A place like no other near Hilton Head in South Carolina
Looking for a fun and educational activity? Take a break from the beach and head over to the Coastal Discovery Museum. This family-friendly museum is all about teaching visitors about Hilton Head’s rich ecological and cultural history. Explore the engaging exhibits, attend expert lectures, and enjoy live animal presentations. The museum is located on the scenic 68-acre Honey Horn property, where you can also explore nature trails, beautiful gardens, and majestic live oak trees. Don’t miss the butterfly habitat, teeming with native butterflies from May to October. If you’re up for an exciting adventure, join one of the guided tours, such as kayaking excursions or dolphin cruises, where you might spot bottlenose dolphins swimming in the island’s salt marshes. Another highlight is the museum’s barn, where you can meet rare Marsh Tacky horses. Recently, archaeologists made an exciting discovery on the property—artifacts indicating the presence of slave cabins that once stood there. Although excavation is still ongoing, the Honey Horn Slave Project aims to uncover and exhibit these historic findings to the community.
The Coastal Discovery Museum is a wonderful destination for travelers seeking a peaceful break from the beach. It offers an engaging opportunity to explore the island’s plant and animal life. Families especially love bringing their children here, as there are tours and activities that allow kids to interact with the museum’s animals. The Marsh Critters program is particularly favored by visitors. Even if you’re not accompanied by children, adults can enjoy the museum’s stunning oak trees and gardens. One of the gardens showcases an impressive collection of 131 different camellia plant varieties.