Go For It: Zip It

Every time I make the drive to South Carolina’s Lowcountry, I marvel at how beautiful it is. It’s not an exaggeration to say it’s one of the most stunning corners of the world, and it’s famous for being a place where everything is just a bit slower. The people are laid back, the weather is balmy and when you get your first fresh breath of the salty air, you can’t help but sigh with relief.

So, you might be taken aback that my mission in one of the most idyllic and relaxing vacation destinations in the world is actually an adrenaline-seeking one. Adventure Hilton Head offers thrilling experiences like go karting, a high ropes course and zip line tours, all under a canopy of Spanish Moss-covered trees.

I had never been zip lining before, and frankly I was pretty nervous. I’ve never been scared of heights, but stepping off of a platform into mid-air was still very daunting to think about. But once I got started, I realized that’s the hardest part of the experience, choosing not to think about the concept itself and instead focusing on what your guides are telling you to do.

Speaking of guides, I had two incredible guides for the day. When you take a tour with Adventure Hilton Head, you can expect to have a fantastic time with their experienced guides. Not only do they make your tour group feel comfortable and safe with their expertise, professionalism and kindness, but they also ease any nerves with fun facts and jokes about the trees that you fly through during the tour.

After gearing up and a short “school” session, the tour begins, and you gradually make your way through the course, working your way up to higher and faster zips. With each advance, you’re rewarded with more views of the Lowcountry’s iconic landscape, including the stunning marshes of Broad Creek where you might just see a pod of dolphins. By the end of my tour, I felt totally comfortable and had the race of my life on the double zip to the finish.

Whether you’re a bit of an adrenaline seeker or you’re looking to find a new, fun way to connect with friends or family, a zip line tour with Adventure Hilton Head is the perfect way to change things up on your next vacation to the Lowcountry. And while you’re at it, here are some more musts to round out a visit to Hilton Head Island.

Play a Round of Golf

Hilton Head Island is home to a variety of diverse golf courses, offering a range that golfers of every skill level can enjoy with that beautiful oceanside landscape. It’s also home to the world-renowned Harbour Town Golf Links, where South Carolina’s only annual PGA TOUR event, The RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing, takes place each spring.

Take an Eco-Tour

One of the best ways to experience the Lowcountry is to actually get out on the water, and it’s easy to do with so many eco-tours available. Outside Hilton Head offers kayak and paddleboard tours and rentals, as well as dolphin tours, fishing charters and other boating and nature excursions.

Make a Dinner Reservation

You can’t go to the coast of South Carolina and not get a sampling of fresh seafood. The oysters alone are worth the trip, and you can find them fresh in restaurants throughout the Lowcountry. Oysters and other fresh-from-the-water staples are always on the menu at FARM, a restaurant by South Carolina Chef Ambassador Brandon Carter, that’s just a short drive outside of Hilton Head. If seafood isn’t your thing though, you can still get a taste of the local flavor at spots like One Hot Mama’s, helmed by another SC Chef Ambassador and Food Network Alum, Orchid Paulmeier.