Hands On Experience at Coastal Discovery Museum
The Coastal Discovery Museum is a can’t-miss attraction for any Hilton Head Island vacation, but in summer it comes alive with a vibrant atmosphere unseen any other time of year. In addition to the gorgeous outside views, historical attractions, centuries old oak groves and South Carolina’s oldest red cedar tree, the area teems with an abundance of wildlife including rare sea turtles and dazzling numbers of butterflies. It’s truly a place for the whole family to discover something new and exciting. You can spend some time on the beach here, or you can wander around the beautiful property. There are also special events and guided tours year round.
An island treasure, the Coastal Discovery Museum on Hilton Head features hands-on activities, animal programs, rotating exhibits, events and guided tours that teach you about the natural history and cultural heritage of Hilton Head and the Low Country. Visit the marshes of Jarvis Creek with a docent to learn about the life cycle of the Atlantic Blue Crab. Enjoy interactive animal shows with alligators, birds, and reptiles, or join history and nature tours, and beach walks. Explore the Discovery House with permanent exhibits and the Kids Zone featuring artifacts, specimens and turtle tanks.
All summer long, take evening walks to watch loggerhead sea turtles nesting, the one reason adults of the species will come ashore. Seeing them is truly a unique experience, and one which is getting less common as the species becomes more endangered. Otherwise, take StarWatch or a butterfly nature walk to see millions of the colorful insects while you learn about their life cycle, feeding habits and more. Take a guided history tour on this 300 year old property to learn about the culture of the “Lowcountry.” There are even some indoor exhibits. Whatever you choose, you can be assured a one of a kind experience you simply won’t find anywhere else in the Lowcountry. The museum is year round 9:30am-4:30pm except Sundays, when the hours are 11:00am-3:00pm.
