Things to Do in Hilton Head Island

Enjoy an aerial view of Hilton Head as you parasail up and down the coastline. There are a number of private companies offering parasailing and other water sports activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding and tubing. Your parasailing guide will fit you into a harness and gently let you rise up into the air behind a speed boat. You'll be flying anywhere from 500 to 1200 feet above the Atlantic ocean and the shoreline for 10 to 15 minutes.

You don't need experience to go kayaking on and around Hilton Head Island. The rental companies will teach you everything you need to know. Explore the marshlands and tidal creeks on a guided nature tour in a kayak made for one or two people. Experienced kayakers can take a custom tour to Pinckney Island Nature Preserve or some of the other rivers and streams that run along the Island. Kayak fishing tours also are available if you feel like dropping a line in the water.

Take a leisurely ride on horseback as you explore the natural beauty of Sea Pines Forest Preserve. You can book one-hour-long western-style rides or one-hour-long carriage rides for up to six passengers through Lawton Stables. Children must be at least 8 years old to experience the horseback ride, but children of all ages can enjoy the carriage ride. Sea Pines Forest Preserve is the home of three lakes, a spectacular wildflower meadow and a variety of birds and other wildlife. Expect to see at least one alligator during your casual stroll along unspoiled low-country trials.