The Atlantic coast breeze can be felt anywhere on Dataw Island in Beaufort, South Carolina. This once prosperous sea cotton island is now a gorgeous South Carolina gated community that covers 870 acres of beautifully manicured land—allowing both nature and luxury to shine through as equal partners as one of the Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries. Nestled in the heart of the sea islands, this private residential community offers 1,100 properties for the best in coastal living—seeking to provide homeowners with everything they could desire.

Dataw Island cultivates a community atmosphere that arises naturally in beach-side living—providing a day-to-day easy-going, relaxing lifestyle. The true essence of Dataw Island is summed up as friends enjoying life with friends. It seeks to create an involved, engaged circle for its residents—which is why Dataw offers so many diverse amenities for its homeowners and why Ideal Living has placed it among the “Top 100 Amenity Communities.”

The golf on Dataw is renown, and the perfect way to pass the day with friends and family. Links Magazine has named the island the “Best Value in Golf Community” for its two different golf courses: Cotton Dyke Golf Course, designed by Tom Fazio (who is known for his waterfront challenges), and Morgan River Golf Course. The Cotton Dyke course is named so for the island’s history—utilizing a series of dikes created to generate more planting ground for 18th century plantation cotton fields. The Morgan River course is an Arthur Mill’s Signature Course which demands strategic excellence using golf architect Arthur Hills’ hallmark Scottish flair. Arthur Mill’s describes the course himself as, “delightful,” with massive oaks providing shade while players navigate water challenges that inspire both novices and pros alike.

The dedication to golf does not mean other activities are neglected on the island. Tennis and Har Tru courts come with a fully furnished Pro-shop to give players all they could need to play a few matches. Championship croquet lawns provide a tournament atmosphere with true competitive spirit. Pools allow for long-distance swimming along with simply cooling off, and a fitness center with a variety of classes keeps community members active. Walking and biking trails lace the island for viewing the wondrous natural beauty of island life.

Eating is another popular activity for Dataw Island, which also finds itself in the middle of South Carolina’s low-country. This means that grits and oysters take precedence for food at gatherings.  Oyster roasts are famous in this area, with many festivals and runs dedicated to enjoying the seafood, which is caught just off the nearby coast. They are a favorite among families who bring large, metal plates to spend the day cracking open the little tastes of the sea.

For a close-knit, island community, Dataw Island is the perfect place to look. From golf, to exploring, to eating oysters—there are a thousand ways to get involved in pristine coastal living.