See & Do

Aug 24th 2012
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more than beach

So much is available to see and do in addition to the traditional vacation activities of beach, golf, tennis, shopping, fishing and outdoor activities.

Recommendations include tours by land or water especially for the history buff or nature lover. Many of the individual sites suggested here can be enjoyed without a guide, although the full story of the Beaufort County history, arts and culture is best learned with a professionally-guided tour.

Festivals and events plus kids' activities, nightlife and entertainment vary with the seasons and usually can be found at the individual resorts.


Tagged for See & Do...

beaufort Beaufort
Historic downtown

It’s a quaint town on the Intracoastal Waterway sharing Port Royal Island with the smaller town of Port Royal. Boutique shopping, more than a dozen art galleries and unparalleled lowcountry dining are worth a visit, especially during one of the frequent festivals in its Waterfront Park. (see more)

bluffton Bluffton
Historic downtown

Bluffton is much older than Hilton Head. American Yemassee Indians first settled here. It’s on the mainland in the southern portion of Beaufort County, perched on the high bluff overlooking the May River. It was incorporated as a town in 1852. Then during the Civil War it was shelled and burned. The remaining structures which are preserved today include seven private homes in the town’s historic district. Also, the Church of the Cross was left standing, albeit with the image of burned wood still marring the structure. The Heyward House which survived the war is preserved as an example of an 1840s farmhouse. (see more)

ace-basinACE Basin
unique estuarine system

The ACE Basin is created by the confluence of the Ashepoo, the Combahee and the Edisto Rivers. It encompasses some 350,000 acres of diverse habitats and is one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the east coast of the United States with fin fish and shell fish found in fresh, brackish and salt water marshes. (see more)

arts-centerArts Center
of Coastal Carolina

Visiting musical and dramatic shows are hosted here as well as special community events and art exhibits in the gallery. Something is always going on, with varying themes and ticket prices. It’s professional and popular, with tickets which should be reserved early for the big shows. (see more)

audubon-newhall-preserveAudubon-Newhall Preserve
free

A 50-acre sanctuary for preserving the natural environment and protecting the habitat of indigenous plants and animals. Trail guides with plant and tree labels help the visitor navigate. Guided walks can be arranged for groups. (see more)

bikingBiking
everywhere

The town maintains some 50 miles of public bike trails, and another 50 miles of bike paths are within the private developments for their residents and guests. It's the most popular exercise of many who live or visit the island, whether biking on the hard-packed beach sand or along the pathways. It delivers the most scenic view of the natural beauty, especially away from traffic which is sometimes congested. (see more)

bluffton-artsBluffton Arts
eclectic historic downtown

A dozen or so galleries showcase the work of several dozen artists including the noted Jacob Preston's working pottery studio and the Pluff Mudd Art Studio which features painting, photography, pottery, glass, jewelry, wood carving and turning, fiber and metal art by a growing group of talented artists. (see more)

bluffton-farmers-marketBluffton Farmers' Market
entertainment and local products

A place to have fun meeting and greeting visitors and friends while browsing and enjoying live local entertainment. Great shops and eateries, plus famous art galleries, are nearby to enhance an afternoon stroll through the streets of historic downtown Bluffton. (see more)

bluffton-oyster-companyBluffton Oyster Company
last remaining oyster factory in SC

One of the few places it’s possible for a visitor to see where the world-famous oysters actually arrive and the best place to purchase the Bluffton oysters. It’s a seafood market with no actual viewing of the work underway unless a boat happens to be coming in to unload. Also, it is situated on the May River with a view on a sunny day being incomparable. (see more)

campbell-chapel-ameCampbell Chapel AME
built in 1853

Purchased in 1874 from Bluffton Methodist Church by nine slaves who wanted to establish the black denomination African Methodist Episcopal Church. (see more)

church-of-the-crossChurch of the Cross
National Register of Historic Places

The Gothic design by architect E. B. White was built in 1857. The town of Bluffton was heavily burned when federal troops arrived in 1863, but this church was spared. The Episcopals fled, along with most of the county’s wealthy planters. The church was severely damaged in a hurricane of 1898, but was repaired and has continued to expand with additions and modern amenities. (see more)

coastal-discovery-museumCoastal Discovery Museum
exhibits, tours and educational programs

Coastal Discovery Museum currently is partially located in the first building across the bridge onto the island. Additional exhibits and programs are located at historic Honey Horn where the museum plans to be headquartered. (see more)

daufuskieDaufuskie
boat tour from Hilton Head

Daufuskie Island is accessible only by boat, although actually only a few miles from Hilton Head. The name is believed to come from Indian words for pointed feather which defines the shape of the island. (see more)

dolphinDolphin
bottlenose

The bottlenosed dolphin really does have a nose the shape of a bottle and a wide mouth which appears to be smiling. Hundreds of them live in our sub-tropical waters and thus a few can frequently be seen frolicking behind a tour boat or swimming near the coastline. (see more)

dolphin-and-nature-toursDolphin & Nature Tours
SS Pelican or Island Queen

Island Queen is a 45-foot covered boat that is used for the dolphin watch cruises and can carry up to 40 passengers as approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. These tours last about 90 minutes. (see more)

first-african-baptist-churchFirst African Baptist Church
established in 1862

This is the oldest church on Hilton Head. When slaves were freed, Blacks were allowed to build their own churches in Mitchelville. A minister was selected from the community, and he began this church with 25 members. It is now a large active church welcoming to visitors. (see more)

fishing-and-nature-toursFishing & Nature Tours
by Drifter Excursions

Drifter Excursions offers deep sea fishing and nature tours. (see more)

gullah-toursGullah tours
Black Chamber of Commerce for guide info

Gullah is pronounced gull’ uh. The word is believed to be a pronunciation derived from Angola where many of the South Carolina slaves originated. It is a culture incorporating the language, customs, music, art, crafts and foodways of African Americans. (see more)

harbour-townHarbour Town
shopping, dining, entertainment

Shopping, dining, yacht basin and Harbour Town Golf views plus the Harbourtown Lighthouse and activities for kids fill the complex at Harbour Town within the Sea Pines resort. (see more)

harbour-town-lighthouseHarbour Town Lighthouse
at Sea Pines

This is the most recognized landmark of Hilton Head and worth a visit to Harbour Town with additional shopping, dining and activities within Sea Pines. It was built in 1970, the first privately financed lighthouse built since the early 1800s. (see more)

heyward-houseHeyward House
circa 1840

Home of a planter, this is one of eight antebellum houses in Bluffton’s National Historic District. It’s called a Carolina style farmhouse, and the original slave cabin and summer kitchen remain. It’s preserved as the headquarters of the Bluffton Historic Society and serves as a welcome center for the small town and its walking district. (see more)

historic-churchesHistoric Churches
African Baptist and others

The First Union African Baptist Church on Daufuskie was begun in 1879 by former slaves who bought 12 acres for $82 for the church and cemetery. In the early 1900s, the church was used for worship and as a school for the island children. Although closed for a few years in the 1950s when the island population decreased, the church is now incorporated and offers weekly worship services and special events. (see more)

historic-homesHistoric Homes
best seen on guided tours

Beaufort has more than 90 individual structures in its downtown, including homes, churches and a library, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Most are private residences and not typically open to the public except for annual tours which showcase a few of the spectacular ones. A guided tour by horsedrawn carriage, walking or bus offers the best information about these homes, many being architecture from the 1800s. (see more)

historyHistory
few ruins remain

From  8000 B.C. Native American visits are documented, most notably with a shell ring on the banks of Skull Creek from 1335 A.D. (see more)

honey-hornHoney Horn
historic plantation site

Honey Horn is the site of impressive live oaks draped with Spanish moss and historic buildings and farmland dating from the 1850s.Talks and walks through the woods are opportunities to see and learn about nature such as the Native American’s use of the Yaupon holly and other important plants and trees. (see more)

hunting-islandHunting Island
State Park

Three miles of beautiful public beach in a 5000-acre state park. The forested beach is quite different from most typical Atlantic coast public beach attractions. The wide sandy beach is bordered by towering pines and palms plus palmetto trees and dense sub-tropical plants. (see more)

hunting-island-nature-centerHunting Island Nature Center
pier and exhibits

Fishing at the pier and visits to the adjacent nature center are educational and entertaining. Dolphin and bird watching from the pier are also popular. Egrets, heron, brown pelicans, bald eagles and osprey are a few of the interesting birds which may be seen here. (see more)

jazz-cornerJazz Corner
music after dinner

It’s well known for the jazz performances and the concept of the venue itself conveniently located in the Village at Wexford.  (see more)

lawton-stablesLawton Stables
horseback riding and petting zoo

Trail rides, pony rides, carriage rides, riding instruction and training. (see more)

lighthouseLighthouse
in Hunting Island State Park

The adventurous visitor can climb the spiral 167 steps. The view of ocean, beach, marsh, forest and neighboring islands is well worth the effort. (see more)

mary-fields-schoolMary Fields School
1933 schoolhouse

The Mary Fields School was built in the 1930s for the Black children of Daufuskie Island. (see more)

mitchelvilleMitchelville
ruins

Mitchelville was known as the nation’s first freedmen’s village built during the Civil War. Although only ruins, this is a significant African American site on the north end of Hilton Head Island. Only the tabby foundations of a few buildings remain, speaking to the history of the island. (see more)

old-sheldon-churchOld Sheldon Church
ruins

One of the oldest churches and graveyards in the area is the Old Sheldon Church, standing in stately ruins. This church is in a beautiful setting with live oaks draped with Spanish moss. This church was built some 25 years before the Declaration of Independence was signed. It was built in the Greek revival style popular in America during the 18th and 19th centuries. (see more)

outside-adventureOutside Adventure
comprehensive

The outdoor outfitter and tour operator Outside Hilton Head offers a wide variety of activities from the  convenient Shelter Cove location or from Palmetto Bluff. Stand Up Paddleboarding is popular including SUP Yoga classes. Fishing, kayaking, touring, skiing, kneeboarding, group programs or summer children's camp offer year-round choices of high quality outdoor experiences. (see more)

parris-islandParris Island
at Marine Corps Recruit Depot

Parris Island has served many purposes since French Huguenot Jean Ribault first settled the island in 1562. After both the Spanish and French had abandoned the island, an Englishman named Alexander Parris became owner and had several plantations on the 8,000-acre island. (see more)

penn-centerPenn Center
National Historic Landmark District

Penn School, on a campus listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was established in 1862 by two missionaries from northern states who created an experimental school for freed slaves. In 1900 it became an agricultural and industrial school with the name changed to Penn Normal. The school closed in 1948 and became a community center. (see more)

pick-pocket-plantationPick Pocket Plantation
and farmers' market

The historic plantation is a mid-19th century property with a restored plantation home and several additional buildings. Tours are available. (see more)

pinckney-islandPinckney Island
Natural Wildlife Preserve

The Pinckney Island Natural Wildlife Preserve offers amazing displays for bird watching with as many as 200 native species. Egrets, ibis and herons are the graceful long-legged shore birds which never fail to capture the photographer’s lens or the nature artist’s brush. (see more)

rose-hill-mansionRose Hill Mansion
plantation home tour

This Gothic Revival home is the only plantation home tour in the area available daily, although appointment is required due to its location within a private gated residential neighborhood. It is also available for rental for weddings and special events. A guided tour includes detailed and personalized local history with a genuine southern welcome. (see more)

sailingSailing
environmentally-friendly way to see nature under sail

Advanced Sail offers a special experience on the water. The owners have lived here for more than 30 years and have hosted sailing charters for 23 years . (see more)

sea-pinesSea Pines
Resort

Homes, villas and the Inn at Harbour Town offer fine accommodations for any vacation, whether a golf group or family trip. It's a gated community with everything that could be desired. The rentals range from deluxe to moderate comfortable accommodations which are in separate sections: Oceanside, South Beach, Harbour Town or plantation. The North Forest Beach  is outside the gated resort. (see more)

sea-pines-forest-preserveSea Pines Forest Preserve
free nature walks

A horseback or walking tour of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve is an opportunity for unmatched enjoyment of the surroundings. (see more)

shelter-cove-harbourShelter Cove Harbour
shopping/dining complex

Retail shops include gifts, art, apparel, kids’ clothing, home and garden accessories. Special events are frequently in the complex which is waterfront with scenic views of the marina on Broad Creek. (see more)

sweetgrass-basketsSweetgrass baskets
oldest authentic African craft in America

These can only be found in the Lowcountry where the palm and grasses are grown in the South Carolina and Georgia sea islands. The sweetgrass basket was a practical vessel which originated with the rice culture. Today the baskets are woven by a few African Americans, with the delicate and complicated patterns and weaving techniques being passed down through families. While also practical for any use today, the many sizes and styles of baskets are collectible art items. (see more)