St. Helena North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near St. Helena, North Carolina.
1. Penn Center
HISTORIC GULLAH CULTURAL SITE
Penn Center is a 50-acre historic district comprising 25 historic buildings and structures on beautiful St. Helena Island. It serves as a museum and cultural institution preserving Gullah history and culture. Visitors recommend starting at the Courtney P. Siceloff Welcome Center and Gift Shop, located with the York W. Bailey Museum.
2. Chapel of Ease
HISTORIC CHURCH RUINS
St. Helena Parish Chapel of Ease Ruins is a significant historical site listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. The chapel ruins offer visitors a glimpse into the island's colonial past. Its weathered tabby walls stand as a testament to the area's rich history.
3. Fort Fremont
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR FORT
Fort Fremont Preserve & History Center is one of the only surviving coastal fortifications from the Spanish-American War. Military history enthusiasts can explore the remnants of this historic defensive structure. The fort provides insights into American military history at the turn of the 20th century.
4. Sams Plantation Complex Tabby Ruins
HISTORIC PLANTATION REMAINS
Sams Plantation Complex Tabby Ruins showcase the remnants of an antebellum plantation on St. Helena Island. Visitors can walk among the tabby structures that once formed part of a significant agricultural operation. The ruins offer a tangible connection to the island's complex past.
5. Brick Baptist Church
HISTORIC GULLAH CHURCH
Brick Baptist Church stands as an important spiritual and historical landmark on St. Helena Island. The church has deep connections to the island's Gullah community and history. Its brick architecture and cultural significance make it a must-visit historical site.
6. Lands End Beach
SECLUDED COASTAL RETREAT
Lands End Beach is located at the tip of St. Helena Island, offering a secluded and peaceful coastal experience. The beach is perfect for catching spectacular sunsets or enjoying the water. Its relatively undeveloped nature provides a tranquil alternative to more crowded beaches in the region.
7. York W. Bailey Museum
GULLAH HISTORY MUSEUM
York W. Bailey Museum showcases the rich cultural heritage and history of St. Helena Island. The museum features exhibits that tell the story of the island's Gullah community. Visitors can explore artifacts and displays that document the unique cultural traditions that have been preserved on the island.
8. Red Piano Too Gallery
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Red Piano Too Gallery is a cultural institution with a storied past on St. Helena Island. The gallery features works by local artists that capture the spirit and aesthetic of the Lowcountry. Visitors can appreciate and purchase authentic art that reflects the unique cultural heritage of the region.
9. Ocean Point Golf Course
SEASIDE GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Ocean Point Golf Course offers a scenic golfing experience on Saint Helena Island. The course features views of the surrounding waterways and coastal landscapes. Golfers can enjoy a round while taking in the natural beauty of the Lowcountry environment.
10. Ocean Creek Golf Club
PICTURESQUE LOWCOUNTRY GOLF
Ocean Creek Golf Club provides another excellent golfing option on Saint Helena Island. The course is situated among the island's natural landscapes and waterways. Golfers will appreciate the challenging play and beautiful surroundings.
11. Fripp Island Marina
COASTAL BOATING HUB
Fripp Island Marina serves as a gateway to aquatic adventures around St. Helena Island. The marina offers boat rentals, chartered fishing trips, and other water-based activities. Visitors can try their luck at catching flounder, amberjack, or barracuda on excursions departing from this location.
12. Hunting Island Lighthouse
HISTORIC COASTAL BEACON
Hunting Island Lighthouse stands as a historical landmark near Saint Helena Island. The lighthouse offers visitors the opportunity to learn about maritime history in the region. Its coastal location provides beautiful views of the surrounding beaches and waters.
13. Hunting Island
NATURAL COASTAL PRESERVE
Hunting Island is a natural treasure near Saint Helena Island where visitors can commune with nature and explore the great outdoors. The island features pristine beaches, maritime forests, and abundant wildlife. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, bird watching, and beachcombing throughout this coastal preserve.
14. Pritchards Island
UNSPOILED BARRIER ISLAND
Pritchards Island offers visitors a chance to experience an undeveloped barrier island near St. Helena Island. The island showcases the natural ecosystem of the South Carolina coast in its pristine state. Nature lovers can explore the island's beaches, dunes, and maritime forests while observing native wildlife.
15. Plantation House
HISTORIC GOVERNOR'S RESIDENCE
Plantation House is a Georgian mansion built in 1791-92, set in a wooded valley near Jamestown on St. Helena Island. Its most distinguished resident is arguably Jonathan, a Seychelles tortoise who is more than 180 years old. The house is surrounded by vegetable allotments, thick woods, and giant bamboo stands, with a path leading to slave graves from the mid-18th century.