Be sure to visit at least one of the island's astounding nature refuges.

At the 605 -acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve you'll find tranquil lagoons, salt marshes and winding tidal creeks. Numerous trails, boardwalks, outlook decks and picnic areas offer families opportunities for nature walks and biking. Highlights of the preserve include the 4,000-year-old Indian shell Ring, a rookery and a wildflower meadow.

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge provides an up-close look at a maritime forest, salt marshes and freshwater pond ecosystems. the refuge is home to species from wading birds and deer to bald eagles and alligators. The Coastal discovery Museum offers guided nature walks throughout the summer.

Audubon Newhall Preserve is a 50-acre wildlife sanctuary whre native plant life and many different species of birds have been identified.

In addition to marinas, public boat ramps and docks ofer free, easy acess to our waterways.

• Marshland Road Landing. Mid-island on Marshland Road. Access to Broad Creek at this location is very shallow.
• Buckingham Landing. Fording Island Road Ext., just over the second bridge leaving Hilton Head Island, access to Mackay Creek.
• Cross Island Landing. South end off of Helmsman Way under the Cross Island Parkway Bridge. This facility provides deep water access.
• C.C. Haigh Jr., Fording Island Road Ext., just over the first bridge leaving Hilton Head Island, access to Mackay Creek.

Twenty miles of scenic pathways offer the perfect setting for a bike ride, rollerblading, jogging and power walks. The horseback riding is wonderful at Lawton Stables, which offers professionally guided rides through the island's beautiful forest and nature preserve. Throughout the Island there are pristine lagoons that offer some of the most sensational sights and serenity you'll ever experience, provided you're willing to explore via canoe or kayak.

Watersports inlclude swimming, parasailing, jet skiing, boogie boarding, fishing, boating, sightseeing cruises and dolphin cruises.

Hilton Head's marinas are home to several tour companies, offering romantic sunset cruises, dolphin-watching trips, fishing charters and other watery adventures. Coastal Discovery Museum, Harbour Town Marina and Shelter Cove Harbour are all excellent sources for cruises and rentals.