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Day Trips from Hilton Head

Day Trips from Hilton Head

Hilton Head South Carolina, USA Travel Guide

Accessible Locations and Transport

Savannah, Georgia (approx. 2 hours drive): A historic city with cobblestone streets, parks, and architecture.

Beaufort, South Carolina (approx. 45 minutes drive): A coastal town with antebellum mansions and waterfront views.

Bluffton, South Carolina (approx. 30 minutes drive): A charming "Old Town" with art galleries and riverside dining.

Daufuskie Island (Ferry from Harbour Town): A car-free island with historical sites and Gullah culture.

Transport Options

  • Savannah, Beaufort, Bluffton: Best by car, self-driving.
  • Daufuskie Island: Ferry from Hilton Head, golf cart on island.
  • Self-driving on the mainland is straightforward.
  • Golf cart rentals are the main mode of transport on Daufuskie.

Organized Tours vs. Independent Travel

Consider how you wish to experience each destination.

Savannah Experiences

Many organized bus tours or ghost tours are available from Hilton Head, offering convenience.

Travel Style

Local Day Trips

Beaufort and Bluffton are best explored independently by car. Organized tours from Hilton Head are less common.

Island Exploration

  • Daufuskie Island: A ferry ticket is necessary.
  • Rent a golf cart upon arrival to explore.
  • Guided Gullah history tours are available on Daufuskie.

Time Required & Itineraries

Savannah Visit

  • Plan a full day, 8 or more hours.
  • Morning: Historic district walking tour or Forsyth Park.
  • Afternoon: Explore River Street, shop, or visit a museum.
  • Evening: Consider a ghost tour or fine dining.

Beaufort & Bluffton

  • Beaufort: Plan a half to full day, 4-6 hours.
  • Beaufort Morning: Historic district and waterfront park.
  • Bluffton: Plan a half day, 3-4 hours.
  • Bluffton: Explore Old Town shops, farmers market (Thursdays), riverside dining.

Travel Data

  • Savannah Travel:Approx. 2 hours drive
  • Beaufort Travel:Approx. 45 min drive
  • Bluffton Travel:Approx. 30 min drive
  • Daufuskie Island:Requires ferry travel
  • Daufuskie Trip Length:6-8 hours (incl. Ferry)
  • Beaufort Trip Length:4-6 hours
  • Bluffton Trip Length:3-4 hours
  • Savannah Trip Length:8+ hours

Plan Your Day Trips

Discover and book excursions to nearby cities. Explore options for guided tours and independent adventures. Find your next adventure here.

Natural Escapes

Discover serene parks and natural landscapes.

Hunting Island State Park

South Carolina's popular state park, undeveloped beach, historic lighthouse, maritime forest, nature trails.

Scenic Lowcountry Byway

Drive US-17 north or south, salt marshes, live oaks, Spanish moss, charming towns.

Natural Beaches

Hunting Island Beach: wilder, 'boneyard beach' with dead trees. No mountains in Lowcountry.

Nature Reserves & Parks

Discover local areas dedicated to wildlife and nature.

Preserves

  • Sea Pines Forest Preserve: Conservation within a developed area.
  • Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge: Protected land for wildlife.
  • Audubon Newhall Preserve: Bird habitat.

Seasonal Wildlife

Observe natural phenomena at certain times of the year.

Sea Turtle Nesting

  • May-October: Loggerhead sea turtle nests on beaches.
  • Hatchlings emerge July-October. Avoid disturbing them.
  • Not a fall foliage destination.

Natural Landscape Features

Lowcountry Scenic Byway:Classic salt marshes, live oaks.
Hunting Island Beach:Wilder, "boneyard beach" with dead trees.
Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot:Museum insight into natural history.
No Mountains:Lowcountry terrain is flat.
Rural Areas:Agricultural landscapes and small communities.
Coastal Ecosystems:Diverse habitats for local wildlife.

Protecting Nature

  • Maintain a respectful distance from wildlife.
  • Do not disturb sea turtle nests or hatchlings.
  • Use a zoom lens for wildlife photography.
  • Dispose of trash properly in designated bins.
  • Avoid littering on beaches or natural areas.

Cultural Excursions

Explore the region's rich history and unique cultural heritage.

Historical Sites

Explore significant historical locations beyond Hilton Head Island.

Remarkable Sites

  • Old Sheldon Church Ruins: 18th-century church ruins near Beaufort.
  • Penn Center: Historic school for formerly enslaved people.
  • Fort Sumter National Monument (Charleston): Site of Civil War's first shots.

Rural Villages

Discover communities with deep cultural roots.

Cultural Immersion

  • St. Helena Island: Large Gullah community, Gullah Grub Restaurant.
  • Daufuskie Island: Rural island, historical churches, Gullah homes.
  • These areas offer a dive into Gullah culture and agricultural roots.

Historical Perspectives

Gain perspectives on regional history.

Learnings

  • Fort Sumter accessible by ferry from Charleston.
  • St. Helena Island: Focus on Gullah culture and agricultural roots.
  • Old Sheldon Church: Popular photography spot.

Cultural Depth

Connect with the area's spiritual and cultural fabric.

Local Insights

  • No major pilgrimage sites, but historic churches hold value.
  • Daufuskie offers an unique rural island experience.
  • Consider visiting Gullah Grub Restaurant on St. Helena Island.

Local Heritage

The region's past forms its unique identity. Discover historic places and communities.

Old Sheldon Church

Atmospheric ruins near Beaufort, ideal for photography.

Penn Center

Historic site for formerly enslaved people on St. Helena Island.

Gullah Communities

Visit St. Helena or Daufuskie to experience Gullah culture.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider adding extra days to your trip to explore more of the region.

Regional Exploration

1

Charleston, SC

Add 2-3 days to explore this historic, charming city. Combine with Fort Sumter.

2

Savannah & Golden Isles

Extend Savannah trip to overnight, then explore Georgia's barrier islands like St. Simons, Jekyll.

3

Transportation

Mainly accessed by car. Regional flights from SAV connect to Atlanta for further travel.

Logical Next Destinations

  • North: Charleston, SC; Myrtle Beach, SC.
  • South: Savannah, GA; St. Simons Island, GA; Jekyll Island, GA; Jacksonville, FL.
  • Inland: Columbia, SC (state capital); Atlanta, GA (major hub).
  • Consider travel by car for most of these locations.
  • Regional flights may be an option from Savannah.
  • Plan routes based on your preferred travel pace.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

  • Coastal South Carolina Loop: Hilton Head > Beaufort > Charleston > Myrtle Beach. Return via I-95.
  • Lowcountry & Georgia Coast: Hilton Head > Savannah > Golden Isles (St. Simons, Jekyll) > potentially St. Augustine, FL.
  • Both routes are mainly car-based.
  • Allow for multiple days to fully experience each stop.
  • Book accommodations in advance for longer trips.
  • Factor in travel time between destinations.

Planning Extended Trips

Transportation

Mainly accessed by car. Consider regional flights for longer distances.

Accommodation

Book in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Flexibility

Tailor extensions to your pace and interests.

Explore Further

Broaden your horizons with regional explorations.
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