Into the Wild
Explore the natural beauty of the Lowcountry and meet the fascinating wildlife of Honey Horn. From majestic live oaks and vibrant salt marshes to the beloved camellia garden, there’s something for everyone to enjoy year-round.
Into the Wild
Explore the natural beauty of the Lowcountry and meet the fascinating wildlife of Honey Horn. From majestic live oaks and vibrant salt marshes to the beloved camellia garden, there’s something for everyone to enjoy year-round.
BE IN THE KNOW
DISCOVERY LECTURE
SERIES
Don't miss out on the Coastal Discovery Museum's Discovery Lecture Series, designed to engage both locals and visitors alike. Held most Wednesdays from September through April, this series features a diverse lineup of guest presenters, including authors, university professors, artists, environmental educators, historians, museum directors, archaeologists, and more.
See Programs
DISCOVERY LECTURE
SERIES
Don't miss out on the Coastal Discovery Museum's Discovery Lecture Series, designed to engage both locals and visitors alike. Held most Wednesdays from September through April, this series features a diverse lineup of guest presenters, including authors, university professors, artists, environmental educators, historians, museum directors, archaeologists, and more.
See Programs
DISCOVERY NIGHT
AT THE MUSEUM
There is something special happening AFTER HOURS at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate in unique experiences on Thursday evenings. Programs will include hands-on art activities and demonstrations, special natural history programs, and presentations by museum staff and special guests. Check the online calendar to see what is coming. These programs are for ages 7 and older.
See Programs
DISCOVERY NIGHT
AT THE MUSEUM
There is something special happening AFTER HOURS at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate in unique experiences on Thursday evenings. Programs will include hands-on art activities and demonstrations, special natural history programs, and presentations by museum staff and special guests. Check the online calendar to see what is coming. These programs are for ages 7 and older.
See Programs
BEHIND THE SCENES
SERIES
Take a peek behind the scenes at the Coastal Discovery Museum and get an up-close look at various areas of the museum and Honey Horn grounds with an experienced staff member. These exclusive tours offer access to areas and insights not available to the general public. Each tour features a different theme, so check the calendar for more details.
Geared toward adults, ages 7 and up.
Check Availability
BEHIND THE SCENES
SERIES
Take a peek behind the scenes at the Coastal Discovery Museum and get an up-close look at various areas of the museum and Honey Horn grounds with an experienced staff member. These exclusive tours offer access to areas and insights not available to the general public. Each tour features a different theme, so check the calendar for more details.
Geared toward adults, ages 7 and up.
Check Availability
BLUE CRAB
DISCOVERY TOUR
The blue crab achieves a great metamorphosis, beginning as one of millions of microscopic eggs and eventually developing into active predators with powerful claws. Discover the beauty and intriguing life of the Atlantic Blue Crab and the important role they play in the coastal ecosystem and in the history of Lowcountry civilization. Experience recreational harvesting, cooking, cleaning, and eating of the blue crab! (This is experience includes just a taste of blue crab meat). LEARN MORE about the blue crabs at Coastal Discovery Museum.
Check Availability
BLUE CRAB
DISCOVERY TOURThe blue crab achieves a great metamorphosis, beginning as one of millions of microscopic eggs and eventually developing into active predators with powerful claws. Discover the beauty and intriguing life of the Atlantic Blue Crab and the important role they play in the coastal ecosystem and in the history of Lowcountry civilization. Experience recreational harvesting, cooking, cleaning, and eating of the blue crab! (This is experience includes just a taste of blue crab meat). LEARN MORE about the blue crabs at Coastal Discovery Museum.
BUGS
AND BLOOMS
Insects and plants have some puzzling yet important relationships with each other, and some amusing ways to survive in their own environments. It’s an exciting yet secretive world they live in! We may not even notice these relationships or survival techniques at first or second glance. But it doesn’t have to be hidden anymore when you come and join us to explore the secret lives of Bugs and Blooms during this fascinating guided tour of the Museum’s Insect House, Butterfly Habitat, and Carnivorous Plant Garden.
FAMILY FRIENDLY (outdoor experience) – all ages will enjoy!
BUGS
AND BLOOMS
Insects and plants have some puzzling yet important relationships with each other, and some amusing ways to survive in their own environments. It’s an exciting yet secretive world they live in! We may not even notice these relationships or survival techniques at first or second glance. But it doesn’t have to be hidden anymore when you come and join us to explore the secret lives of Bugs and Blooms during this fascinating guided tour of the Museum’s Insect House, Butterfly Habitat, and Carnivorous Plant Garden
FAMILY FRIENDLY (outdoor experience) – all ages will enjoy!
BUTTERFLY LEARNING STATION
AT THE KAREN WERTHEIMER BUTTERFLY HABITAT
Explore the fascinating world of native butterflies, their survival strategies, and favorite plants with a knowledgeable guide. Located in one of South Carolina’s few butterfly habitats, this program offers a close-up look at the butterfly life cycle and native species—and shows how you can attract them to your own garden by planting nectar-rich flowers like milkweed, pipevine, and salvia.
Wednesdays and Fridays, 10–11 am in June, July, and AugustFree. No registration required.
Closed on rainy days.
BUTTERFLY LEARNING STATION
AT THE KAREN WERTHEIMER BUTTERFLY HABITAT
Explore the fascinating world of native butterflies, their survival strategies, and favorite plants with a knowledgeable guide. Located in one of South Carolina’s few butterfly habitats, this program offers a close-up look at the butterfly life cycle and native species—and shows how you can attract them to your own garden by planting nectar-rich flowers like milkweed, pipevine, and salvia.
Wednesdays and Fridays, 10–11 am in June, July, and AugustFree. No registration required.
Closed on rainy days.
CAMELLIA GARDEN
TALK & TOUR
Camellias are fascinating plants with a rich history. While they are not native to the American continent, they have been part of the southern landscape since the 1700s. Come and learn about the history, diversity, and significance of camellias, as well as how to grow and care for camellias from the Coastal Discovery Museum’s Manager of Horticulture, Wendy Dickes. After an indoor talk, take a guided tour of the Camellia Garden with over 135 species that showcase all the different plant varieties and flower types found in camellias. The bloom time is limited for these ‘Winter Roses,’ so don’t miss this opportunity to learn and enjoy this beautiful garden.
Not recommended for children under 7 years of age.Camellia Garden Talks and Tours will be back this fall—check back for dates.
CAMELLIA GARDEN
TALK & TOUR
Camellias are fascinating plants with a rich history. While they are not native to the American continent, they have been part of the southern landscape since the 1700s. Come and learn about the history, diversity, and significance of camellias, as well as how to grow and care for camellias from the Coastal Discovery Museum’s Manager of Horticulture, Wendy Dickes. After an indoor talk, take a guided tour of the Camellia Garden with over 135 species that showcase all the different plant varieties and flower types found in camellias. The bloom time is limited for these ‘Winter Roses,’ so don’t miss this opportunity to learn and enjoy this beautiful garden.
Not recommended for children under 7 years of age.Camellia Garden Talks and Tours will be back this fall—check back for dates.
CREATURE
CRAFT
Each Monday this summer, drop in for a fun, hands-on craft that highlights a different Lowcountry critter. Perfect for elementary-aged children, but open to all.
When: Mondays, 10 am–12 pmWhere: Sea Island Room
Please arrive by 11:30 am to allow enough time to complete your craft.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
No fee and no registration required.
Bee Inspired: Special Creature Crafts
In celebration of our Wild Bees photography exhibit in the Main Gallery, enjoy two special bee-themed Creature Craft sessions:
Monday, June 23 – Bee-utiful Flowers
Craft colorful tissue paper flowers—each with its own little bee.
Monday, July 7 – Fuzzy Buzzy Bees
Make fuzzy bee friends using pipe cleaners and clothespins.
CREATURE
CRAFT
Each Monday this summer, drop in for a fun, hands-on craft that highlights a different Lowcountry critter. Perfect for elementary-aged children, but open to all.
When: Mondays, 10 am–12 pmWhere: Sea Island Room
Please arrive by 11:30 am to allow enough time to complete your craft.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
No fee and no registration required.
Bee Inspired: Special Creature Crafts
In celebration of our Wild Bees photography exhibit in the Main Gallery, enjoy two special bee-themed Creature Craft sessions:
Monday, June 23 – Bee-utiful Flowers
Craft colorful tissue paper flowers—each with its own little bee.
Monday, July 7 – Fuzzy Buzzy Bees
Make fuzzy bee friends using pipe cleaners and clothespins.
CIVIL WAR
ON HILTON HEAD
The Civil War is one of the most important events in the history or our country. South Carolina played a key role in the development and ending of the war. Hilton Head Island was home to thousands of Union soldiers during the Civil War. Find out why they were here and how they spent their time. Historic photographs, maps and artifacts tell the story of Hilton Head from 1861-1865.
Check Availability
CIVIL WAR
ON HILTON HEAD
The Civil War is one of the most important events in the history or our country. South Carolina played a key role in the development and ending of the war. Hilton Head Island was home to thousands of Union soldiers during the Civil War. Find out why they were here and how they spent their time. Historic photographs, maps and artifacts tell the story of Hilton Head from 1861-1865.
Check Availability
CRITTER
MEET AND GREET
June, July & August
Stop by our outdoor Bird’s Eye Theater for “Critter Meet & Greet,” where you can safely get up close with baby alligators, turtles, lizards, snakes, and other fascinating Lowcountry creatures.
Family-Friendly: Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.
Drop in on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm — no reservations needed for individuals and families.
Group Visits: Organized groups (children’s programs, tour groups, etc.) require a reservation. Contact [email protected] to schedule.
Final day of the season: August 13, 2025.
$7 per person.
Register NowCRITTER
MEET AND GREET
June, July & August
Stop by our outdoor Bird’s Eye Theater for “Critter Meet & Greet,” where you can safely get up close with baby alligators, turtles, lizards, snakes, and other fascinating Lowcountry creatures.
Family-Friendly: Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.
Drop in on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm — no reservations needed for individuals and families.
Group Visits: Organized groups (children’s programs, tour groups, etc.) require a reservation. Contact [email protected] to schedule.
Final day of the season: August 13, 2025.
$7 per person.
Register NowDIRECTOR'S
WALK
Walk the shell path and Nan Lloyd trail with Museum Director Rex Garniewicz and discover some of the property’s hidden secrets. This 90-minute outing covers approximately two miles of uneven terrain, so wear comfortable walking shoes. If you can’t physically walk the property, please contact the museum to set up an appointment with the director at a different time.
Not recommended for children under the age of 7.
DIRECTOR'S
WALK
Walk the shell path and Nan Lloyd trail with Museum Director Rex Garniewicz and discover some of the property’s hidden secrets. This 90-minute outing covers approximately two miles of uneven terrain, so wear comfortable walking shoes. If you can’t physically walk the property, please contact the museum to set up an appointment with the director at a different time.
Not recommended for children under the age of 7.
EXPLORE
HONEY HORN
Begin your Honey Horn experience with this guided tour around the museum’s picturesque and historic grounds. Visit the salt marsh, see historic buildings, and learn about the gardens, plants, and trees that adorn this sprawling historic site. Your museum guide will share stories about Honey Horn’s past and its natural history.
Check Availability
EXPLORE
HONEY HORN
Begin your Honey Horn experience with this guided tour around the museum’s picturesque and historic grounds. Visit the salt marsh, see historic buildings, and learn about the gardens, plants, and trees that adorn this sprawling historic site. Your museum guide will share stories about Honey Horn’s past and its natural history.
INDIGO
TIE-DYE PARTY!
June, July & August, next to our Farmers Market on Tuesdays
Twist, twirl, tie and dye your own indigo tie-dye T-shirt as you learn about the significance of indigo in South Carolina's history. Includes one T-shirt (child small to adult XXL). $15 person.
This fun and educational activity is perfect for families and friends.
Check Availability
INDIGO
TIE-DYE PARTY!
June, July & August, next to our Farmers Market on Tuesdays
Twist, twirl, tie and dye your own indigo tie-dye T-shirt as you learn about the significance of indigo in South Carolina's history. Includes one T-shirt (child small to adult XXL). $15 person.
This fun and educational activity is perfect for families and friends.
Check Availability
ISLAND
STORY
Hilton Head Island has a fascinating history, from the earliest Native Americans inhabitants that harvested oysters and hunted Black Bear to the modern day residents and visitors who flock here to play tennis and golf. The island has gone through numerous changes and uses by diverse groups of people, from logging to farming, to hunting and finally today mostly as a tourist retreat and home to over 35,000 full time residents. Learn from a museum docent about these changes, and the tale of its participants from Native Americans, to Gullah islanders to modern day residents.
No children under the age of 7 please.Check Availability
ISLAND
STORY
Hilton Head Island has a fascinating history, from the earliest Native Americans inhabitants that harvested oysters and hunted Black Bear to the modern day residents and visitors who flock here to play tennis and golf. The island has gone through numerous changes and uses by diverse groups of people, from logging to farming, to hunting and finally today mostly as a tourist retreat and home to over 35,000 full time residents. Learn from a museum docent about these changes, and the tale of its participants from Native Americans, to Gullah islanders to modern day residents.
No children under the age of 7 please.Check Availability
KIDS
STORY TIME
Log on to listen and learn about wildlife in the Lowcountry as a Museum Educator reads educational stories about dolphins, sea turtles, horseshoe crabs, and other local characters. Each story will include vocabulary resources, educational videos, and suggested activities for students. Designed for PreK, Kindergarten, and 1st graders.
KIDS
STORY TIMELog on to listen and learn about wildlife in the Lowcountry as a Museum Educator reads educational stories about dolphins, sea turtles, horseshoe crabs, and other local characters. Each story will include vocabulary resources, educational videos, and suggested activities for students. Designed for PreK, Kindergarten, and 1st graders.
LIFE UNDER
THE SEA
Explore a magical world under the sea with our Discovery Lab! Join our knowledgeable Museum staff and volunteers to discover, touch, create, play, and learn about ocean life. Ever wondered who lives in those shells or what a crab's exoskeleton feels like? Curious about the size of a sea turtle? Find out and more!
It's a family-friendly indoor experience for all ages. Stop by any time during our Life Under the Sea hours!
Check AvailabilityLIFE UNDER
THE SEA
Explore a magical world under the sea with our Discovery Lab! Join our knowledgeable Museum staff and volunteers to discover, touch, create, play, and learn about ocean life. Ever wondered who lives in those shells or what a crab's exoskeleton feels like? Curious about the size of a sea turtle? Find out and more!
It's a family-friendly indoor experience for all ages. Stop by any time during our Life Under the Sea hours!
Check AvailabilityMARSH
CRITTERS
The salt marsh is a rich and vital habitat that is full of life. The Coastal Discovery Museum is your easy-access opportunity to meet the marsh critters in person as your guide shares a fun short story about all the varieties you might encounter while spending a day in the salt marsh. Never see your local landscape the same way again after this meet-and-greet with its wild cast of characters.
This family program is designed for the preschool and younger elementary kids in your family BUT the whole family will enjoy.
Check Availability
MARSH
CRITTERSThe salt marsh is a rich and vital habitat that is full of life. The Coastal Discovery Museum is your easy-access opportunity to meet the marsh critters in person as your guide shares a fun short story about all the varieties you might encounter while spending a day in the salt marsh. Never see your local landscape the same way again after this meet-and-greet with its wild cast of characters.
This family program is designed for the preschool and younger elementary kids in your family BUT the whole family will enjoy.
REPTILES OF THE
LOWCOUNTRY
Turtles, alligators, and even snakes, are local celebs in our area and it pays to know them. Learn about the habitats, characteristics, contributions, and reputations of regional reptiles. In addition, discuss how to protect these amazing creatures and safely enjoy sharing the lowcountry with them.
Yes! You will see (and maybe even get to touch) live reptiles during this experience!
This FAMILY FRIENDLY indoor experience is a nice escape from the afternoon heat or rain!
Check Availability
REPTILES OF THE
LOWCOUNTRY
Turtles, alligators, and even snakes, are local celebs in our area and it pays to know them. Learn about the habitats, characteristics, contributions, and reputations of regional reptiles. In addition, discuss how to protect these amazing creatures and safely enjoy sharing the lowcountry with them.
Yes! You will see (and maybe even get to touch) live reptiles during this experience!
This FAMILY FRIENDLY indoor experience is a nice escape from the afternoon heat or rain!
Check Availability
SALT MARSH
DISCOVERY
The Salt Marsh is one of our area’s most prominent features, not to mention an essential resource. Most coastal creatures depend partially or even fully on the Salt Marsh for survival and repay those benefits extensively with the role they play. The Salt Marsh itself has a unique role not only as a nursery for many of the creatures that inhabit the coast is but also as a water filter vital for the functioning of the entire coastal ecosystem (a fascinating tale that is often overlooked). Learn from an expert how and why this particular environment is so important. Considered one of the most productive ecosystems on earth, the Salt Marsh is a place worth visiting and discovering while on Hilton Head Island.
Not recommended for children under the age of 4.
SALT MARSH
DISCOVERY
The Salt Marsh is one of our area’s most prominent features, not to mention an essential resource. Most coastal creatures depend partially or even fully on the Salt Marsh for survival and repay those benefits extensively with the role they play. The Salt Marsh itself has a unique role not only as a nursery for many of the creatures that inhabit the coast is but also as a water filter vital for the functioning of the entire coastal ecosystem (a fascinating tale that is often overlooked). Learn from an expert how and why this particular environment is so important. Considered one of the most productive ecosystems on earth, the Salt Marsh is a place worth visiting and discovering while on Hilton Head Island.
Not recommended for children under the age of 4.
SEGWAY
TOUR
At Hilton Head Segway's Honey Horn location, you'll discover the history, culture, and ecosystem of Hilton Head Island. Throughout this 70-acre property are displays by The Coastal Discovery Museum interpreting the marshland ecosystem and woodlands of the island.
Our most popular tour, the Eco Discovery Tour, is fully guided and narrated by our local professional guides, winding through the shell pathways and woodland trails, it’s the perfect way to discover the best of Hilton Head Island.
The Eco Fun Ride is perfect for all Segway-approved ages and a great family experience on the island. It's all about the ride and the fun, but you’re surrounded by the amazing environment as you go.
For those looking for a greater adventure on Hilton Head, you'll want to join our Ultimate Discovery Tour. Encompassing the entire scope of our Eco Discovery tour, the Ultimate Discovery Tour proceeds onward from the Eco Discovery to visit Jarvis Creek Park and a chance to view alligators in the wild. This tour is one of the top activities for families on Hilton Head Island.
To book a tour, visit our website at www.hiltonheadsegway.com or call us at (843) 800-6400.
SEGWAY
TOUR
At Hilton Head Segway's Honey Horn location, you'll discover the history, culture, and ecosystem of Hilton Head Island. Throughout this 70-acre property are displays by The Coastal Discovery Museum interpreting the marshland ecosystem and woodlands of the island.
Our most popular tour, the Eco Discovery Tour, is fully guided and narrated by our local professional guides, winding through the shell pathways and woodland trails, it’s the perfect way to discover the best of Hilton Head Island.
The Eco Fun Ride is perfect for all Segway-approved ages and a great family experience on the island. It's all about the ride and the fun, but you’re surrounded by the amazing environment as you go.
For those looking for a greater adventure on Hilton Head, you'll want to join our Ultimate Discovery Tour. Encompassing the entire scope of our Eco Discovery tour, the Ultimate Discovery Tour proceeds onward from the Eco Discovery to visit Jarvis Creek Park and a chance to view alligators in the wild. This tour is one of the top activities for families on Hilton Head Island.
To book a tour, visit our website at www.hiltonheadsegway.com or call us at (843) 800-6400.
SWEETGRASS
BASKET WORKSHOPS
Summer Workshops: June 12 & 26, July 10 & 24, August 7 & 21
6-8 pm / $80 per person
Learn about the art of sewing sweetgrass baskets from renowned Gullah artists Michael Smalls and Dino Badger in this hands-on workshop. Sweetgrass baskets are world-famous cultural icons that have served as both an important economic resource and artistic tradition throughout Gullah history. Discover the techniques and stories behind this cherished art form, then learn how to craft your own basket using locally sourced natural materials.
A minimum of 5 participants is required.
To reserve your spot, call 843-689-6767 ext. 223 or register below.
Check Availability
SWEETGRASS
BASKET WORKSHOPS
Summer Workshops: June 12 & 26, July 10 & 24, August 7 & 21
6-8 pm / $80 per person
Learn about the art of sewing sweetgrass baskets from renowned Gullah artists Michael Smalls and Dino Badger in this hands-on workshop. Sweetgrass baskets are world-famous cultural icons that have served as both an important economic resource and artistic tradition throughout Gullah history. Discover the techniques and stories behind this cherished art form, then learn how to craft your own basket using locally sourced natural materials.
A minimum of 5 participants is required.
To reserve your spot, call 843-689-6767 ext. 223 or register below.
Check Availability