Ecotourism on Hilton Head Island

One of the easiest ways to explore Hilton Head Island is by bike. America’s Favorite Island® is recognized as a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the American League of Bicyclists. Our Island is renowned for its bikeability, with leisure pathways that connect beaches, neighborhoods, shops, and scenic viewpoints. 

Tips for a Greener Ride: 

• Rent a bike if you didn’t bring one
• Stick to marked pathways and respect crossings
• Pack a reusable water bottle and a small bag for any litter 

After a day of cruising, you’ll have options for refuelling — Hilton Head Island has a thriving dining scene, many of which serve locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. 

Insider Tip: We always recommend wearing a helmet when biking on Hilton Head Island. You can usually find them wherever you rent your bike.

For a closer look at Hilton Head Island’s wild side, spend time birding and exploring protected habitats.

Ideas for Your Day: 

• Join a bird-watching tour at Audubon Newhall Preserve
• Book a Dolphin and Nature Cruise for a chance to spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and shorebirds
• Choose a guided eco-tour with local experts for a deeper, respectful look at the marsh ecosystem 

Wildlife-Friendly Reminders: 

• Keep a respectful distance from animals (binoculars help)
• Never feed wildlife
• Follow your guide’s instructions, especially around nesting areas

For passionate golfers, there’s no better way to get out and enjoy the green space than by enjoying a round on a gorgeous golf course. Hilton Head Island is famous for its 23 spectacular courses, including several Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary courses, such as:

• Each golf course at The Sea Pines Resort
• Arthur Hills course at Palmetto Dunes
• Bear Creek Golf Club at Hilton Head Plantation 

After Your Round: Keep the theme going with locally inspired dining and seafood from the Lowcountry at Coast Oceanfront Dining at The Sea Pines Resort or Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar.

America’s Favorite Island® is home to some of South Carolina’s most scenic trails, which wind through maritime forest shade and open marsh views. If you love to slow down and notice details, lace up your walking shoes. 

Walks to consider: 

• Cross the J. Wilton Graves Bridge to Pinckney Island and enjoy a scenic trail bordered by water
• Wander the Sea Pines Forest Preserve to experience one of the Island’s most natural landscapes 

Insider Tip: Prefer a faster pace? Many visitors love jogging along our 12 miles of pristine beaches in the cooler hours of the day.

The salt marsh is the heart of the Lowcountry. It’s a living landscape of winding creeks, tall grasses, and quiet shoreline views. Exploring it by water with an education-first tour is one of the best ways to understand why this ecosystem matters. 

Ways to experience the marsh: 

• Join a Salt Marsh Discovery tour
• Take a Dolphin and Nature Cruise
• Look for tour operators that emphasize education and wildlife-safe practices

After a day on the water, choose restaurants that highlight locally sourced seafood when possible, such as Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks.

Hilton Head Island’s sustainability story runs deep, shaped by decades of planning choices and a community commitment to protecting the landscape. You can learn more about that history and the habitats that make the Island special at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn (a Smithsonian affiliate). 

Don’t Miss: 

• Nature trails under ancient oaks
• Marsh-front boardwalks along tidal creeks
• The Carnivorous Plants Bog Garden
• The Tom Peeples Discovery Lab

Now that you know a bit more about sustainability on America’s Favorite Island®, start planning your eco-friendly trip. With the Hilton Head Vacation Planner, you can read more about green initiatives and map out every detail. We look forward to welcoming you here!