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While many South Carolina locals are familiar with Hilton Head Island, it often flies under the radar for out-of-state visitors who head to destinations in Florida or California instead. This coastal town, however, home to just 38,000 residents, consistently ranks among the country鈥檚 top beach destinations. Beyond its sandy shores, the island鈥檚 wetlands, maritime forests, and estuaries support an incredible array of wildlife, perfect for hiking and kayaking. On top of its natural beauty, many of its beaches feature wheelchair-accessible pathways, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the coast. If you think you have seen the best of the country鈥檚 shoreline, Hilton Head Island might just surprise you.

Coastal Escapes & Natural Wonders

All of the beaches that surround Hilton Head are public, meaning that there is an abundance of places to spend the day sunbathing or swimming. Coligny Beach Park is one of the most popular and frequently rated as one of the top beaches in the United States. At this beach, visitors can swim, rent Hobie Cats or bikes, play volleyball, or grab a drink at the Tiki Hut beach bar. There is also a food and souvenir plaza right across the street. Driessen Beach Park is another one of Hilton Head鈥檚 larger beaches and offers amenities like boardwalk access to the beach, a grill and picnic table pavilion, seasonal beach rentals, and a playground. It is also wheelchair accessible.

For a quieter beach experience, Mitchelville Beach is a great option. As one of the island鈥檚 lesser-known spots, it remains relatively uncrowded. Visitors might find more seashells here or spot animal tracks along the sand. The beach also offers excellent opportunities for kayaking and hiking, abundant in natural elements like tidal pools, inlets, and fallen tree limbs. Alder Lane Beach is a another quieter alternative with wide, sandy shores and has many of the same amenities as Coligny Beach without the crowds. Visitors can enjoy outdoor showers, restrooms, and wheelchair-accessible beach matting for added convenience.

Scenic Trails for Hiking and Exploration

Maritime forests, wetlands, and freshwater lakes are a few of the natural gems near Hilton Head that make this island such a treasure. The Sea Pines Forest Preserve, spanning 605 acres, offers marshlands, wildflower meadows, forests, lakes, and a 4,000-year-old Indian shell ring to explore. This trail is an excellent option in the summer months, as there is lots of shade along the trails. In addition to the 8 miles of trails, the freshwater lakes in the preserve are popular for fishing. Abundant in bird species, birders will enjoy spending a day at this preserve as well.

For a centrally located, yet scenic trail, Jarvis Creek Park is a great choice. Spanning 53 acres, it features interconnected pathways forming a 1-mile loop around a small lake and fishing dock. The trail winds through forested areas and includes bridges over marshy spots, making it perfect for a leisurely walk or run without worrying about muddy feet. Other amenities around this park include workout stations, a playground, picnic shelters, open fields, and restrooms.

If you find Civil War history fascinating, make sure to take a short hike around Fort Howell. Union troops seized this area from Confederate forces in 1861 and soon after freed all enslaved people in the region. These newly freed residents established their own village on Hilton Head. Many in the South viewed this community of freedmen as controversial, however, resulting in the Union constructing the fort for protection. While erosion and plant growth have worn away much of the historic structure, visitors can still walk the gravel path encircling Fort Howell and see the earthen mounds that remain intact today. Cypresses, pines, and oaks draped in Spanish Moss make the trail a beautiful nature walk as well.

Thrilling Water Adventures Await

You鈥檝e sunbathed by the waves and hiked around the island鈥檚 lakes, so now it鈥檚 time to dive into the water and explore firsthand. Luckily, there are plenty of rental and tour companies that make it easy to do so. With Kayak Hilton Head, travelers can paddle alongside bottlenose dolphins on a guided kayaking tour. Friendly for both experienced kayakers and beginners, this excursion explores the waters of the Broad Creek Estuary, where the dolphins frequently feed and play.

If you prefer a sailing experience, consider booking a sailing charter with one of Hilton Head鈥檚 sailing companies. Anchors Away Sailing Charters is one of the most popular and highly rated services on the island, offering daytime and sunset cruises and the opportunity to spot dolphins during the journey. Those interested in assisting with the sailing can help with steering the boat, hoisting sails, and handling lines. Those who want something a little more adrenaline-pumping may enjoy parasailing or jet skiing with H2O Sports, a watersports provider.

Wildlife Encounters and Birdwatching Adventures

The lush wetlands, forests, and sandy coastlines of Hilton Head make it the perfect habitat for a variety of wildlife species, particularly birds. The Audubon Newhall Preserve should be on every bird watcher鈥檚 itinerary, spanning 50 acres and home to more than 140 species of birds. Some of the species that visitors may spot in this reserve include red-shouldered hawks, brown-headed nuthatches, red-bellied woodpeckers, and warblers. Honey Horn and the Coastal Discovery Museum is another hotspot for birding. With 68 acres of forests, marshes, grassy areas, and mossy oaks, this area is a popular spot for nesting. Some of the birds you may see here include storks, ibis, osprey, hawks, kingfishers, and bluebirds.

A fishing charter is a great way to experience the island鈥檚 diverse marine life. With Off the Hook Fishing Charters, an experienced captain will take passengers out through estuaries and flats to fish for redfish, cobia, tarpon, jack crevalle, mackerel, and trout. There are numerous opportunities to see dolphins and seabirds during the charter as well.

Hilton Head Island Nature at Its Best

There is no shortage of coastal towns to visit in the United States. However, Hilton Head remains one of those beautifully preserved and underrated destinations for beach lovers. With a small population and less notoriety, it is often less crowded than other popular US coastal spots, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of its sandy shores, wetlands, and wildlife-filled estuaries. If you are looking for a place to connect with nature, Hilton Head is the perfect choice.