Our Seabrook Experience

We recently returned from a trip to Seabrook Island during the last week in August. and I thought I%26#39;d share some of our experiences. We drove from Northern New Jersey and figured that total drive time (without stops) was roughly 13 hours. Going down we took a lunch break in Petersburg and toured a local museum. Coming back we stayed overnight in Fredricksburg.

We rented a Beach Club Villa through the owner, though it was managed by Beachwalker. The villa was wonderful, very spacious and modern and a perfect location. The Beach Club Villas are the closest to the pool club on the beach. If you are thinking about going, it seems like many owners drop the prices at the end of August because a lot of schools are already back in session. Also, make sure that your unit comes with an Amenity Card which will get you into the pool club. Other condos that were close to the pool were the Atrium units which were also close to the beach. The pool club was beautiful, with two pools and a wading pool. Everyday I%26#39;d sit on a lounge chair that had a cushion and a bonnet, facing the ocean, with the pool just a few steps behind me. It was the height of relaxation.

We didn%26#39;t have bikes, but when we go again, we%26#39;ll make sure to rent them. The island is beautiful and very flat. There is little traffic, and you can definitely ride on the beach. One morning we went to the mouth of the Kiawah river (where it flows into the Atlantic) and watched dolphins feeding on the bank. That was a long walk and we really could have used bikes there.

We mostly ate in but the two restaurants we went to were very memorable, Rose Bank Farms Cafe and Red Sky Grill. One day we went into Charleston, but we weren%26#39;t looking to do a lot of site-seeing on this trip. We mostly hung by the pool, and took long walks on the immaculate, beautiful beach.

The weather was hot, but since we were by the ocean and could take a dip in the Atlantic or the pool we could always cool off. TS Ernesto came by but even that wasn%26#39;t too bad - a lot of rain and wind, but nothing really blowing around.

A couple of things if you are thinking about going. First, there isn%26#39;t a lot to do on the island for teens. My kids (age 16 %26amp; 13) were happy in the pool and shelling, and one day my husband and son rented fishing poles, but after 5 days they were on the verge of being bored. They loved the vacation but aren%26#39;t as anxious to return as I am. Second, the waves are very, very calm. If you are used to big Atlantic waves, you may not find them here (though a local would know better). Third, the amenity card gave free usage of the pool, but everything else had a fee: the fitness room, tennis, etc.

Overall, Seabrook exceeded every expectation. The beach was the most pristine I%26#39;ve ever been on, and very private. I%26#39;m looking forward to going back.

Our Seabrook Experience

Glad that you had a good time! Thanks for sharing your experience.

Next visit, your teens might enjoying kayaking on the Kiawah River. Contact Tidal Trails for information. Also, consider renting a small motor boat at the Bohicket Marina.

Our Seabrook Experience

Shhh, you%26#39;ll let the secret out about Seabrook Island;-)

I%26#39;m thrilled you had such a good time (and you experienced everything I recommend to my guests). Did you have the oatmeal brownie at Rosebank Cafe? It is outstanding. We%26#39;ve tried many times to get the recipe...but it%26#39;s a family secret.

Good advice on the amenity card. Guests do need them to have access to the club facilities. Some owners charge the guests. I include it at no charge for my guests.

Definately rent bikes on your next visit or choose a home that includes bikes (shameless plug, as I have two bikes for my guests%26#39; use). Biking is really the only way to see Seabrook. Each trip we make we seem to find some neighborhood we didn%26#39;t know existed.

For your teens, have them spend a day at the crabbing dock. I can%26#39;t tell you how many hours we spent there this summer. And if their catch is big enough, you%26#39;ve got dinner!

Come back and visit soon.

Eliza

You should have rented them bikes! Seabrook is a great place where teens can feel free to ride around on a gated island and explore. And the marina is right up the street! We have taken our teens on many boat tours. From shelling on goat island, to birdwatching and fishing. Mine golf and play tennis, but their favorite thing to do is ride the horses. If yours aren%26#39;t already pretty good riders though, don%26#39;t bother. But if they are (and I mean really , because otherwise they can get hurt) there aren%26#39;t many places where you can ride on the beautiful beaches! Then in Charleston they have enjoyed shopping, riding the carraige tours, going to the aquarium, Patriot%26#39;s Point, and ghost tours.

Goodness, you missed A LOT!