Fripp Island Map

Description:

Description: This map shows where Fripp Island is located in South Carolina.

Fripp Island is a 3,000-acre barrier island located in Beaufort County, South Carolina. Situated approximately 21 miles east of Beaufort, it is one of the Sea Islands along the Atlantic coast. The island is accessible via a single bridge connecting it to neighboring Hunting Island. Fripp Island serves as both a residential community and a resort destination, featuring controlled access through a security gate that restricts entry to residents, their guests, and resort visitors.

The island was named after Captain Johannes Fripp, a British sailor who was granted the land in the late 1600s as a reward for protecting the area from Spanish attacks. Before modern development, Fripp Island was primarily used for hunting and fishing. Significant development began in the 1960s when the Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort was established, transforming the island into the vacation and residential community it is today.

Fripp Island features approximately 3.5 miles of beaches along its eastern shore. The main beaches include Beach Club Beach, Tidalview Beach, and Sunrise Beach. These beaches are private and accessible only to residents and guests. The island is known for its pristine natural environment and is home to abundant wildlife, including deer, alligators, and numerous bird species. Loggerhead sea turtles nest on the beaches during summer months, and the island maintains an active conservation program to protect these endangered creatures.

The primary settlement on the island is the Fripp Island Resort community, which encompasses most of the developed areas. The resort features two championship golf courses: Ocean Point Golf Links and Ocean Creek Golf Course. Other recreational amenities include tennis courts, swimming pools, a marina, and various dining establishments. The Fripp Island Activity Center serves as a hub for community events and activities.

Fripp Island has a permanent population of approximately 1,000 residents, though this number increases significantly during peak tourist seasons. The island operates under the governance of the Fripp Island Property Owners Association, which manages community services and enforces covenants. Unlike some neighboring islands, Fripp has no commercial district or shopping centers, with the nearest shopping and medical facilities located on St. Helena Island or in Beaufort. The island's commitment to limited development and natural preservation has helped maintain its secluded, upscale character among South Carolina's coastal communities.