Nineteen miles east of historic Beaufort, the resort and residential communities on Fripp Island cover some 3,000 acres, but the place still feels like a private paradise. Here the favorite modes of transportation are bicycles and golf carts. It isn't unusual to see people driving golf carts up and down the main road. Fripp has about 700 full-time residents, many of whom use them as regular on-island transportation. Visitors often follow their lead, enjoying the slower, more relaxed pace they find here.

Three and a half miles of pristine beach sweep across Fripp's Atlantic face, while creeks and marshes rife with wildlife lace the back side. Carved into the lush vegetation between the two worlds of water, three championship golf courses gleam like emeralds. Bike trails meander through shady forests, and more than 300 homes and villas tuck into the island's interior and between the ocean dunes.

Among the unique accommodations on the island are the Treehouses, two- and three-bedroom pedestal homes that border the salt marsh. They're perfect for visitors who prefer watching wildlife to watching ocean waves from their deck. On the Atlantic side, some of the most delightful accommodations are the Ocean Cottages. Screened porches or decks and outdoor whirlpools make these a popular choice for couples.

A deep-water marina caters to fishermen as well as enthusiasts eager to explore the edges of the island by canoe or kayak. There's also a Racquet Club, a fitness center, and an assortment of pools and recreation complexes.

For younger guests, the resort offers Camp Fripp, a nature program for children ages 3 to 12. Counselors lead such activities as crabbing, canoeing, and watching for sea turtles. Teens, too, can sign up for special programs.

Up the coast, about 21 miles south of Charleston, lies Kiawah Island, home to Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Popular activities include golfing, biking, and canoeing. The beach here stretches for 10 miles, rimmed with dunes and trimmed with an ever-changing display of seashells and sand dollars.

Between mid-May and mid-October, huge female loggerhead sea turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs. Nature programs at the resort are designed to educate guests about these amazing creatures as well as other wildlife indigenous to the island.

Golfers at Kiawah choose among five courses, each the work of a big name. The Ocean Course was designed by Pete Dye, Osprey Point by Tom Fazio, Turtle Point by Jack Nicklaus, Cougar Point by Gary Player, and Oak Point by Clyde Johnston. The resort also features two world-class tennis facilities that offer clinics and camps.

The children's program, Kamp Kiawah, has been delighting youngsters from ages 3 to 11 for nearly two decades. Programs range from shelling and crabbing excursions to craft projects. Teens have their own choice of activities, including a dolphin cruise, kayaking adventure, and night volleyball games. A popular gathering spot, especially for families, is Night Heron Park. Here you'll find basketball courts, a soccer field, swimming pools, and a bicycle rental shop. It's also the location of special events such as concerts and family cookouts.

Fripp Island Resort: 1 Tarpon Blvd., Fripp Island, SC 29920; (843) 838-3535 or 1-800-845-4100. Web site: www.frippislandresort.com.
Summer rates: range from $135 per night for a one-bedroom Sunsuite Studio efficiency unit to $4,328 per week for a house that accommodates 18.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort: 12 Kiawah Beach Drive, Kiawah Island, SC 29455; (843) 768-2121 or 1-800-654-2924. Web site: www.kiawahresort.com.
Summer rates: range from $129 per night at the Kiawah Island Inn to $13,000 a week for the most expensive oceanfront home.

This article is from the June 2001 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.