Whitehall park, Beaufort, SC - Park bench overlooking marsh

Under-the-radar gems of the Lowcountry

Hidden wonders – Take a step off the beaten track to experience these under-the-radar gems of the Lowcountry.

The Lowcountry, a region brimming with unparalleled natural splendor, offers an array of hidden gems perfect for everyone — whether you’re steering clear of tourist hotspots, a newcomer adapting to Lowcountry life, or a local eager for new discoveries. Exploring these lesser-known locales promises a wealth of enjoyment and a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s awe-inspiring beauty.


Hilton Head Island

Journey to Burkes Beach Folly, an interruption in Hilton Head’s coastline. Travel south on Burkes Beach until a slender ocean stream halts your path, stretching from the sea to the dunes. This mini-inlet, flowing to the marsh, offers a serene, shallow swimming spot with panoramic views — beach stretches, the ocean and peaceful marshland. Ideal for a picnic, relaxation and absorbing the dune, marsh, and beachfront’s allure.

Get there: Park at Chaplin Park near the end of Burkes Beach Road. Head south on the beach to discover this hidden gem.

Burkes Beach Folly, Hilton Head Island, SC

Embark on an artistic journey along the Shelter Cove Sculpture Trail, a route connecting Shelter Cove Community and Veterans’ Memorial parks, now with new trailhead parking. The trail presents a blend of permanent and rotating sculptures every 12-18 months, celebrating island wildlife and environmental motifs. Meandering by Broad Creek and Shelter Cove Lane, it offers stunning marsh views and hints at a future link to Chaplin Linear Park.

Get there: 39 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. Begin behind the stage.

Shelter Cove Sculpture Trail

Discover the tranquility at Marshland Road Public Boat Ramp, an ideal spot for kayaking, fishing, cast-netting, crabbing and watching wildlife. Located beside the Old Oyster Factory, this easily overlooked ramp grants swift entry to the upper reaches of the creek. A hidden treasure, it melds outdoor excitement with scenic beauty, beckoning nature lovers and water sports aficionados.

Get there: 97 Marshland Road, Hilton Head Island. Watch for the subtle sign near the Old Oyster Factory, a great spot for a post-adventure meal.

Marshland Road Public Boat Ramp

Discover the hidden 2-mile bike path near Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort, between Arrow Road and Wexford Plantation. It rejoins Arrow Road near Helmsman Way, ensuring safe cycling to Crossings Park and Palmetto Bay Marina. Free from traffic, with ample smooth asphalt, it’s an ideal spot for a speedy ride.

Get there: 133 Arrow Road, Hilton Head Island

A little boy riding his bike on Arrow Road Bike Path, Hilton Head Island, SC

Embark on a verdant adventure on the Vanishing Swamp boardwalk. The journey begins at Sea Pines Forest Preserve’s Greenwood entrance. Follow the dirt path to Rice Field Boardwalk, then left at Bridle Trail, and right onto Fish Island Trail, leading you across the swamp.

Get there: Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island

Vanishing Swamp Boardwalk, Hilton Head Island, SC

Bypass the hustle of U.S. 278 using the underpass bridge, linking Shelter Cove and Palmetto Dunes’ public paths. Follow the signs on each side for a safe, scenic ride. Caution is advised at the blind corner; keep an eye on the mirror at the blind spot for a smooth journey.

Get there: Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island

Pedestrian Underpass Bridge, Hilton Head Island, SC

Okatie

Tucked away off a rural road near Okatie Highway lies a 140-foot public fishing dock on the Okatie River, a remnant of Camp St. Mary’s. Once a summer retreat for Catholic children from 1931 to the early 1980s, this spot now falls under Beaufort County’s stewardship. Future enhancements will include better parking, a new picnic pavilion with restrooms and upgraded access to both the pier and dock. Currently, the site welcomes visitors to enjoy fishing and dock access, offering a peaceful slice of local history and riverside tranquility.

Get there: 130 Camp St. Marys Road, Okatie. An automatic timed gate opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m. every day.

Camp St. Mary’s Fishing Pier

Bluffton

Discover the magic of Old Town Bluffton through a treasure hunt for 10 small bronze crab sculptures by Savannah artist Susie Chisholm. Hidden in public spots, these crabs aren’t just decorative; they’re part of a project by the Hilton Head-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 Leadership Class to beautify the area and raise marine life awareness. 

Get there: Calhoun Street, Bluffton 

Follow the Fiddlers project, Bluffton, SC

Bluffton sculptor Stephen Kishel converted his backyard into an open-air sculpture garden. Spanning nearly an acre, it features his abstract art. Some guests enjoy a quick walk-through, while others spend over an hour absorbing the accompanying poetic and philosophical descriptions. This unique space serves as a serene and inspiring retreat for art and nature enthusiasts.

Get there: 11 Palmetto Beach Lane, Bluffton. Hours are 1-5:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday 

Palmetto Oaks Sculpture Garden, Bluffton, SC

Beaufort

The Broad River Fishing Pier, renovated and spanning 1,800 feet, lies next to Okatie Highway Bridge, accessible from Robert Smalls Parkway and Savannah Highway. Originally part of the old Broad River Bridge, it offers a prime spot for fishing after a short drive from East 170. Shared with Broad River Boat Landing, the pier offers ample parking, a boat ramp and is well lit for night fishing. Amenities include free parking, clean restrooms and trash cans. Anglers can expect to catch redfish, sea trout and sea bass, among others.

Get there: Robert Smalls Parkway (170) and Savannah Highway, Burton 

Broad River Fishing Pier, Beaufort, SC

Waterfront Park in Beaufort offers picturesque views of the Beaufort River, especially at sunset, from its seawall. Beyond the bustling restaurants, art galleries and shops, there’s a line of swings offering a place for all ages to enjoy the sunset.

Get there: Bay Street, Beaufort

Swings at the promenade of the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park located south of Bay Street in the Historic District of downtown Beaufort, South Carolina

Opened in 2023, Whitehall Park on Lady’s Island is a pet-friendly oasis with picnic tables under live oaks and Spanish moss. It features a lighted walking path, restrooms, green space, and benches for enjoying wildlife and breathtaking sunsets over the marshes and Beaufort River.

Get there: 120 White Hall Drive, Beaufort

Whitehall Park, Beaufort, SC

Port Royal

A little under a mile loop of paved boardwalk, the Cypress Wetlands in Port Royal is a bird watcher’s paradise and will provide you with an afternoon of alligator sightings, local wildlife exposure and unbeatable views of cypress trees. This protected wetland is open from dusk until dawn and is a great and safe escape into the wild Lowcountry. 

Get there: 1700 Paris Ave., Port Royal

View of a Great Egret flying away from the flock. Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, South Carolina, USA, November 12th, 2023

St. Helena Island

Hunting Island is home to the state’s only public lighthouse and a lesser-known gem: the Marsh Boardwalk Trail near St. Helena Island. This easy, half-mile wooden boardwalk is perfect for all ages, is pet-friendly and offers stunning views ideal for nature enthusiasts and wildlife observers. Visitors can watch fiddler crabs at low tide and birds in flight from a fenced platform for wildlife viewing and sunset watching over the salt marsh. 

Get there: State Road S-7-406, St. Helena Island

palmetto forest on hunting island beach

Built in 1742, the St. Helena Parish Chapel of Ease was constructed to cater to planters of St. Helena Parish. As the community expanded, it grew into a full-fledged parish church by 1812. Today its remains, crafted from shell and lime, include an aura of mystery, as it is rumored to be haunted, adding an intriguing allure for visitors with a taste for the supernatural.

Get there: 17 Lands End Road, St. Helena Island

St. Helena Parish Chapel of Ease Ruins

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