Capers Island, South Carolina

"This undeveloped barrier island is one of the most dramatic spots along the entirety of the South Carolina coast; its narrow stretches of sand are lined with living and petrified palm trees (many damaged by Hurricane Hugo), giving it a surreal, otherworldly look. Capers Island can only be reached by boat, but you can find charters from Sullivan's Island . If you're a little more adventurous (or more athletically inclined) you can canoe or kayak to the island under your own steam." - Stephanie Burt

"Give us the wide-angle view: what kind of beach are we talking about? This undeveloped barrier island is one of the most dramatic spots along the entirety of the South Carolina coast. It's also home to some of the heaviest vegetation, and the narrow stretches of sand are lined with living and petrified palm trees (many damaged by Hurricane Hugo), giving it a surreal, otherworldly look. How accessible is it? Capers Island can only be reached by boat, but you can find charters from Sullivan's Island . If you're a little more adventurous (or more athletically inclined) you can canoe or kayak to the island under your own steam. Decent services and facilities, would you say? It’s a fairly remote and undeveloped island (hence the appeal); so you'll want to bring everything you might need with you, from bug spray to extra layers of clothing to water. How’s the actual beach stuff—sand and surf? If you come here with visions of sunbathing and picnicking, you'll be in the minority: Most people come to hike through the eerie beachside forest, and to photograph the tree skeletons and stumps that have been there for years, and have been bleached by the sun. There’s also plenty of wildlife to look out for, from deer to loggerhead turtles to ospreys. Can we go barefoot? The thin stretch of sand is soft enough, but you’ll mostly be walking across timber and woodland area—so wear shoes that can withstand some serious use, especially closed-toe hiking boots if you're going to explore the forest. Anything special we should look for? The front beach is known affectionately as the Bone Yard. This memorable collection of weirdly tangled trees is the main draw for budding nature photographers. If we’re thinking about going, what—and who—is this beach best for? Yes, you're here for the fishing and birding; but you're also pretending you're in Robinson Crusoe . It's really that desolate looking." - Paul Oswell