300 Tarpon Blvd, Fripp Island, South Carolina, United States | (586) 210-9239
Natural island setting
with wharfs, inlets, and beaches
Private residences, some including outdoor hot tubs and golf carts
Four pool complexes including a
lagoon-style pool with fountains
Variety of restaurants
serving seafood, pizza, and sandwiches
Two beautiful golf courses with ocean views
Bars with wharf views
serving cocktails
Summer camp for children
with crafts, nature trips, and pool games
Free parking and Wi-Fi (in
some areas)
Amenities club card
required for accessing most common areas
Off-season restaurant
prices are high and food gets mixed reviews
Some rooms could use more
attention to cleaning
Fees for tennis club
Fripp Island Resort is a
residential vacation resort and membership club on a private island on South Carolina’s coast with a variety of homes, villas, and cottages available for rent. The four-pearl resort has plenty for families to do with several swimming pools, golf courses, and a tennis club.
There’s also an activity center and a summer camp for children offering daily activities. Varied dining options include seafood, a pizzeria, and several bars, though off-season prices are high and the food gets mixed reviews. Guests complain that more attention could be paid to the
cleanliness of some of the residences, but the houses we saw were clean and cheery, with plenty of indoor
and outdoor areas to relax. The remote location means that the nearest town of Beaufort is about a half-hour drive away, which makes this property suitable for those seeking a tranquil, nature-filled getaway or extended break.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Fun, casual resort rich in wildlife and water views on a private island
Fripp Island Resort is a residential vacation resort on a
beautiful private island on South Carolina's coast. The resort consists of a collection of private homes, villas, and cottages that are available for rent as well as extensive leisure and entertainment facilities such as several restaurants and bars, outdoor pools, golf courses, and a kids' activity center. The beautiful location has appeared in a number of movies including Forrest Gump and The Prince
of Tides. Nature abounds on the island, which is home to over 175 species of birds,
loggerhead turtles, and plenty of deer, while the waters are rich with bass,
trout, and blue crabs. Guests can even watch dolphins playing in the inlet and can take part in recreation program events like crabbing and learning about sea turtles. The resort attracts mostly families and retirees, and the island maintains a year-round population of about 800 people.
Location
Situated on a private island between Savannah and Charleston
Fripp Island is located near the southern tip of South Carolina around an
hour north of Savannah and two hours south of Charleston. This beautiful barrier island spans about 3000 acres and has three miles of beaches. There is only one road in and out of the island, and it’s about a half-hour drive from the nearest town of Beaufort. Savannah/Hilton Head Airport
is around a 90-minute drive.
Rooms
Houses, cottages, and villas in a range of sizes, with varied decor and amenities
The resort comprises private residences that are available for rent, which vary in size, decor, and amenities, and range from studios to eight-bedroom units. We looked
at a charming one-bedroom cottage with breezy, light interiors and porches
facing the ocean. The cottage was equipped with a full kitchen, two flat-screen TVs, a beautiful modern bathroom with a walk-in shower, and an outdoor whirlpool. We also looked at four-bedroom houses, including one oceanfront property with brightly
painted rooms and another one overlooking a lake with a more subdued color palette.
All residences have pin code access making a front desk check-in stop
unnecessary, and many come with golf carts, barbecue grills, and Wi-Fi. There have been some complaints from past guests about cleanliness of some the homes, so taking the ratings into consideration when booking is recommended.
Features
Several restaurants, pools, two golf courses, tennis club, and land and water rentals
The resort has four
separate pool areas including the Cabana Club with a lagoon-style pool, several children’s pools as well as an adult pool, plus a pool bar at the Beach Club with live
music. Dining options are vast and varied, including a seafood restaurant with ocean views, a food court with pizza and a Starbucks, and several bars, though the food gets mixed reviews. The hotel has
two beautiful golf courses and a tennis club with 10 courts where guests can
take lessons or participate in tournaments, but there is a court fee imposed.
Rentals are available for a fee and include mopeds, bicycles, and golf carts as well as
boats. Kayak tours and pontoon excursions can be purchased including a popular sunset
cruise that guests should book in advance. There’s a small fitness center with
a variety of exercise machines and shops selling clothing, souvenirs, and
fishing supplies. Guests should note that club cards are needed to access most facilities and should ensure that they receive enough from residence owners.
