PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY MEMBERS OF HILTON HEAD AUDUBON 

Birding is one of America’s favorite leisure pastimes. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, more than 45 million Americans watch birds, whether in our backyards or in a local park or far-flung destination.

The good news is that on Hilton Head Island, you don’t have to go far to enjoy great-looking birds. You just need to step outside. More than 220 bird species have been observed on Hilton Head, and fall migration is a great time to see them.

HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE IN PALMETTO DUNES GETS FACELIFT

A piece of history in Palmetto Dunes and the site of many legends, the Rear Range Lighthouse in Palmetto Dunes has been restored to its former glory. 

The lighthouse is part of the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular stop for visitors.

7 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER MAKING THIS YOUR NEW HOME

1. Peace of mind
As the world around us seems to get more turbulent, there is something very reassuring about living in the Lowcountry. Our world in the Lowcountry seems pretty darn normal, and for once, that is a really good thing.

2. Natural beauty
There are only a few places in North America that can rival the beautiful surroundings we live in. We’re blessed us with incredible beaches, pristine tidal creeks, calming marshes, pluffmud and Spanish moss. Great vision and planning allows us to live in harmony with all the natural beauty.

GET AWAY FOR A DAY ACROSS THE WATER

Just a couple miles across Calibogue Sound from Harbour Town lies Daufuskie Island, a small, largely undeveloped barrier island begging to be explored.

A 45-minute ferry ride up the Intracoastal Waterway whisks visitors back in time when, depositing them on Daufuskie — accessible only by boat — and a world away from from the trappings of modern-day life.

WHEN THE WEATHER DRIVES YOU INDOORS

• Climb to the top of the iconic lighthouse in Harbour Town for spectacular views of Harbour Town Golf Links, the Harbour Town Yacht Basin and Calibogue Sound. Need to catch your breath as you climb? Displays lining the stairs document the island’s rich natural history.

• Reserve a tour at the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head. Since 2003, the nonprofit museum has been commit ted to maintaining Gullah customs, traditions, language, stories, songs and structures in the Lowcountry. The preserved Little House is a quiet, haint-blue cottage just off Gumtree Road, built in the early 1950s before a bridge connected the island to the mainland. The museum also hosts oyster roasts and educational seminars throughout the year.

THE LOWCOUNTRY IS GOLF COUNTRY

WHATEVER YOU ARE LOOKING FOR, WE ARE BOUND TO HAVE IT.

THE SOUTH END

Coligny Plaza (One North Forest Beach Drive): The south end of the island is the heart of the vacation area. The very first shopping center on the island and a perennial favorite is Coligny Plaza. Considered Hilton Head’s “downtown” there are more than 60 stores, 15 restaurants, a unique movie theatre and even a store specializing in kites, Coligny Kite. Candy, T-shirts, and great apparel are there along with groceries, restaurants and a hardware store. Several new stores and restaurants have opened recently including The Sandbar Beach Eats, FISH Seafood & Raw Bar, Traveling Chic Boutique and the The Pelican’s Pouch.

GAME SET MATCH

Tennis, like golf, is a year-round activity on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton. One of the top 50 tennis destinations in the United States, the Lowcountry has the courts and the competition to satisfy the most discriminating player. Oh, and Stan Smith calls this home. The area’s 20-plus tennis clubs offer more than 300 courts. All three Grand Slam courts can be found here: Clay, grass and a variety of hard surfaces. Players may access facilities on private plantations if they make arrangements. Ask for details when reserving your court time.

THERE’S PLENTY OF FISH IN THE SEA

Fishing is a year-round activity on Hilton Head Island. For t hose that want to keep their feet on the land, lagoon and surf fishing ar e popular choices. For t hose looking for a bit more adventure, inshore and offshore fishing may be t he ticket.

A FEW PRECAUTIONS CAN MAKE A DIFFERECE

RESEARCH PROPER PADDLING TECHNIQUES, WATER SAFETY AND FIRST AID.

Start by taking a guided kayak tour to get a feel for the area’s unique setting.

THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO MAKE A SPLASH

Yes, “water, water everywhere… nor any drop to drink” as Coleridge wrote 215 years ago in the “Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” We don’t need to drink sea water as long as we can also enjoy it by boating, sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, charter boating and more.

Kayaking on calm water that surrounds Hilton Head Island is not only relaxing, it can be a great adventure, too. And the best part? Kayaking is a sport for everyone.

LET YOUR AWARD-WINNING PATHWAYS GIVE YOU A NEW WAY TO RIDE.

Bluffton began as a nat ive american enclave where tribes would fish and collect oysters, trading them along the May River. Later, it became a retreat for wealthy cotton, indigo and rice plantation owners who enjoyed the river breezes from the town’s bluff. Hence its name, Bluffton. That life revolving around gentle breezes continues today, earning the town the designation of “one of the last true Southern coastal villages.”

FIND YOUR PERFECT BEACH

Sands. Surfing. Swimming. Sunning. Shores. Sailing. Sanctuary. Whatever your vision of t he “beach life” may entail, the sun-splashed beaches of Hilton Head Island offer as many experiences as there are shells on their sandy shores. From its heel to its toe, here’s an overview of some of t he island’s popular beaches and hidden gems.