Dewees Island, SC: A Car-Free Coastal Escape Near Charleston (Local Life & Travel Tips with Alicia Reilly)

What if you could live somewhere with no cars, no stores, and nothing but nature all around you?In this episode, I sit down with my friend Alicia Riley, who lives full-time on Dewees Island, a tiny, car-free barrier island just 20 minutes from Charleston, South Carolina… and it might just be one of the most magical places in the U.S. We talk about what it’s really like to live there, from taking a 15-minute ferry to get home to unloading groceries into wheelbarrows and getting around by golf cart.But what makes this place unforgettable isn’t just the logistics… it’s the lifestyle.Alicia shares what it feels like to raise kids in a completely unplugged environment, where afternoons are spent fishing, walking the beach, or spotting dolphins from the ferry. We also get into the island’s deep connection to nature, from bioluminescent water at night to one of the most incredible things I’ve ever heard…From May to August, Alicia is part of a team that tracks and protects loggerhead turtle nests, waking up before sunrise to walk the beach, find nests, and (if they’re lucky) watch baby turtles make their way to the ocean.We also talk about the strong sense of community on the island, think weekly happy hours, golf cart parades, and neighbors who truly look out for each other.And if you’re wondering… yes, you can visit. (But be warned: once you get there, you may never want to leave.)If you’re craving a slower, more connected way of living or just want to hear about one of the most unique places in the U.S., this episode will stay with you.👉 For more travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, subscribe to my Substack at The Gomes Guide.Chapters00:00 Welcome to Dewey's Island02:52 Living with Hurricanes06:02 The History of Dewey's Island08:57 Ferry Tales: Getting to Dewey's Island11:59 Life on the Island: Community and Nature15:07 The Joy of Swimming and Water Activities17:55 Turtle Conservation Efforts20:54 The Importance of Nature in Childhood25:19 Turtle Nesting and Conservation Efforts32:10 Life on Dewey's Island: Community and Nature41:19 Seasons and Local Culture49:11 The Magic of Island LifeSupport the show