Live Where You Love to Explore: Hidden Outdoor Gems in the Lowcountry
June is National Great Outdoors Month—a time to reconnect with nature, celebrate our green spaces, and rediscover the beauty in our own backyard. At The Agency Hilton Head – Beaufort, we believe the best real estate isn’t just about the home—it’s about the lifestyle. That’s why we’re showcasing some of the Lowcountry’s best-kept outdoor secrets in our “Live Where You Love to Explore” series.
From tranquil forests to coastal sanctuaries, here are six hidden gems where outdoor living and Lowcountry charm collide:
All About Cats Sanctuary – Hilton Head Island, SC
Tucked away on Beach City Road is a peaceful haven for the island’s feline residents. All About Cats is a 1.5-acre outdoor sanctuary providing a permanent home for feral and unadoptable cats. Shaded by Spanish moss-draped oaks and surrounded by wooden shelters, this non-profit relies on volunteers and donations to provide care, food, and medical support.
Visitors are welcome to explore the sanctuary or attend community events like cat yoga and sound healing. It’s a place where animal welfare meets peaceful Lowcountry charm.
📍 231 Beach City Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC | @allaboutcatshhi
Sea Pines Forest Preserve – Hilton Head Island, SC
Within the gated Sea Pines community lies over 600 acres of protected wilderness. The Sea Pines Forest Preserve is home to ancient shell rings, serene fishing lakes, and native wildlife. Designed with conservation in mind, this natural escape is just minutes from Sea Pines homes and villas.
Ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and family picnics, this lush preserve is a reminder that living in Hilton Head Island means you’re never far from nature.
🕒 Open daily, sunrise to sunset | Access via Greenwood Drive
Page Island – Between Palmetto Bluff & Daufuskie Island
Accessible only by boat, Page Island is a 40-acre private oasis that blends coastal beauty with unforgettable outdoor experiences. Operated by Outside Brands, the island offers custom adventures—think paddleboarding, crabbing, team-building retreats, or even private weddings.
Whether you’re planning a group outing or a peaceful solo escape, Page Island invites you to unplug and recharge in one of the most pristine natural settings in the Lowcountry.
📞 Learn more at pageisland.com
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge – Bluffton, SC
Located between Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge spans over 4,000 acres of marshes, tidal creeks, and hardwood forests. This protected refuge is a haven for birdwatchers and nature photographers, home to egrets, ibis, bald eagles, and even alligators.
With more than 14 miles of walking and biking trails, it’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to connect with the raw beauty of the Lowcountry while staying close to home.
🕒 Open daily, sunrise to sunset | Free admission
The Sands Beach – Port Royal, SC
For those who crave a relaxed, local beach day, The Sands in Port Royal is a rare treasure. One of the few beaches where you can park your car right on the sand, it’s perfect for spontaneous picnics, shark tooth hunting, or soaking in panoramic sunset views from the nearby boardwalk observation tower.
Don’t forget your beach shoes—this tidal beach offers calm waters, great shelling, and easy access to Port Royal’s charming Old Village.
📍 Sands Beach Rd, Port Royal, SC | Free public access
Bulls Island – Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, SC
Looking for a true off-the-grid beach adventure? Bulls Island is a secluded barrier island near Charleston, accessible only by boat or ferry. With miles of untouched shoreline, boneyard beaches, and abundant wildlife, it’s a nature lover’s paradise.
Whether you hike the interior trails or marvel at the driftwood-strewn coastline, Bulls Island offers one of the most unique and serene outdoor experiences in South Carolina.
🚤 Ferry available via Coastal Expeditions
Love the Outdoors? Live in the Lowcountry.
These outdoor gems are just the beginning. Whether you’re dreaming of a Hilton Head Island home near nature preserves, a Bluffton property with trails at your doorstep, or a Beaufort retreat with quick access to waterways and wildlife—there’s a Lowcountry neighborhood that fits your outdoor lifestyle.
Start exploring homes for sale near your favorite outdoor destinations.
