Gullah Heritage & Traditions

South Carolina’s Lowcountry is alive with the stories, flavors and traditions of the Gullah people. From historic landmarks and soulful music to family recipes and festivals, discover a culture that continues to shape the state’s heritage.

Beyond the Big House Educational Program, Boone Hall Plantation

Step into the Heart of South Carolina’s Gullah Culture

Explore the Sea Islands, savor authentic cuisine, hear spirituals and connect with a community that has preserved its West African roots for generations.

Discover the Gullah Culture

Explore the history and traditions of a culture that has helped shape South Carolina’s Lowcountry for more than 200 years.

Gullah Culture: Then & Now

Learn the storied past of the Gullah people and see why their culture has become a foundation of South Carolina’s history, cuisine and more.

man standing under live oak tree with spanish moss

Gullah Heritage: Less Traveled, Not Forgotten

Venture beyond the beaches of South Carolina’s Sea Islands to learn the storied past of the Gullah people, a civilization with unique West African traditions, delicious Lowcountry cuisine and beautiful religious structures.

Best Ways to Experience the Lowcountry’s Gullah Geechee Culture

From Charleston to Hilton Head, experience the Gullah Geechee through authentic cuisine, historic sites and cultural tours that keep this powerful heritage alive.

people sitting inside the Penn Center watching a documentary

The Gullah Way of Life

From the Penn Center and Hilton Head tours to Charleston’s City Market and Gullah Grub Restaurant, the Gullah culture lives on in stories, traditions and authentic flavors.

Tracing African Ancestry in South Carolina’s Gullah Community

The Gullah Geechee Corridor offers a unique opportunity to explore ancestral ties through archives, oral histories and genealogy resources that help bring family stories into focus.

Get to Know Gullah at One of These Fun Festivals

From folk art and dance to authentic cuisine and storytelling, Gullah festivals showcase the richness of a culture preserved for generations.

Take a Day Trip to Daufuskie Island

Take a step back in time on Daufuskie Island. Cruise under ancient oaks, explore Gullah culture and enjoy a beach day far from crowds and traffic.

Discover Another World on Daufuskie

Unlike many barrier islands transformed by resorts and golf courses, Daufuskie has held onto its quiet character and remains one of the best places to explore the Gullah heritage.

What to Expect on a Trip to Daufuskie

From golf cart rides under moss-draped oaks to farm visits, Gullah history and unspoiled beaches, this quiet island rewards travelers willing to embrace its quirks.

There’s History in Every Bite of Gullah Cuisine

Rooted in West African heritage and shaped by the Lowcountry’s land and sea, Gullah cuisine features timeless dishes like okra soup, red rice, purloo and garlic crabs—flavors still preserved in family kitchens and local restaurants today.

Gullah Barbecue: Life, According to Taste

The Gullah culture is a cornerstone of the Lowcountry’s history in South Carolina. From its popular cuisine and art forms to music and spirituality, Gullah traditions are celebrated and practiced throughout South Carolina’s coast and beyond.

top down view, hands reaching for Lowcountry boil

The Difference Between Southern, Lowcountry, Gullah and Soul Cooking

Gullah, soul food, Lowcountry, Southern—these styles are deeply connected, yet distinct. Understanding their origins helps reveal the richness of South Carolina’s culinary heritage.

group of singers outdoors under live oak tree

Spiritual Awakening: Exploring South Carolina’s Official State Music

Born from the voices of enslaved Africans, spirituals are South Carolina’s state music—powerful songs of resilience, faith and survival that continue to echo through Gullah traditions today.

International Travel

Get Your Free 2025 Vacation Guide