As a creative person who often relies on inspiration from their surroundings, I find it essential to have travel planned to look forward to. I especially prioritize planning sunny escapes during the dark winter season in Chicago.

My college best friend, Casey, moved from Chicago to Port Royal, South Carolina at the end of last year, so I was excited to have a warm escape on my calendar to keep me going through the cold months. During my visit, we explored Hunting Island, Charleston, and both Beaufort and Port Royal.

I hope these photos I took during my February 2023 trip provide some sunny inspiration for you, regardless of where you are in the world and what the temperature is like by you currently.

Hunting Island

Hunting Island is a 5,000-acre secluded semitropical barrier island located 15 miles east of Beaufort, South Carolina, United States in between Harbor Island and Fripp Island. Since 1935, it has been classified as a state park.

We stopped by the Shrimp Shack on our way to the state park as it was recommended by a local art shop owner. Upon arriving to the island, we really enjoyed the massive amount of trees and greenery, as well as hearing the waves on the beach.

Charleston

Charleston, the South Carolina port city founded in 1670, is defined by its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages and pastel antebellum houses, particularly in the elegant French Quarter and Battery districts. The Battery promenade and Waterfront Park both overlook Charleston Harbor, while Fort Sumter, a federal stronghold where the first shots of the Civil War rang out, lies across the water.

Naturally, I most enjoyed the brightly-colored buildings and fell in love with some of the unique signage.

Port Royal and Beaufort, South Carolina

Port Royal is a town on Port Royal Island in Beaufort County, South Carolina, United States. It is part of the Hilton Head Island–Bluffton metropolitan area. Port Royal is home to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and United States Naval Hospital Beaufort.

Casey traded the big city for a much smaller beach town. Despite the downsizing, Port Royal still felt very walkable to what we needed to get to within the town - including parks, coffee shops, and quaint eateries.