Hidden Gems of the Lowcountry

The Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island, home to around 500 treasured artifacts, celebrates the vibrant stories and traditions of the Gullah people who have long called the Lowcountry home. Through guided tours, you’ll enjoy discovering the customs, crafts, and unique Creole language that shape the Gullah way of life. It’s a must-visit cultural destination that offers an authentic window into Hilton Head Island's history and heritage.

As you explore, you’ll pass by displays featuring traditional sweetgrass baskets, hand-carved figurines, and brightly woven textiles showcasing the artistry of the Gullah people. Beyond the exhibits, the Gullah Museum offers educational programs, storytelling sessions, hands-on workshops, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Tucked away in Bay Gall, one of Hilton Head Island’s historic Gullah neighborhoods, Fish Haul Beach Park is a hidden gem overlooking the waters of Port Royal Sound. Here, a network of scenic, nature-rich trails leads to unique coastal adventures. One trail leads to a boardwalk with a sweeping view of the salt marsh, where herons, egrets, and other shorebirds are often spotted. The park even provides binoculars for a better view.

Take another trail, and you’ll find yourself at the seashore. This beach along Port Royal Sound offer an open stretch of sand free from beach umbrellas and crowds — perfect for those seeking a peaceful seaside stroll. It’s also a prime spot for clamming and fishing.

Hilton Head Island, affectionately called America’s Golf Island, is renowned for iconic courses like Harbour Town Golf Links at The Sea Pines Resort and the Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes. But beyond these famous fairways, the Lowcountry is home to lesser-known gems that offer unique challenges and scenic beauty for golfers of all skill levels.

Take Bear Creek Golf Club, designed by the legendary Rees Jones in his first solo project. This Par 72 Championship Course, featuring five sets of tees to accommodate all golfers, is a must-visit for those who admire Jones’ influential work in golf course design. Just a few miles away, you’ll find Golden Bear Golf Club. This classic Jack Nicklaus course weaves through rolling terrain, pristine lagoons, and strategically placed live oaks, showcasing the beauty of lush Hilton Head Island landscapes in a challenging layout.

The Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, a Smithsonian Affiliate, shines a spotlight on Hilton Head Island’s storied history and natural beauty across its sprawling 68-acre property. This often overlooked jewel offers a stunning setting for learning about Gullah culture and history, listening to stories about the Civil War, and exploring Lowcountry heritage through its native plants. For a deeper understanding of the museum’s many exhibits, choose from guided tours and excursions, like a bus tour of historic sites or a scenic boardwalk that winds along Jarvis Creek.

With a butterfly habitat, an insect house, and a carnivorous plant garden, Honey Horn is also buzzing with life. In these exhibits, you’ll learn about the role of local wildlife — like the Atlantic Blue Crab — within the coastal ecosystem. Little ones will love the Kids Zone, packed with hands-on Lowcountry treasures and artifacts.

Ready to plan out your path-less-traveled adventure? Request a copy of our Hilton Head Island Vacation Planner today. Whether you've been to Hilton Head a dozen times or love staying far from the crowds, there’s always more to explore on America's Favorite Island®.