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When Nature Calls
Hilton Head and the surrounding low country abound with wildlife! As you explore the endless array of outdoor activities you are guaranteed to come across some of our natural inhabitants.
One of our most famous creatures is the alligator, seen sunbathing on the banks of the lagoon or just swimming along! Fall and spring are the best times to see these cold blooded reptiles as they leave the water to bath in the sun increasing their body temperatures. If you have ever golfed on Hilton Head then you will have definitely come across the 'gator'! It is illegal to feed the gators for a number of reasons, mainly because they can outrun humans and most other animals in short distances; and when provoked will become aggressive. It is safest to stay away from the banks of the lagoons. For guided kayak tours of our local lagoons and more information about the local alligator go to www.outsidehiltonhead.com.
 Bird watchers...you are in the right place! Other than the beach, the best places for bird watching on Hilton Head are the Sea Pines Forest Preserve and the Audubon Newhall preserve on Palmetto Bay road or off island is the Pinckney Preserve.
The most common bird to find on the beach is, of course, the Sea Gull. Other very common shore birds, known for their longer legs are...Brown Pelicans, Tern, Egret, Black Skimmer, and Osprey. Only 10 years ago osprey sighting were rare, today the numbers have bounced back and you will often see Osprey diving from great heights to catch his prey in the waters below. You will often see their nests in TV and electrical towers. Another bird that has made a comeback in the low country is the bald eagle. We have 3 known nesting families of bald eagles currently living on and around the island! If you ever look out your window and notice an island that was not there yesterday...it is not a mirage...it is thousands of birds floating together in the water! These are Scaup, a type of duck, and the 'island' is called a raft.
Another famous friend of the island is the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. This endangered species is protected by federal law. In the spring and early summer the loggerhead females come to the island to nest. They often arrive at night and will dig a hole by the soft sand near the dunes. She will lay approximately 100 eggs, bury them, and return to the sea. Approximately 2 months later the baby loggerheads will hatch, crawl out of the sandy nest, and make a run for the sea. Only 1 in 10,000 loggerhead eggs will become an adult. There are many enemies the baby loggerheads will have to deal with before they even reach the sea; raccoons, birds, crabs and humans just to name a few. Another problem they are faced with is the fact that they are guided from the nest to the sea only by the reflection of the moonlight on the sea. The problem is, if people occupy the homes on or by the beach and have their lights on at night during hatching season, the lights from the home confuse the hatchlings, leading them away from the sea and toward the houses and almost certain death. The laws that protect loggerheads are very strict for anyone that disturbs a nest or interferes with their survival in any way, including having their lights on at night. The penalties for disruption and endangerment of the turtle can be enforceable with a fine of $895.00, payable by the party currently staying in the home. These laws are enforced from May 1 - October 31. If you see a problem with Loggerhead nests or hatchlings, call the Coastal Discovery Museum at 843-689-6767 or the Sheriff at 843-785-3618. Do not try to help - fines go to six figures and jail time can be imposed.
 The dolphin...everyone's favorite animal! You will often see them off the shore in the ocean, playing in the waves or just out looking for a snack! Since dolphins are air breathing mammals they are easily spotted when they come up for air. One of the best ways to get a close encounter with this friendly local is an eco-tour. Helpful hint: ask to schedule for low tide time frame, you will be able to see more!
Island Explorer - 843-785-2100
Captain Jim, a USCG Master who specializes in small personalized tours, will take you to pristine areas where shorebirds, marsh life and dolphins are abundant.
Outside Hilton Head - 800-686-6996
Over 25 years of experience sharing the beauty and mysteries of the Lowcountry!
Explore the Island by bike!
Hilton Head is known for our wonderful bike paths! There are 12 miles of hard packed sandy beaches and 50 miles of bike paths, you could literally ride the entire island! In addition to the public paved pathways there are nature and bike trails within some of the gated communities, such as, Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Bike rental companies will deliver and pick up bikes from your rental unit for free! This is a definite must do activity!
The Bike Doctor - 843-681-7531
LowSea Bikes - 843-384-9322
Vacation Comfort Rentals - 843-342-6673
Peddling Pelican - 843-785-3546
Bike Path Map
Tips for safe biking - Please obey all traffic signals and pathway markings. Stop signs must be obeyed for safety. Bicycles are vehicles and must obey SC traffic laws.
- Travel the pathways at speeds that allow for the safety of pedestrians and other users.
- Never ride within the roadway against traffic. State law requires bicycles to drive like all other vehicles.
- For your own safety, please consider riding bicycles on a pathway instead of the roadway when one is available.
- Please ride single file and keep a safe distance from other bicyclists.
- Watch out for motorists! In South Carolina, motorists must yield to pedestrians and bicyclists within marked crossings, but they may not see you.
- Please yield to pedestrians. When resting or stopped, please move off the pathway.
- Most sections of the pathways are not illuminated. If you must bike at night, please wear light colored clothing or carry a flashlight. Bicycles must have a red rear reflector and a headlight when biking at night.
- When approaching slower pathway users from behind, please sound your warning device, or call out "Passing on your left." Always pass on the left.
- Bicyclists should always wear a helmet, especially children 12 and under.
- Make eye contact and use hand signals. Assume other bicyclists and motorists don't see you. Hand signals tell motorists and other path users what you intend to do and will ensure everyone's safe enjoyment of the pathways. An audible signal such as a bell or voice commands like "Passing on Left" are useful to let other pathway users know of your approach and/or intentions.
- Be courteous, alert, and predictable.
Check out the marinas and plazas!
 Shelter Cove Marina is the home of the giant bronze statue of Neptune, God of water! Not only is this Neptune statue the landmark of Shelter Cove but he is also one of the world's largest working sundials.
Centrally located, Shelter Cove is one of the most popular areas on the island. Featuring boutique style shops, local restaurants and events galore, this area is a definite family favorite. Every Tuesday in the summer you and your family are invited to Harbourfest, Shelter Cove's signature event! You will enjoy live entertainment and fireworks every Tuesday night from June 22 - August 10. The famous Shannon Tanner will also delight the kids, and the kids at heart, with is high energy performances. Families return year after year to see his shows! Shannon will kick off his shows this year on Thursday April 15th at 6:30pm. He will continue one show per night, Wednesday thru Saturday at 6:30, thru Memorial Day Weekend. From June 1 thru September 5, Shannon will offer two one-hour shows each night at 6:30 and 8:00pm, Monday thru Friday. Shannon Tanner Concert
Coligny Plaza is known as Hilton Head's 'downtown' area. Coligny is very easily accessible by foot, bike and car to find and is the location of the most popular public beach access on the island. Established in 1956 this is also the oldest shopping center on the island. With 80 spectacular locally owned shops restaurants and bars, this is a must do for your family!
South Beach Marina is a visitor favorite on the island. Located at the 'toe' of the island (Hilton Head is shaped like a shoe) this marina has everything you are looking for. This small marina is modeled after a New-England style fishing village. The village is filled with gift and souvenir shops, restaurants and tons of water activities from parasailing to jet skies to zodiac dolphin cruises! Night brings on a whole new kind of fun! Outdoor entertainment is a nightly event, the sound of Jimmy Buffet and the screaming laughs of kids fill the air. The outdoor bar at Salty Dog Cafe is the place to be on the hot summer nights and the face painting and ice cream bars will keep the kids happy! 
Harbour Town Marina is one of the most well known spots on the island; this is home to our landmark Hilton Head Island lighthouse! The marina is filled with relaxing rocking chairs under the shade of old oaks, local boutiques, and great restaurants. At night the party starts for the kids with nightly concerts by Gregg Russell under the famous Liberty Oak. Harbour Town is also home to the Harbour Town cruise boats, Vagabond, Spirit of Harbour Town, and Stars and Stripes.
Water Fun!
Kayaking is one of Hilton Head's favorite activities! Paddle through Hilton Head's tidal creeks and salt marshes with knoledgable guides. Kayaking is fun, safe, and easy...making it the perfect activity for the whole family!
Paddling Boarding is fun, easy to learn, and a great workout!
Parasailing is a great way to see Hilton Head from a 'bird's eye view'! FLy through the air on your own or with a friend, you'll be able to see the lighthouse and the bridges and probably dolphins below! See Hilton Head like you never have seen it before...
Jetski/waverunner is an exciting way to get around on the water! rent a waverunner for the day or just a couple of hours.
Kids! Activities
Rainy Days...
The Sandbox is an interactive children's museum and hand’s on activity center for kids! This is the perfect activity for those rainy afternoons! There is something for children of any age, from magical sand boxes, to artist's wall, make believe café, and they even have a real cockpit for those kids that love planes!
The Art Cafe in Coligny Plaza is the perfect place for the art lovers and creative kids. This is a great activity for a rainy day or just to take a break from the sun! Select and paint your own pottery and it will be ready for you before you go home...the perfect souvenir! (843) 785-5525
Coastal Discovery Museum offers educational and interactive learning to children in the area. The museum plans special events throughout the year, perfect for visitors and locals to learn about the lowcountry.
Island Playground is Hilton Head's new indoor playground featuring giant inflatables including slides, winding obstacle courses, and brightly-colored jumpers. They have something for every age and a separate area for toddlers.
Hilton Head Bowling alley is located on the North end of the island and is a great option for a rainy day! Fun for all ages!
Movies are always a fun outing in the rain. With 2 local theatres we are sure to have something for everyone. One is located at the front of Sea Pines Plantation in Park Plaza and the larger theatre is in Northridge Plaza. Sea Turtle Cinemas is located in Bluffton, about 10 miles from Hilton Head. This new theatre features 10 screens and state of the art equipment.
Fun in the sun!
Lawton Stables offer one hour horseback riding excursions for adults and kids over the age of 8 years old. These guides will take you into the protected 606 acres of Sea Pines forest preserve, where you will see the Island's natural beauty and possibly some of its natural inhabitants! For the kids 7 and under there are pony rides available. Lawton Stables also has a lovely collection of small animals including pigs, rabbits, llama, sheep and goats for the kids to see and pet! The small animal farm is free to visitors.
The Island Recreation Center offers kids camps all summer! Learn to surf at their surf camps or learn to catch crabs and fish or just play on the beach with the adventure camp!
Coligny Plaza Beach Park has just gone under major renovation adding a brand new water feature! The kids can run and jump in the spray of the water fountain as it jets out at different times. You are also right by the Coligny Plaza so you can run over and get an ice cream or lunch! It's the perfect day!
Mini golf is one sport that can be enjoyed by the entire family, whether your 9 or 90! Hilton Head has several mini golf courses to choose from. Adventure Cove is the largest on the island, with two 18-hole courses designed with a Caribbean theme.
Pirates of Hilton Head...a fun filled cruise along the Calibogue Sound! Children love playing pirate aboard the Black Dagger Pirate Ship! Stinky Pete is the local pirate the children will fight for the loot!! They will learn to talk and fight like a REAL PIRATE! the whole ride is about 1.5 hours, kids will just love this ride!
Watch the fireworks at Shelter Cove Marina on Tuesday nights. Locals and tourists fill the marina every Tuesday in the summer to watch the weekly fireworks display and enjoy the festivities! The kids will love Shannon Tanner and the adults can sing along with the entertainers outside Scott's Fish Market and San Miguel's! Many of the sightseeing tours will offer firework trips so you can view the show from the water! The whole event is free to everyone!
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