Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, Hilton Head

A place of no motorized vehicles, few people, and thousands of birds, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge covers an area of over 1,600 hectares (4,000 acres) between the mainland and Hilton Head Island. Located on land once managed as a private game preserve, this area includes four islands, only the largest of which is open to the public. Most of the refuge consists of tidal creeks and salt marshes, sheltering diverse plant and animal life that includes white ibis, herons, egrets, white-tailed deer, and alligators. To access the best spots for bird watching and photography, bring lots of drinking water and join one of the guides for an early morning hike around the refuge. Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is just one of the many highlights you can arrange to see using our , international travel planner Edition.