Where the Trail Begins

Experience the Natural Side of Sea Pines at Lawton Stables

Tucked within the heart of Sea Pines, Lawton Stables offers a unique and unforgettable way to explore the island’s natural beauty. More than just a horseback riding center, it’s a family-friendly retreat that invites visitors to slow down, connect with animals, and experience the Lowcountry landscape from a fresh perspective. With guided trail rides, a charming animal farm, and pony rides for little ones, Lawton Stables is a beloved amenity that captures the spirit of Hilton Head’s quieter, more rural side — without ever leaving the community.

Lawton Stables stands out for its authentic, peaceful charm. The shaded trails wind through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, offering glimpses of native wildlife, towering pines, and quiet lagoons as riders enjoy a relaxing trot beneath the moss-draped canopy. Whether you’re an experienced equestrian or a first-time rider, the stables provide a calm, safe, and scenic way to enjoy the outdoors.

For families, the animal farm is always a hit, with goats, miniature donkeys, pot-bellied pigs, alpacas, ponies, and chickens. It’s the kind of place where kids (and grown-ups) can interact with animals, ask questions, and simply enjoy being outside. And for younger children, gentle pony rides are often their first magical moment on horseback.

Current Sea Pines Listings

Local Tips

  • Reserve Early
    Trail rides are by reservation only, so book early — especially during peak seasons and holidays.
  • Kid Friendly
    Riders must be at least 8 years old and 48 inches tall for the trail rides; ponies are available for younger children.
  • Farm Animals
    You can feed the animals at the farm — it’s a small touch, but always a big hit with kids.
  • Picture Perfect
    Don’t forget your camera — the scenery on the trails and at the farm is picture-perfect.

Sea Pines Properties For Sale

Guided Trail Rides

One-hour guided rides through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve provide a serene and scenic journey through native Lowcountry landscapes. Suitable for riders ages 8 and up, these gentle treks are ideal for all experience levels and are led by friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Pony Rides

Perfect for children under 8, pony rides take place within a safe, shaded corral. Young riders can meet and ride gentle ponies, often creating a lasting vacation memory (and a great photo op).

Animal Farm

They have a wonderful collection of small animals including goats, miniature donkeys, a pot-bellied pig, alpacas, ponies, chickens and more. One souvenir cup of animal feed is included in the entry fee per family. Additional feed is available for purchase.

A Day in Sea Pines: Lawton Stables Edition

The morning sun filters through the trees as you arrive at Lawton Stables, where horses graze in wide paddocks and the scent of hay mingles with the salt air. You’ve booked a mid-morning trail ride, and soon you’re gently swaying in the saddle as your guide leads you through the shaded paths of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Birds chirp, the wind rustles the palmettos, and the world feels wonderfully still. It’s a peaceful hour of riding, connecting with nature in a way few island experiences allow.

Afterward, you stop by the animal farm, where your kids squeal with delight feeding the goats and giggling at the miniature donkeys. There’s a horse gently nuzzling visitors through the fence, and the alpacas — as always — are happy to strike a pose. The little ones get their first taste of horseback riding with a pony loop, and you linger a while, soaking in the joy of simple things done well.

Later in the day, you might return on foot or bike just to walk the nearby trails, bringing a picnic or just taking a few deep breaths beneath the pines. Lawton Stables offers more than a ride — it offers a sense of place, of pace, and of peace.

Trust the Sea Pines Experts

Properties near Lawton Stables and the Sea Pines Forest Preserve offer a peaceful, nature-oriented setting that’s perfect for buyers seeking a quieter lifestyle within the resort community. These homes and villas often back up to wooded areas or open space, creating a sense of privacy and natural immersion. For families, being within biking distance of Lawton Stables adds a meaningful layer to island living — one where children can grow up riding ponies and exploring trails, and where the pace of life is a little more grounded. For second-home owners and investors, proximity to these one-of-a-kind amenities helps distinguish rental properties from the rest.

Partner with the area’s trusted experts. With unmatched knowledge of the Sea Pines real estate market and a proven track record of success, our agents are here to help you navigate every step of your Hilton Head Island journey. Reach out today to start the conversation.

Linda Frank

Contact Linda