Nature and Sightseeing

Carriage Ride in Historic Beaufort (45 minutes drive from Palmetto Dunes)

Hilton Head Island, discovered in 1665 by William Hilton, a British sea captain, is one of South Carolina's most beautiful barrier islands. Four miles wide and 12 miles long, this world-class resort destination boasts more than 25,000 permanent residents.There is much to see on Hilton Head: nature and wildlife, bike trails, pristine beaches, and splendid old southern buildings. Visitors may also enjoy the popular tours of local historic sites and homes.   One of the beautiful southern style homes overlooking the waterfront in Beaufort

The Telfair Museum of Art, in Savannah

It's only about a one-hour drive to Savannah, just across the border into Georgia. Savannah is a charming southern town, replete with history from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. When you visit Savannah start at the Visitors' Center on Martin Luther King Blvd., and take a motorized trolley tour. You'll see all of the important historical points of interest and learn much from the trolley driver as well. You can debark the trolley for building tours, shopping, or dining. Several museums, like the one shown here, can be visited as part of the tour package. The trolleys run every half hour, and you can reboard any trolley to return to the Visitors' Center up until 4:00 pm.

For those who love birds and nature, there are miles of trails and paths through the woods and nature preserves on Hilton Head. Many deer are still seen roaming throughout the plantations, and alligators bask on the banks of the lagoons. The local Audobon Society has catalogued over 160 varieties of birds. Pictured here is the Harbour Town Lighthouse and marina. The marina is home to many many very beautiful and impressive pleasure craft. Don't miss a trip to Harbour Town, at the southern end of Hilton Head Island. It's located in Sea Pines Plantation, a 6000-acre gated community. You can take a boat trip to Savannah or a nature tour from their docks. The "Stars and Stripes" yacht gives sightseeing rides from the Harbour Town Lighthouse. In Harbour Town you'll find both interesting shopping and many fine restaurants. Please take the shuttle bus after parking in the lot on the left when you come from the front gate. Parking, particularly in the evening, is very scarce. While you're in Sea Pines, try an early dinner at one of our favorite eating places, the Salty Dog Cafe, at South Beach Marina. We have often jet skiied from the marina there.