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
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
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).
Check Availability
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
This tour is available as a private group experience (up to 8 people).
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
Experiencing the enchantment of a native butterfly garden and observing all four stages of the butterfly life cycle is a unique opportunity available to people of all ages at the Coastal Discovery Museum. The Butterfly Learning Station offers visitors an opportunity to learn even more about the butterfly life cycle, native butterfly species, unique survival strategies, and butterfly friendly plants from a knowledgeable Museum volunteer.
Stop by and enjoy this family friendly outdoor experience any time between 10-11am on Wednesdays and Fridays in June, July, and August. The Butterfly Learning Station will be closed on rainy days.
Stop by any time during our Butterfly learning Station hours!
Check AvailabilityBUTTERFLY
LEARNING STATION
Experiencing the enchantment of a native butterfly garden and observing all four stages of the butterfly life cycle is a unique opportunity available to people of all ages at the Coastal Discovery Museum. The Butterfly Learning Station offers visitors an opportunity to learn even more about the butterfly life cycle, native butterfly species, unique survival strategies, and butterfly friendly plants from a knowledgeable Museum volunteer.
Stop by and enjoy this family friendly outdoor experience any time between 10-11am on Wednesdays and Fridays in June, July, and August. The Butterfly Learning Station will be closed on rainy days.
Stop by any time during our Butterfly learning Station hours!
Check AvailabilityCAMELLIA 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.Check Availability
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.Check Availability
CREATURE
CRAFT
The Lowcountry is full of amazing and unique animals. Each week during Creature Craft time you can create a different Lowcountry creature and maybe learn a few fun facts about the creature of the week as well. Drop in between 10-12 (please arrive by 11:40 so that you have time to complete your craft by 12). Crafts are geared towards elementary aged children, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No fee and no reservation required.
FAMILY FRIENDLY (indoor experience)
CREATURE
CRAFT
The Lowcountry is full of amazing and unique animals. Each week during Creature Craft time you can create a different Lowcountry creature and maybe learn a few fun facts about the creature of the week as well. Drop in between 10-12 (please arrive by 11:40 so that you have time to complete your craft by 12). Crafts are geared towards elementary aged children, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No fee and no reservation required.
FAMILY FRIENDLY (indoor experience)
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
Drop by our outdoor Bird's Eye Theater for our popular “Critter Meet and Greet” program, a fun and safe way to get up close and learn about baby alligators, turtles, lizards, snakes and other animals that share the Lowcountry with us.
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.
Last day for this season is August 14, 2024. The program returns in summer 2025.
Sponsored by Palmetto Dunes Cares.
Check AvailabilityCRITTER
MEET AND GREET
June, July & August
Drop by our outdoor Bird's Eye Theater for our popular “Critter Meet and Greet” program, a fun and safe way to get up close and learn about baby alligators, turtles, lizards, snakes and other animals that share the Lowcountry with us.
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.
Last day for this season is August 14, 2024. The program returns in summer 2025.
Sponsored by Palmetto Dunes Cares.
Check AvailabilityDIRECTOR'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.
DISCOVERY LECTURE
SERIES
Learn from the experts! Coastal Discovery welcomes experts from around the region to share stories and have conversations about history, culture, environment, conservation, art, and natural history. Gain insight about regional history from museum professionals, historians, archaeologists, first-person interpreters, and authors at History Forum programs. Dig deeper into local conservation concerns, natural history, regional biology research, and culture with the Discovery Lecture Series.
Check AvailabilityDISCOVERY LECTURE
SERIES
Learn from the experts! Coastal Discovery welcomes experts from around the region to share stories and have conversations about history, culture, environment, conservation, art, and natural history. Gain insight about regional history from museum professionals, historians, archaeologists, first-person interpreters, and authors at History Forum programs. Dig deeper into local conservation concerns, natural history, regional biology research, and culture with the Discovery Lecture Series.
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.
Check Availability
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.
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 medium to adult XL). $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 medium to adult XL). $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 CLASS
World-famous but with origins right here in the Lowcountry, the Sweetgrass basket is one of the regions’s best known art forms and cultural icons. An important economic and artistic resource throughout the historic development of the Gullah people, you can learn about the making and the history personally from a local Gullah basket maker. You can even try your hand at starting a basket of your own using locally resourced natural materials.
Please note: A minimum of 5 participants is required for this class to occur.
Reservations required: call 843-689-6767 ext. 223 or register online.
SWEETGRASS
BASKET CLASS
World-famous but with origins right here in the Lowcountry, the Sweetgrass basket is one of the regions’s best known art forms and cultural icons. An important economic and artistic resource throughout the historic development of the Gullah people, you can learn about the making and the history personally from a local Gullah basket maker. You can even try your hand at starting a basket of your own using locally resourced natural materials.
Please note: A minimum of 5 participants is required for this class to occur.
Reservations required: call 843-689-6767 ext. 223 or register online.
SWEETGRASS BASKET
3-DAY WORKSHOP
November 13, 14, 15, 2024 | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Join seventh-generation Gullah basket sewer Michael Smalls and his partner Dino Badger for a three-day workshop where you'll learn to craft your own sweetgrass basket. They’ll guide you through each step, demonstrating techniques and offering hands-on assistance. All materials are provided. Limited spots available.
Check AvailabilitySWEETGRASS BASKET
3-DAY WORKSHOP
November 13, 14, 15, 2024 | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Join seventh-generation Gullah basket sewer Michael Smalls and his partner Dino Badger for a three-day workshop where you'll learn to craft your own sweetgrass basket. They’ll guide you through each step, demonstrating techniques and offering hands-on assistance. All materials are provided. Limited spots available.
Check Availability