The ACE Basin is created by the confluence of the Ashepoo, the Combahee and the Edisto Rivers. It encompasses some 350,000 acres of diverse habitats and is one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the east coast of the United States with fin fish and shell fish found in fresh, brackish and salt water marshes. It has been designated a...

Beaufort is a quaint town on the Intracoastal Waterway sharing Port Royal Island with the smaller town of Port Royal. The entire downtown is designated a historic district along with 90 historic sites. These include cemeteries, bed and breakfast inns, private homes, churches and other buildings which also are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Beaufort was named a SC...

Beach access is ideal from any of the major resorts where equipment and beach showers are often provided. Public beach access is available, but it’s necessary to know where to find it as many beach entrances are private. In all of South Carolina, the beach itself is public property and free to visit; however, private property owners often prohibit parking...

St. Helena is one of the Sea Islands (albeit an inland island) connected by bridges to Beaufort via Lady’s Island, a small commercial and residential island. Although not directly accessible from Hilton Head, it’s a nice drive for a bit of history well removed from resort living. St. Helena is quite rural with a strong African American character including the...

Yemassee is a tiny town established in the area inhabited by the Yemassee Indians in the 17th century. It’s on the edge of Beaufort County, inland from Hilton Head and eons removed from the resort lifestyle. The Amtrak station occupies the center of town, along with the remains of the U.S. Marine Corps barracks where young men first arrived enroute to...