Touch and learn about marine life in the Discovery Lab
2:00-4:00pm
Discovery Lab activities, Live invertebrates
Explore ocean life with Museum staff and volunteers in an indoor Discovery Lab program designed for families. Touch select live marine invertebrates and learn how these animals adapt to life under the sea.
Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. Entrance fee applies for ages 4 and up; ages 3 and under are free.
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a refund, less a $5 booking fee. No refund within 24 hours of the program.
Yes. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.
This is a drop-in program. Stop in anytime between 2:00–4:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays in June, July, and August.
An entrance fee applies for ages 4 and up. Ages 3 and under are free.
Discovery Lab
Visitors consistently praise this as an excellent starting point for understanding Hilton Head Island's rich history. The staff earns special recognition for being friendly and knowledgeable, genuinely enhancing the experience with their helpfulness and enthusiasm. What makes this spot particularly appealing is that it's completely free, though donations are welcomed and appreciated. Beyond the indoor exhibits covering plantation and marine life history, the real surprise lies outside. Beautiful walking trails wind through scenic gardens, including a celebrated Camellia Garden that blooms throughout the season. People love the self-guided walking paths that offer different perspectives, from nature views to art installations. The boardwalks and spectacular trees create photo-worthy moments at every turn. Most visitors find it's a fairly quick stop, but the context it provides genuinely enriches their entire island visit. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes since there's quite a bit of walking involved.
The Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn is one of those places that feels more like a quiet walk through nature than a typical museum. Set on the historic Honey Horn property, it’s full of live oaks, marsh views, walking trails, and small exhibits tucked into a really peaceful outdoor setting. You can easily spend a couple of hours just wandering around without feeling rushed. Inside the Discovery House there are simple, well-done exhibits about the Lowcountry’s history, wildlife, and culture, but the real highlight is the grounds themselves. The boardwalk over the marsh and the butterfly area are especially worth seeing. It’s free to visit too, which makes it an easy stop if you’re anywhere near Bluffton or Hilton Head.
Andrew Smith
July 6, 2026
The Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn is one of those places that feels more like a quiet walk through nature than a typical museum. Set on the historic Honey Horn property, it’s full of live oaks, marsh views, walking trails, and small exhibits tucked into a really peaceful outdoor setting. You can easily spend a couple of hours just wandering around without feeling rushed. Inside the Discovery House there are simple, well-done exhibits about the Lowcountry’s history, wildlife, and culture, but the real highlight is the grounds themselves. The boardwalk over the marsh and the butterfly area are especially worth seeing. It’s free to visit too, which makes it an easy stop if you’re anywhere near Bluffton or Hilton Head.
Andrew Smith
July 6, 2026