Hilton Head Island is known for its abundance of world-class golf courses and beautiful beaches. But if you're not into golfing or are tired of the beach the, island has a lot of other options. 

Hilton Head Island has many places that offer kayaking and zodiac boat rides. If you are a novice but have a reasonable amount of upper body strength, the island offers tours with basic how-to instructions and a guide. These tours include dolphin and bird-watching expeditions. 

There are two stables on Hilton Head Island that offer horseback-riding tours for visitors eight years old and older: Lawton Stables and Seahorse Farms.  Lawton also offers pony rides for those under eight, as well as hay rides and riding lessons.

If you're into nature or discovering lost cultures, the Coastal Discovery Museum is for you. It offers many programs and activities featuring nature and the Gullah Culture. See the getting-to-know-gator program and how to weave a Gullah basket.

Bird-watching spots and nature trails to hike or bike ride along are readily available in the parks and preservations. If you're not much of a landlubber, then maybe fishing is your cup of tea. There are boats to charter for half- and whole-day fishing trips. Usually a charter boat has all you need, including the license in the price.

You may choose to fish off of the shore and not from a boat. In this case, you do not require a permit but remember to stay away from designated swimming areas. If the alligator latches onto your catch, don't reel him in next to you. Alligators are wild undomesticated predators are truly beautiful, but there is no reason to entice one toward you, your child or pets. That should be obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people think gators won't attack.

If you are not looking for a fishing expedition, then you might want to go oystering, crabbing, clam-digging or shrimping. They're all good fun for the whole family and rewarding, too.

If Hilton Head Island were just beaches and golf courses, it would still be such a great place to see. But luckily, there is so much more to do it will take multiple trips just to get a sampling of this diverse spot.

This tidbit of travel advice was contributed by Tiffany Liles.

Want to catch a glimpse of a gator? Dig up some clams? Catch your dinner? Ride some horses along the beach? Start by first booking your Hilton Head home rental.