Fish Island Sea Pines Forest Preserve

The Sea Pines Forest Preserve within Hilton Head Island's Sea Pines Resort is a 605-acre maritime forest that provides something rare in a resort community: genuine wilderness. The preserve protects ancient live oak and palmetto forest, freshwater lakes, and one of the most significant prehistoric sites on the South Carolina coast — a 2,000-3,000-year-old Native American shell ring that families can walk to and observe.

For kids who enjoy real nature rather than curated nature experiences, this forest feels genuinely wild. The lakes are home to alligators that regularly sun themselves on the banks in full view of trail walkers — an experience that creates lasting memories and a healthy respect for coastal ecosystems. Wading birds (herons, egrets, wood storks) fish the lake edges, white-tailed deer are spotted in the forest at dawn and dusk, and the forest canopy is alive with bird activity.

The Indian shell ring is an extraordinary historical feature that often gets overlooked. Built by Native Americans over centuries using discarded shellfish, the ring is approximately 150 feet in diameter and provides one of the few direct, tangible connections to ancient coastal SC human history accessible to casual visitors. Explaining its age to children — older than the Roman Colosseum — creates genuine historical awe.

Note that the preserve is within Sea Pines Resort, so non-resort guests pay the vehicle entrance fee at the gate. Once inside, the preserve trails are free. Best combined with a visit to Harbour Town (minutes away) for a full Sea Pines day.