North End

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Hilton Head's 25 public golf courses may be perfectly groomed and manicured, but you don't have to look far to see the island's wilder side.

In fact, the north end is surrounded by two saltwater marsh ecosystems, Port Royal Sound and Pinckney Island, that look much like they did 60 years ago, before Hilton Head was tamed. They also happen to be a great place to commune with the island's earliest inhabitants, including loggerhead sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and alligators.

But you don't have to set off into the wilderness alone: The Coastal Discovery Museum offers excursions, including cruises and kayak tours through the marsh, as well as biking and walking expeditions on trails through the nature preserve. The museum offers plenty of hands-on learning too, on topics as diverse as sweetgrass basket weaving, crab harvesting, and beach combing.

Spring
Art Market at Historic Honey Horn

Artists from thirteen states gather at the Art Market at Historic Honey Horn to display and sell their arts and crafts, including paintings, photography, and jewelry. Don't miss demonstrations in basket weaving, glassblowing, and pottery making.

Summer
Shrimp Trawling Expedition

Summer is the start of shrimp season! So it's a great time to learn cast netting, a Lowcountry tradition. Tammy Jane Charters' Shrimp Trawling Expedition will show you how. Come hungry, because you'll get to share the catch.

Fall
Salt Marsh Photographic Cruise

If your idea of taking a photo is point, shoot, and cross your fingers, let an expert show you how to capture a Hilton Head fall on a Salt Marsh Photographic Cruise. Get up close to birds, alligators, and dolphins during this beautiful change of season.

Winter
Bird-watching at Fish Haul Creek

Grab your binoculars and head to Fish Haul Creek's beachfront to get a glimpse of the island's migratory shorebirds, including the red knot, willet, and small sandpiper.