Tours On Land | Coastal Discovery Museum

Into the Wild

From the critters who call Honey Horn home to exploring the landscape itself, book a tour to take a walk or ride a Segway to get the true lay of the land. Butterflies in all stages of development, crabs and other critters creating a rich ecological system, and a couple local celebrities who enjoy being put out to pasture, the rare and historic Marsh Tacky Horses. All of this and there’s still the scenery to explore – from the oaks and camellias to the surrounding salt marsh, the campus awaits with endless discoveries.

Into the Wild

From the critters who call Honey Horn home to exploring the landscape itself, book a tour to take a walk or ride a Segway to get the true lay of the land. Butterflies in all stages of development, crabs and other critters creating a rich ecological system, and a couple local celebrities who enjoy being put out to pasture, the rare and historic Marsh Tacky Horses. All of this and there’s still the scenery to explore – from the oaks and camellias to the surrounding salt marsh, the campus awaits with endless discoveries.

BE IN THE KNOW

NEW!

WADDELL MARICULTURE
CENTER TOURS

The Waddell Mariculture Center (WMC), located in Bluffton, SC, is a field experiment station of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). WMC is one of the largest and most sophisticated facilities for mariculture research in the country.

During this exclusive experience, a WMC staff member will guide you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the grounds, lab, hatchery and ponds. You’ll learn firsthand how the center produces estuarine and saltwater fish for research and release along the coast of SC. You’ll also learn about the importance of mariculture in protecting our shorelines.

Please note:
Closed-toed shoes are required (no admittance to the hatchery with open-toed shoes).
Participants must be 12 years or older.
Since half of the tour is outside, bug spray, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and comfortable shoes are recommended.

Register Now

NEW!

WADDEL MARICULTURE
CENTER TOURS

The Waddell Mariculture Center (WMC), located in Bluffton, SC, is a field experiment station of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). WMC is one of the largest and most sophisticated facilities for mariculture research in the country.

During this exclusive experience, a WMC staff member will guide you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the grounds, lab, hatchery and ponds. You’ll learn firsthand how the center produces estuarine and saltwater fish for research and release along the coast of SC. You’ll also learn about the importance of mariculture in protecting our shorelines.

Please note:
Closed-toed shoes are required (no admittance to the hatchery with open-toed shoes).
Participants must be 12 years or older.
Since half of the tour is outside, bug spray, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and comfortable shoes are recommended.

Register Now
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.

Register Now
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.

Register Now
HILTON HEAD
HISTORY TOUR

Learn the secrets of Hilton Head’s history and the fascinating stories that bring it to life. This 3-hour expert guided tour takes you to five nearby historic sites in an air-conditioned bus. You will explore and discover our significant role in the American story.

Not recommended for children under the age of 7.

Register Now
HILTON HEAD
HISTORY TOUR

Learn the secrets of Hilton Head’s history and the fascinating stories that bring it to life. This 3-hour expert guided tour takes you to five nearby historic sites in an air-conditioned bus. You will explore and discover our significant role in the American story.

Not recommended for children under the age of 7.

Register Now
MARSH
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.

Register Now

MARSH 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.

Register Now
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.

Register Now
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.

Register Now
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.

Register Now

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.

Register Now
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.

Register Now
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.

Register Now
BIRDING
AT PINCKNEY ISLAND

Tour participants will be guided through a walking tour of Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge by an experienced bird watcher. With a combination of natural habitats including Salt Marsh, Maritime Forest and open fields, the site allows participants to see many different species of birds. Depending on the season, diverse birds can be spotted: Summer Tanager, Eastern Kingbird, Painted Bunting, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Egrets, Herons and many, many others.

What to Bring:

Good walking shoes

Binoculars

Ages 12 and up: (Not recommended for children under the age of 12.)
This tour is available as a private group experience (up to 8 people).

Register Now
BIRDING AT
PINCKNEY ISLAND

Tour participants will be guided through a walking tour of Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge by an experienced bird watcher. With a combination of natural habitats including Salt Marsh, Maritime Forest and open fields, the site allows participants to see many different species of birds. Depending on the season, diverse birds can be spotted: Summer Tanager, Eastern Kingbird, Painted Bunting, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Egrets, Herons and many, many others.

What to Bring:

  • Good walking shoes
  • Binoculars
Ages 12 and up: (Not recommended for children under the age of 12.)
This tour is available as a private group experience (up to 8 people).
Register Now
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.

Register Now

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.

Register Now
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!
EXPLORE
PINCKNEY ISLAND

Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge, located at the northern tip of Hilton Head Island, is a unique location full of Lowcountry history and natural beauty. This tour explores three different habitats: the Salt Marsh, the Maritime Forest, and a fresh water lagoon. The island’s Ibis Pond lagoon is known for its active wading-bird rookery which offers great bird watching opportunities between April and August. The island is also rich in cultural history and was home to General Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, a signer of the United States Constitution.

Not recommended for children under the age of 4.

Register Now
EXPLORE PINCKNEY ISLAND

Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge, located at the northern tip of Hilton Head Island, is a unique location full of Lowcountry history and natural beauty. This tour explores three different habitats: the Salt Marsh, the Maritime Forest, and a fresh water lagoon. The island’s Ibis Pond lagoon is known for its active wading-bird rookery which offers great bird watching opportunities between April and August. The island is also rich in cultural history and was home to General Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, a signer of the United States Constitution.

Not recommended for children under the age of 4.

Register Now
BEACH
DISCOVERY TOUR

Join a museum naturalist on a nature tour of the wonders and creatures that inhabit our local beaches. Ever wonder who lives in those holes in the sand? Or, when sea turtles come ashore to nest on Hilton Head Island? Learn about the horseshoe crab that has been lurking in our coastal waters for millions of years.

Come explore our ever-changing marine environment at hidden Fish Haul Beach along Port Royal Sound. With its mud flats and sandy areas, this beach is ideal for finding beach creatures, shorebirds, and sea shells. Learn about how our beaches are formed and changed with each cycle of the tide. Meet docent at the picnic tables near the beach pathway for an orientation before heading to the beach.

Register Now
BEACH DISCOVERY TOUR

Join a museum naturalist on a nature tour of the wonders and creatures that inhabit our local beaches. Ever wonder who lives in those holes in the sand? Or, when sea turtles come ashore to nest on Hilton Head Island? Learn about the horseshoe crab that has been lurking in our coastal waters for millions of years.

Come explore our ever-changing marine environment at hidden Fish Haul Beach along Port Royal Sound. With its mud flats and sandy areas, this beach is ideal for finding beach creatures, shorebirds, and sea shells. Learn about how our beaches are formed and changed with each cycle of the tide. Meet docent at the picnic tables near the beach pathway for an orientation before heading to the beach.

Register Now
FORTS
OF PORT ROYAL

During the Civil War, Hilton Head Island was occupied by Union forces early in November 1861. The island’s proximity to Charleston and Savannah made it an important strategic location for the Union and was occupied throughout the War. On this guided history tour, learn about the Battle of Port Royal and the historic sites of Fort Walker and a later era Steam Cannon used for coastal defense.

Not recommended for children under 7 years of age.

Register Now
FORTS OF PORT ROYAL

During the Civil War, Hilton Head Island was occupied by Union forces early in November 1861. The island’s proximity to Charleston and Savannah made it an important strategic location for the Union and was occupied throughout the War. On this guided history tour, learn about the Battle of Port Royal and the historic sites of Fort Walker and a later era Steam Cannon used for coastal defense.

Not recommended for children under 7 years of age.

Register Now
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.

EXPLORE COASTAL DISCOVERY MUSEUM
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EXPLORE COASTAL DISCOVERY MUSEUM
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EXPLORE
COASTAL DISCOVERY MUSEUM
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Mon.-Sat. 9am-4:30pm | Sun. 11am-4:30pm FREE ADMISSION