Trip ideas while visiting Hilton Head in South Carolina
Don’t miss out on visiting Sea Pines Forest Preserve during your Hilton Head trip if you love nature. It’s the largest area of undeveloped land on the island, spanning over 600 acres. This preserve is home to a wide range of wildlife, such as alligators, snakes, deer, and over 200 bird species. You have various options for exploring the preserve, including guided boat or wagon tours, fishing expeditions, and even horseback rides. Enjoy the preserve’s natural beauty by taking a leisurely walk past the enchanting Warner W. Plahs Wildflower Field, having a lovely picnic on Fish Island, or experiencing the unique Vanishing Swamp on an elevated boardwalk. Keep in mind that the water level in the swamp changes with the seasons.
The Sea Pines Forest Preserve has another interesting highlight – the Sea Pines Shell Ring. This archaeological site is quite famous and has a history dating back almost 4,000 years. It consists of numerous clams, mussels, and oysters, forming a well-preserved site that is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Archaeologists believe that this shell ring served as an important gathering space for early Native Americans, where they held meetings, performed rituals, or established villages. You can explore the shell ring by following the Shell Ring Trail, starting from the Lawton entrance to the preserve.