Where the tides tell the story. Step into the rhythm of the Lowcountry’s salt marshes and experience their magic firsthand.

With over 200,000 acres of salt marsh, Beaufort County is where the tides don’t just shape the land — they give it life. These vast, ever-changing wetlands are more than a scenic backdrop; they are the pulse of the Lowcountry. Fish and crabs hatch in winding creeks, shorebirds wade through golden shallows, and the marsh itself stands as a natural fortress against coastal storms. Four great waterways weave through this tidal landscape, linking the salt marsh to the Atlantic and sustaining a world as rich in beauty as it is in life.

An estuarine wonderland

Port Royal Sound

The Port Royal Sound isn’t just water — it’s a living, breathing force shaped by the Atlantic. Unlike traditional rivers, its tidal inlets, including the Broad, Colleton and May rivers, flow from the ocean, creating a deep, salt-rich haven where sea turtles glide, dolphins play, and sharks, rays and fish roam freely. Spanning 1,600 square miles with 200,000 acres of salt marsh, this ecosystem thrives on the tides. Every 8 1/2-foot swing moves 950 million gallons of water, flushing out pollutants and fueling an intricate web of life. 

Experience it: Visit the Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center in Okatie to explore interactive exhibits, stroll the scenic boardwalks, and take in panoramic marsh views from the dock.

A scenic passage

Calibogue Sound

Between Hilton Head and Daufuskie islands, Calibogue Sound is a dynamic meeting point of saltwater and freshwater, creating a thriving estuarine ecosystem. Dolphins break the surface in graceful arcs, fiddler crabs scuttle along the bank, and the marshes provide a nursery for young fish and crabs. Beyond its rich biodiversity, the Sound is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts — sailboats skim the breeze, kayakers navigate winding creeks, and paddleboarders drift with the tides. Anglers are drawn to its plentiful waters, casting for redfish, trout and flounder in one of the Lowcountry’s top fishing spots.

Experience it: For a bird’s-eye view, climb the Harbour Town Lighthouse, where panoramic marsh vistas stretch as far as the eye can see. 

A wild and untamed marshland

St. Helena Sound

Where the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto rivers meet the Atlantic, St. Helena Sound anchors the ACE Basin, one of the largest and most pristine estuaries in the U.S. Its vast salt marshes hum with life, shifting from lush green in summer to golden hues in fall, a living canvas shaped by the tides. Kayakers and paddleboarders explore winding creeks, anglers reel in redfish and trout, and birdwatchers scan the skies for ospreys and bald eagles. Shrimping and crabbing remain time-honored Lowcountry traditions, connecting generations to these rich, ever-giving waters.

Where to experience it: For a front-row seat to this untouched wilderness, visit Hunting Island State Park, where a scenic marsh boardwalk extends deep into the wetlands.

From mountains to marsh 

Savannah River

Stretching 301 miles from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic, the Savannah River forms a natural border between Georgia and South Carolina before unfurling into a thriving estuary of salt marshes, tidal creeks and oyster beds. These wetlands pulse with life, serving as nurseries for shrimp, blue crabs and fish, while dolphins, wading birds and shorebirds move with the rhythm of the tides. For those who explore its winding creeks by kayak or boat, the rewards are endless.

Where to experience it: On your next trip to Savannah, take a scenic detour through the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge in Hardeeville. The five-mile Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive winds through salt marshes, tidal creeks and freshwater wetlands.

Other great spots to witness the beauty of the marsh

Hilton Head Island

• Marshland Road Public Boat Ramp
• Coastal Discovery Museum
• Mitchelville Freedom Park
• Shelter Cove Community Park 
• Rowing and Sailing Center
• Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

Bluffton 

• New River Linear Trail 
• Palmetto Bluff Conservancy
• Wright Family Park 
• Bluffton Oyster Factory Park 

Beaufort area

• Broad River Fishing Pier
• Spanish Moss Trail 
• Whitehall Park 
• The Sands 
• Crystal Lake Park
• Waterfront Park