Home Inspection in Sullivan's Island, SC

The clear float of a Man-o-war jellyfish rests on the sand after it was left stranded high and dry by the high tide. (Photo: National Park Service/Nathaniel Pinson)

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LOWCOUNTRY, S.C. (WCIV) — If you've been for a stroll along some Lowcountry beaches in recent weeks, you may have come across a few jellyfish washed up on shore. Most of the jellyfish you see in South Carolina are harmless, but some should be left alone.

Officials with the Lowcountry's local beach communities want locals and visitors alike to know what to look out for when heading out into the ocean.

The Charleston area starts to see a larger amount of Cannonball jellyfish in the spring, which are the most common jelly in South Carolina -and least venomous.

“Cannonballs are largely harmless to humans and they're a favorite food of leatherback sea turtles," Erin Weeks with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources explained. "Typically, when cannonballs appear, we know leatherbacks are not far behind. Like other jellies, cannonballs are poor swimmers that follow where ocean currents push them; thus, they often wash ashore, especially after offshore storms.”

READ MORE | "South Carolina Aquarium brings Octonauts to life in educational family event"

Jellyfish glide through the currents and end up washing up on shore. Some are more notorious than others.

Portuguese man o’ wars look like jellyfish, but they are actually just a relative, are bit more complex, and can be more harmful.

“Portuguese man o' wars are less frequently seen in the warmer months but merit greater caution," Weeks said. "These animals are easily distinguished by a bright blue, inflated 'float' that rests on the surface of the water, and they should be avoided both on the beach and in the water. Man o' wars can trail long tentacles that cause a very painful sting.”

Man o' wars tend to drift through the Gulf Stream up to the waters off the coast of the Palmetto State.

To prevent getting stung, avoid touching washed up Man o’ wars, as they are still venomous. If you are stung seek medical help immediately.

For more information on jellyfish from the SCDNR, click here.

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Officials said reporting sightings of jellyfish help prevent stings. To report a jellyfish sighting contact the Folly Beach Fire Department at 843-588-2433 on Folly Beach, the Sullivan's Island Fire Department at 843-883-9944 on Sullivan's Island, or the Isle of Palms Fire Department at 843-886-4410 on Isle of Palms.

James Beard Award-winning chef Jason Stanhope left his longtime post at Charleston stalwart FIG in 2023 to steer the kitchens at the Quinte and Lowland, both part of the Pinch hotel on George Street. The Quinte closed and became another dining room for Lowland, and Stanhope gained acclaim for his Southern American tavern fare with global influences. His take on a cheeseburger, celery salad, and crispy quail is highly praised in magazines and across social media.

Now, Stanhope is switching it up again and headed to the beach. In the next few weeks, he will transfer to Sullivan’s Fish Camp on Sullivan’s Island. The 1970s-chic seafood restaurant opened in 2022 and was part of Basic Projects (Basic Kitchen and Post House). Stanhope joins as a chef and partner and will run the establishment with Sullivan’s Island resident Jeremy Graves.

The current menu features lobster roll sliders, fried shrimp, fish tacos, and swordfish Milanese. Stanhope will soon put his own spin on the offerings.

“This opportunity feels like a homecoming to me,” says Stanhope, “I’m really excited to work with a small group of local people who I’ve known forever and to be able to focus my attention on cooking delicious food from the amazing farmers and fishermen we have access to here in the Lowcountry.”

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Sometimes, small towns leave a lasting mark bigger and better than the world's most sought-after destinations.

Greeted with “how ya doin‘?” instead of “keep it movin” where you feel like just another face in the crowd, the South is teeming with hidden gems and quaint getaways that will have you coming back again and again.

For example, when I visit Texas on occasion, I often find myself seeking out the small towns of Grapevine, Gruene, and Socorro, depending on where I am in the state, but certainly not Dallas or Austin.

Same goes for any state, but in this case, you may want to skip out on the tourist crowds of ever-so-trendy Charleston in favor of an idyllic, pint-sized island just 20 minutes away.

Practically a stone's throw from one of the South's most popular cities to indulge in rich history, epic eats, and timeless charm is Sullivan's Island, offering many of the same delights without hordes of visitors and overpriced menus.

This 3.5-mile-long barrier island is nestled along the Atlantic between numerous neighboring islands and, yes, Charleston.

Typically, you might hear of most vacationers making their way to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina's renowned coastal vacation spot lined with beachside resorts and a buzzing boardwalk, but Sullivan's Island has gotta be the state's best-kept secret.

Those seeking a tranquil beach getaway should look no further than Sullivan's Island, boasting a very walkable rustic downtown easy to peruse local shops, galleries, and bar-hop if you please.

While you may not see restaurants run by acclaimed chefs featured by the Food Network, among others, as you will in Charleston, you will discover homey southern comfort foods intermixed with “catch of the days” straight from the source.

Better yet, you won't have to spend a fraction of your paycheck on a cup of coffee since there's no Starbucks, a small example portraying the island's far less touristy vibes without the eyesores of chain restaurants ruining the townscape's character.

Originally named O'Sullivan Island after early settler Captain Florence O'Sullivan, the “O” has since been dropped, but many historic sites remain.

Having played a significant factor through multiple wars, including ground zero for the Battle of Sullivan's Island in 1776, tourists can visit preserved structures like Fort Moultrie, holding intriguing exhibits and sweeping views of the surrounding scenery.

Fort Moultrie also overlooks Fort Sumter, another significant site, but you'll need to detour back to Charleston to be able to reach the ladder via ferry.

While it may be tempting to grab a bite to eat in one of the country's most popular foodie cities, Sullivan's Island's food scene is nothing to sleep on, with exceptional seafood and mouthwatering barbecue that will have you asking for extra napkins.

Southern Living hyped up a few different spots, depending on your palate. If you're up to slurping down oysters, check out The Longboard's ‘Happy Hour'.

If you're the type to nibble every last bit of ribs, then Home Team BBQ is just for you. But, if it were me, I'd be feasting on a burger at Poe's Tavern, an establishment dedicated to famed poet Edgar Allan Poe, who was stationed on Sullivan's Island as a private in the Army in the 1800s.

Who woulda thunk it?

As delightful as Sullivan's Island's main strip and as fascinating and photo-worthy as the numerous historic sites may be, at its core, this island is a year-round beach destination.

Sullivan's Island Beach holds an impressive 4.7 Google Rating, largely in part due to so much open space, unlike, say, Myrtle Beach.

Station 18 Beach is also a tranquil spot, boasting white sand and calm waves, just like Sullivan's Island Beach.

One of the most underrated aspects, once you leave Charleston proper, is the ability to island-hop the region.

Next to Sullivan's Island, just past a small canal inlet, is Isle Palms Beach, well worth a day trip to see what it's all about with equally scenic beaches.

But where should you stay? You won't find name-brand hotels here. Sullivan's Island is all about cozy rentals.

Lining the shores from Sullivan's Island through next-door Isle of Palms are rows of beachside cottages.

You can book in a variety of ways, such as Airbnb, Booking.com, or by searching local agencies.

There's still plenty of occupancy to cap off winter with a relaxing getaway. I scoured the interwebs for the perfect seaside cottage, and this one is my favorite.

Costing $410-ish per night, it's located directly next to the aforementioned Fort Moultrie and with immediate beach access and walkable to Sullivan's Island's Nature Trail.

Plus, who would say no to free wine at check-in?!

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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