Daufuskie Island: Cash In

Worried about the value of your dollars? Start collecting sand dollars instead. Hop a ferry or take a boat tour from Hilton Head Island to Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, and in 45 minutes you'll be beachcombing along undeveloped shorelines. Because of Daufuskie's shallow coastal waters and gentle waves, the sea island's beaches collect an abundance of unblemished, bleached-white sand dollars. To help preserve the living population, take only the hard, white skeletons left behind by dead sand dollars, called "tests." Bring some tissue and wrap your sand dollars individually to keep them from chipping. After beachcombing, celebrate your collection with Low Country-style seafood gumbo, ice-cold beer and steaming blues, courtesy of the band Southwind at local hangout Marshside Mama's Café. Mama won't mind if you're sandy, sweaty and toting sand dollars. discoversouthcarolina.com

Rate Information

• Marshside Mama's Café: 843-785-4755
• Calibogue Cruise's Ferry: 843-342-8687