2023 Nature Spots Guide

The postcard-worthy Driessen Beach Park is a little hard to find, and for most Hilton Head Island regulars, that's a very good thing. Seldom crowded, with plenty of parking spaces to go around, this relatively expansive park has plenty of room to roam, and plenty of beachside and wooded amenities to keep everyone in the family perfectly comfortable and completely entertained.

The gorgeous Mitchelville Freedom Park, also known as the Fish Haul Creek Park, is a unique little property that is undergoing a transformation designed to properly honor the site's significant, historic roots. As the original location of one of the first freed slave communities in the country, and currently serving as a haven for migrating and permanent shorebirds, the site will appeal to a wide range of interests. Take a stroll along the long wooded boardwalk through the woods, or head to the rocky beach that changes its entire landscape every few hours, and see why this stunning up-and-coming attraction is one of Hilton Head Island's current best kept secrets.

A fascinating find off the beach, the Coastal Discovery Museum is sure to engage Hilton Head visitors of all ages, with a world of indoor and outdoor exhibits, all found on the site of a rich coastal ecosystem. With a series of exhibits that are always changing, guided walks and tours, and a special Kids Zone that gives young visitors an in-depth natural overview of this distinctive coastal landscape, there's clearly something for everyone at the Coastal Discovery Museum.

Visitors who are expecting a grand and perfectly preserved Civil War fort may be disappointed when they make a visit to Fort Howell, but patrons who love a unique bit of history with accompanying earthen remnants, as well as a gorgeous wooded stroll, will find this Hilton Head Island site a delight.

The unique waterfront community of Hilton Head's Harbour Town features a world of activities that are sure to wow and engage visitors of all interests, all while providing a spectacular view of the neighborhood's "harbor," and the adjoining Calibogue Sound.

The Hilton Head Airport, conveniently located just off the main William Hilton Parkway, allows visitors to forego the long airport lines, distant parking, and traffic jams, and jump right into a leisurely, relaxing vacation. Currently serving private planes in addition to a commercial airline, high flyers will feel right at home at this accommodating, and fantastically located, gateway to the Hilton Head beaches.

Lawton Stables is much more than just a pretty spot for a trail ride, or an elite locale for local islanders to board and train their prized horses. In addition, the stables offer a world of fun for its regular and vacationing patrons, ranging from pony rides for the young crowd (7 and younger) and an extensive animal farm that is open and free for all visitors. With all these features, families will find plenty of outdoor entertainment at the elite and acclaimed Lawton Stables.