The Kayaker's Guide to Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is made for slow mornings and salt-air adventures. And when you explore by kayak, you’ll see the Lowcountry the way it’s meant to be seen. From Spartina grass glowing in the sun to birds skimming the waterline, our quiet creeks and waterways feel miles away from the everyday. If you’re making your way to America’s Favorite Island® for time on the water, let this guide help you plan your stay.
What you’ll learn in this guide
- The best kayaking spots on Hilton Head Island, from calm lagoons to marshy creeks
- Which routes fit your style, whether you’re a first-timer or chasing big-sky views
- Where to rent a kayak (and when a guided tour is worth it)
- How to plan around tides, plus what to pack for a smooth day on the water
Hilton Head Island’s bang for the buck golf itinerary
Tucked in the historic and picturesque South Carolina Lowcountry—30 miles north of Savannah and 90 miles south of Charleston—Hilton Head Island is an idyllic island paradise known for its world-class golf. Making this enchanting haven all the more appealing are unspoiled sea marshes, creeks and lagoons, and 12 miles of broad Atlantic beach.
The Mysterious Sea Pines Shell Ring
THE FIRST VISITORS arrived on Hilton Head Island 4,000 years ago. This is no typo: 40 centuries in the distant past, Archaic (means “early”) Indians migrated across North America and arrived on its coastal islands. Evidence—from fossils to tools and ceramics found here—shows that the Ancient Ones came to the coast to hunt small game and harvest seafood on barrier islands. Hilton Head Island is the largest island on the Southeast Coast, and it was a popular destination for yes, our first tourists. And like loyal visitors, they returned again and again. The evidence lies deep in the heart of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. See for yourself: all you have to do is find the ancient ring.
Spanish Moss: The True Story
Spanish moss hangs in silvery-gray strands from weathered live oaks. Newcomers are quick to ask: “Doesn’t that ‘fungus’ kill the tree? The short answer: no and no. Spanish moss is not a fungus (or a moss, for that matter!) and it doesn’t harm the tree. In fact, lacy plant just may be the key to the survival of coastal forests.
A well-traveled member of the pineapple family, Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) ranges from coastal Virginia to Argentina. It is an “epiphyte,” or air plant that only hangs from branches to take in sunlight, rainwater, and nutrients in dust.
The Birdwatcher’s Guide to Hilton Head Island
On Hilton Head Island, you’re never far from the sweet chirping sounds of our feathery neighbors. Between sandy shorelines, salt marshes, maritime forests, and protected wetlands, America’s Favorite Island® is a year-round haven for birdlife, whether you’re scanning for shorebirds at the tide line or catching an osprey flying over a quiet trail.
If you’ve been meaning to slow down and look a little closer, this is your sign. Grab your binoculars and bring some water. Here’s everything you need to know about birdwatching on Hilton Head Island.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
- What kinds of birds you can spot on Hilton Head Island (shorebirds, waders, raptors, and more)
- Where to go birding, including beaches, marsh trails, preserves, and refuge paths
- How to time your outing (especially if you want the best chance at shorebird sightings)
- What to pack for comfort and better viewing
- Simple birding etiquette to help protect local habitats and wildlife
Five Fun Facts about Hilton Head Island Wildlife
There’s the great outdoors. And then there’s the greatest outdoors, Hilton Head Island. A world of natural wonders awaits you in Lowcountry! Hilton Head Island’s devotion to environmental preservation has become a model for other developments around the country. Locals and visitors alike love the stunning scenery and wonderful wildlife of Hilton Head Island. Whether you’re out on the water, zip-lining over the marsh, or biking along the beach, you’re bound to spot some incredible local wildlife while here.
Check out these fun facts about Hilton Head Island wildlife, and use them to impress your friends and family with your knowledge during your next Lowcountry vacation.
