island, Bloody Point Beach is home to soft, white sands, waves, and beach views for miles. We'd recommend taking a beachfront walk down to the point! Note: the tide rises and falls quickly here, so be careful if you leave your things on the beach!
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Beach Marker 21
On your way to this beach, stop at Turtle Beach Road to drive right up to the water and see a few houses on stilts.
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Quick Shops & Stops

Daufuskie Soap Co. | Handcrafted Bath & Body
Stop in for some delightful, coastal-inspired smells at Daufuskie Soap Co. Take home a little piece of your time on the island with their bottles and bars.
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Daufuskie Blues
Easily another one of my favorite stops the day we visited, Daufuskie Blues is run by a local artist creating hand-dyed indigo fabrics and fashion. Her work is absolutely beautiful, and the shop is also a functional studio.
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Freeport General Store
The spot with the postcards! Right at the docks, Freeport has Daufuskie merch, snacks, and drinks, as well as golf cart rentals.
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Hidden History

Daufuskie Island History Museum
Set inside the historic Mary Fields School (once a segregated school for Black children), this museum offers a powerful look into the island’s past. Inside, you’ll find exhibits on Gullah culture, oyster canning and farming industries, and everyday life on Daufuskie before bridges and cars. Old photographs, an educational video, and artifacts help tell the story of a once-thriving, self-sufficient island community.
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First Union African Baptist Church
Built in 1881 by freed slaves, this church is one of the oldest continuously operating churches on the island and a cornerstone of Gullah heritage. Although we didn't go inside (since it was closed), the structure itself is simple, and the surrounding grounds include historic prayer houses and cemeteries.
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Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation
The Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation, a nonprofit, plays a major role in preserving the island’s history and maintaining key sites. They help operate places like the Mary Fields School and work to protect historic buildings, artifacts, and Gullah traditions. If you join a guided history or golf cart tour, many of the stories, access points, and preserved landmarks you’ll experience are thanks to their ongoing efforts!
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