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About half a mile from Hilton Head Island lies Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, which has great outdoor wildlife and nature classrooms. It is a popular tourist destination for those who love to explore, photograph wildlife, hunt white-tailed deer, go fishing, or just hike and bike through the 14 miles of trails that meander throughout the refuge. The 4,053-acre refugee consists of Pinckney Island, Big Harry and Little Harry Islands, Corn Island, and Buzzard Island. Pinckney is the largest.

The refuge consists mostly of salt marsh, brush land, forestland and freshwater ponds that are teeming with life. You can spot more than 250 species of birds, white-tailed deer, bobcats, red foxes, and plenty of American alligators. Take a hike to Dick Point or White Point – the breathtaking vista is worth an extra effort.

Go birdwatching in Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
© Courtesy of maggier 89 - Fotolia.com

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Relax on the beach at Coligny Beach Park Enjoy Hilton Head Island Bike Trails Watch a performance at Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Learn about local history at the Coastal Discovery Museum Shop at Shelter Cove Town Centre Go birdwatching in Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge Enjoy Sea Pines Forest Preserve Play at Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center Go paddle boarding with H2O Sports Grab a snack at Java Burrito Company Enjoy beautiful Folly Field Beach Park Head to Daufuskie Island Have a romantic dinner at Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks Take a guided tour of the Audubon Newhall Preserve Visit the Golf Academy of Hilton Head Island at Sea Pines Shop at The Village at Wexford Visit the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park Spend an evening at The Jazz Corner Book a tour of Hilton Head Distillery Taste craft beer at the Hilton Head Brewing Company Visit Baynard Plantation Ruins

Explore more: South Carolina Day Trips > Things to Do on Hilton Head Island, SC

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