“Why do you always go to Hilton Head for vacation?” The sparkling beaches, world-class golf courses, and delicious seafood, of course! The island is a paradise, and experiencing it once is never enough. If you want to really discover all of it, the Coastal Discovery Museum should be on your next to-visit list.

The Vision From 1985

It all started in 1985 with a vision to inspire people to fall in love with Hilton Head’s delicate balance of nature and culture.

The museum — then called The Environmental and Historical Museum of Hilton Head Island — was founded by a team led by Helen Cork, joined by movers and shakers like Billie Hack, Charles Fraser, Robert Peeples, Elizabeth Chisolm, and musician-turned-historian Michael Taylor.

The Coastal Discovery Museum found its forever home in 2007 at 70 Honey Horn Drive, a property dating back more than 300 years. With help from the town and local leaders, it blossomed into a Smithsonian Affiliate welcoming over 130,000 visitors a year!

Historic Exhibits

There are nine historic buildings within the 70-acre property, and the star is the Discovery House, which first went up in 1859. It’s the oldest wooden building on the island! Here, you’ll find permanent and rotating exhibits.

Then, there are structures from the 1930s and ‘40s, built on sturdy brick foundations, a nod to when Honey Horn was a seasonal hunting retreat. The more modern ones (cement block walls and all) came after the bridge was built and were once part of the Hack family’s farm.

Year-Round Events and Programs

With 68 acres of trails, gardens, live oaks, marsh, and open fields, the Coastal Discovery Museum is basically an event haven! For instance, every Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, farm-fresh produce, warm baked goods, crafts, and the best vibes are available at the Hilton Head Island Farmers Market.

Each spring and fall, you can pick from over 100 native plant species for your garden at the Native Plant Sale. You can also catch the Cocktails and Camellias, a garden party that funds the museum’s mission.

Onsite and Offsite Excursions

The Coastal Discovery Museum takes you out to Hilton Head itself! You can join guided walks, talks, cruises, and excursions that cover everything from the marshlands to historic neighborhoods. Everyone will go on an adventure. Get in touch with the museum team at (843) 689-6767 to learn more.

Support for Every Living Being

The museum thrives because many decide to become members, to volunteer, and to donate or sponsor. People’s generosity keeps admission free and maintains the buildings, galleries, trails, and everything else!

Here are two special ways to help the nonprofit organization:

• Adopt-a-Nest: Your contribution will go to loggerhead sea turtle conservation education. Get a certificate of adoption, a souvenir, email updates, and nest progress reports.
• Adopt-a-Dolphin: Through a collaboration with USCB’s Lowcountry Dolphin Conservation Program, you can symbolically adopt a local dolphin and support dolphin research and preservation.

Wander, Learn, and Soak Up the Lowcountry!

You deserve to truly see and feel Hilton Head. So, at Beachside Hilton Head, we have vacation rentals near some of the island’s most remarkable spots, including the Coastal Discovery Museum. Come not only for a vacation but also exploration! Call (843) 983-6620 or contact us online to book your stay.