Sea Pines Forest Preserve
All Things To Do
Key Info
Price & Hours
Details
Explore Sea Pines Forest Preserve
Nature enthusiasts should make time to visit the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Spanning over 600 acres, it is the largest undeveloped tract of land on Hilton Head Island and serves as a protected habitat for various wildlife species, including alligators, snakes, deer, and more than 200 species of birds.
Activities and Tours
Guests can explore the preserve through guided tours available by boat or wagon. Additionally, fishing expeditions and horseback rides offer unique ways to experience the area. Visitors might also choose to stroll past Warner W. Plahs Wildflower Field, enjoy a picnic on Fish Island, or walk through the Vanishing Swamp on an elevated boardwalk, where the water level changes with the seasons.
Historical Significance
A notable feature within the Sea Pines Forest Preserve is the Sea Pines Shell Ring—a 4,000-year-old archaeological site. This well-preserved area, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is composed of thousands of clams, mussels, and oyster shells. Archaeologists believe this shell ring served as a functional space for Native American ceremonies or villages. The Shell Ring Trail, accessible from the Lawton entrance, leads visitors directly to this historic landmark.
Visitor Experiences
Recent visitors have praised the preserve for its tranquility and well-maintained nature trails and boardwalks. However, some have expressed frustration with the car-only entrance policy, noting that bicycles are not permitted entry into the Sea Pines resort area without being attached to a vehicle.
How to Get to Sea Pines
The Sea Pines Forest Preserve is accessible from sunrise to sunset. Although there is no entrance fee for the preserve itself, the Sea Pines Resort requires a $9 daily visitor fee (cash only) to access the gated community. Visitors can bring bicycles attached to vehicles for an additional fee of $1 each. Note that motorcycles, motor homes, and travel trailers are not allowed within the gated community. For more information, visit the Sea Pines Forest Preserve page on the Sea Pines Resort website.
