Uncover the Secrets of Daufuskie Island

Just off the coast of Hilton Head Island, Daufuskie is a secluded barrier island, largely untouched by modern development. With no grocery stores, strip malls, gas stations or bridges connecting it to the mainland, it offers a rare escape into a world of unspoiled beaches, rich history and a thriving artistic community.

Exploring Daufuskie Island by golf cart is an adventure unlike any other. Winding down dirt roads beneath the shade of cabbage palmettos and sprawling live oaks, you'll discover a place where time slows and the island’s charm unfolds at every turn.

Getting to Daufuskie

 When it comes to getting to the island, you have a few options:

• Lowcountry Ferry has four daily departure times from Pinckney Island Boat Landing. Their trips are only one-way, so be sure to book your return ticket as well.
• May River Excursions also offers a water taxi from Historic Bluffton to Daufuskie Island.
• The Daufuskie Difference provides a round-trip ferry that departs twice a day from Broad Creek Marina on Hilton Head Island. Their Meals and Wheels package includes a golf cart rental and a meal voucher for the Old Daufuskie Crab Company for your trip.

Time to Explore

Start your exploration at the Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation, where you’ll uncover the island’s fascinating past, from its Gullah heritage to its historic landmarks. Visit the Jane Hamilton School, now home to the Gullah Learning Center and the island’s community library, and gain insight into the stories that shaped this secluded paradise.

From there, set out on two—or four—wheels to take in the island’s beauty. 

Pick up your golf cart rental, grab a map and set out to explore every winding road and sandy path. Pass under towering live oaks, peek into historic cottages and let the island’s magic unfold before you. 

Fuskie Electric Bike Rentals and Tours makes it easy to cruise through Daufuskie’s scenic roads with a half-day or full-day rental. Rentals come with a helmet, a map, a self-guided tour route and a complimentary Island Snack Pack. You can also add on a pet trailer or opt for their beach package, which includes two beach chairs and an umbrella.

For an unforgettable experience, saddle up with Daufuskie Trail Rides for an hour-long horseback ride through the exclusive Haig Point community. This “Neigh”borhood Ride takes you through maritime forests and alongside lakes and ponds, allowing you to learn about the local flora and fauna. They also offer an Oceanfront Ride and custom rides for small groups. 

As you explore, keep an eye out for Daufuskie’s diverse wildlife. From American alligators basking in the sun to graceful snowy egrets wading in the shallows, the island is teeming with fascinating creatures. You might even catch a glimpse of the right whale—the rarest of all large whales—off the coast.            

Savor, Shop and Stroll: A Perfect Day on Daufuskie

Come prepared for a casual dining experience filled with local flavors. 

For a quick pick-me-up, stop by School Grounds Coffee Shop, a window-service cafe offering freshly brewed coffee and a selection of baked treats.

Craving something heartier? On Deck Diner at Daufuskie Island Distillery serves up satisfying bar food, including a seared shrimp Po’ Boy, taco salad and chicken Caprese subs.

For classic Southern barbecue, head to Up in Smoke BBQ, where slow-smoked pulled pork and brisket take center stage. Pair your meal with traditional sides like creamy mac and cheese, potato salad or coleslaw. If you're visiting in the evening, indulge in their upscale rotating dinner menu featuring seasonal ingredients.

No trip to Daufuskie is complete without a taste of Old Daufuskie Crab Company. Their menu blends Lowcountry-inspired seafood with American classics, offering fish tacos, grilled Ahi tuna and fried oyster baskets. Be sure to try Chef Ernestine’s signature Daufuskie Deviled Crab—a true island staple.

Kids will love searching for tabby ruins hidden among the trees or visiting the Hunson White Home, a charming 1916 Gullah-built house where they can learn about Haint Blue, the ghost-repelling paint rooted in tradition.

Adults will enjoy browsing the island’s unique shops. The Freeport General Store is the perfect spot to pick up fun souvenirs from your trip. If you’re looking for something as unique as the island, head to Iron Fish Gallery, where award-winning metal sculptor Chase Allen is hard at work crafting coastal fish, mermaids, sea turtles and other marine life sculptures. While you shop, the kids will love the swing hanging from a massive oak tree outside the gallery.

Before you know it, the afternoon will fly by, and it will be time to head back to the marina and the mainland. As the ferry carries you back to Hilton Head, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped between two worlds in a single day. Whether you spent the day uncovering history, enjoying a seaside ride or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Daufuskie offers an escape like no other.