A collection of model ships and maritime paintings fills this museum dedicated to the sea. Even the building has a nautical history. The William Scarborough House was built in 1819 for the president of the Savannah Steamship Company, who was responsible for building the SS Savannah, the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean. A model of the Savannah is on display, as is one of a sinking Titanic and many more ships. Be sure to stroll through the beautiful garden that spans 2 acres (0.81 hectares) in area.
Founded in 1773 by Georga Liele, the first Baptist in Georgia, this church remains the oldest Black church in the U.S. Once part of the Underground Railroad, it has served as home to the congregation ever since. Participants in the early Civil Rights Movement in Savannah held weekly meetings at the First African Baptist church, and the church remains an important part of African American history in Savannah, Georgia, and the U.S. A unique feature of the church is its collection of stained glass windows depicting African American subjects.
Since 1992, Savannah's Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences has pursued an effort to preserve and completely restore The Owens-Thomas House, circa 1819. The granddaughter of longtime Congressman and Savannah Mayor George Welshman Owens donated the house and its contents to the art museum in 1951. Now, as a gallery of period art and furnishings and classic architecture, The Owens-Thomas House is open for visitors to explore.
This stunning home is where the Juliette Low founded the Girl Scouts and held many early Girl Scout meetings and training. Dating to 1821, the house is an interesting blend of Regency architecture and Victorian-style additions. The tour includes a memorial to Julliette Gordon Low and a Girl Scouts museum.
A trip to Hilton Head simply would not be complete without hitting the beach, and a trip to the beach simply would not be complete without engaging in a bit of extreme watersports. Whether you crave the wind-in-your-hair speed of jet skiing and wave running, or the wind-beneath-your-wings thrills of parasailing, H20 Sports can set you up with top-notch gear and first-rate coaching. For those less inclined toward extremeness, they even offer environmentalism-themed boat tours. See website for complete tour details, rates and more.
Hilton Head is famous around the world for its meandering wetlands and pristine coastlines. Perhaps the best way to see these striking natural assets is by kayak. Paddle amongst waterfowl and dolphins, swamp grass and sandy beaches. Kayak Hilton Head will set you up with everything you need. See website for tour details, maps and rates.