Close to the South Carolina coast is the island of Hilton Head, which includes a resort town of the same name. Some of the great attractions of Hilton Head include its wildlife and conservation activities. The community has spent millions of dollars to purchase land in order to preserve natural habitats, and new construction must adhere to strict guidelines designed to keep as many trees as possible.
As the area is very conscious of any impact to the environment, visitors to Hilton Head can enjoy the unspoiled natural beauty of the eastern seaboard, including many varieties of native wildlife. The island is home not only to hundreds of bird species, but also deer, alligators, and loggerhead sea turtles. Guests can explore the beaches and trails of Hilton Head on their own, but for a more formal experience of the local wildlife, the Coastal Discovery Museum offers programs such as the Turtle Walk & Talk during the summer months.
The waters near surrounding Hilton Head contain manatee, dolphins, and countless varieties of fish including bass, sea trout, tarpon, and several species of shark. The dolphins here are of particular interest to many tourists, since Hilton Head is one of those rare places where these aquatic mammals practice strand feeding, that involves herding schools of fish onto mud banks. The dolphins lie sideways on the mud banks to feed, providing visitors with an excellent and rather unusual viewing experience.
Hilton Head vacation rentals are located both inland and on the coast, so that visitors can select a rental that best suits their area of interest.