In the list of America’s Favorite Islands I can happily say Hilton Head of South Carolina always could sit in the first place. As an enthusiastic backpacker you may wonder why we call one specific island the most favourite to many visitors, there are plenty of reasons behind that. Roughly, even today the island welcomes us through its epic 12 miles of pristine beaches and breathtaking sunset views to interesting oak trees.
To make it simple and help you to understand, we provide the most valuable insights about Hilton Head Island and what are the unusual things you can expect while visiting this island. Once you go through these valuable insights, I bet you there is no reason left to think for adding island in the first place of your upcoming travel list.
10 Unusual Things to Do in Hilton Head, SC
1. Start from Stoney Baynard Ruins
I know you’re looking to make your things to do in Hilton Head in a different style, for that reason I personally prefer to start your day on this island by exploring popular Stoney Baynard Ruins. It is a remnant of 1790’s plantation house located southwest of Charleston, South Carolina.
Once you start walking through entering Stoney Baynard Ruins slowly it will exhibit great place to see tabby ruins (once a grand estate). Tabby is simply a coastal concrete structure made from local sands, lime and crushed oyster shells. Even today visitors are very blessed to see most of the houses, chimneys and plantations once built by these materials.
Tabby ideals are more perfectly utilised when they construct Stone Baynard Mansion, thanks to Jack Stoney (mastermind behind the built Mansion). Foundations, walls, kitchen chimneys and cabins and other major parts where Tabby structures are introduced. Maybe around 1805 the whole process of Mansion construction was completed.
But the sad part of this Island story is the 18th century Civil War. It negatively affects island legacies and damages most of its constructions. Due to war effects its main house was completely burned out (taken over by the forces immediately after war). But today these ruins stand as a most rich and significant historic site in Hilton head, waiting for those who’re coming to see its ancient ruins and appreciate its legacies.
2. Visit Fish Haul Beach Park
Part of Mitchelville Beach, the most interesting manicured public beach once stood as the first freed community centre of the US. But later it underwent a lot of transformation and today stands as the most demanding place to see migrating and permanent shorebirds in a vast number. Primarily birds like Plovers, gulls, pelicans and Sandipipers are more common to watch here.
Located near the historic site of Mitchellville, if you want to spend your precious travel time at the island’s quiet and secluded beach rather than a traditional one, this one is perfectly suited for you. What I want to say positively about Fish Haul Beach Park is that you can expect colorful horseshoe crabs and birds and attractive lower tidal pools rather than activities like swimming or other water activities at the rest of Hilton Head beaches.
Parks’ wooden boardwalk helps to pass amidst natural settings. Yes, once you start your stroll its wooden boardwalks unlock to see massive trees, beautiful views of the oceanfront, which ultimately leads to the park’s picnic shelter.
Don’t expect swimming, boarding or surfing at Fish Haul Beach Park and it will not welcome you. Instead I recommend you to spot Fiddler crabs, mud/hermit crabs and enjoy the epic beauty of strips of sand or feel the beauty of tidal waves.
Until now you haven’t visited back which has more unique features than the actual beach vibe, then Fish Haul Beach Park is completely free to visit. However, along with quiet and reflective atmospheres don’t forget to understand local history, explore natural beauties and spot local flora and faunas, those are eagerly waiting for you to discover.
3. Walk at Gullah Heritage Trail
Walking at Gullah Heritage Trail is one of the perfect ways to understand the lifestyle of Gullah peoples and their past. When you simply walk its trail, understanding the purpose of this trail is very crucial. Trail primarily built to let every visitor know how much African tribes (Gullah) struggled during the period of slavery systems.
For deeper understanding I personally recommended everybody to take native Gullah family descendants guided tours. Probably they’re the right people who can explain everything from top to bottom including history, traditions, arts collections, calligraphies, lifestyles and bitter periods of slavery system during the Civil War.
Today Gullah Heritage Trail is just part of their Gullah Geechee Corridor. But beyond trails there are plenty of spaces like Gullah Museums and African community centres that clearly explain the life of Gullah peoples even before the bridge connection to the mainland.
For history buffers and curious backpackers, it is a good idea to visit their village areas and make some healthy conversation with them. Once you reach their things like family compounds, one room schoolhouses and debarkation points, things really makes you surprise. Lastly, don’t come back unless you eat local cuisines, see folk arts and listen storytellings and learn the process of local artifacts.
4. Explore Island Culture and Nature at Coastal Discovery Museum
There is no such place you may see that holds the history, culture and heritage of Hilton Head Island except the Coastal Discovery Museum. I personally love to recommend every curious backpacker (even family visitors) visit Honey Horn property to get a feel of all island heritage vibes.
Coastal Discovery Museum inside is full of Gullah art collections displays, local Hilton Head seashell collections and some animals like reptiles exhibitions. However, the museum (inside) some parts are exclusively dedicated to natural science and marine species. If you’re a big fan of aquarium species, local coastal wildlife skeletons, don’t miss to cover.
Once you step out from the museum you may think it is done, but it is not. Salt Marsh Broadwalks provides equal travel spirit and vibe of what you already enjoyed inside. This one is adhered to by the Lowcountry Trail to help you to see ancient live oaks and dragonfly ponds. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture more beautiful native butterfly enclosures.
Let’s see how exactly the museum is kids friendly. When you plan to take your kids to its family friendly park, your kids would like a pavilion, rotating art galleries, playgrounds and display of fishing birds at its “Kids Zone”. Additionally, museums even perfect places in the entire Hilton Head to show live animal presentations like live critters, Myrtle and butterflies and other island’s different ecological species to kids.
The Coastal Discovery Museum demands an entry fee from visitors. If you are willing to explore inside, pay $ 5 per person and start discovering. Start your visit as early as possible to avoid crowds, museums open 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM from Monday to Saturday. (On Sunday it opens at 11:00 AM).
5. Spend Some Time at Sea Pines Forest Reserves
For more leisure travel experience and naturalistic expeditions at Hilton Head, choose to stay more time at Sea Pines Forest Reserves. What I am trying to say here is that spending your time is the greatest way to diversify your travel experience from city to forest to see a variety of wildlife such as snakes, deer, alligators and 200 smaller birds. The forest is an ideal location for kids too.
Total 600 acres of land recognised as the most underdeveloped region in the entire Hilton Head Island. Regardless of developments, even today visitors like to point out its Shell Ring as a starting point of travel. It is a 4000 year old archeological site made by the Native Americans only through mussels, oyster shells and clams. But the interesting fact here is, this Shell Ring is primarily used as ceremonial activities, ritual and meeting spaces during ancient times.
For a deeper and more pleasant Pine forest experience, I insist you to extend your trip to walk its boardwalks over wetlands and lakes. Actually there are 2 different boardwalks you can see, one is Blue trail (which is 1 mile long) and another is Orange trail (2 mile long). Both trails would ultimately lead us to see wetland ecosystems like Lawton Rice Field and Swamp. Broadwalks are one of the easiest ways to spot and click photos of local birds, turtles and some old rice fields.
Besides its boardwalks and shell rings, spending your time has some more meaning. And it could help additionally take activities like fishing, picnicking, bird watching and simply feel its tranquil ambiances. I personally prefer every backpacker to take their Sea Pines Forest Reserves with family and it could be possible to feel worlds away from busy beaches to memorable trips.
6. Feel the Beauty of King Neptune Sundial
King Neptune Sundial is nothing but a 12 feet of Neptune Bronze Statue. You may wonder why it is more important to visit even though we have plenty of attractions exists in Island. Yes, this King Neptune Sundial is the perfect symbol of native Hilton art and science work stands as the one of the largest working sundials in the world (12 feet).
Before going to discuss its features, take a small glimpse of King Neptune’s background. Statue of the Roman Sea God and some people even believed he is also a god of golf, god of earthquakes and perfect hurricanes. To continue his legacy and memory to current generations, popular Sculptor Wayne Edwards built this 12 foot bronze figure.
When you start thinking about its features, Statue was installed in 1983. If you clearly look at this statue, its trident’s circular base is 26 feet to represent a specific time period. From its constructions to till today the statue of Neptune stands as a timekeeper based on his shadow. Don’t forget to click photos when the sun lights are crossing above statues which gives timely shadows.
Besides its history and features, King Neptune Sundial is one of the perfect places in Hilton Head to enjoy a boat ride. Moreover, this 3 tons weight statue is a perfect example of how rich the island’s history, strength and legacy of King Neptune Sundial.
7. Take a Ferry Ride to Daufuskie Island
You can enjoy a ferry at Daufuskie Island which has no such bridges, road accessibility and a limited number of paved road services. Traveling to Daufuskie Island is not just as a transportation service, moreover it is a perfect way to experience Hilton Head landscapes and spot many sea species.
From the start of Hilton Head to Daufuskie Island, your cruise allows you to see bottlenose dolphins. They’re most eyecatching to see and sometimes even local creeks will appear frequently along with dolphins. If you’re a big fan of photos, ride along with your camera to capture brilliant photos of herons, egrets, pelicans and ospreys birds. Don’t forget to turn your camera angle to capture photos of the island’s salt marshes and curious shorelines.
Ferry departure from 3 major points, both Broad Creek and Harbour Town Marina departure from Hilton Head. If you wish to start a ferry from Bluffton, choose Buckingham Landing departure. Don’t forget to check the price of the ferry (2 side) and whether the ferry allows family travelers or not before departure.
Book your ferry ride at “Island Head” and are often known for their popular 5 to 7 hours of Broad Creek Marina ferry service. For more beautiful and travel oriented, choose Vagabond Cruise (departure everyday from Harbour Town). Ferry rides help you to keep eyes more on marine species, birds and vast areas of water channels.
Once you enter Daufuskie Island historic Gullah homes, Haig Point lighthouse and isolated white sand beaches are eagerly waiting for you to welcome. For a different travel experience it is a good idea to walk the island’s dirt road which leads to Iron Fish Gallery and Studio, crafting beer shops and maritime forests.
8. Appreciate the Beauty of Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is a perfect place in the entire Hilton Head if you’re looking for more leisure travel experiences. From its scenic hiking trails to abundance of wildlife, every section of Pinckney Island unlocks the most tranquil experience for backpackers.
Since it is a Wildlife Refuge it is very important not to skip its number of wildlife, especially migratory birds. Out of its total 4,053 acres of land made every nomad lover to see bird species like shorebirds, wood storks, bald eagles, wading birds, raptors and even more than 250 species of birds. If you’re going with your camera, I recommend wait until you find a Rookery bird at Ibis Pond. Rarest bird species which you can only find on the island.
Your concern is just to see animals, Pinckney Island is limited to watch few animals. But while wandering, red foxes, white tailed deer, American alligators and bobcats appear frequently in front of you.
Don’t limit your appreciation of the beauty of Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge for watching birds/animals. The island is even a fantastic place to take some scenic hiking trips. Currently it holds around 14 miles of hiking and biking trails (take hiking during morning time and choose evening for biking).
Make sure that out of its 10 trails only one will pass through refuge and the rest of them pass via wide grass paths. If you’re a first timer to this island take guidance from trail guides for better experiences.
Besides Pinckney Island you have 5 more additional islands and hammocks located within its 4,053 acres of land. Visit any of these, Corn Island, Big Harry Island, Little Harry Island, Buzzard and Tidal Hammocks to see diverse ecosystems and trails.
9. Visit SandBox Children’s Museum with Your Family
Additionally looking to spend some time with kids this SandBox Children’s Museum is a really welcoming idea to you. Hilton Head has limited kids friendly spaces, out of that SandBox is a great way to escape from the beach environment and do imaginative plays and indoor activities.
Located close to Lowcountry Celebration Park, let your kids explore tactile kinetic sand tables, kid’s grocery, clinic, post office and airplane cockpit. All these are inside activities that help your kids (above age of 6) learn early Science, Technology, Engineering and Math skills and some creative ideas. Even museums have plenty of outdoor recreation activities, take a look at them.
Don’t forget to visit the Museum from Tuesday to Saturday with the timings of 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Sunday operates from 12:30 to 3:30 PM). Kids who’re age above 1 and adults upto 65 are eligible to pay an entry fee. Pay $15 for your children and you
10. Try Waterfront Dining Through Broad Creek View
In the list of our unusual things to do in Hilton Head, SC choosing to make your unique waterfront dining at Broad Creek is a curious one. I personally prefer everyone already headed to Hilton Head, choose to travel back side of the island along Broad Creek instead of normal oceanfront spots.
While you enter Broad Creek there are a number of restaurants lined up one by one to offer you fresh seafood, live music and outdoor activities. But the interesting point here is, all these things you fortunate to enjoy through perfect views of the salt marsh ecosystems and epic sunset views. Go with your family members and spend time with its family friendly open bars, fire pits and different sunset views on the Atlantic side.
Read More About USA Articles:
1. Best Epic Road Trips in USA.
2. Best National Parks in USA.
3. Unique Things to Do in Nashiville, TN.
