It’s that time of year where you can just feel that summer’s right around the corner – the weather’s warming up, flowers are in full bloom and yes, the humidity is already climbing, too.
Before you know it, the kids are going to be out of school and summer is going to be in full swing. And while it’s tempting to spend the hot days of summer simply lounging by the pool or on the beach, there are plenty of ways to stay active:
1. Join a group for beach yoga
Several fitness groups on the island offer beach yoga classes – including Sea Pines Resort. Most groups require a reservation, and ask that you bring your own beach towel or yoga mat. Visit the events calendar for more information on yoga classes.
If you’re already a yoga expert, just grab your towel or mat and head to the beach yourself! If you’re looking for solitude and true serenity, try catching a beach sunrise. You’re sure to see less of a crowd – and few things are more spectacular than sunrise on a Hilton Head Island beach.
2. Visit the Sea Pines Fitness Center
Sea Pines Resort guests enjoy complimentary access to equipment with their Guest Amenity Card. Guests booked through a different rental company or a Sea Pines property owner may purchase a daily pass or membership to the fitness center. Learn more.
If you don’t live in Sea Pines – or would rather workout in your own pool – try searching YouTube for some DIV workouts. Even if you’re not much of a swimmer, there are a ton of workouts you can do in the water; and they’re great for your cardiovascular fitness (and much easier on your joints if you’re prone to joint pain!)
3. Go kayaking, or take a surfing or stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) class
Water sports are a great way to stay active during the summer. If you love wildlife, try going on a guided kayak tour! You’re likely to get up close and personal with a ton of sea creatures – including dolphins. (And if you’re lucky, you might even come across a sea turtle or manatee!). Just remember to never touch or feed any wildlife, and try to maintain as much distance as possible.
If you already know how to kayak, check out this guide on the best places to kayak (and where to rent a kayak). If you’ve always wanted to learn how to surf or stand-up paddle board, there are also several classes offered on the island.
4. Go walk/jog of the island’s many trails
Hilton Head Island has a ton of nature trails to explore, including:
Jarvis Creek Trail: Jarvis Creek Park has a 1.1 mile loop around a lake and into a wooded area, plus outdoor exercise stations, fields big enough for sports and a playground.
Sea Pines Forest Preserve: The Sea Pines Forest Preserve has 8 miles of trails through a protected wildlife area of forest and marshlands. The trails include boardwalks, bridges and fishing Docks, a 4,000-year-old shell ring and wildflower field. An added bonus? This trail offers plenty of shade for those hot summer days.
Mitchelville Freedom Park: Explore the Gullah culture from the historic Mitchelville settlement, and check out the trails along Fish Haul Creek and a beach entrance at Mitchelville Freedom Park.
Lowcountry Celebration Park: Hilton Head’s newest public park features walking trails, the “discovery path” designed to teach adults and children alike about local wildlife and conservation, and the awesome, pirate ship-themed “Adventure Playground.” Learn more here.
A bit more information about some of the island’s favorite trails is included here, a map of the island’s parks (where most trails start) can be downloaded here.
5. HHI bike paths
Hilton Head Island is known as one of the most bike-friendly towns in the world. The island features more than 60 miles of pathways and trails for cyclists to explore. Learn more here.
6. Explore Pinckney Island
If you’re a nature lover and want to explore a slightly more remote location, check out Hilton Head’s neighbor Pinckney Island. Just minutes away from Hilton Head, this entire 4,000-acre island is a National Wildlife Preserve and features 14 miles of trails.
Learn more about the nature preserve – and important rules and safety information – here. And check out some of the best trails here.
7. Walk/jog/bike the beach
This one’s a no-brainer! Hilton Head’s most-treasured land is its 12-miles of pristine, white-sand beaches. And while some beach access points are private, ALL 12 miles of the actual shoreline are public. Meaning, you can walk, jog or bike the entire shoreline if you wish. Learn more.
If you want to check out some cool tidal pools, head to Folly Field Beach Park and walk/jog/bike left from the beach access point until you reach the rocks near Port Royal Plantation. Similarly, if you head to the right, you’ll see the actual Folly that divides the beach- and, at high tide, is nearly impossible to cross.
8. Take the kids mini golfing
Did you know that Hilton Head has a ton of mini golf courses? It’s a great way to get a little exercise – and keep the kids entertained. (And it’s great for a date night, too!)
9. Hit the (real) golf course
Perhaps the only thing Hilton Head Island might be as well known for as its beaches are its golf courses. The island has more than 20 championship golf courses, and is a world-renowned golf destination – it even has an annual PGA Tour stop at Sea Pines’ Harbour Town Golf Links. View a mag of all of the island’s golf courses here.
10. Play tennis
Tennis courts are also all over the island – both in private plantations and gyms, as well as in public parks and recreation centers. Learn more about the island’s tennis courts (and classes!) here.
