Explore More at the Coastal Discovery Museum
Imagine what Hilton Head Island was like before the first bridge was built in 1956. While this island is now known for its golf courses and beaches, after millennia of Native American stewardship, Hilton Head has stood at the crossroads of American history—from colonial settlement through the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and Reconstruction.
Visiting the Discovery House is your best introduction to our rich history and environment. Here you'll find the Coastal Discovery Museum's permanent exhibits, rotating art exhibitions, Museum Store, and Kids' Zone.
In the Main Gallery, curated exhibitions present works from regional, national, and international artists, featuring a broad range of styles and themes.
Outside, you can explore Honey Horn on your own or take a guided walking tour through scenic grounds, gardens, and structures. Along the way, you'll encounter native wildlife, sculpture, and interpretive signs that deepen your understanding.
As a proud Smithsonian Affiliate, the Coastal Discovery Museum offers year-round opportunities for learning, reflection, and connection—whether you're a longtime local or first-time visitor.
Explore More at the Coastal Discovery Museum
Imagine what Hilton Head Island was like before the first bridge was built in 1956. While this island is now known for its golf courses and beaches, after millennia of Native American stewardship, Hilton Head has stood at the crossroads of American history—from colonial settlement through the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and Reconstruction.
Visiting the Discovery House is your best introduction to our rich history and environment. Here you'll find the Coastal Discovery Museum's permanent exhibits, rotating art exhibitions, Museum Store, and Kids' Zone.
In the Main Gallery, curated exhibitions present works from regional, national, and international artists, featuring a broad range of styles and themes.
Outside, you can explore Honey Horn on your own or take a guided walking tour through scenic grounds, gardens, and structures. Along the way, you'll encounter native wildlife, sculpture, and interpretive signs that deepen your understanding.
As a proud Smithsonian Affiliate, the Coastal Discovery Museum offers year-round opportunities for learning, reflection, and connection—whether you're a longtime local or first-time visitor.
BE IN THE KNOW
GALLERY
EXHIBITS
Every year the Coastal Discovery Museum hosts between 6 and 8 temporary exhibits. This is the place on the island to see new exhibits on nature, history, culture, and art. With many of our local art exhibits, you can also purchase a piece to take home. There is always something new to love in our temporary exhibit gallery. Check our event calendar to find visiting artist talks, workshops, or special programs.
Learn More
GALLERY
EXHIBITS
Every year the Coastal Discovery Museum hosts between 6 and 8 temporary exhibits. This is the place on the island to see new exhibits on nature, history, culture, and art. With many of our local art exhibits, you can also purchase a piece to take home. There is always something new to love in our temporary exhibit gallery. Check our event calendar to find visiting artist talks, workshops, or special programs.
Learn More
SANTA
ELENA
Discover the story of 16th Century Hilton Head and its impact on North American colonization. Building on the research and exhibits of the Santa Elena History Center, the Coastal Discovery Museum is building a new museum on our property to continue researching, preserving, and promoting the first Europe's first colonial capital in North America - Santa Elena.
Before Jamestown and Plymouth, there was a bustling European capital in Beaufort County! Founded in 1566 the town of Sana Elena was more than just an outpost; there were potters, blacksmiths, and entire families brought over from Spain to live on our shores. To connect to ongoing archaeology, historical research and educational resources, click "learn more" and start learning about this fascinating story.
SANTA
ELENADiscover the story of 16th Century Hilton Head and its impact on North American colonization. Building on the research and exhibits of the Santa Elena History Center, the Coastal Discovery Museum is building a new museum on our property to continue researching, preserving, and promoting the first Europe's first colonial capital in North America - Santa Elena.
Before Jamestown and Plymouth, there was a bustling European capital in Beaufort County! Founded in 1566 the town of Sana Elena was more than just an outpost; there were potters, blacksmiths, and entire families brought over from Spain to live on our shores. To connect to ongoing archaeology, historical research and educational resources, click "learn more" and start learning about this fascinating story.
HISTORICAL
BUILDINGS
As you walk along our trail, you will see nine historic buildings. The oldest is the Discovery House, started in 1859. The oldest wooden structure on Hilton Head Island, it dates to the time when Honey Horn was a plantation. Union forces used it in the Civil War and other owners added onto it over the years. Several buildings along our paths are from the 1930's and 40's – identified by their brick foundations. Many of these were built when the property was owned by Loomis and Thorne and operated as a seasonal hunting retreat for family and friends. The most recent historical buildings were constructed after the bridge and have cement block walls. These buildings date to when this was the Hack family home and farm.
Learn More
HISTORICAL
BUILDINGSAs you walk along our trail, you will see nine historic buildings. The oldest is the Discovery House, started in 1859. The oldest wooden structure on Hilton Head Island, it dates to the time when Honey Horn was a plantation. Union forces used it in the Civil War and other owners added onto it over the years. Several buildings along our paths are from the 1930's and 40's – identified by their brick foundations. Many of these were built when the property was owned by Loomis and Thorne and operated as a seasonal hunting retreat for family and friends. The most recent historical buildings were constructed after the bridge and have cement block walls. These buildings date to when this was the Hack family home and farm.
GROUNDS
AND GARDENS
Come stroll through 68-acres of trails, gardens, live oaks, salt marsh, and open fields. Walk into our butterfly habitat in the summer when it is full of life - both butterflies and flowers. Enjoy our outdoor sculptures and have a picnic under the shade of an historic live oak. You might visit to explore and learn about the natural history and cultural heritage of the Lowcountry, but you may leave with a sense of the Island's peace and tranquility that you can only find at Honey Horn.
Don't forget to get photos with the family so you can take all your memories back home and think about what you want to do next time you visit!
GROUNDS
AND GARDENSCome stroll through 68-acres of trails, gardens, live oaks, salt marsh, and open fields. Walk into our butterfly habitat in the summer when it is full of life - both butterflies and flowers. Enjoy our outdoor sculptures and have a picnic under the shade of an historic live oak. You might visit to explore and learn about the natural history and cultural heritage of the Lowcountry, but you may leave with a sense of the Island's peace and tranquility that you can only find at Honey Horn.
Don't forget to get photos with the family so you can take all your memories back home and think about what you want to do next time you visit!