Port Royal and Parris Island Close In Latitude but Far in Attitude

The excitement built as I got closer to Port Royal, South Carolina. It is in Beaufort County, so I figured it had to be beautiful.  

As I arrived, I saw a business called ZenDen, an old faded white house with turquoise trim and yellow steps. Funky and simple. ZenDen, according to its website, is a place where the community can come to escape the world and heal - body, mind, and spirit. They offer art, soaps, textiles, handmade furniture and more.  

Not exactly the kind of place Marines would likely frequent in the summer heat of Parris Island, the Marine training base just a few miles down the road. Port Royal feels a thousand miles from a base that produces some of the best America has to offer.  

That’s what makes Port Royal unique. Parris Island and Port Royal are close together in space, but very far apart in lifestyle.  

Port Royal is the place to relax and slow down in a way only coastal South Carolina encourages and allows. It’s easy to do nothing here. It’s easy to sit on a front porch rocker and let your tea glass sweat in the summer heat. Nothing sounds better.  

Twelve minutes up the road, Marine recruits are blasted out of bed with air horns or a drill instructor slamming garbage cans together. The recruits wake up having no idea what time it is. No watch, no clocks, just darkness. They begin the day not knowing what is in store for them. It’s definitely a different world. No sweetly scented soap. No sweet tea. 

Port Royal is, however, home to Devil Dog Headquarters, a retail store that brings Parris Island into town. Many refer to it as the Marine Corps gift shop.  

It wasn’t, however, the Devil Dog merch that caught my attention as I arrived in Port Royal. It was the beautiful waterfront and the Sands boardwalk. The boardwalk allows for a relaxed stroll – rather than forced marches -  over the water with views for miles. Only an early morning jet reminds you that a Marine base is close by.  

There is plenty to do here. Lots of dining options and a great farmers market attracts visitors and locals alike, all drawn to the prospect of roasted coffee, fresh bread, vegetables, and pastries.  

If you want to get on the water and explore, you can hop on a dolphin tour with a local or a Beaufort River tour. There are also some unique shops – including ZenDen - that offer a little bit of everything.  

A little like Port Royal itself.