Things to Do in Forest Beach
From dolphin tours and bike trails to fishing charters and nature preserves, Hilton Head Island offers something for every traveler. Here are the best activities near Forest Beach.
Top Activities & Experiences
The best ways to spend your time on and around Forest Beach.
Explore the Trail Network
Hilton Head has over 60 miles of paved bike paths, and Forest Beach is right in the middle of it all. Rent bikes from one of several local shops and pedal to Coligny Plaza, Shelter Cove, or all the way to the Harbour Town Lighthouse. It's the best way to see the island.
Dolphin Tours & Boat Trips
Bottlenose dolphins are year-round residents of Hilton Head's coastal waters. Dolphin watching cruises depart from Shelter Cove Marina and Harbour Town, offering a memorable experience for all ages. Sunset cruises, kayak tours, and paddleboard rentals are also widely available.
Inshore & Offshore Fishing
Hilton Head is a world-class fishing destination. Charter boats offer inshore trips targeting redfish, flounder, and trout in the tidal creeks, or offshore excursions for mahi-mahi and wahoo. Pier fishing is also available at several spots around the island.
Parasailing, Surfing & More
The beach in front of Forest Beach is perfect for parasailing, boogie boarding, and surf lessons. Several outfitters operate right from the beach near Coligny, offering equipment rentals and guided experiences for first-timers and experienced adventurers alike.
Sea Pines Forest Preserve
Just south of Forest Beach, the Sea Pines Forest Preserve offers 605 acres of maritime forest, freshwater lagoons, and wildlife viewing. Walking and biking trails wind through the preserve, and alligators, herons, and painted buntings are commonly spotted.
Harbour Town & the Lighthouse
The iconic red-and-white Harbour Town Lighthouse is one of Hilton Head's most photographed landmarks. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the island, then explore the boutique shops and waterfront restaurants at Harbour Town Marina in Sea Pines.
22 Parks, Trails & Recreation Areas
From the Cordillo Tennis Courts steps from your Forest Beach rental to Mitchelville Freedom Park and the Coastal Discovery Museum, Hilton Head Island has a rich network of public parks, boat landings, walking trails, and recreation facilities — most of them free.
Explore all parksFamily Favorites
Hilton Head is one of the most family-friendly beach destinations on the East Coast. Here are some crowd-pleasers for all ages.
- Sandbox children's museum at Shelter Cove
- Coligny Beach Park playground
- Coastal Discovery Museum
- Alligator spotting at Sea Pines Forest Preserve
- Mini golf at multiple island locations
- Kayak tours through tidal creeks
- Shell collecting at low tide
- Sunset dolphin cruises
Plan your Forest Beach stay
Find the perfect vacation rental base for all your Hilton Head adventures — homes with private pools, oceanfront condos, and pet-friendly properties.