Hilton Head, SC Tours

Live oaks overhang a road through Hilton Head Island, SC.

Although most people visit Hilton Head for the beach, the island and its vicinity have a long and interesting history, from the island’s settlement by indigenous tribes, through the colonial period, the Civil War and beyond.

A variety of tours examine the island’s history, with a range of tour types available: walking, cycling or minibus, or using your own vehicle.

African-American history tours explore local Gullah culture and the unique history of the freedpeople’s settlement at Mitchelville. Other history tours focus on topics such as local cemeteries or nearby Civil War battles.

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!Please check all details before planning your trip. Availability may vary by season, and operators may withdraw or change specific tours and services without notice.

Historical Overviews Of Hilton Head Island

– Historic Bike Tour, with Heritage Library History & Ancestry Research Center
1hr30. Wednesday, 10am (seasonal tour). Adults $15, children (10 and up) $10 with own bike; or adults $25, children $20 if a bike is needed.
Cycle tour of Hilton Head Island’s history from its original inhabitants through to the 20th century. Helmets mandatory. Registration required, call 843-686-6560 or book online. More details

– 3 Hour Motorcoach Tour, with Hilton Head History Tour
3hrs.
Bus tour of Hilton Head history and folklore, from the pre-colonial period through to the Reconstruction era. Call 843-949-0144 for details and reservations. More details

African-American History

For more tours and excursions exploring the area’s Gullah culture and African-American history, see Beaufort tours.

– Gullah Heritage Trail Tour, with Gullah Heritage Trail Tours
2hrs. Tuesday-Saturday, 10am and 2pm; Sunday, 12pm. Adults $32, children (under 12) $15.
Bus tour of Hilton Head’s Gullah communities, history and culture. Call 843-681-7066, buy tickets at the bus, or book via website. More details

Other Tours Of Hilton Head Island

– Zion Cemetery & Baynard Mausoleum Tour, with Heritage Library History & Ancestry Research Center
Thursday, 10am (seasonal tour). Adults $15, children (7-12) $10.
Walking tour of the historic Zion Cemetery and Baynard Mausoleum. Registration required, call 843-686-6560 or book online. More details

– Hilton Head Electric Bike Tour, with Outside Hilton Head
2hrs. Available Wednesday-Monday, some Tuesdays. $85 per person. Ages 16+ only.
Sightseeing electric bike tour of Hilton Head Island. Call 843-686-6996 or book online. More details

Other Lowcountry Area Tours From Hilton Head

– Custom Tour, with Hilton Head History Tours
Available Monday-Saturday.
Private tour of your choice of several historical sites at Hilton Head, Beaufort and the surrounding area, in your own vehicle. Call 843-949-0144 for information and reservations. More details

Other Hilton Head, SC Activities