Last Updated on April 21, 2026
The South Carolina Lowcountry has a way of slowing you down, in the best possible sense. Spanish moss drips from ancient live oaks, tidal creeks wind through miles of golden marsh grass, and the salt air carries the faint perfume of pluff mud at low tide. It’s a landscape that rewards the curious, the unhurried, and anyone willing to trade their itinerary for an afternoon of wandering. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, here are five ways to make the most of this magical stretch of coast this summer.
1. Bike the trails and beaches of Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is one of those rare places where world-class amenities and unspoiled nature coexist without competing. The island’s 60-plus miles of paved shared-use paths wind through maritime forest, alongside lagoons teeming with wildlife, and right up to the edge of 12 miles of wide, hard-packed Atlantic beach. Rent a bike and spend a morning pedaling from the shade of Sea Pines to the shoreline at Coligny Beach, stopping to watch dolphins ride the morning surf. In the afternoon, kayak the island’s back creeks or catch a round on one of the world-renowned golf courses. Hilton Head rewards every pace, whether you’re chasing adventure or just chasing shade.
2. Lose yourself in Beaufort’s Historic District
Beaufort (pronounced BYU-fort, if you want the locals to like you) is one of the most beautifully preserved antebellum towns in America. Spend a morning strolling past grand tabby-and-timber mansions draped in wisteria, browsing independent bookshops on Bay Street, and ducking into art galleries tucked into storefronts that have been standing since before the Civil War. Don’t miss the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, where you can sit on a swing under the oaks and watch shrimp boats ease in and out of the Beaufort River. In the evenings, the restaurant scene punches well above its weight, fresh local shrimp prepared a dozen different ways, crab bisque, and sweet tea so cold it sweats through the glass.
3. Discover Bluffton’s Old Town and Daufuskie Island
Tucked along the May River, Old Town Bluffton is one of the Lowcountry’s best-kept secrets, a walkable, artsy village of galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, and shaded streets that open onto stunning river bluffs. Browse the work of local painters and sculptors, grab an oyster platter at a riverside deck, or simply wander the canopy of live oaks on Calhoun Street. A short trip to Daufuskie Island or St. Helena Island opens the door to guided tours, sweetgrass basket weaving, and a history that is both profound and ongoing.
4. Explore Savannah’s squares and waterfront
Just across the Georgia state line, Savannah makes for an irresistible day trip or a weekend all its own. The city’s 22 historic squares, each shaded by cathedral oaks and flanked by Federal and Greek Revival townhouses, invite the kind of slow, wandering exploration the Lowcountry does best. Stroll Factor’s Walk along the cobblestoned riverfront, duck into the shops and galleries lining River Street, and settle in at one of the legendary restaurants in the historic district for a bowl of she-crab soup and fresh Georgia shrimp. As evening falls, the squares take on a golden, almost cinematic glow, and you’ll understand exactly why Savannah is one of the most beloved cities in the South.
5. Get active in Sun City and the broader Bluffton area
The Sun City Hilton Head community anchors a stretch of the Bluffton area that’s become one of the most sought-after destinations in the region. Miles of nature trails thread through pristine Lowcountry landscape, connecting residents and visitors to creek-side overlooks, birding hotspots, and peaceful marshland vistas. Spend a morning paddling the Colleton River, catch a round of golf as the light turns golden in the late afternoon, or simply find a bench at the water’s edge and let the egrets do the entertaining. The broader Bluffton area hums with farmers markets, local breweries, and a food scene that has grown quietly world-class. It’s the Lowcountry at its most livable.
If a summer visit has you thinking about making the Lowcountry home, Howard Hanna Allen Tate is here to help. As the #1 real estate company in the Carolinas, we have offices across Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Sun City, Beaufort, and Savannah, with local agents who know this region inside and out. Visit us to connect with a Lowcountry expert and start your search today.
________________________________________-
Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate is the #1 real estate company in the Carolinas, with more than 80 offices and 2,000 agents serving communities across North and South Carolina and Georgia. As part of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, the largest family-owned and operated real estate company in the United States, Howard Hanna Allen Tate offers a full suite of real estate services, including mortgage, insurance, title and relocation. For more information, visit www.howardhannatate.com.
