Gullah Heritage Trail Tours

Gullah Heritage Trail Tours offers one of the most meaningful cultural experiences on Hilton Head Island, giving visitors an opportunity to learn directly from members of the island’s native Gullah community. Founded in 1996 by a Hilton Head Island Gullah family partnership, the company focuses on preserving and sharing the history, traditions and stories of generations of Gullah families. The guided experience is typically a two-hour narrated tour led by native Gullah guides whose families have deep roots on Hilton Head Island. Many guides were born and raised on the island before the bridge connected Hilton Head to the mainland, giving guests a personal perspective on the communities, landscapes and traditions that shaped local life. Tours travel through historic Gullah neighborhoods and explore topics such as family life, farming, land ownership, faith, language, foodways and the legacy of formerly enslaved people and their descendants. The experience helps visitors understand that Hilton Head Island’s history extends far beyond its beaches, golf courses and resorts. Tours currently depart from 70 Honey Horn Drive, home of the Coastal Discovery Museum, making it easy to combine the experience with other cultural and nature-focused attractions. For travelers searching for historical and cultural things to do on Hilton Head Island, Gullah Heritage Trail Tours is an essential experience. It provides an authentic connection to the people and traditions that helped shape Hilton Head Island and the broader Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor.