If you’re looking for an amazing getaway, look no further than Hilton Head Island.
This beautiful Island is teeming with activities and attractions that will keep you busy from sun up to sun down. But if you’re looking to do something a little different, we’ve got you covered. Here are some little-known things to do on Hilton Head that will leave you with unforgettable memories!
Art Galleries:
1. Nash Gallery
- 13 Harbourside Ln., #2H in Shelter Cove Harbour
- www.nashgallery.com/
2. Art League of Hilton Head
- 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Located inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
- www.artleaguehhi.org/
3. Endangered Arts
- 841 William Hilton Parkway, Unit B., Located in South Island Square Shopping Center
- www.endangeredarts.com/
4. Picture This Gallery
- 26 Palmetto Bay Rd.
Nature Preserves:
The preserve
- Whooping Crane Way inside Hilton Head Plantation
- Monitored and protected by the Land Trust, Whooping Crane Pond Conservancy is a 137 acre wetlands conservancy located within the gates of Hilton Head Plantation. Formed as a shallow valley between ancient shoreline dunes, the wetlands swamp transitions into thick, head-high bushes that separates the swamp from the pine dominated uplands. This breadth of habitats supports approximately 75 plant species and 100 wildlife species, identified by various interpretive signs throughout the Conservancy.
- www.hhilandtrust.org/whooping-crane-pond-conservancy
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Between the bridges to Hilton Head
- Situated between Hilton Head Island and the mainland town of Bluffton, SC, Pinckney Island is easily accessible and receives nearly a quarter of a million visitors a year. Visitors can enjoy wildlife-dependent activities such as hiking, bicycling, and wildlife watching. Saltwater fishing is allowed in the waters surrounding the refuge, and a one-day hunt for deer is held annually in the fall.
- www.fws.gov/refuge/pinckney-island
Sea Pines Forest Preserve
- Inside Sea Pines Resort
- Discover the 4,000-year-old Sea Pines Shell Ring, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- See acres of native flora blooming in Warner W. Plahs Wildflower Field, which is located near one of the preserve’s beautiful lakes and is a must-see in the spring.
- View marshes and wildlife from a boardwalk at Old Lawton Rice Field.
- Explore a secluded forest on the boardwalk through the Vanishing Swamp.
- Enjoy a picnic along the banks of Fish Island.
- www.seapines.com/recreation/activities-tours/forest-preserve.aspx
Cypress Conservancy
- 21 Birdsong Way
- Cypress Conservancy is a 51 acre wetlands conservancy located within the gates of Hilton Head Plantation. This conservancy is a forested freshwater wetland complex containing the only remaining, naturally-occurring stand of Bald Cypress tress on Hilton Head. These noble trees are southern relatives to redwood and giant sequoia trees.
- www.hhilandtrust.org/cypress-conservancy
Audubon Newhall Preserve
- 55 Palmetto Bay Rd.
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Plants: A diverse variety of trees, plants and animals
- Water: A rare pocosin (the Indian word for bog) and a scenic pond encircled by a path
- Dogs: Allowed
- Length: 2 miles
- Fees: Free (but feel free to add to the donation box)
- Facebook Page
Try These!
See a Play:
- 14 Shelter Cove Lane
- The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina is an independent, non-profit theater, bringing all that’s inspiring and wonderful in the arts to the Lowcountry.
- www.artshhi.com/.
Cultural History:
Gullah Heritage Tours:
- Pick Up Location at the Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Dr.
- Gullah is the West African based system of traditions, customs, beliefs, art forms and family life that have survived centuries of slavery and more than a century of free lifestyle. Gullah Heritage works to share the values of the culture with the world through Hilton head activities. Tour Guides all of Gullah Heritage, who were born and raised on Hilton Head Island before the bridge connection to the mainland, share their expertise with tour participants to provide the most accurate and engaging cultural experience.
- www.gullaheritage.com/
The Heritage Library
- 2 Corpus Christi, Suite 100
- The Heritage Library is a non-profit library offering research assistance on ancestry in addition to classes and tours focused on Hilton Head Island’s history from prehistory to the modern era. The Library owns two historic sites, Ft. Mitchel in Hilton Head Plantation and the Historic Zion Cemetery & Baynard Mausoleum. The Library houses a wealth of historical information, old photographs, and maps of the Island.
- www.heritagelib.org/
Mitchelville Freedom Park
- 229 Beach City Rd.
- As the location of the first freedmen community established during the Civil War, Mitchelville has local, regional and national historic significance that can be celebrated. This park features historic exhibits, interpretive signage, trails, beach access, a picnic pavilion, an observation gazebo and restroom facilities. It is also home to a Toni Morrison bench, placed there by the Toni Morrison Society in 2013.
- www.exploremitchelville.org/
4. Wine/Spirit Tastings
Hilton Head Distillery
- 14 Cardinal Rd.
- Learn about the amazing world of hand-crafted spirits and see it in action with our fun and informative guided tours, followed by a delicious tasting experience.
- https://hiltonheaddistillery.com/
Rollers Wine and Spirits
- 9 Palmetto Bay Rd.
- With weekly wine tastings, wine dinners, cooking classes, and more, there’s always something fun happening at Rollers! Explore your passion for food and drink, or just share a great experience with friends. Our experienced staff and experts, plus our amazing selection of wine, spirits, beers and more mean you’re always in for a great time.
- www.rollerswineandspirits.com
Island Winery
- 15 Cardinal Rd.
- Taste their barrel aged red wines, crisp white wines and unique Lowcountry Specialty wines. Taste up to 6 of wines for $10. Relax and Enjoy wine by the glass or bottle in our tasting room, scenic patio, or in our large family and pet friendly picnic area
- www.islandwinery.com
