Sea Pines Forest Preserve
Rating
Family of 4
$10-$15.
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Ages
All ages
About
The Sea Pines Forest Preserve is a 605-acre natural area in the heart of the Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island's south end. Protecting maritime forest, salt marsh, freshwater ponds, and a significant archaeological site, it offers one of the island's most immersive nature experiences — surprising for a preserve located within a golf and beach resort.
The trail system features a mix of boardwalk paths through marsh areas and dirt trails through maritime forest, all well-marked and manageable for families. The boardwalk sections elevate visitors above the marsh, providing safe viewing platforms for the alligators, wading birds, and turtles that inhabit the wetlands. Kids are typically thrilled (and slightly nervous) to spot their first wild alligator just feet below the boardwalk.
The Indian Shell Ring is the preserve's most historically significant feature — a circular mound of oyster shells approximately 150 feet in diameter, created by Native Americans about 4,000 years ago. Archaeologists believe it was a communal gathering site for feasting, ceremonies, or trade. Standing inside this ancient ring, surrounded by centuries-old live oaks, creates a powerful sense of connection to the island's deep human history.
The preserve's ecosystems transition from tidal salt marsh to freshwater marsh to maritime forest over a relatively short distance, giving families exposure to multiple Lowcountry habitat types in a single walk. The wildflower meadow is seasonally spectacular, and the fish pond attracts wading birds year-round. White-tailed deer are common in the forest sections.
The Sea Pines Forest Preserve is free for Sea Pines Resort guests and accessible for a $10 gate fee for day visitors (which also covers Harbour Town and Sea Pines beaches). The preserve is best accessed by bicycle — Sea Pines' extensive bike path network connects the preserve to Harbour Town, the beach, and resort amenities. Many families combine a morning preserve walk with an afternoon at the beach or a sunset at Harbour Town.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Early morning for wildlife sightings and cool temps; any season
Wait Times
No wait — open access within Sea Pines
Nearby Food
Harbour Town restaurants (10-min bike ride): Quarterdeck, CQ's, Harbour Town Bakery & Cafe. The Salty Dog Cafe (10-min bike ride). Multiple Sea Pines resort restaurants.
Why Kids Love It
The Sea Pines Forest Preserve is 605 acres of ancient maritime forest, salt marsh, and freshwater ponds in the heart of Hilton Head's most famous resort — and it feels like stepping into a prehistoric wilderness. Kids walk elevated boardwalks through marsh grass where alligators sun themselves on the banks, herons stand perfectly still in the shallows, and turtles slide off logs at the approach of footsteps.
The Indian Shell Ring — a 4,000-year-old circular mound of oyster shells created by the island's earliest inhabitants — gives kids a physical connection to deep history. Standing inside this ancient ring, surrounded by towering live oaks and draped moss, kids feel the weight of time in a way that textbooks never convey. It's one of the most significant pre-Columbian archaeological sites on the East Coast.
The wildflower meadow, fish pond, and connecting trails create a diverse ecosystem walk that introduces kids to the Lowcountry landscape at every turn. Egrets, anoles, butterflies, and the occasional deer create a parade of wildlife sightings. The preserve's compact size (most trails loop in under 2 miles) makes it manageable for young legs while still feeling like a real wilderness adventure.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Walk quietly on the boardwalks — alligators and herons are more visible when you approach slowly.
- The Indian Shell Ring is a must-see but easily missed — follow signs carefully.
- Morning visits offer the best wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures.
- Bug spray is essential — the marsh habitat means mosquitoes, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Combine with a bike ride through Sea Pines and a stop at Harbour Town for a half-day itinerary.
What to Bring
- bug spray
- water
- comfortable walking shoes
- binoculars
- camera
- hat
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$10-$15.
Sea Pines gate fee: $10/vehicle (day visitors).
Free for Sea Pines guests.
Preserve entry is free once inside the gate.
Tips to Save
- Free for Sea Pines Resort guests.
- Day visitors pay a $10 gate fee that covers all Sea Pines attractions including the preserve, Harbour Town, and beaches.
- The preserve trails and boardwalks are free — no additional fees.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- friday
- Sunrise to sunset
- monday
- Sunrise to sunset
- sunday
- Sunrise to sunset
- tuesday
- Sunrise to sunset
- saturday
- Sunrise to sunset
- thursday
- Sunrise to sunset
- wednesday
- Sunrise to sunset
