Plan a Staycation in the Lowcountry

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Summertime is the perfect time to plan a memorable vacation, be it a road trip across the country or a tropical getaway. However, sometimes, the perfect vacation is simply staying in the Lowcountry and spending quality time with your loved ones.

But having a staycation doesn’t mean you have to stay at home! Below are some fun destinations and activities you should check out in the Lowcountry this summer:

Hit the Carolina Coast

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Lowcountry residents are fortunate to have access to the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby May River for a wide variety of water activities, from watersports to cruises.

Watersports

• Vagabond Dinner Cruises – This cruise line offers various expeditions on the water. Choose from your pick of sunset, dinner, and dolphin cruises. If you plan on hitting the water for July 4th weekend, we recommend one of the Fireworks Dinner Cruises!
• Captain Mark’s Dolphin Cruises – Pick from the standard Dolphin Watch Nature Cruise or the Dolphin Watch Sunset Cruise and enjoy the breathtaking views. And for something a little different, try Captain Mark’s Sport Crabbing Adventure Cruise.
• Pirates of Hilton Head – This one is a family-friendly favorite! Kids get to dress up and learn how to be a pirate aboard a custom pirate ship that sets sail along the Calibogue Sound.

Tours

For the adventurous sight-seer, book one of these amazing tours on the water or in the sky!

• Dolphin Tours – Hop aboard a skiff and follow guides in this self-propelled tour around Hilton Head, Bluffton, Daufuskie Island, and surrounding waterways while learning about the region’s history. Catch incredible views of dolphins, birds, and other wildlife!
• Helicopter Tours – Speaking of birds, you can get a bird’s-eye, breathtaking view of the Lowcountry with one of Fly Hilton Head Island’s helicopter tours! Fly across Hilton Head’s many beaches, Old Town Bluffton, or nearby marinas and marshlands.

Learn Lowcountry History

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If you’re constantly craving to learn something new, consider checking out some of the Lowcountry’s top museums:

• Coastal Discovery Museum – With various programs, tours, and exhibits available, the Coastal Discovery Museum will “inspire you to care for the Lowcountry.” Learn about Hilton Head’s preservation of natural wildlife as well as the many species of flora and fauna found across the island’s marshes and waterways.
• The Heyward House – Explore Bluffton’s history from the town’s official Welcome Center! First, stop by the Cole-Heyward House, which was originally built in 1841 and is the only one of eight antebellum homes in the Lowcountry still standing in its original form. From there, take a walking tour of historic Bluffton, and don’t forget to stop by the preserved Church of the Cross while you’re nearby!

If you don’t mind venturing a little out of town, you could check out one of these museums near the Lowcountry:

• Parris Island Museum
• Beaufort History Museum
• Penn Center

Explore Lowcountry Wildlife

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Try your hand at biking or hiking up the Lowcountry’s many trails, or sign up for an excursion or tour at one of several wildlife conservation sites:

• Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge – Consisting of mostly salt marsh and tidal creeks, the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is home to various animal and plant life, including over 250 species of birds, white-tailed deer, bobcats, and more.
• Sea Pines Forest Preserve – Walk or bike along one of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve’s many trails or book a tour with the Sea Pines Resort to explore the many natural wonders of Hilton Head Island, including the 4,000-year-old Sea Pines Shell Ring!
• Palmetto Bluff Conservancy – The Palmetto Bluff Conservancy hosts multiple events and tours throughout the year to raise awareness and educate visitors about the area’s protected natural marshlands along the May, Cooper, and New Rivers.

Embrace Your Inner Homebody

Finally, if you would rather spend your week off staying in, we won’t judge you for it. A stay at the Montage Palmetto Bluff might be just what you need. The Montage was recently ranked the #1 resort in the South by Condé Nast Traveler, so you can’t go wrong with a little TLC to feel refreshed and relaxed.

Are you ready to live life on vacation? Life in the Lowcountry combines beautiful nature with upscale amenities – the perfect combination in our opinion. You’re just in time for summer in the Bluffton area. Many Lowcountry homes have access to gorgeous scenery and are built with a comfortable screened porch so residents can stay cool during peak summer temps. Why not take advantage of them? Click here to explore available SC Lowcountry home listings with these fantastic features!

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