Hilton Head and the Low Country
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Hilton Head and the Low Country - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Coastal Discovery Museum
North EndLocated on the grounds of the former Honey Horn Plantation, this interactive museum features a butterfly enclosure, programs for children, and guided walks of the 68-acre property that includes historic buildings and barns, marsh front boardwalks, and a wide variety of magnificent trees, such as live oaks, magnolias, and one of the state's largest Southern red cedars. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibits that focus on a range of interesting historic topics and artistic mediums. Animal tours, history tours, and kayak tours are also available and should be booked in advance. Informative and inspiring, the Coastal Discovery Museum lets visitors experience the Lowcountry up close.
70 Honey Horn Dr., Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29926, USA843-689–6767Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free; donation suggested; most tours and programs are individually priced, Mon.-Sat. 9–4:30 -
2. Coligny Beach Park
South EndThe island's most popular public beach is a lot of fun, but during high season it can get very crowded. It has choreographed fountains that delight little children, bench swings, and beach umbrellas and chaise lounges for rent. If you have to go online, there's also Wi-Fi access. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: partiers; swimming; windsurfing.
1 Coligny Circle, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928, USA -
3. Harbour Town
South EndLocated within the Sea Pines Resort, Harbour Town is a charming area centered on a circular marina that's filled with interesting shops and restaurants. Distinctive paths covered with white gravel and rows of red rocking chairs add to the small-town feel, while families are attracted to the large playground and live entertainment underneath the Liberty Oak during the summer. Stroll down the pier for excellent views of Daufuskie Island or catch one of the many vessels docked there and ready to set sail for adventure. Rising above it all is the landmark candy-cane-stripe Harbour Town Lighthouse, which visitors can climb to enjoy a view of Calibogue Sound. Summer nights are particularly lovely here, with a breeze coming off the water and music in the air; soak in the atmosphere with a drink at one of the welcoming outdoor bars and seating areas.
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4. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
Located off Bay Street in downtown Beaufort, Waterfront Park represents the heart of this charming coastal town. It's a great place to stroll along the river walk and enjoy the hanging bench swings. Parents enjoy the spacious park where kids can run in the grass or play on the enclosed playground with views of the Richard V. Woods swing bridge that crosses the Beaufort River. Trendy restaurants and bars overlook these seven beautifully landscaped acres that also feature a pavilion, stage, and historical markers and lead into the marina.
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5. Hunting Island State Park
This state park located on a barrier island 18 miles southeast of Beaufort has 5,000 acres of rare maritime forest and 5 miles of public beaches—some which are dramatically eroding. The light sand beach decorated with driftwood and the subtropical vegetation is breathtaking; it almost feels like you're in Jurassic Park. You can kayak in the tranquil saltwater lagoon, stroll the 1,120-foot-long fishing pier, and go fishing or crabbing. For sweeping views, climb the 167 steps of the historic 1859 Hunting Island Lighthouse. Bikers and hikers can enjoy eight miles of trails. The nature center has exhibits, an aquarium, and tourist information. There is also a campground on the northern end that has 100 sites, but be sure to book in advance as these nearly oceanfront campsites fill up fast. Amenities: parking; toilets; grills. Best for: sunrise; swimming; walking.
2555 Sea Island Pkwy., St. Helena Island, South Carolina, 29920, USA843-838–2011Sight Details
Rate Includes: $8 -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Old Town Bluffton
Charming Old Town Bluffton has historic homes and churches on oak-lined streets dripping with Spanish moss, intermingled with newer businesses like the Salt Marsh Brewing Company. The Promenade Street area is newer and features trendy bars and restaurants. At the end of Wharf Street is the Bluffton Oyster Company (63 Wharf St.), a place to buy fresh local seafood. Grab a sandwich from the Downtown Deli (1223 May River Rd.) and head to the Calhoun Street Public Dock for a picnic with a view of the May River. Another incredibly beautiful spot to visit is the grounds of the historic Church of the Cross (110 Calhoun St.). Originally inhabited by Yemassee people who were driven out by the first English settlers, the town's later population of slaveholders played a key role in South Carolina's secession.
May River Rd. and Calhoun St., Bluffton, South Carolina, 29910, USA -
7. Reconstruction Era National Monument
Educational InstitutionEstablished in 1862, the Penn Center was the first school for African Americans in the American South. It's now the centerpiece of the Reconstruction Era National Monument, which demonstrates the life and struggles of African Americans in the decades after the Civil War. The York W. Bailey Museum here has displays on the Gullah culture and heritage on the Sea Islands, and the beautiful, live oak-shaded grounds host seasonal events, including a bi-weekly Saturday farmer's market, and the Center remains an active advocate for human rights through its programs and exhibits.
16 Penn Center Circle West, St. Helena Island, South Carolina, 29920, USA843-838–2432Sight Details
Rate Includes: Museum $7, Museum closed Sun. and Mon. -
8. Red Piano Gallery
Sculptures, Lowcountry landscapes, and eccentric works by contemporary artists can be found at this upscale gallery in Bluffton.
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9. Sea Pines Forest Preserve
South EndLocated within the gates of the Sea Pines Resort, the Sea Pines Forest Preserve is made up of 605 acres of protected wilderness. There are two entrances: one off Greenwood Drive, about a mile past the main gate, has a parking area; the other is located off Lawton Drive. Walking and biking trails take you past a stocked fishing pond, a waterfowl pond, a 3,400-year-old Native American shell ring, a wildflower field, wetland boardwalks, picnic areas, boat docks, and an outdoor chapel with five wooden pews and a wooden lectern engraved with the Prayer of St. Francis. Nature tours, boat tours, fishing expeditions, and wagon tours are available through Sea Pines and can be booked in advance. Nearby Lawton Stables offers a unique experience to explore the forest on a guided horseback tour.
Greenwood Dr., Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928, USA843-671–1343-CSA office to call for permits for fishing or group outingsSight Details
Rate Includes: $9 per car; free for those staying at Sea Pines, Daily dawn–dusk -
10. St. Helena Island
Between Beaufort and Fripp Island lies St. Helena Island, a sizeable sea island that is less commercial than the other islands in the area and home to a tight-knit Gullah community. The highlight here is Penn Center, a historic school and museum that was the first school for formerly enslaved people in 1862. Visitors can also see the Chapel of Ease ruins, go to Lands End and discover Fort Fremont Historical Park, or stop by roadside farms and local restaurants.
Rte. 21, St. Helena Island, South Carolina, 29920, USA -
11. Alder Lane Beach
South EndA great place for solitude during the winter—and popular with families during the summer season—this beach has hard-packed sand at low tide, making it ideal for walking. It's accessible from the Marriott Grande Ocean Resort. Amenities: lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.
2 Woodward Ave., Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928, USA -
12. Audubon Newhall Preserve
South EndThere are walking trails, a self-guided tour, a pond, and eight distinct areas to explore on this 50-acre preserve located off Palmetto Bay Road. Native plant life is tagged and identified in the pristine forest, and many species of birds can also be found here.
Palmetto Bay Rd., Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Dawn to dusk daily and weekends -
13. Barefoot Farms
Pull over for boiled peanuts, a jar of gumbo or strawberry jam, or perfect watermelons at this roadside stand and working farm on St. Helena Island.
939 Sea Island Pkwy., St. Helena Island, South Carolina, 29920, USA843-838–7421 -
14. Beaufort National Cemetery
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, Beaufort National Cemetery is the final resting spot of both Union and Confederate soldiers from the Civil War. The peaceful, well-maintained grounds make this a nice spot to commemorate the dead.
1601 Boundary St., Beaufort, South Carolina, 29902, USA843-524–3925 -
15. Ben Ham Images
The extraordinary black-and-white large format photography of Ben Ham includes many stirring Lowcountry landscapes.
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16. Burkes Beach
Mid-IslandThis beach is usually not crowded, mostly because it is a bit hard to find and there are no lifeguards on duty. At sunrise, birds and deer bring the adjacent marsh to life. Visitors must park at the Chaplin Community Park at 11 Cast Net Drive, since there is no longer parking on Burkes Beach Road. Time a visit around low tide—the marsh flooding during high tide can cut off access. Amenities: parking; showers. Best for: solitude; sunrise; swimming; windsurfing.
60 Burkes Beach Rd., Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928, USA -
17. Driessen Beach
Mid-IslandA good destination for families, Driessen Beach Park has a playground and an attractive boardwalk and sandy path through the dunes. It's often peppered with people flying kites, making it colorful and fun. Amenities: lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: sunrise; surfing; swimming; walking.
64 Bradley Beach Rd., Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928, USA -
18. Fish Haul Beach Park
North EndNot ideal for swimming because of the many sharp shells on the sand and in the water, this public beach is a terrific spot for a walk or shell and shark tooth hunting. It is not on the Atlantic Ocean, but rather on Port Royal Sound. Amenities: parking; showers; toilets. Best for: sunrise; solitude; walking.
124 Mitchelville Rd., Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29926, USA -
19. Folly Field Beach Park
Mid-IslandNext to Driessen Beach, Folly Field is a treat for families. It can get crowded in high season, but even so it's a wonderful spot for a day of sunbathing and swimming. The best waves for surfing break here. Amenities: lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: sunrise; surfing; swimming; walking.
55 Starfish Dr., Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928, USA -
20. Highway 21 Drive In
An authentic drive-in experience, Highway 21 Drive In is a charming throwback that's fun for the whole family. Showing a variety of classic movies and recent hits, the family-owned facility has been attracting crowds for nearly 25 years. The old-school concessions stand has everything from popcorn and candy to burgers and corn dogs as well as funnel cakes and root beer floats. Even the ticket prices are a nod to another time, and include double features on two screens. It’s totally worth the trip for this slice of nostalgia to see "where the stars come out at night."
55 Parker Rd., Beaufort, South Carolina, 29906, USA843-846–4500Sight Details
Rate Includes: $7
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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