Hero banner image

Why Spend Winter On Seabrook Island?

Seabrook Island is a tiny, eco-friendly barrier island in the beautiful South Carolina islands, a sublime warm weather winter destination to kick the winter blues, escape the cold, and experience a quintessential private island escape, without a passport!   

Trade snowflakes for sandy beaches, ski boots for sandals, and end of summer stress for complete serenity when you spend a winter vacation on Seabrook Island. Located only 25 miles from downtown Charleston, Seabrook Island is Charleston’s only truly private oceanfront community, an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty with luxury resort amenities, world-class sports facilities, and wonderful, warm, winter weather to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle of the Lowcountry. 


1. Beach Strolls & Bike Rides

Seabrook Island offers the perfect beach escape from the winter cold. The 3.5-mile stretch of private and secluded Seabrook Island beaches are uncrowded throughout the year, yet winter brings an extra special serenity. Even if the temperatures are chilly, you can layer up for a leisurely beach stroll along the shore, curl up on a beach towel with your favorite novel (or loved one), or take a family bike ride on the hard packed sands. From Pelican Beach to North Beach, the shoreline abounds in seabirds, wildlife and soul stirring natural beauty. 

If you’re planning a vacation with your dog, Seabrook Island is a pup’s paradise. Aside from the restricted zones to protect our local wildlife, you pooch is welcome year round on our beaches, and off leash out of season (October 1 to March 31). Start planning today with our Guide to A Dog-Friendly Vacation on Seabrook Island.


2. Eco-Adventures & Nature Tours

Seabrook Island is an Audubon International Certified Sustainable Community with a deep appreciation for the protection and preservation of the island’s natural beauty. Seabrook Island is a top destination for ecotourism with a wide range of natural habitats to explore on self-guided adventures or with an island local on a guided nature tour. The lack of heat and humidity means the winter weather is perfect to kayak or SUP the waterways, embark on a fishing charter, take a dolphin tour, or sail away into a scenic sunset. Off the water, there’s gentle trails through old dunes and Live Oak forests, horseback riding on the beach, and world-class winter sports

Night Heron Park on neighboring Kiawah Island is a haven for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers with an abundance of family-oriented activities, nature tours, and wildlife experiences on offer, year-round!


3. Warm Weather Winter Sports

A winter vacation on Seabrook Island means world-class warm weather golf and tennis, with a high chance of pickleball! Guests on Seabrook Island have easy access to 36-holes of challenging play on two eco-friendly, Audubon certified golf courses – the oceanfront Ocean Winds Golf Course and the classic Crooked Oaks Golf Course weaving through the Lowcountry landscapes. For snowbird golfers planning an extended winter stay on Seabrook, nearby Kiawah Island boasts five award-winning golf courses, including the prestigious public Ocean Course, host of the historic 2021 PGA Championship

Calling all tennis lovers! The top-quality courts at the Seabrook Island Racquet Club are open year round and there’s no need to plan your pickleball or tennis for the cool of the morning or late afternoon – the weather conditions are perfect for all day play. Need to keep up your fitness regime on vacation? We’ve got that too! The Seabrook Island Lake House fitness center is open year round with daily group fitness classes, personal trainers, and an inviting heated indoor pool. 


4. Spas, Shopping & Succulent Seafood

Switch to a slower pace and indulge in pampering spa treatments, upscale retail therapy, and succulent southern seafood fresh from the Atlantic Ocean and Lowcountry waterways. On Seabrook Island, the Beach Club is closed for dining in the winter months, but guests have delicious lunch and dinner options at the Island House Bohicket Lounge, Palmetto Room and Seaview Terrace, or can cozily gather round the fire pits on the Golf Veranda. 

Other local shopping, dining and spa options include Freshfields Village and Bohicket Marina, located between Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, and unique shopping and culinary experiences in charming Charleston, without the summer crowds!


5. Festive, Family-Friendly Winter Events

Seabrook Island’s ’24/25 winter events calendar is crammed full of fun, festive and family friendly festivals to kick start the holiday season with true Lowcountry charm and hospitality. The winter months are oyster harvest season in South Carolina’s coastal waters so be sure to experience the traditional taste of the Lowcountry at a classic Charleston oyster roast, or from the comfort of your cozy winter beach house on Seabrook Island.  Check out these great resources:


6. LUXURY Coastal Rentals

The weather and the welcome is warm when you spend your winter vacation with Seabrook Exclusives! Whether you’re seeking a spacious family beach home with cozy winter comforts for the whole crew, or an oceanfront island retreat for winter romance, our collection of exclusive Seabrook Island rentals include vacation homes and villas with luxury living spaces, high-end amenities, breathtaking views, and the winter warmth of a private home away from home. 

If you’re migrating south for the winter, browse our selection of monthly snowbird vacation rentals on Seabrook Island and neighboring Kiawah Island with options for ocean view homes and villas, golf course rentals, Racquet Club tennis villas, and quiet retreats on the Lowcountry waterways. Seabrook Island is a winter vacation destination worthy of every travel bucket-list! Book direct online or call our local team at 1-843-768-0808 to start planning your winter escape to Seabrook Island today.


Top 7 Golf Courses on Seabrook & Kiawah Island

Traveling to Seabrook in 2024? Seabrook Island is home to two award-winning Audubon Sanctuary golf courses, offering an unparalleled golfing experience surrounded by nature and immersed in luxury. The Seabrook Island Club became the first golf club in the state to become a certified member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf in 1996. To this day, the island’s eco-friendly golf courses continually rank among the “best you can play” courses in South Carolina. 

Seabrook Island Club features two 18-hole championship golf courses, the Ocean Winds Golf Course and Crooked Oaks Golf Course. These two courses are open only to Seabrook Island Club members and guests, but we have good news… Almost all of our rentals here at Seabrook Exclusives include a complimentary amenity card to the Seabrook Island Club. That means you get to experience these legendary courses for yourself with a premier level of privacy, picturesque surroundings, and year-round PGA professional golf, without the crowds! 

With only two golf courses to choose from on Seabrook Island, we’ll also explore the nearby Audubon championship courses over on Kiawah Island. The Kiawah Island Golf Resort courses are open to the public, so you can make a quick five to ten minute drive over to Kiawah for a day pass to enjoy the best of both islands. Ready to start planning your must-play golf courses on Seabrook and Kiawah Island? Read on!


1. Ocean Winds

Ocean Winds is a challenging par 72 course with 18 holes and 6,802 yards designed by Willard Byrd. This strategic course will take you to the Atlantic Ocean with staggering winds and unpredictable conditions for a test of your true ability. 

Recent renovations spearheaded by Rees Jones, Inc. have made the course even more challenging. Up for the challenge? Head over to Seabrook Island Club with your complimentary amenity card when you stay in our select rentals and test your skills!


2. Crooked Oaks

The Crooked Oaks Course, reminiscent of its name, is a winding course through maritime forest, marsh, and ancient mossy oaks requiring apt ability to strategically plan your play. The challenging par 72 course features 18 holes and 6,780 yards designed by Robert Trent Jones.
Want to experience the best of Seabrook golf with stunning island views and a challenging course? Visit Seabrook Island Club’s Crooked Oaks with your complimentary amenity card when you stay in select rentals with Seabrook Exclusives!


3. The Ocean Course

The Ocean Course is ranked the #4 Public Golf Course in the US and ranked among the Top 25 of 100 Greatest US Golf Courses by Golf Digest. Kiawah’s Ocean Course is a true test of skill for avid golfers as a par 72 course with 18 holes designed by Pete and Alice Dye.

This course lies at the easternmost point of the island with ten holes hugging the Atlantic Ocean, making it the most beachfront course in the Northern Hemisphere. While this makes for one-of-a-kind unmatched scenery as you golf with a panoramic ocean view, it also exposes players to difficult breezes and unpredictable winds. If you’re up for the challenge, The Ocean Course is the number one course on Kiawah Island that should make it to your must-play list!


4. Oak Point Golf Course

The Oak Point Golf Course was awarded the 2019 Charleston Golf Course Owners Association “Course of the Year” for its strategic challenges and fresh design. The par 72 course features 18 holes designed by Clyde Johnston, a well-known Southeastern golf architect. 

Think you have what it takes to take on the Oak Point Golf Course with strategy over power? Then Oak Point Golf Course should be next on your list!


5. Osprey Point Golf Course

Osprey Point Golf Course started out as just a private members-only golf course, but quickly became well-known for its playability and notable layout. Now known as one of Kiawah’s championship Audubon certified courses, Tom Fazio led its renovation in 2014.

Every hole on the Osprey Point Golf Course is notable, with four par-3s, four par-5s, and ten par-4s ranging from 340 to 461 yards. If you’re up for the challenge, head over to Osprey Point Golf Course for a challenging but memorable day on the green!


6. Turtle Point Golf Course

The Turtle Point Golf Course underwent extensive renovations in 2016 with architectural and design assistance from Jack Nicklaus and his team. Since these improvements, the course has seen rave reviews from fans and golfers across the nation. The par 72 course features 18 holes with new Paspalum grass, rebuilt bunkers, laser-leveled tee boxes, and reestablishment of irrigation.

Ready to test these improvements for yourself and prove Jack Nicklaus’ “mind over muscle” strategy? Add the Turtle Point Golf Course to your list!


7. Cougar Point Golf Course

Cougar Point Golf Course reopened in 2017 after undergoing thorough renovations and designs led by Gary Player. Now winning over locals and visiting golfers alike, this par 72 course features 18 holes with stunning marsh views.

Whether you’ve played this beloved course before its renovations or you’re new to Kiawah’s golfing scene– Cougar Point Golf Course is a must on your next trip!


Get Complimentary Access to Seabrook Island Club’s Golf Courses

Planning your golf getaway to Seabrook Island? Stay in one of our exclusive vacation rentals with complimentary access to the private Seabrook Island Club golf courses. Seabrook Island Club amenity cards include access to the two oceanfront community pools at the Beach Club, indoor and outdoor pools at the SIPOA Lake House, racquet courts, tennis facilities, equestrian center, golf courses, and more!

For the ultimate, intimate Lowcountry retreat remember Seabrook Exclusives. Our portfolio of 70+ exclusive Seabrook Island rentals range from luxury golf and beach villas to secluded oceanfront homes with pools, hot tubs and private beach boardwalks. 

Experience a trip of unparalleled luxury in an intimate setting with top-notch amenities, champagne, sunsets and stargazing, and personalized guest services when you travel with Seabrook Exclusives

For all you pet parents Seabrook Island is a great destination for dog lovers! 

Please note: A Seabrook Island Club Amenity Card is required to access all resort amenities, dining and sports facilities including the Lake House. If the property you’re viewing includes the amenity card access in your reservation it will be clearly advertised in the unit description – if the property does not include the amenity fee, you can purchase an amenity card separately by contacting our team of vacation specialists.