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See the world’s top golfers at the rbc heritage presented by boeing: april 15-21. known as south carolina’s premiere pga tour event, the rbc heritage has been played on hilton head island since 1969., learn more about the tournament here..

Spring is here, and there’s no better place to revitalize than Hilton Head. With pleasant weather, blossoming scenery, and a variety of outdoor activities, it’s the perfect springtime getaway. Choose from various accommodation options to suit your preference. Whether you fancy a cozy vacation rental, a luxurious beachfront resort, or a budget-friendly hotel, there’s something for everyone. Embrace outdoor adventures this spring! Explore calm waters on a kayak or paddleboard , bike along scenic trails spanning over 60 miles, or tee off at picturesque and challenging golf courses. Indulge in al fresco dining with breathtaking water views. With an abundance of fresh seafood during springtime, prepare to savor some of the most mouthwatering dishes . Pack your bags and discover all the charm this island has in store for you!

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Salty Dog Café

A legendary waterfront island experience. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even happy hour, the Salty Dog Café is an island tradition. Enjoy nightly live music on the docks of South Beach Marina overlooking Braddock’s Cove, celebrate happy hour at the famous outdoor round bar or walk the docks while enjoying homemade Salty Dog ice cream.

Seashore Vacations

As one of the longest-standing, locally owned vacation rental companies on Hilton Head, Seashore Vacations offers a wide range of oceanside and oceanfront condos and homes. Choose from several different communities and enjoy a relaxing escape to South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Family fun and adventure await you with classically beautiful beaches, parks, golf courses, and indulgent shopping.

Beach Properties of Hilton Head

Be our guest on your next visit to Hilton Head Island! Beach accommodations are in high demand right now, do not miss your chance to reserve your favorite property. One of our knowledgeable vacation planners can help you find the perfect island vacation rental! Visit Beach Properties of Hilton Head today!

Hilton Head Vacations, Inc.

Enjoy Dream Vacations! Book luxury vacation homes and condos with locally owned and operated Hilton Head Vacations, Inc. We have many oceanfront homes and condos while offering options close to the beach too. We have properties located in Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, Shipyard, and Forest Beach. With over 29 years of local experience, our office is centrally located near the Sea Pines Circle for anything you need during your stay, and we pride ourselves on excellent customer service. Call or email us with any questions you have.

Adventure Hilton Head

Established as Hilton Head Island’s premier family destination since 2012, Adventure Hilton Head offers outdoor excitement with single and double-cart GoKarts and Aerial Adventure High Ropes Courses. Situated beautifully within nature beside Broad Creek Marina and Up the Creek Pub & Grill, it promises thrilling experiences for all. Secure your spot by making reservations online or by calling ahead.

Sunset Rentals

Sunset Rentals has been locally serving Hilton Head Island since 1993, managing 225+ of the Island’s finest homes and villas. We understand that there are few things more precious than your time on vacation with friends and family. We are driven by the desire to make certain that your vacation is spent enjoying that time. Start planning your next vacation to Hilton Head Island with Sunset Rentals to experience the gold standard of the vacation rental industry.

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort®

Browse our 200+ oceanfront, lagoon-view, and centrally-located Hilton Head vacation rentals located exclusively in the award-winning Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. Book direct with Palmetto Dunes for the best rates and exclusive savings on select resort activities. Enjoy three miles of pristine private beach, or play the three signature golf courses, or explore the 2,000 acres of natural beauty and thrilling activities to create memories you’ll want to return to again and again.

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A visit to our Hilton Head beaches is more than tanning and sand castle building. Our beaches offer waterfront dining , stand up paddle boarding, boat rentals , live music and eco tours. Find out the best ways to access our beaches and the regulations you will need to be aware of. Hilton Head has been named America’s best island for the 4th straight year and our beaches are a large reason why.

Hilton Head Island is the perfect place for things to do and have family fun ! Spend the day at the beach or explore the island on a nature tour . Visit a museum or an animal farm with a petting zoo and pony rides. Enjoy the laughter at kid’s activities. Dolphin watch or go fishing , kayaking, biking , sailing, or simply lounge around a pool. Discover the ultimate family vacation on Hilton Head!

Let Hiltonhead.com and our sponsors help you stretch your vacation dollars. Get discounts on all kinds of activities , lodging , dining and shopping that make a trip to Hilton Head truly amazing. Just click “show coupon” and print the coupon that appears. Print some extras for your family and friends or tell them about our special money-saving coupon page!

Hilton Head offer delicious dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. On Hilton Head, enjoy casual fare, elegant dining, fresh seafood and international cuisine. Upon arrival, pick up “ Island Events Magazine ” or “ Lowcountry Leisure Guide ” for all the latest happenings! Our goal is to share the best of the area with visitors, and to make exploring the Island easy, fun and rewarding.

• Vacation Rentals

Discover the magic of a Hilton Head rental home, villa or condo and enjoy the ultimate in privacy and convenience. If you’re searching for a family-friendly Hilton Head escape, a vacation rental can be just the solution. Enjoy a range of affordable accommodations , from efficiency studios to grand luxury homes, making your dream vacation easier than ever.

Upcoming Events

To learn about up coming Hilton Head events and activities , visit our Hilton Head Calendar of Events . From performing arts center productions to fun outdoor festivals, there is always something entertaining and educational in the works on our busy little island. Some highlights include, The RBC Heritage , The Concours d’elegance car show and the Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival .

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Recent Articles

• The New Sea Pines Resort Community Fund

• Catch Some Waves on CraigCat Boats!

• The 56th Annual RBC Heritage

• Easter Events on Hilton Head: 2024

• A Guide to Hilton Head’s North End, South End, and Mid Island

• Award-Winning Restaurants and Chefs on Hilton Head

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Island Events

FREE at more than 350 locations on Hilton Head Island and the surrounding area. Island Events provides a comprehensive view of what Hilton Head Island has to offer in the way of shopping, dining, activities, and events. If you would like to preview Island Events before your arrival, you can view Island Events online.

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FREE at more than 300 locations in the city and surrounding areas. Savannah Scene provides a comprehensive view of what this city has to offer in the way of shopping, dining, activities, and events. If you would like to preview Savannah Scene before your arrival, you can view Savannah Scene online.

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Hilton Head Island: 2024 First-Timer’s Guide

• HILTON HEAD , LOWCOUNTRY
• by Erin Clarkson

Hilton Head Island is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the South Carolina Lowcountry — and for good reason!

The island has clean beaches, loads of incredible seafood restaurants, golf courses galore, and plenty of family-friendly outdoor activities.

Hilton Head is also a great place to take a multi-generational family vacation, since the island has a little something to suit every age group.

I’m going to attempt to cover all the main points you need to know if you’re planning your first trip to the island. Although I live in nearby Savannah, Georgia , my parents have owned a place on HHI since I was in my teens (and my grandfather did before them — in the old Lawton Beach area), so I guess you could say I’m pretty familiar with it!

Ready? Let’s get to it!

Note: This guide contains affiliate links to my trusted travel partners.

If you’re new around here, first of all … allow me to extend a warm welcome!

My name is Erin, and I authored the  Savannah First-Timer’s Guide . It combines my most helpful Savannah travel tips from this website into one handy downloadable guide.

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Hilton Head, S.C.

The most popular time to visit Hilton Head Island is during the summertime, but spring and fall aren’t too far behind. In fact, the island reaches near capacity each year in April when the RBC Heritage event takes place!

Hilton Head is popular during the winter months, too, thanks to snowbirds who visit to escape cold and snowy climates.

In fact, I won’t be too surprised to see the island filled with people year round at some point in the near future. (It’s already getting that way.)

One thing to keep in mind when you’re planning a visit is that Atlantic hurricane season kicks into high gear late in August. Storm chances stay pretty high throughout September and into October.

The threat dies down as the storm season comes to an end in November.

Still, if you plan a visit anytime between mid-August to mid-October, I suggest purchasing travel insurance for hurricanes , just to be on the safe side.

Additional Important Considerations

There are a few important considerations to factor in when you’re planning a trip to Hilton Head. While none of these are necessarily deal-breakers, I still want to mention them.

• If you’re traveling by car, there is currently only one way on and off the island. Thankfully, the bridge is divided into four lanes (two in each direction), so your chances of getting stuck on the island for extended periods of time aren’t too bad.
• Most of the time-share rentals on the island use Saturday as their check-in/check-out day. That means traffic coming and going during peak tourism season can cause a bit of a gridlock on Saturdays — especially during the midday hours.
• Hilton Head’s beaches get really dark at night! This is by design, and it’s done to protect endangered loggerhead sea turtles that nest on the island. That’s great because it means the island has very little light pollution and you can easily see the stars, but it’s not ideal for late-night walks on the beach.

Savannah to Hilton Head

The most common way to get to Hilton Head from Savannah is by car.

Depending on which route you take, the distance between Savannah and Hilton Head varies between 30 to 45 miles. I suggest budgeting an hour and a half worth of driving time.

You can drive along I-95, but I prefer taking the scenic route through Bluffton. To do so, you’ll leave Savannah heading west on Oglethorpe Avenue, cross over the Talmadge Bridge on HWY 17 into South Carolina, and then veer right onto Okatie HWY.

From there, you’ll cross through a roundabout to May River Road, which goes straight through the Old Town section of Bluffton. You’ll see lots of beautiful old oaks along that route!

Exit left on Burnt Church Road and then right on Bluffton Parkway. The parkway spills onto HWY 278, which leads straight to Hilton Head Island.

You could also opt for Uber or Lyft, but a quick glance at their fare estimators tells me it’ll cost you roughly $100 each way to do so.

Renting a car via Turo or Discover Cars is another option.

Hilton Head Parking

The parking in most (not all) of the public beach access areas on Hilton Head Island is free, so you don’t need to allot a large budget for parking.

(That’s just one of many reasons why I prefer Hilton Head to Tybee Island, Georgia .)

Related Reading: Hilton Head Marinas: Where to Park for a Dolphin Tour

Map of Hilton Head

If you look at a map of Hilton Head, you’ll notice the island is shaped like a foot.

Think of the north end of the island (where the heel would be) as a quiet, residential area. Many of the oceanfront homes in that area are large, higher-end homes, and the beaches are in more of a natural state.

The middle portion of the island (where the arch of the foot would be) is where the majority of the hotels and public beach access points are located.

The southern end of the island (where the ball of the foot and the toe section would be) is where Sea Pines Resort and Sea Pines Forest Preserve are located. That area is also home to Harbour Town Golf Club and the Harbour Town Marina and Lighthouse.

Although beaches in the Sea Pines area are public, the majority of the land along that southern tip of the island is reserved for Sea Pines members and guests. I’d say that area is more exclusive.

There are plenty of hotel options throughout the island, but I’ll split them up by section and will list a few of the most popular ones in each area.

The Westin Resort & Spa is one of the most popular hotels on the quieter north end of the island.

If you prefer to stay in the mid-beach area, check out Sonesta Resort or the Omni Hilton Head . Both are oceanfront properties!

Finally, if you prefer to stay within the popular gated community of Sea Pines, check out The Inn & Club at Harbour Town , which is a luxurious, golf-front property, or the Marriott Monarch at Sea Pines if you prefer oceanfront views.

Hilton Head Home Rentals

I understand that many readers prefer renting an entire home on the island vs. staying in a hotel — and I totally get that! Sometimes it just makes more sense to rent a home when you’re traveling as a large group.

VRBO currently lists thousands of home rentals scattered throughout every section of the island, and those properties are offered in a variety of price points.

Why I Don’t Support Home Rentals on HHI

If you’ve followed my blog for any length of time, then you probably know I’ve taken a firm stance against short-term rentals within Savannah’s city limits.

It shouldn’t surprise anyone to learn I feel the same way about Hilton Head. Here’s a bit of the backstory to explain why…

• When the bridge to Hilton Head was built in the 1950s, it opened the floodgates for developers to come onto the island and begin buying up as much land as possible.
• During that process, those developers displaced thousands of Gullah families who had been living on land their ancestors bought or inherited at the end of the Civil War.
• In many instances, when developers obtained the land from the Gullah people, they did so through deceptive practices — which meant Gullah heirs rarely received a fair price for their land.
• Once the developers seized the land, they stripped it, constructed new accommodations, and then marketed those properties as luxury resorts.
• The newly-constructed resort properties attracted wealthy — and primarily white — families to purchase properties on Hilton Head, thus shifting the demographics of the island. The percentage of African Americans residing on the island was nearly 100% in the 1920 census and had shifted to less than 6% by the 2020 census .

The main reason I don’t recommend home rentals on HHI is because the short-term rental market is (one of many issues) causing property taxes to increase so exponentially that many of the few remaining Gullah homeowners on the island are being priced out of their homes.

These families are losing their ancestral land at an alarming rate. There are only a few hundred estimated acres of Gullah-owned land remaining on Hilton Head Island — a number that used to be in the thousands.

I realize many people will still book a home rental, but beginning in April of 2024 if you book one through my website I’ll be donating my portion to the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation . (Prior to April I donated the funds to Josephine Wright’s GoFundMe .)

Things To Do in Hilton Head

When it comes to things to do on Hilton Head Island, the list is a long one.

Of course, most families will want to spend their days on the beach, but that’s not the only option. Hilton Head is also known for its award-winning golf courses and 60+ miles of paved bike trails.

If you’re not into golfing, biking, or swimming, here are some other great options to keep you busy:

• Go on a sunset dolphin cruise
• Take a stroll through Sea Pines Forest Preserve
• Visit Coastal Discovery Museum
• Explore the Gullah Heritage Trail
• Visit Michelville Freedom Park
• Catch fireworks and live music at Shelter Cove
• Challenge yourself to a round of mini-golf at Adventure Cove
• Visit Harbour Town Marina and climb the Harbour Town Lighthouse
• Go shopping at Coligny Plaza
• Catch a sunset at Shelter Cove Community Park

Finally, if you want to spot some alligators in the wild, you can do just that during gator mating season (late spring) in many of Hilton Head’s parks — Jarvis Creek Park is a good one — or you can head off the island to visit nearby Pinkney Island National Wildlife Rescue .

Related Reading: 9 Epic Hilton Head Boat Tours to Try This Year

Hilton Head Restaurants

There are a couple conglomerates that have a monopoly hold on the restaurants in Hilton Head. The SERG Group is probably the biggest monopoly. They own quite a few restaurants that are very popular amongst tourists.

Here are a few of their most popular spots:

• Skull Creek Boathouse
• Skull Creek Dockside
• Frankie Bones (my personal fave of their group)
• Black Marlin
• Guiseppi’s

A few additional hotspots on the island that SERG doesn’t own include Bullies Barbecue, Old Oyster Factory, Fish Camp, Ela’s on the Water, Hudson’s Seafood, Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte (aka: Charlie’s Coastal Bistro), and Coast.

Hinoki is my personal favorite restaurant on the island.

If you like Jamaican food, try visiting Red Stripes Caribbean Cuisine, which is located at 840 William Hilton Parkway. It’s a Gullah-owned establishment.

In short, there are plenty of places to eat on the island! You can also drive off island to try some of the restaurants lining US 278. Bluffton has excellent restaurants, too.

Hilton Head Beaches

Hilton Head Island has approximately 12 miles of beaches. Roughly half are ocean facing and the rest look out over the back rivers and inlets.

There’s no such thing as a “private beach” on Hilton Head.

All of Hilton Head Island’s beaches are public from the point where the ocean meets the sand to the high-water mark.

You can be asked to leave if you step off the beach onto a resort or a homeowner’s private property, or if you are breaking beach rules (littering, damaging the dunes, drinking alcohol, etc), but otherwise, the beaches are meant to be enjoyed by all.

From north to south, these are a few of the most well known public beaches and/or access points:

• Mitchelville Beach | Quiet, better for walking than swimming
• Folly Field Beach | Ideal for families
• Bradley Beach | Ideal for families
• Burke’s Beach | Ideal for families
• Coligny Beach | Most popular, lots of amenities nearby

The beach area around the Alder Lane Access area and Coligny Park is typically referred to as Coligny Beach , and it’s generally the most populated beach on the island. Mitchelville Beach (aka: Fish Haul Beach) is the most remote and quietest of the popular beaches.

Hilton Head Island Travel Guide

I hope my overview to the island was helpful! If I left anything out or if you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

If you’re not sure if HHI is the right East Coast beach destination for you, my guide to beaches near Savannah GA might help. It takes an in-depth look at the best beaches within a 2-hour drive of the city.

Do you have any questions about Hilton Head Island? If so, please let me know in the comments below.

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16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do on Hilton Head Island, SC

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Bryan Dearsley frequently visits South Carolina, including in the spring of 2023, and has explored Hilton Head Island and the surrounding area extensively.

Hilton Head Island in beautiful South Carolina is not only one of the newest vacation destinations in the US – it was only connected to the mainland by bridge in 1956 – it's also one of the fastest growing. The big draw? In addition to the many fun things to do here for families, its tourist attractions, and its great hotels and resorts, Hilton Head Island (HHI to those in the know) is a heaven on earth for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

In addition to its attractive sand dune-backed beaches, the island boasts acres of protected wildlife and nature preserves, as well as numerous fun water adventures such as dolphin tours and fishing charters.

It's also a paradise for cyclists, with a vast network of mostly traffic-free, paved bike paths to explore. Add to this list the superlative golf and its many great restaurants, and there's no end of reasons for you to want to linger and explore this beautiful Low Country paradise.

I was first exposed to Hilton Head Island's beauty after making an impromptu visit more than 10 years ago. Heading home from a family vacation in Orlando , once we experienced the island's beach, it was an easy and unanimous decision to return the following year (and countless times since) to discover more about this unique and utterly charming Lowcountry island.

You'll find the best places to visit on the island with my list of the top tourist attractions and things to do on Hilton Head Island.

1. Enjoy the Endless Beaches

2. relax in coligny beach park, 3. explore the bike trails and do some beach biking, 4. take a dolphin cruise tour, 5. have fun in coligny plaza, 6. climb the harbour town lighthouse, 7. visit harbour town, 8. get back to nature at the coastal discovery museum, 9. walk the trails at sea pines forest preserve, 10. enjoy a sea kayaking tour, 11. explore the ruins of the stoney-baynard plantation, 12. take a boat to daufuskie island, 13. take a drive to bluffton, 14. pinckney island national wildlife refuge, 15. take the kids to the sandbox children's museum, 16. bird-watching at audubon newhall preserve, where to stay on hilton head island for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do on hilton head island, sc, hilton head island, sc - climate chart.

However much fun there is to be had elsewhere on Hilton Head Island, it's to the beaches I always go first. Beach access points are everywhere, generally consisting of usually free public parking and a wood boardwalk or sandy path leading through the dunes to the water. A handy free shuttle bus service, The Breeze , can get you to the beach and back, too.

That first glimpse of the Atlantic is always a treat, followed by the fact you don't have to go far in any direction to get away from any crowds that may have set up chairs or beach blankets.

If walking the beach is more your thing, knock yourself out. HHI boasts over 12 miles of pristine sand to explore on foot or by bike. And yes, beach biking is encouraged, and is easy and fun, unless it's a windy day. While sunrise is a good time to walk, be sure to head home once dusk arrives. The island has a strict policy preventing lights on its beaches due to their important habitats for nesting sea turtles.

For those traveling with kids wanting to swim, choose a beach location that offers lifeguard services at least during the prime beach season. These include Coligny , Islander , Driessen , and Folly Field Beaches.

The other top beaches to explore include Burkes Beach , which is also a great spot for some fun beach biking mid-way up the island; and Fish Haul Creek Beach, one of the quieter spots as it's at the northern tip of the island and north facing. My personal favorite, South Beach, is located at the southern tip of the island in the Sea Pines Resort neighborhood.

A great choice for couples, South Beach also has the advantage of being just a short bike ride away from restaurants, snack bars, and shopping in Harbour Town . It's usually quieter here as there's no parking, so you'll want to take your resort up on its bike rental options. It's also a great spot to watch the boats pass between you and Tybee Island, just a few miles away across the water, as they make their way to and from Savannah, Georgia .

The busiest of Hilton Head Island's top beaches, Coligny Beach is adjacent to Coligny Beach Park at about the mid-way point of the Island's Atlantic shoreline. Although it's the nearest the island has to a typical seaside scene, with nearby Coligny Plaza boasting a variety of shops and dining establishments, it's tastefully done.

Whether you arrive on foot, by bike, by car (parking can be tight), or on one of the handy trolley buses that connect the island's neighborhoods and car parks to the water, you enter the beach through a pleasant park area which offers amenities such as change rooms and outdoor showers, as well as restrooms.

There are also a number of great seating areas, including shady gazebos with rockers, as well as sturdy swing chairs. And yes, there's even free Wi-Fi here.

Beach access is made easy for those with mobility issues thanks to rubber matting laid across the sand. It leads directly to the ocean, where beach chairs can be rented. It's also a handy surface for those pushing strollers or, like me, walking my bike from the beach to the nearby Hilton Head Social Bakery for a coffee and a sweet treat or lunch.

Address: 1 Coligny Circle, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

In a world overrun by automobiles, a vacation to Hilton Head Island is a refreshing change. Not only does its 12-mile stretch of Atlantic-facing beaches encourage you to get out and walk, but this very forward-looking holiday destination is home to one of the most extensive bike path networks in the US.

In fact, it's the perfect opportunity to park and forget about the car for the duration of your stay and instead rely on some pedal power. You can bring your own, or rent one from your hotel, resort, or any one of the numerous bike rental locations that have sprung up.

I find the resort bike rentals extremely cost-effective, especially if you reserve one for a few days, bringing the cost down per day. A chain and padlock are provided, but be warned: the bikes all look alike and are usually the same color, so remembering where you parked is crucial. And be sure to get a bike with "fat tires" that make beach riding possible (standard bike tires just won't work).

Pretty much everywhere you go on Hilton Head Island there are paved, smooth bike paths, either lining the roads leading into and around the island or setting off into the trees or toward the beach. Whatever direction you go, it's pretty easy to escape the congestion, noise, and fumes of regular traffic and instead explore at your leisure. And given its flat topography, it's extremely easy to pedal here.

HHI was in fact one of the first destinations in the US to be awarded the League of American Bicyclists' Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community Award. And it's pretty easy to see why once you start pedaling. Bicycle traffic flows peacefully along some 117 miles of pathways shared with pedestrians, plus another six miles dedicated solely to bikes.

Whether you're walking or riding, though, you do want to pay attention and stick to your designated section of the path. "On your left!" is a frequently heard greeting bikers call out to pedestrians, and is one you'll want to make use of, too.

Plus, of course, there's an additional 12 miles for beach biking, a wonderful experience that will have you riding leisurely along the hard-packed sand surface at low tide on bikes with those special wider-than-normal tires making it almost effortless.

A word of caution, though. What at first might seem like a gentle sea breeze pushing you down the beach might feel like a gale-force wind when you head back to your accommodations. I typically pay attention to that breeze and will plan a route that will make use of the inland trails to avoid a hard slog home.

While it's generally easy to make up your route as you go, bike path maps are everywhere, whether in shops and restaurants, hotels and resorts, or at convenient pathway kiosks or bike rental locations.

The waters surrounding Hilton Head Island are simply teeming with marine life. Fortunately, it doesn't take a great deal of effort to actually catch a glimpse of a variety of fascinating sea creatures.

Topping most people's lists of "must-sees" are the native Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins that have made Hilton Head Island their home. It's believed around 170 of these elegant marine mammals live here year-round and are thriving.

Although the Island's playful dolphins can sometimes be spotted from shore, by far the best way to catch a close-up look at them is aboard a boat. While many dolphin cruise options are available, I enjoy combining a little dolphin spotting with a ferry ride to neighboring Daufuskie Island .

These comfortable 45-minute crossings from HHI are provided by Daufuskie Island Ferry and, every time I've been aboard, seem to attract the attention of a dolphin or two… sometimes even more. Hilton Head's dolphins aren't shy and seem to enjoy showing off as they splash about in the vessel's wake. Best of all, you get to do it all again on the return trip.

If you're looking for a more formalized experience that's dedicated solely to a dolphin-watching experience, try the Hilton Head Island Dolphin Watching Nature Cruise . These 90-minute cruises depart from Harbour Town Yacht Basin in the Sea Pines Resort neighborhood. There's ample free parking here, so just look for the lighthouse to guide you.

In addition to dolphins, this always fun cruise provides opportunities to catch sightings of the island's abundant birdlife, too. Other highlights include commentary as you cruise past landmarks, including Bull Island and Haig Point Lighthouse. For an added dose of fun, consider joining a sunset dolphin cruise .

There are, of course, other dolphin cruise providers worth considering. Two that I recommend are Dolphin Discoveries Boat Tours , which offer a personalized experience aboard smaller vessels and guarantee you'll see dolphins; and Kayak Hilton Head which offers fun dolphin nature tours where you do the paddling.

While Hilton Head is well-known for its endless miles of bike paths and pedestrian boardwalks, one of the nicest stretches of footpaths leads from Coligny Beach Park and the car parks around Coligny Circle to the shops, eateries, and entertainment opportunities at Coligny Plaza .

This always-bustling plaza is fun to explore. In addition to the usual souvenir gift shops and eateries, there are a number of unusual places to visit worth checking out that sell high-end fashions and accessories. Our favorite for casual clothing and beachwear (hey, who doesn't forget something when packing!) is Fresh Produce , and we pay a visit at least once or twice per island visit.

Feeling peckish? In addition to less-traditional foodstuffs, there are coffee shops (Carolina Coffee and Crumb is a good one), ice cream stores (try Rita's famous ice custard ), and lunches (grab a sandwich at Earle of Sandwich) to enjoy.

Coligny Plaza is also home to a movie theater, and during the busier months, free live music can be enjoyed outdoors as you partake in an al fresco snack or meal.

Address: 1 N Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Undoubtedly Hilton Head's most recognizable landmark, the Harbour Town Lighthouse is a must-visit. Located in the heart of Harbour Town in the ritzy Sea Pines Resort district at the Island's south end, this iconic red and white striped lighthouse serves not only as a navigation aid to boat traffic using the Harbour Town Marina and the Intracoastal Waterway but is also a first-rate museum.

Erected in 1970 and standing 90 feet tall, a visit to this must-do attraction will lead you past a number of interesting exhibits as you climb the building's interior upwards toward the viewing platform. Highlights include displays of historic photos and artifacts related to the island's history (it has been inhabited for some 10,000 years) and a special exhibit showcasing the role of the Coast Guard over the decades.

While it's a steep climb, you can pace yourself as I did with a pause to check out the exhibits. The views from the top of the lighthouse, however, are spectacular, and certainly make the climb worthwhile. From here, you can see over a large part of the island, as well as nearby Daufuskie Island , and even Tybee Island in the neighboring state of Georgia.

There are also two gift shops on-site, and events and functions such as weddings can make use of the building with prior booking. For a great photo, follow the boardwalk to the opposite side of the marina and use one or two of the yachts moored there to frame the shot. Nice!

Address: 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Harbour Town itself is also well worth exploring. Considered the commercial hub of the high-end (and huge) Sea Pines Resort, it's a great place to shop. Shopping highlights include a number of fine boutique stores selling chic clothing, home décor, and furnishings, as well as a great selection of crafts, gifts, jewelry, and art.

There are also plenty of great dining options, including casual fare at the Harbour Town Bakery & Café , which serves great baked goods, sandwiches, espresso coffees, and teas, all served al fresco. I also enjoy the fact there's plenty of outdoor shaded seating, making it the perfect spot to rest after all that biking and beachgoing.

Harbour Town is also a hub of sporting activity. Much of the action centers around the marina. Here, you can pick up a sailing excursion aboard a famous racing yacht, hop aboard a dolphin-watching cruise, send the kids on a pirate ship adventure on the Black Dagger , rent a Jet Ski, or embark on a kayak eco-tour.

Golfers are also well-catered to at the famous Harbour Town Golf Links , well-known for its iconic 18th hole: just aim for Harbour Town Lighthouse. There's also a tennis club with world-class courts, along with a large adventure playground for the kids.

Editor's Note : while parking is free, there's a small admission to pay when entering this ritzy resort and residential area, even if entering by bike or on foot. That said, some of the nearby resorts, such as the Marriott Grande Ocean just outside the Sea Pines Resort area, do provide complimentary passes so you can come and go as you, please.

A must-visit while on Hilton Head Island, especially for nature lovers, is the Coastal Discovery Museum . This popular educational center is set on 68 acres of land, some of it abutting the coast, and makes for a fun half-day excursion. You'll enjoy learning about such native tree species as the magnificent live oak, so-named as they never completely lose their foliage, as well as a nearly 500-year-old southern red cedar.

There's plenty of wildlife, too, including many species of birds and butterflies. Best of all, much of the property can be explored simply by following its network of well-marked nature trails, including three fun marsh boardwalks along the tidal Jarvis Creek.

Other notable features are the Bird's-Eye View Theater, an outdoor theater staging regular events and shows, and a replica shell ring made of local shellfish in a style known to have been used for over 4,000 years. The Coastal Discovery Museum is also the site of a popular weekly farmers market , plus a large annual art show.

Address: 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Also worth a visit for nature lovers is Sea Pines Forest Preserve . Located in the Sea Pines Resort area, it's a delightful area to explore on foot and easy to get to by bike.

Established in 1970, highlights of this important nature reserve include a network of walking trails and wetland boardwalks, an ancient original shell ring that's reputedly 40,000 years old, and plenty of wildlife, including alligators. Other fun things to do here include wagon rides, horseback riding, guided boat tours, and fishing.

Author's Tip : Sea Pines Forest Preserve, like most parks on the island, is easy to get to by bike and makes for a great spot for a family picnic. This is just one of the reasons I make sure my bike rental comes with a carrying basket large enough to pack snacks and picnics, plenty of water, as well, of course, as towels. From experience, I also found them handy when our 20-pound pup got tired.

Location: Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Nothing says "I've been to Hilton Head Island" quite like grabbing a selfie before you hit the water in a kayak. And given the increased interest from travelers in healthy outdoor pursuits, there's certainly no shortage of options available on Hilton Head Island.

For casual kayakers, or more experienced paddlers traveling without their own vessel, a great way to sample this must-do experience is by joining a professionally led kayaking experience. Reputable providers include Island Water Sports , whose 90-minute excursions offer single- and double kayaks, as well as an educational component before hitting the water. H2O Sports in Sea Harbour Town is another convenient choice, and offer tours as well as rentals.

Another good option is taking a guided kayak nature tour of Hilton Head . This fun, safe two-hour adventure includes the services of a professional naturalist who will guide you through the salt marshes of Broad Creek Wildlife Area, a nature preserve that's brimming with wildlife. In addition to numerous native and migrating bird species, you'll likely spot some dolphins along the way, too. Suitable for older children, the tour also includes a safety talk, as well as life jackets.

After exploring Sea Pines Nature Preserve, head over to the nearby Stoney-Baynard Plantation historic site to explore the remains of one of the former plantations that once dotted the island. Also known locally as the Baynard Ruins, this fascinating historic archeological site dates back to 1790 and was destroyed at the end of the Civil War. It's also said to be haunted!

You can certainly get a good sense of the scale of the plantation, with notable remains including a portion of the original two-story house, as well as evidence of the encampment made by occupying Union troops during the Civil War.

Address: Plantation Drive, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Sandwiched between Hilton Head Island and the northern shoreline of Georgia, the much smaller Daufuskie Island is well worth taking the time to visit. The island's population is small, too, totaling just 400 residents, plus or minus musician John Mellencamp , depending on the season.

Getting here is certainly fun and consists of a 45-minute ferry ride along the Intracoastal Waterway. Regularly scheduled ferry services are provided by Daufuskie Island Ferry , while private operators offer a variety of services, including water taxis, during the busy season.

If you're not taking a bike with you, be sure to make arrangements in advance for a golf cart to await your arrival. Better still, take part in an organized tour by companies like Tour Daufuskie . Not only will they arrange transportation, but they'll also whisk you around the highlights and, if required, will rent you a golf cart to explore some more.

Just five miles from tip to tip (and half that in width), Daufuskie, too, is known for its beaches, boasting some three miles of sand all told. It's also a cultural destination, with many of its residents making a living as artists, writers, musicians, chefs, or sometimes a combination of these skills. Interestingly, the whole island is on the US National Registry.

Be sure to include a visit to the historic Mary Fields School on your itinerary. This historic site is famous as the place where author Pat Conroy once taught and is a great place for a coffee or to shop for traditional indigo-dyed clothing.

The First Union African Baptist Church is another must-visit and offers a fascinating insight into the lives of those sold into slavery through the separate "sheds" that served as their place of worship. There are also two lighthouses on the island, one of which, at the infamous Bloody Point , was built in 1883. The other, at Haig Point (now a high-end real estate development), was constructed in 1873.

A great way to enjoy this unique destination is to book a Daufuskie Island Guided History Tour from Hilton Head, a fun outing that takes in the main sightseeing opportunities. Whichever you take, a dolphin sighting is all but guaranteed.

However you get there, you do want to pay attention to the weather. My most recent trip was later in the season, meaning a rough crossing (these boats are generally smaller than traditional ferries) and enough rain to end our plans to pedal around the island. In hindsight, I wish I'd paid a little more attention to the weather and rescheduled for a warmer, drier day.

Address: Daufuskie Island, South Carolina

While not strictly speaking on the island, the town of Bluffton is considered by locals and visitors alike to be a part of Hilton Head. Start your visit in the Old Town, a delightful area with great restaurants, including the superb fine-dining establishment, The Bluffton Room , chic boutique shops, and a pleasant public square.

It was near here that the seeds of the secession and the Civil War were sown when members of the Bluffton Movement in 1844 protested against high federal taxes. This history, and much more besides, can be reviewed at the Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center . Built in 1841, it's now home to the town's visitor center. Guided tours are available.

Other fun things to do in Bluffton include visiting the Church of the Cross , dating from 1857, and participating in cultural events such as the popular Bluffton Village Festival each May and the Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival in the Fall.

Address: 70 Boundary Street, Bluffton, South Carolina

The sprawling Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1975 and covers an area of more than 4,000 acres. Sandwiched between Hilton Head Island and the mainland, it shares the same bridges and highway network that connect the two larger landmasses.

It was established by the Pinckney family, who built a plantation here in the mid-18th century and lived on the island for over 200 years. It's considered one of the most important archaeological sites in South Carolina for its more than 115 historic sites, some showing evidence of human habitation over 10,000 years ago.

It's a wildlife spotters' paradise and is home to numerous species of waterfowl and shorebirds, including white ibis, egrets, and herons, as well as bald eagles. Also likely to be spotted are deer, alligators, and armadillos. Guided nature tours are available on an electric shuttle, or by bike; advance booking is required.

It's also a great place for hiking and cycling enthusiasts and boasts over 10 miles of well-marked trails. Of interest to Civil War enthusiasts are the headstones of black soldiers, possibly former Pinckney Island slaves, who served with Union forces.

If the kids ever get tired of playing on the beach, consider taking them for a visit to the Sandbox Children's Museum . Handily located near Coligny Beach Park, the museum has been around since 2005 and provides plenty of fun, hands-on activities that encourage children to explore and learn about the world around them.

The focus is very much on playing while they learn, with interactive exhibits covering everything from nature to big machines. Highlights include kid-sized stores and banks, an aircraft flight deck, as well as a regular program of events and activities guaranteed to entertain and challenge.

A second "satellite" museum is located in the Tanger 2 shopping outlet in Bluffton.

Address: 80 Nassau Street, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

While there's no shortage of great places to visit for bird-watching on Hilton Head Island, one of the best can be found at the Audubon Newhall Preserve . Set on 50 acres of land at the south end of the island, the preserve features a number of easy-to-walk, wheelchair-accessible trails through a forested area that houses numerous bird species.

While the trails only extend a total of a mile, be prepared to stop often, hoist the binoculars, and try to identify who's behind the birdsong you're hearing. Handy guides and displays are provided in the small information kiosk near the car park.

Be sure to visit the observation platform that overlooks the property's pond; it's a great place to spot various waterfowl looking busy. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.

While the trails are all relatively short, you can bike them. If I don't stop, I can generally get around them in around 10 minutes each. But stop for a spot of birdwatching and, well, who knows!

Address: 55 Palmetto Bay Road, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Luxury Hotels :

• Leading the pack when it comes to luxury accommodations in and around Hilton Head Island is the exquisite Montage Palmetto Bluff . Located just a short drive from Bluffton, this elegant plantation-style hotel offers chic rooms and suites overlooking the river, along with eight restaurants and plenty of property to explore.
• The five-star Inn & Club at Harbour Town is another good choice in the luxury hotel category. It's located in the posh Sea Pines Resort area, and a stay here comes with a choice of spacious suite sizes, plus access to a beach shuttle and private club.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Although at the higher end of the mid-range price scale (Hilton Head Island can be pricey!), the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort offers studios and one-bedroom units with kitchenettes and balconies just a short walk away from the beach.
• Of similar quality are the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa , popular for its beachfront setting, and the more moderately priced Hampton Inn Hilton Head , an easy four-minute drive from the beach and offering a free breakfast.

Budget Hotels :

• Reputable budget-priced hotel options in Hilton Head include the Simple Rewards Inn , a no-frills location within easy reach of the beach and attractions (it also includes breakfast).
• The Holiday Inn Express Hilton Head Island offers a pleasant, leafy setting just a short walk from Coligny Beach Park, and the Best Western Ocean Breeze Inn is popular for its clean, comfortable rooms, free breakfast, and its location adjacent to Coligny Park Plaza.

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Easy Day Trips : Hilton Head Island's location at the southern tip of South Carolina makes it the perfect jumping-off point for some fun Low Country day trips. A favorite is to hit the historic district of Savannah, Georgia , one of the best-preserved - and most picturesque - old town centers in the US. Savannah is an easy one-hour drive from HHI; better still, take a ferry or pleasure cruise, which run regularly throughout the year.

Equally pretty is Charleston , a wonderful example of "Old South" architecture with numerous fine parks and gardens to explore. South Carolina's capital city of Columbia is also within reach, with highlights such as the State House and the Historic Waverly Neighborhood.

Coastal Towns : Other great vacation destinations on the East Coast include Myrtle Beach at the top end of South Carolina, popular for its endless beaches, countless hotel options, and fun family attractions.

Farther north, the city of Wilmington offers plenty of great attractions to explore, including the huge Battleship North Carolina.

Virginia Beach also boasts long stretches of lovely beaches to explore, as well as one of the longest boardwalks in the US.

Something Fishy : The US boasts some of the top fishing vacation destinations anywhere in the world. For a look at some destinations for fishing in the area, see our articles on Deep Sea Fishing in South Carolina , or, for something a little different check out Trout Fishing in North Carolina .

More on South Carolina

15 Things To Do On Hilton Head Island: Complete Guide To South Carolina's Charming Coastal Getaway

T here are many reasons why Hilton Head Island, above all other stunning land bodies, is often considered the best and most beautiful island in the United States. From its sugary sandy beaches and clear waters to its luxury accommodations, renowned food scene, and professional golf courses, Hilton Head Island is a vacationer's dream tucked into the tranquil heart of South Carolina’s low country. Not to mention how beautiful the weather is here in South Carolina's hidden gem.

Hilton Head Island is a popular destination for families, couples, and even adventurous sports fishing and paddling enthusiasts. Find out if Hilton Head Island lives up to the hype!

UPDATE: 2023/09/28 12:50 EST BY NICHOLAS MAYAMBA

More Things To Do On Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a prime vacation spot in South Carolina, offering travelers an eclectic mix of white sandy beaches, unique historical and cultural experiences, and a delectable dining scene. In this updated article, find out more top-rated things to do on Hilton Head Island for the best holiday experience.

Things to do on Hilton Head Island

With its seemingly endless dining and accommodation options, it is entirely possible to spend an entire vacation not leaving these 69 square miles of bliss. In addition to being a fantastic stand-alone tourist destination, it is also a perfect stop on a road trip between Charleston and Savannah.

Sea Pines Forest Preserve

For anyone wanting a nature walk, exploring Sea Pines Forest Preserve is the perfect option. Here, guests can experience a protected nature area featuring walking paths, boat tours, and an archeological site made of seashells. The park is 605 acres and has been protected land since 1970, making it a somewhat historic area on the island.

• Admission : $9 per car
• Hours : 8 am - 7 pm

Avoid walking close to the edge of any ponds, lagoons, and other water bodies at Sea Pines Forest Preserve. They are natural habitats for alligators, which no tourists want a close encounter with.

Related: 10 Amazing Trips To Take In The Fall In South Carolina

Fish Haul Beach Park

Another awesome park experience awaits at Fish Haul Beach Park , which overlooks Port Royal Sound and is perfect for those seeking a quiet getaway for walking, bird watching, and resting. What's nice about this beach is that it features restrooms and a shower area to wash off before heading back to the hotel.

The park is free to enter, so this might be a nice idea for larger groups or people wanting to save money while on the island.

• Admission : Free
• Hours : 6 am - 9 pm

Fish Haul Beach Park is a dog-friendly facility, so pet owners can bring their furry friends for quality time at the beach.

Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina

A visit to Shelter Cover Harbour & Marina is one of the best things to do on Hilton Head Island. Located in the middle of Hilton Head Island, across from Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, this marina is one of the more popular locations on the island.

Shelter Cover Harbour & Marina is Hilton Head's largest deep-water marina and offers 178 boat slips .

Hilton Head's Boardwalk: Harbour Town

The Harbour Town boardwalk is a great jumping-off point for many water excursions, tours, and more. It's not a conventional boardwalk with rides, but it has plenty of activities to offer for jet ski, kayak, and parasail enthusiasts.

Also, in this area of Sea Pines, Hilton Head Island is South Beach, another boardwalk area with stores and restaurants—grab some souvenirs here, too.

• Harbour Town boardwalk location : 149 Lighthouse Rd
• South Beach boardwalk location : 232 S Sea Pines Dr

The Jazz Corner

For anyone who loves jazz on Hilton Head Island, heading to The Jazz Corner is one of the best spots in the area. This iconic jazz club is award-winning and has become a must-experience for anyone traveling to South Carolina.

• Tickets start at $10 for various shows

Visit the official website for more information on scheduled events, dates, and ticket prices.

Coligny Plaza Shopping Center

Another laid back thing to do on Hilton Head Island is to visit the Coligny Plaza Shopping Center . Here, tourists can find more than 60 specialty shops and restaurants. This mall has a boutique feel mixed with the island charm that only Hilton Head offers.

Check Coligny Plaza's events page for current goings-on.

Burkes Beach

Heading to the beach, many tourists flock to Burkes Beach to enjoy a day in the sun and clear, blue water. Burkes Beach is mid-island, offering a serene atmosphere to guests. Parking is available near the beach or hotels nearby.

It may be better to walk here if someone is close enough to avoid the busy lot, especially on weekends or holidays.

Spend A Day At Coligny Beach

By far, the best thing to do on Hilton Head Island is to take a trip to the beach. There are dozens of beaches to choose from, many with delicate sugary sand that seems to stretch on for days. Hilton Head Island also has some of the clearest water in all of South Carolina .

Coligny Beach is the top preferred beach by locals and tourists alike. Not only is the beach and water stunning, but there are also ample amenities available.

Ample restrooms, changing facilities, food and drink options, and Wi-Fi are available. This all helps make Coligny Beach the perfect place to spend a beautiful day on Hilton Head Island.

Be wary of jellyfish and stingrays that permeate Coligny Beach waters in the summer. A sting could easily land one in the emergency room.

Explore The Island And Its Surroundings By Boat

While the beaches are stunning, it is also nice to get out onto the water. There are all sorts of fun water sports to enjoy. There are fishing charters and boat cruises that leave daily from the island with a variety of options to choose from.

Numerous areas can be explored by paddling. Rent a kayak or even a stand-up paddle on a nice day to enjoy the protected harbor and explore the more remote coves around this stunning low-country paradise.

For boaters who'd like to hire and steer their own vessels, accessing a boat from local outfitters costs between $68 and $500, depending on the size and type of boat.

Harbor Town And Lighthouse

No visit to Hilton Head Island is complete without a visit to Harbor Town and its iconic candy cane-striped lighthouse. But there is much more to do in this little harbor area than snap a quick selfie in front of the iconic lighthouse.

Related: 10 Awesome Things That You Can Do In South Carolina

Harbor Town has a wide variety of dining and live entertainment options, making it a perfect place to arrive in the late afternoon and then enjoy a sunset dinner or cocktails and entertainment. There are also numerous shops to stroll through for retail-hungry tourists.

For those looking to raise their heart rate in hopes of an epic view, there is even the option to climb the 144 steps to the top of the Harbor Town lighthouse.

Take advantage of the several boat tours, excursions, and dolphin-watching cruises departing from Harbor Town to explore the region.

Coastal Discovery Museum

One of the great things people might not know about Hilton Head Island is its fantastic and unique Coastal Discovery Museum. This is a fantastic museum located on a sprawling 68-acre property that allows visitors access to see first-hand the beauty and natural wonder of South Carolina's low country.

Trails and boardwalks help guests explore the hanging Spanish moss, salt marshes, and various wildlife species.

There are also events, featured talks, and exhibits that showcase much of the area's rich history, including exhibits showcasing sweet grass baskets, one of the ultimate gifts a visitor can procure on a trip to this region.

• Hours : 9 am - 4:30 pm (Sundays 11 am - 3 pm)

Although there are no admission fees to the Coastal Discovery Museum, guests are encouraged to donate $5 for the smooth running of the landmark.

Driessen Beach Park

An excellent alternative to Coligny Beach Park, Driessen, is for tourists who prefer to skip the crowds for more isolated locations. This charming beachside property lies in a wooded area on the northeastern end of Hilton Head Island, boasting long stretches of sandy shores with stunning ocean views.

The beach is large enough to accommodate large groups without feeling crowded and offers several public facilities, including outdoor showers, restrooms, picnic points, bike racks, and a playground. Several resorts and restaurants along the shores ensure quick access to refreshments and a bite to eat whenever tourists are feeling peckish.

• Admission : Free ($.50 per hour for parking)

While there are hardly ever crowds at Driessen Beach Park, vacationers, especially those with kids, should arrive early to secure the best spot on the sand.

Escape To Daufuskie Island

Sitting on a remote section of the island, west of Harbor town, Daufuskie Island is a pleasant escape who vacationers with a penchant for off-the-beaten-path experiences. The isolated island harbors a few residents, about 400 full-time, and is only accessible via boat or ferry.

Visitors will love the fresh air and pristine of the island, devoid of motor vehicles and teeming with century-old Spanish moss oak trees. The area is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, thanks to a legacy dating back to the 1730s when enslaved people from West Africa worked on plantations there.

A ferry ride to Daufuskie Island costs $45 for a roundtrip when visiting during the daytime. The ferry leaves the harbor every three hours, and passengers must schedule transportation ahead of time.

Visit Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

Hilton Head houses a rich wildlife ecosystem, which tourists can glimpse at the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. This natural oasis straddles over 4,000 acres, encompassing Corn Island, Pinckney Island, and Big and Little Harry Islands. However, it's only Pinckney Island that is accessible to the public.

There are over 250 species of birds at the refuge and other animals native to the area, including alligators, deer, and turtles. Guests can explore the diverse habitats by walking along 14 miles of picturesque trails, where they'll pass through salt marshes, freshwater ponds, and maritime forests.

• Hours : Sunrise to sunset

Apply some insect repellent when exploring the trails inside the refuge for a more comfortable experience. Also, carry enough water as there is none available at the sanctuary.

Check Out Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park

Established in 1862 by Gen. Ormsby Mitchel, it is the first sovereign community of formerly enslaved people in America. Today, remnants of the society can be found in the local Gullah people, and the park exhibits several replicas of homesteads that paint a picture of life like it was back then.

Visitors will be intrigued by the Homestead House, Prairie House, Bateau replicas, and over 20,000 artifacts displayed in the gallery. They also get the opportunity to learn traditional techniques of casting net. The park also stages a long list of events around the year, highlighted by the Juneteenth celebrations.

For an immersive experience, guests can opt for a guided tour that delves deeper into the history and legacy of the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. Reservations cost $8 per person.

Best Time To Go To Hilton Head Island

Situated at the southern tip of South Carolina, surrounded by water, Hilton Head Island experiences pleasant weather throughout the year. Odds are that no matter when a trip is planned to this low-country island, it will be stunning. Still, there are some times that are better to visit than others.

Visiting Hilton Head Island in the fall is ideal. The crowds have mostly dispersed by mid-September, but the warm temperatures remain. In fact, it is even possible to swim at Hilton Head Island in October , making fall a perfect time to spend here. Most of all, the prices of accommodations also start to drop.

This means that in the fall, a visitor is likely to experience perfect weather, minimal crowds, and even off-peak prices, not just on Hilton Head Island, but all around South Carolina .

Related: 10 Incredible U.S. Islands That Should Be On Your Bucket List This Winter

For those who consider themselves foodies, spring is without question the best time to visit Hilton Head Island, as this is when the 12-mile island paradise hosts the Food and Wine Festival.

Summer is the most popular time to visit the island. Everything is in full swing. Visitors can expect everything open, with pop-up rentals and snack shacks abound, as well as live music at nearly every turn.

Beaches are packed, but with more than 12 miles of long sandy beaches, visitors shouldn’t have to fight for a spot to set up a blanket and umbrella.

Best Ways To Get Around Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island might be a relatively small island, but it still requires the help of wheels to get around. The majority of people visiting Hilton Head Island navigate it using a car.

This allows visitors to hit all its beaches as well as top tourist spots like Harbor Town, The Coastal Discovery Museum, and even nearby Beaufort and Charleston. However, if a car is not in the cards, there are a few other options to get around this bountiful island.

Utilize The Bike Paths

Hilton Head Island is connected completely with a series of bike paths totaling over 200 miles. Some of these pathways are along streets; others are stunning paths on picturesque tree-lined routes and along the many coastal paths as well.

Many hotels offer complimentary bike rentals, and there are also many bike rental companies that offer daily rates. Biking through Hilton Head Island is a glorious way to soak up the laid-back vibes while experiencing much of what makes this place magical.

Public Transportation On Hilton Head Island

Public transportation is limited in Hilton Head Island, except for a tourist trolley that runs in the peak season on the island.

The Breeze Trolley runs from mid-April through Labor Day.

• Weekday Trolley hours: 1 p.m. - 10 p.m. (Sunday - Thursday)
• Weekend Trolley hours: 1 p.m. - Midnight (Friday and Saturday)

Before booking accommodations, consider looking at the Breeze Trolley Route Map to see if it can help reduce the need for driving while on vacation.

Walking In Hilton Head

Several areas, including Harbor Town, are very walkable. If walkable areas are important, make sure to book accommodations near Harbor Town or another area with walkable streets with everything nearby.

Related: These Are The 10 Most Beautiful Towns In South Carolina You Should Visit

Where To Eat On Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island has plenty of eateries to choose from, many with seating areas directly over the water.

While the area is renowned for its fresh seafood, several Italian restaurants offer a taste of the diverse culinary scene on Hilton Head Island . Here are the top eateries to consider when hunger calls:

Breakfast Bites

• Southern Coney And Breakfast : Warm and cozy breakfast spot with an affordable and delicious pancake house-style menu. Unpretentious and filling.
• Palmetto Bay Sunrise Café : Slightly-elevated menu fare with many breakfast options with a cozy ambiance.

Mid-Day Offerings

• Delisheeyo : Savory and healthy Mediterranean menu with very reasonable prices, complete with a lush garden atmosphere.
• Chez Georges Bistro & Bar : French restaurant and wine bar with an elegant bistro menu in a sophisticated atmosphere for a high-end lunch (or dinner) experience.
• The Jazz Corner : A magical dinner experience with nightly jazz shows, elevated southern cooking, and signature cocktails. A great place for date night or an entertaining (and scrumptious) night out.
• Stellini Italian Restaurant : This Italian restaurant is a Hilton Head Island mainstay and has been for more than 23 years. It is known for its perfected authentic dishes and is considered one of the top Italian Restaurants on Hilton Head Island , of which there are many to choose from.

Places For Drinks

• Pool Bar Jim’s : A Hilton Head Island mainstay. Known for its tropical bar atmosphere, refreshing frozen cocktails, and lively evening atmosphere.
• The Rooftop Bar At Poseidon : Live music and entertainment with an upbeat party atmosphere, all with great views in this stunning rooftop location.

Where To Stay On Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island has a variety of accommodations at several different price points. There are affordable hotels and camping for those on a tight budget.

There are also extraordinary luxury accommodations for those looking to treat themselves.

Vacation rentals are also very popular and a fantastic option for those visiting with families or in a group.

Budget-Friendly Options

Hotel Carolina A Days Inn by Wyndham

• 9 Marina Side Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
• Convenient chain with basic amenities
• Around $108/night

Fiddlers Cove

• 45 Folly Field Rd, Hilton Head, SC 29928-5422
• Resort with privately owned condo rentals for rent in a secure gated community with multiple pools, tennis, and pickleball courts
• Around $138/night

Mid-Range Accommodations

Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

• 23 Ocean Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
• Idyllic oceanfront location at Palmetto Dunes, with tennis courts, pools, and championship golf courses.
• Around $337/night

Inn and Club at Harbor Town

• 7 Lighthouse Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
• Exclusive and pristine luxury resort, with golf, a serenity pool, and a beach concierge.
• Around $275/night

Luxury Hotels

The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa

• 2 Grasslawn Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
• Farm & sea to table dining, multiple outdoor pools, terraces and oceanfront views
• Around $517/night

Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa

• 1 Hotel Circle, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928-5146
• Beach location, on-site golf, indoor/outdoor pools, outdoor spaces
• Around $453/night

Tips For Staying On Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is situated near the border of Georgia. This makes it part of South Carolina’s famous low country. This region is known for significant biodiversity, with its many bodies of water, marshes, and protected wetlands. It is also home to significant cultural and historical sites of importance.

The area is known for its sleepy and stunning Southern towns that are full of charm. Areas like Beaufort, Charleston, and Savannah, all famous and bucket-list-worthy Southern towns and cities, are a short drive away.

These are just a few notable characteristics that make Hilton Head Island one of the top awesome things to do in South Carolina .

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16 Best Things to Do on Hilton Head Island — From Golfing to History Tours

Planning a trip to one of the Lowcountry's most beautiful and welcoming islands? Here are 16 of the best things to do in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Ever a contender among the best islands in the United States as ranked by Travel + Leisure readers, Hilton Head beckons with historical and cultural learnings dished up alongside culinary and beach delights.

Venture to these shores to be surrounded by water and waves, miles of biking trails, great golf courses, Gullah/Geechee culture, and much more. With something for every type of traveler, here are 16 of the best things to do in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Say bonjour (with a southern twang) at this cute breakfast spot.

Welcome a beautiful Lowcountry day with sparkling marina views on Shelter Cove while enjoying a breakfast of sweet and savory pastries with authentic French flair (plus American flavors) at Hilton Head Social Bakery . Fair trade organic coffees and teas are the perfect complement to a flaky croissant, mango tart, or croque monsieur. There are even French hot dogs on the menu, cradled in baguettes and topped with a dollop of Dijon mustard, bien sûr.

Dive into Gullah history on a heritage tour.

Traditions, customs, and art from West Africa make up an important part of Hilton Head's cultural fabric, which you can discover through tours with Gullah people who are the descendants of enslaved people and comprise one of the island's oldest communities. All of the guides with Gullah Heritage Trail Tours were born and raised on Hilton Head before the island was connected by a bridge to the mainland. Seeing the island through their eyes offers a singular view into the Creole Gullah language, traditional foods, music, and more.

Get your golf on.

Golfers know Hilton Head as one of the best spots in the southeast for a year-round game, even if springtime and autumn tend to usher in the most appealing temperatures for teeing off. Whether you're in it for putting lessons, some driving range action, or to win against friends, your options include championship courses like the oceanfront Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes Resort, Pete Dye's legendary Heron Point by Pete Dye at Sea Pines Resort, and Sea Pines' epic PGA Tour course, Harbour Town Golf Links , to name just a few.

Pedal a bike along a scenic trail.

More than 60 miles of public trails crisscross Hilton Head, which is only 12 miles long. You can cover a lot of ground here — and get some exercise with ocean breezes while you're at it — by renting a bike. The trails winding through Sea Pines Forest Preserve are particularly lovely and include wetland boardwalks over marshes full of wading birds, as well as scenic bridges and places to stop for a picnic or toss out a fishing line from a dock.

Explore a popular beachfront park.

With roughly 12 miles of uninterrupted beachfront to explore, Hilton Head doesn't want for sandy spaces to roll out your beach towel or go for a stroll. Families flock to Coligny Beach Park , a short walk from a playground and The Sandbox Children's Museum . The beach is wheelchair accessible and has great amenities including chair and umbrella rentals, free parking, complimentary Wi-Fi, and shaded gazebos. Across the street, Coligny Plaza offers a wide array of restaurants and shops.

Board a boat in search of dolphins.

Nothing brings on the warm and fuzzy ocean vibes like seeing dolphins in the wild. And with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins making the waters around Hilton Head home, you've got a great chance of seeing them any time you're out on the water (and oftentimes right from the beach, too). Dolphin Discoveries Nature Tours runs daily trips with a maximum of six guests onboard to spot resident dolphins with names like Blackbird, Gary, and Little Baby Stripes that dwell in the local waters.

Sink your teeth into some South Carolina 'cue.

You haven't been to the Carolinas until you've sampled some of the best barbecue in the land. The island favorite, Bullies BBQ slow smokes its briskets, pork butt, and ribs over hickory and mesquite chips for hours to render a flavor you'll want to bottle up and bring home. If you order just one thing off the menu, make it the Pulled Pork Sandwich (with a side of savory collard greens). Pick up your favorite barbecue sauce or rub here, too, for a souvenir anyone would be stoked to receive.

Beachcomb at Driessen Beach Park.

Driessen Beach Park , on the island's southern end, is a good bet for filling your shell bucket and can be reached via a long boardwalk over a salt marsh. This vast sandy beach is ideal for playing volleyball or taking long walks (bring shoes to protect your feet) while spotting sand dollars and nesting crabs.

Shop like a Lowcountry local at the farmers market.

Head to the Coastal Discovery Museum on Tuesday mornings to browse the delicious local pickings at the Hilton Head Farmers Market , where you can shop alfresco for local seafood to grill on the beach, sip a cup of She Crab soup, or perhaps sample a Lowcountry rice dish from food trucks. This is a great place to pick up the freshest seasonal Carolina produce, too.

Enjoy some peace and quiet at Fish Haul Creek Park.

Those looking for an alternative to Hilton Head Island's popular beaches will find it at the lesser-known Fish Haul Creek Park . This 31-acre nature preserve is located on Port Royal Sound and has a shaded trail through a maritime forest and a boardwalk that leads to the Barker Field Observation Deck. Though it's not a swimmable beach, it's great for bike rides or long walks (including those with your pup in tow).

Go paddling through a salt marsh.

It's a balancing act paddling a SUP through Hilton Head's languorous tidal salt marshes. But the experience gives new meaning to the word Lowcountry while allowing you a unique vantage point on the saltwater marshes and endemic wildlife. Saltmarsh Paddle Tours offers SUP tours at high or low tide and kayak tours throughout the day. A naturalist guide shows you the way through spectacular estuaries where you might encounter dolphins, blue crabs, all manner of wading birds, and sometimes even sea turtles, too.

Charter a yacht for a Calibogue sunset cruise.

Charter a yacht with Hilton Head Yacht Charter and sail into the sunset. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres are served on board as you cruise a mellow route around Calibogue Sound aboard a luxury yacht, where the joy is most definitely in the journey.

Slurp oysters with scenic views.

Right on the site of a historic oyster cannery that dates to 1925, the Old Oyster Factory Restaurant is the spot to settle in for a long, delicious meal of locally harvested South Carolina oysters from Bluffton and Beaufort , plus other flopping-fresh fish sourced just offshore. When it's not too hot for dining alfresco, the most coveted tables are out on the sprawling deck overlooking the salt marshes, where breezes bend the tall grasses and the water laps gently under your feet.

Lounge with the locals at Islanders Beach.

Islanders Beach is a favorite among Hilton Head residents, who roll up with coolers in tow to use the grills and picnic pavilions (between dips in the Atlantic Ocean, of course). You'll also find an accessible boardwalk, playground, and other amenities like free beach wheelchairs, outdoor showers, and beach chair rentals.

Take a day trip to Daufuskie Island.

Accessible by passenger ferry from Hilton Head (45 minutes one way), Daufuskie Island is a beautiful barrier island just to the south that can only be reached by boat. Once on the island, rent a golf cart to explore on your own or, better yet, book a guided tour with the Daufuskie Island Gullah Heritage Society to see fascinating historical sites hidden among the live oak trees with sixth-generation Gullah native, Sallie Ann Robinson. You can try horseback riding, rent a bike to pedal the beach, or make a stop for coastal-inspired art at The Iron Fish Gallery . Daufuskie is full of surprises down every winding lane.

Go birding along the Atlantic Flyway.

If it's a winged thing, you might spot it at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge , a spectacular protected area that lures in thousands of migratory birds each year as they make their way north and south along the Atlantic Flyway. During the late spring and early summer, Ibis Pond is a hotspot to see species of breeding herons and egrets. Wood storks and painted buntings also arrive in the summer months, and large alligators can be seen at the refuge year-round.

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The Top 10 Things to Do in Hilton Head

Rachid Dahnoun / Getty Images

Located in the southernmost tip of South Carolina, Hilton Head Island is one of the state's popular getaways. The island's miles of pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, tons of recreational activities, storied bike paths, and nature preserves attract nearly 2.5 million visitors annually.

At 12 miles long and 5 miles wide, Hilton Head is the largest barrier island between Long Island and the Bahamas, and its temperate climate and natural beauty make it an ideal year-round destination for locals and visitors alike. Located just 90 miles south of Charleston and 40 miles north of Savannah , the island is also an easy day trip or weekend getaway for those visiting other parts of the Low Country.

From pedaling across boardwalks and through shady forests by bicycle to climbing the Harbour Town Lighthouse and kayaking through scenic waterways on the remote Daufuskie Island, here are the top things to do in Hilton Head.

Pedal Across the Island

With more than 100 miles of shared-use pathways and 6 miles of dedicated bike lanes, Hilton Head is a cyclist's paradise. Ditch the car during your stay, and pedal across boardwalks and beaches, along sandy marshes and wetlands, through maritime forests, and to and from top destinations across the island. Bike rentals and maps can be found at most hotels, resorts, or retailers. Top routes include the shaded trail of 16-acre Fish Haul Creek Park and the Barker Field, which includes a long boardwalk and observation deck. The deck is the perfect place to catch an island sunrise and views of the Atlantic, Broad River, and nearby St. Helena and Parris Islands.

Play at Coligny Beach Park

Coligny Beach serves as the island's hub, with free access to the pristine Atlantic beachfront, umbrella and chair rentals, and plentiful amenities like clean restrooms, showers, and changing rooms, plus swings, benches, and gazebos offering cover from the sun. It's also directly adjacent to the Coligny Plaza shopping center, which has more than 60 retailers and restaurants, ranging from ice cream and cupcake shops to seafood shacks. Try Lucky Rooster Market Street for fast-casual low country fare and rent bikes, pool floats, or paddleboards from Billy's Beach Club. Beach parking is free in the lot on South Forest Drive, but it fills up quickly at peak times.

Hit the Links

Hilton Head's stunning oceanfront vistas, temperate climate, and world-renowned courses make it one of the world's top golf destinations. From public to private, compact nine-hole courses to sprawling multi-course resorts, the island has 24 options for golfers of all abilities. Highlights include the Crescent Point Golf Club, a public course with elevated greens and tees designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer, and The Robert Cupp Course at Palmetto Hall, a challenging, eclectic course with a slope rating of 144.

Explore the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

 Wikimedia Commons

Located 10 miles north of downtown Hilton Head, the Pinckney Island National Wildlife offers up close and personal encounters with alligators, turtles, deer, more than 250 species of birds, and other local wildlife. A system of 14 hiking and walking trails winds through the property, which includes salt marshes, maritime forests, and other nature habitats. While parking is free, there is a quarter of a mile walk to the refuge entrance, which is open from sunset to sundown. Note that there are no on-site refreshments or restrooms, and be sure sure to wear sunscreen and stay on the main trails to avoid unwanted animal encounters.

Climb the Harbour Town Lighthouse

This iconic red and white striped lighthouse stands 90 feet tall at the island's south end inside the Sea Pines Resort district. Open to the public, the structure doubles as museum, with exhibits ranging from photography to the island's first inhabitants to the Coast Guard's long history in the area. Climb to the top of the lighthouse for sweeping views of the island as well as nearby Daukuskie and Tybee Islands and then head to nearby Harbour Town, a shopping and entertainment district with waterfront dining, art galleries, and local boutiques.

Take a Ferry to Daufuskie Island

Located between Hilton Head and Savannah, the remote, 8 square mile Daufuskie Island is car-free and accessible only via ferry. Round trip day tickets are $35 and ferries depart from Ford Island Road on Hilton Head or Ferry Island Visitor Center in Bluffton every three hours. Once on the island, take a self-guided tour through Spanish moss oak trees on the Robert Kennedy Historic Trail, kayak through the scenic waterways, or ride horses on the unspoiled beaches. Daufuskie also is home to several art galleries and a rum distillery.

Explore the Sea Pines Forest Preserve

Located at the southwest tip of the island, the 605-acre preserve offers 6 miles of multi-use trails, 2 miles of nature trails, as well as bridle paths, fishing docks, and other outdoor adventures. Book a guided alligator and wildlife boat tour; enjoy a scenic horseback ride through the marshes; or wander the trails to see wildlife, secluded forests, and the blooms of the Warner W. Plahs Wildflower Field, which are particularly stunning in the spring. Don't miss the Sea Pines Shell Ring, a circular deposit of hundreds of thousands of clams and other shells, which at nearly 4,000 years old is one the island's oldest archaeological sites. Just kno there is a small fee for non-residents to access the preserve.

Sample Locally-Made Drinks

Courtesy of Hilton Head Distillery

Owned by island native Juan Brantley, Hilton Head Brewing Company was the state's first microbrewery and restaurant and produces nearly a dozen beers, ranging from hoppy IPAs to crisp lagers. Sample them in the tasting room or head to the on-site restaurant, which offers waterfront views and casual fare like wings, salads, and pizzas.

Other local drink destinations include Hilton Head Distillery, the island's first and only craft distillery. The family-owned operation is open to the public for tours and tastings Wednesday to Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m. The $10 tasting flight includes six samples of any neat spirit, including the Dark 23 rum, barrel-aged in port wine casks, a pot-distilled gin, and Whiskey Girl peach.

Visit the Coastal Discovery Museum

Courtesy of Coastal Discovery Museum

To learn more about the island's ecological and cultural history, head to the Coastal Discovery Museum. Located on the 68-acre Honey Horn property, the museum includes educational exhibits, a butterfly habitat, and live animal "meet and greets." Wander the grounds, which include miles of nature trails, towering oak trees, floral gardens, and even a barn housing the rare Marsh Tacky horses. Admission is free, but tours and the museum's excursions—which range from guided kayaking trips to dolphin cruises—cost extra.

Tour Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park

Courtesy of Mitchelville Freedom Park

Established in 1862, Mitchelville was the first self-governed town of those formerly enslaved on the island and nearby communities. Take a walking tour to learn more about the town's history or explore more than 20,000 archeological artifacts ranging from household goods to tools on display at the Westin Hilton Head Resort and Spa. The park also offers several special events, ranging from plays and musical performances to an annual Juneteenth celebration.

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Hilton Head   Travel Guide

16 Fun Things to Do in Hilton Head, SC

Opportunities for family fun things abound on Hilton Head, South Carolina, including a beautiful shoreline, endless bike trails and exciting nightlife. The celebrated Coligny Beach Park  is packed with kid-friendly activities. What’s more, plenty of

• All Things To Do

Coligny Beach Park Coligny Beach Park free

Coligny Beach Park is one of the most popular beaches in Hilton Head. The scenic shoreline is alive with activities like swimming and volleyball, while the adjacent park features a plethora of amenities for beachgoers of all ages. Not only are there restrooms and showers, but the park also boasts separate changing rooms, and plenty of benches and gazebos with swings to shade yourself from the bright sun. Should you forget a beach umbrella, Coligny Beach Park offers rentals, in addition to beach chairs. What's more, parking is free and beachgoers enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access. There are also a variety of eateries a short walk from the sand, including coffee shops, ice cream shops, delis and seafood restaurants. Local favorites include Carolina Coffee & Crumbs, Flatbread Grill & Bar, Tiki Hut and Big Bamboo Café.

Coligny Beach is especially popular with families. Along with the beautiful coastal scenery, facilities are clean and accessible. Although the beach can get crowded during summer, travelers note you can walk down the shore away from the park and find wider spaces and fewer people. During summer months, be wary of jellyfish. While lifeguards are equipped to deal with most jellyfish stings, it's best to check conditions before entering the water. Take advantage of Hilton Head’s official beach web page for more information about regulations and visitor tips. You'll want to be respectful of the loggerhead sea turtle nests, horseshoe crabs, sand dollars, sea oats and local wildlife rules .

Sea Pines Forest Preserve Sea Pines Forest Preserve free

Nature lovers should set aside time to visit Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Spread across more than 600 acres, the preserve is Hilton Head's largest tract of undeveloped land and a protected habitat for a variety of wildlife, including alligators, snakes, deer and more than 200 species of birds. Guided tours are available by boat or wagon, as well as via fishing expeditions or horseback rides . Visitors can also take advantage of the preserve's abundant natural beauty by going for a stroll past the Warner W. Plahs Wildflower Field, having a picnic on Fish Island or walking through the Vanishing Swamp on an elevated boardwalk, where water is known to rise and fall depending on the season.

Another well-known feature of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve is the Sea Pines Shell Ring, a 4,000-year-old  archaeological site. Made up of thousands of clams, mussels and oyster shells, this well-preserved historical site – which appears on the National Register of Historic Places – is believed by archaeologists to be an early Native American functional space for meetings, rituals or villages. The shell ring can be found along the Shell Ring Trail from the Lawton entrance to the preserve.

Harbour Town Harbour Town

U.S. News Insider Tip: Take a drive to South Beach Marina at the southern tip of the island, just south of Harbour Town. The marina is home to water sports, the famed Salty Dog Café, and a beach as long and wide as a desert at low tide. – Carmen DeCecco

Hilton Head's Harbour Town district, a pocket inside the gated Sea Pines Resort community, is home to the iconic candy-cane-striped lighthouse that you've likely seen on television ads promoting the island and postcards around town. Aside from the famous lighthouse, you'll also spot lavish yachts dotting the marina, as well as a smattering of gorgeous rental properties, not to mention the Harbour Town Golf Links, home to the prestigious RBC Heritage golf tournament.

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Coastal Discovery Museum Coastal Discovery Museum free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Just around the corner from the Coastal Discovery Museum is Jarvis Creek Park. This is a lovely town-owned, fully-equipped family-friendly park if you want to enjoy a fishing dock, a pavilion with grills, a fitness trail and an ever-changing display of fishing birds. – Carmen DeCecco

If you want a family-friendly activity to keep your kiddos on their toes, make time for a visit to the Coastal Discovery Museum. The museum aims to educate visitors on Hilton Head's ecological and cultural history, offering up educational exhibits, expert lectures, live animal presentations and more. The museum can be found on the 68-acre Honey Horn property, where visitors will also be greeted with trails, gardens and beautiful live oaks as well as a butterfly habitat, where you can find a flurry of native butterflies from May to October.

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge free

Hilton Head is brimming with wildlife. To catch a glimpse of some of the island's longtime residents in their natural habitat, head to the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Once part of a plantation owned by Maj. Gen. Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, this nature preserve is spread out across 4,053 acres and comprises Pinckney Island, Corn Island, Big and Little Harry islands, Buzzard Island and many small hammocks. Though Pinckney Island is the only island open for public use, there's no shortage of activities.

On Pinckney, visitors are treated to 14 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails that weave through freshwater ponds, salt marshes and maritime forest. While here, you'll likely spot a variety of birds (the refuge houses 250 species) as well as alligators, turtles and deer, among other wildlife. During your visit, be on the lookout for the white ibis, and if you're visiting during the summer, the multicolored painted bunting, the latter of which is a species at risk of endangerment.

Shelter Cove Towne Centre & Marina Shelter Cove Towne Centre & Marina free

Whether you're looking to grab a bite to eat or to engage in some much-needed retail therapy, Shelter Cove Towne Centre has you covered. Spanning more than 290,000 square feet, this beautiful waterfront village overlooking Broad Creek is filled with restaurants, shops and event space.

There are plenty of walking trails and bike paths where visitors can work up a sweat, and the Shelter Cove Community Park features a playground for kids. Festivals and events are held here year-round, including movie nights and live music, daily fitness classes, and the park also offers picnic tables, benches, a water fountain, restrooms and Wi-Fi access.

Mitchelville Beach/Fish Haul Beach Mitchelville Beach/Fish Haul Beach free

If you're looking for a quiet shore in Hilton Head, and a tranquil walk to understand the significance of Mitchelville, you'll no doubt fall in love with this trail through history leading to the beach also known as Fish Haul Beach Park.

Located on the northeastern end of the island near Hilton Head Island Airport, Mitchelville was the first self-governed town by formerly enslaved people. When it was established in the 1860s, Mitchelville was home to as many as 3,000 residents. You'll gain an understanding of the park's historic significance by taking time to read the interpretative signage.

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park free

If you're looking to learn more about Hilton Head's past, spend some time at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park . Home to America's first self-governed community of formerly enslaved people, known as a freedmen's town, Mitchelville was founded by Gen. Ormsby Mitchel in 1862. Here, escaped enslaved people from nearby plantations created a self-sustaining town complete with a road system, homes, churches, stores and schools. Residents established their own system of government, and elected officials mandated that all children between the ages of 6 and 15 receive an education, becoming the first town in South Carolina to implement such a law. Today, local Gullah, direct descendants of the original Mitchelville residents, work to preserve the history and traditions of their ancestors. The annual Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration pays tribute to the rich cultural contributions of the Gullah people.

Park exhibits include replicas of the Praise House, the Homestead House and the Bateau. Visitors also have the opportunity to learn about the traditional art of net casting. Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park hosts numerous events throughout the year, including an annual Juneteenth celebration and a drive-through holiday lights show in December.

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Driessen Beach Park Driessen Beach Park free

When locals want to escape the crowds of public beaches on the south end, they often retreat to Driessen Beach Park. Located on the northeastern end of the island tucked away in a wooded area, Driessen offers a wide shore that stretches as far as the eye can see. The beach is so big that even if it's crowded, you'll still likely find a roomy patch of sand on which to plant your towel. Amenities are plentiful and include restrooms, outdoor showers, a picnic pavilion, a playground, grills, bike racks and lifeguards on duty during the summer. Plus, there are resorts within 3 miles of Driessen Beach, including The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa and the Marriott Barony Beach Club, so if you're in need of refreshments, you can always pop inside one of the hotels' restaurants for a bite to eat.

Recent visitors recommend arriving early in the day to claim your spot on the beach. Travelers were also pleased with the clean facilities and low parking rates, but did warn that the walk along the wooden boardwalk from the parking area to the beach is long, so make sure you have an extra set of hands if you're carrying a lot of beach gear with you.

Daufuskie Island Daufuskie Island free

Daufuskie Island offers Hilton Head vacationers a getaway within a getaway. The island, made popular in Pat Conroy's novel/memoir "The Water is Wide," is located west of Harbour Town across the Calibogue Sound. It feels like a world away and a step back in time, thanks to its remote nature. Daufuskie is only accessible by boat or ferry, has few inhabitants (a little more than 500 full-time residents), and is almost completely devoid of cars. Awash in hundreds-year-old Spanish moss-draped oak trees and pristine, crowd-free beaches, the island is a historical hub, so much so that it was added to the list of National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

In the 1730s, Daufuskie Island was home to several plantations tended to by people enslaved from West Africa. When the Civil War ended, freed slaves established themselves on Daufuskie, forming a close-knit community known as Gullah, a distinctive culture and language that derived from southern English and native African dialects. The isolated nature of the island, largely free from outside influence, allowed Gullah culture to thrive and its impact on the island can still be felt today.

Best Hilton Head Boat Tours Best Hilton Head Boat Tours

U.S. News Insider Tip: Adventure Hilton Head, located near Broad Creek Marina, is an awesome way to enjoy Hilton Head views for the restless heart. Aerial rope courses and zip lining tours give visitors a view of the island from atop the pines like no other. – Carmen DeCecco

You can't visit Hilton Head without getting out on the water . With spectacular wildlife, fascinating history and scenic ocean views, the island has just as much to offer on the water as it does on land. Whether you're interested in a sunset dinner cruise, a fishing charter or an informative tour of Daufuskie Island , Hilton Head has a boat tour for every type of traveler.

Lawton Stables Lawton Stables

After you’ve strolled and biked your way around Sea Pines Resort , consider exploring via horseback. Lawton Stables offers guided, hourlong trail rides around the 605-acre Sea Pines Forest Reserve. If you are here with your family, a lovely afternoon can be spent just walking around the stables and petting the animals; along with horses, the stables also house goats, miniature donkeys, miniature cows, pot-bellied pigs, alpacas, ponies and chickens. Visitors can buy bags of feed to give to the animals (50 cents per handful), which is a thrill for kids of all ages. And every day at dusk, a flock of white ibis gather to roost in the trees surrounding the lagoons.

Most visitors were impressed with the professional staff and level of compassion they demonstrated for all the animals at Lawton Stables. For a tranquil day of riding and communing with nature, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better way to relax with the family, according to recent travelers. Many reviewers also said the trail rides are beginner friendly.

Play a round of golf Play a round of golf

Hilton Head is considered one of the premier golf destinations in the country. And chances are, you probably already knew that. The island's courses are not only famous for their beauty (ocean views and holes flanked by live oaks), but for their designers, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Pete Dye.

The island is home to a mix of more than 30 private and public championship level golf courses. Your preferred course may be determined by your accommodations, but if you want to venture off your resort, you'll be presented with a host of gorgeous greens.

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Take a day trip to Bluffton, SC Take a day trip to Bluffton, SC

Bluffton’s license plate motto is "a state of mind," because of the dreamy, small-town feel of its Old Town section. And while most Hilton Head residents travel to Bluffton for more utilitarian purposes because the main Highway 278 is dotted with big-box stores, and gated golf course communities, don’t let this prevent you from exploring charming local gems Palmetto Bluff, Old Town, the area’s best farmers market, and the May River Oyster Company for fresh local oysters.

The elegant Montage Palmetto Bluff is a luxurious, well-appointed hotel with a gorgeous view of the water and a long list of amenities, including a spa, a kids club and Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. As the setting for celebrity weddings, you will feel positively spoiled even if you just stop in for lunch at the elegant Octagon. If you’re a golfer, take advantage of one of the many scenic and extraordinary courses located in any of the gorgeous gated communities like Belfair, Berkeley Hall, Rose Hill and Moss Creek.

Stoney-Baynard Plantation Ruins Stoney-Baynard Plantation Ruins free

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1994, the Stoney-Baynard Ruins offer a glimpse into the past for visitors exploring Sea Pines Resort. Made from a unique compound of shell pieces, lime, sand and water known as tabby, the buildings are the remains of an antebellum plantation home, complete with a kitchen chimney, outbuildings and slave quarters. It’s considered significant for the archaeological clues it can give historians about plantation complexes of this time period and the lives of the African Americans who lived and worked on the property performing domestic duties for the land-owning families.

Located deep in the heart of Sea Pines Resort , just off Plantation Drive, and nestled atop its own forested hill, the home was built in the late 18th century by Capt. Jack Stoney, who had become the largest landowner on Hilton Head. The home was later purchased by the Baynard family. It is believed the mansion was eventually burned during the Civil War after being occupied by Union troops, leaving the foundation, walls and fireplace.

The Sandbox: An Interactive Children's Museum The Sandbox: An Interactive Children's Museum

If you’re traveling with young kids and need an activity for a rainy day, consider The Sandbox, Hilton Head’s children’s museum. Through events, exhibits, and daily and weekly programs, the museum encourages imaginative play that fosters physical, social and cognitive development. Exhibits include an interactive Lego wall, kinetic sand tables, a pretend vet clinic, a miniature grocery store, a post office and an airplane cockpit, among others.

Most parents agree this is a good place to go for an hour or two of fun, though they say the exhibits are best suited for kids up to age 6. The most frequent complaint by parents is that the facilities are too small for a busy day and in need of upgrades. Also, some of the rules seemed overly strict and did not make sense. However, the activities are engaging and the time flies by, according to reviewers.

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Hilton Head Island

• 1 Understand
• 2.2 By plane
• 3.2 By bicycle

Hilton Head Island is a city and barrier island in South Carolina , just across the border from Savannah , Georgia . With an approximate population of 40,000, it is on a beautiful, sub-tropical 12-mile (19-km) barrier island. Hilton Head Island is a vacation playland with famous beaches and great golf courses that overlook the Atlantic Ocean.

Understand [ edit ]

Hilton Head Island was originally occupied by Native Americans, with Europeans first making contact in 1521. In 1663, Captain William Hilton came to the island and named it for himself, "Hilton's Head". The island was later settled, and activity on the island primarily consisted of farming, with the island serving as a base of operations for the Union blockade of the Confederacy. After the war, ex-slaves flocked to the island to work on plantations, with this legacy most prominent in the naming of communities on the island, which are known as plantations (though this naming convention is controversial given the ties the word "plantation" has with slavery). The first resort development occurred in 1956 with the development of Sea Pines Resort, with additional development coming over the following decades. Hilton Head Island remains a popular resort destination, and now boasts several resorts and other tourist accommodation.

Get in [ edit ]

By car [ edit ].

US Route 278 is the only road on and off the island. An interchange with Interstate 95 is along US 278 about 40 minutes west of the island. Between the island and I-95, US 278 intersects with South Carolina Route 170 , which provides access to and from Beaufort and Savannah . Traffic onto the island can be particularly heavy on the weekend, when many arrive to and leave the island, so consider arriving and leaving on weekdays if you'd like to avoid the heaviest of traffic.

By plane [ edit ]

Hilton Head Island is served by two airports.

• Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport ( SAV  IATA ) is about an hour away from the island and served by seven airlines. The airport is directly connected to Interstate 95.

Air taxi and air charter companies such as Jetset Charter [dead link] fly a variety of private charter aircraft, such as pistons and turbo props, for small groups and individuals into Hilton Head Island Airport (KHXD). Generally, private jet aircraft must fly into Savannah/Hilton Head Int'l (KSAV).

Get around [ edit ]

Once entering the island, US 278 becomes known as the William Hilton Parkway . After traveling about a mile on the island, the road splits in two.

William Hilton Parkway continues as US 278 Business , a surface road around the eastern end of the island. US 278 Business is a four-lane divided highway, but most businesses on the island are along the road, making for a slow, 25- to 30-minute drive to the southern end of the island. US 278 branches off onto the Cross Island Parkway , a grade-separated expressway. While the Cross Island Parkway was previously a toll road, the toll has been removed and you can now drive the entire length of the Parkway for free. The parkway reduces the journey from the split to the south end of the island to five minutes.

US 278 and US 278 Business terminate at the Sea Pines Circle at the south end of the island. From this circle, cars can continue south on Greenwood Drive to enter the gated Sea Pines plantation, or east on Pope Avenue to head towards Coligny Beach, the major public beach on the island.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Hilton Head is quite cycling -friendly. All main roads and most major roads in the resort plantations have a companion bicycle path, and there are a few miles of paths that cut their own trail away from the roads. Although not lit for night riding, they are the perfect way to traverse the island during the day time hours. Bicycle rental stores are plentiful, although they may be expensive. Some golf courses may open up their cart paths to bicycles during non-playing hours (in the morning and at night), but other than this it is generally not a good idea to stray off the paths.

By bus [ edit ]

The Breeze Trolley is a public transportation service open seasonally around summertime. It operates two routes in the central part of the island, and it is free for all passengers. The trolleys arrive every 30 minutes.

See [ edit ]

• Harbour Town . Visit to see how the upper class lives. Admire the multi-million dollar yachts in many different marinas and sailing in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Jenkins Island . Right between the bridges from Bluffton to Hilton Head Island.
• Shelter Cove . The Island's largest deepwater marina. During the summer enjoy live music and weekly fireworks.
• Tiki Hut , 1 S Forest Beach Dr , ☏ +1 843-785-5126 . Happening "barefoot" bar at a resort offering sand volleyball, beach lounge chairs & live music. Located on Coligny beach and is the only bar on the beach on Hilton Head Island. The only contact for email is via the Facebook page for the bar. ( updated Jan 2017 )

Do [ edit ]

• Biking . The Hilton Head Island area offers over 25 crossing bike paths, and many shops rent bikes.  
• Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center . Regarded as one of the best in “The 50 Greatest U.S. Tennis Resorts” by Tennis Magazine , this resort offers 25 courts, instructional programs, and tournaments.  
• Beaches - Nearly 9 miles of Atlantic Ocean surf and beautiful beaches, all publicly accessible. There are several public parks that provide beach access. From there, you can walk or bike the length of the island. Recommended spots are South Beach, Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort area.
• Harbour Town Golf Links - While it has one of the most expensive greens fees in the Hilton Head area, here you can play the same course as the pros, as Harbour Town hosts the Verizon Heritage golf tournament every April. Among the best public golf courses is Hilton Head National in Bluffton one mile from the bridge to Hilton Head. Greens fees and rates are very affordable for all.
• George Fazio Golf Course . Designed by the revered golf designer, George Fazio, this 18-hole course is the only par-70 course on Hilton Head Island.  
• Arthur Hills Golf Course . Ranked 4.5 by Fodor’s Golf Digest , this course takes advantage of the natural beauty of Hilton Head Island’s marshland and ocean surroundings.  
• Robert Trent Jones Course . Golfweek readers regard this course as one of the best in the region. This course was named 2003 Golf Course of the Year by South Carolina Board of Directors of the NGCOA.  
• Bottle-nosed dolphins - Take a boat tour. Seeing dolphins is virtually guaranteed; getting a good picture of one is another matter.
• Island Explorer , 101 Marshland Rd , ☏ +1 843-785-2100 . Dolphin and nature boat cruises.  

Buy [ edit ]

• Hilton Head Outfitters , ☏ +1 843-593-9110 . Offers boat, kayak, canoe, surf board, and various other watersport equipment rentals. Palmetto Dunes Outfitters also offers instructional programs for watersports like kayaking and surfing.  

Eat [ edit ]

Ask some service employees for their recommendations for great Hilton Head restaurants. Well-known or busy does not necessarily mean good food. Coupons and menus are available in local tourism magazines.

To get started:

• HH Prime , 23 Ocean Lane ( in Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort at Palmetto Dunes ), ☏ +1 843-842-8000 . Provides beachside dining with culinary flair including USDA Prime Grade beef selections and fresh seafood along with decadent dessert creations, serving up classics like New York Strip to a savory Filet. For a lighter fare, enjoy island seafood. The grand interior and exterior fireplaces, dinner hour music, and the island's ultimate wine room, offering the island's largest collection -- more than 100 selections.  
• Kenny B's , 70 Pope Avenue Suite A , ☏ +1 843 785-3315 . New Orleans-style cuisine. Great for lunch. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• Amigos Cafe Y Cantina , 70 Pope Ave Suite I , ☏ +1 843 785-8226 . Great burritos and BBQ Grilled Chicken salad. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• Santa Fe Cafe , 807 William Hilton Pkwy #700 , ☏ +1 843 785-3838 . Mexican/American. Nice lunch combos. Try the Painted Desert Soup. If you're feeling flush (and haven't eaten for two days), the Cowboy cut rib of Aberdeen Angus beef takes some beating. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• British Open Pub , 1000 William Hilton Pkwy D3 , ☏ +1 843 686-6736 . Excellent overall menu. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• The Sea Shack , 6 Executive Park Rd , ☏ +1 843 785-2464 . Tasty seafood, cheap prices. Arrive early. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe , 86 Helmsman Way , ☏ +1 843 686-3232 . Great breakfasts. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• Woody's , Palmetto Bay Marina, south end of the Cross Island. Tasty and generally fairly priced with a nice atmosphere.
• The Quarterdeck and Topside at the Quarterdeck , 160 Lighthouse Rd. +1 843-842-1999. Great views of Harbour Town, fantastic sunsets and outstanding food and service.
• Tapas Restaurant , 11 Northridge Plaza, +1 843-681-8590. Cozy locals place. Incredible food.
• Alexanders , take the entrance to Palmetto Dunes and it's further down on the right. Popular seafood restaurant, but also does a great fillet mignon.
• Stacks , past the entrance to Palmetto Dunes on William Hilton Parkway in the direction of Sea Pines. Excellent for breakfast, diner-style, fast, friendly service. Be prepared to queue if you're not an early riser.
• Salty Dog Cafe , 232 South Sea Pines Dr , ☏ +1 843-363-2198 . 11AM-10PM . Outdoor cafe that is especially popular with tourists. It's in the gated Sea Pines resort plantation, so you must pay $5 at the visitor's center to get in if you are not renting in the plantation. On the back of the temporary pass is a map to guide you to the area of the restaurant. Live music plays most nights in the summer. As with most restaurants on the island during the summer, you must arrive around 5:45-6PM if you don't want to wait for a table. After that time, the wait usually jumps to 30-45 minutes and slowly increases from there. This is especially true for popular restaurants such as the Salty Dog. A t-shirt from the accompanying store is a common souvenir. $10-20 .  

Drink [ edit ]

• Frosty Frog , Coligny Plaza , ☏ +1 843-686-FROG (3764) . Frozen drinks.  

Sleep [ edit ]

Being such a popular vacation destination, Hilton Head has many lodging choices. There are several hotels on the island, however a great and widespread accommodation alternative is the vacation rental. Vacation rentals are available in many types, from large condo buildings to quaint homes, new and old.

• Holiday Inn Express Hilton Head Island , 2 Tanglewood Drive , ☏ +1 843-842-6662 , fax : +1 843-842-6664 . Check-in: 4PM , check-out: 11AM . This hotel sits on six acres of wooded land and is surrounded by three lagoons.  
• Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island , 130 Shipyard Dr , ☏ +1 843-842-2400 . ( updated Nov 2021 )
• Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort , 23 Ocean Ln , ☏ +1 843-842-8000 . The hotel has 324 rooms with full mini-kitchens. Two in-resort restaurants. ( updated May 2019 )
• Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort , toll-free: +1-866-380-1778 . A family-friendly oceanfront resort featuring private home and villa rentals, and offering three public championship golf courses, 25 tennis courts, and various outdoor activities.  
• 32.167895 -80.719212 2 Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa , One Hotel Circle , ☏ +1 843-686-8400 . Check-in: 4PM , check-out: 11AM . Full-service resort with updated guest rooms, luxury spa, and 3 golf courses. ( updated Dec 2015 )
• Resort Rentals of Hilton Head Island by Vacasa , 32 Palmetto Bay Road, Suite 1-B , ☏ +1 843-686-6008 , toll-free: +1-800-845-7017 . Homes and villas, from 1 to 9 bedrooms. ( updated Jun 2018 )
• 32.139069 -80.760621 3 Seascape Villas , 42 S Forest Beach Dr , ☏ +1 843-785-5151 , [email protected] . 1- to 3-bedroom villa community. 1 week minimum stay. $600-1,950/week . ( updated Nov 2019 )

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Hilton Head for families: What to do and where to stay

With wide, sandy beaches, gentle surf and endless outdoor activities, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is one of the top beach destinations for families.

Hilton Head Island is fewer than 5 miles wide and only 12 miles long, but it packs a surprising amount of family fun into that small area. The first thing you'll notice about Hilton Head is that everything from the buildings to the signage to the mailboxes blends with its surroundings.

Paired with the island's compact size and beautiful natural beaches, creeks and swamps, Hilton Head has a quaint, nostalgic feel that you don't often find in popular beach destinations.

I recently visited with my husband and three sons, and it immediately went on the short list of my favorite family beach destinations. Here are my recommendations for what to do and where to stay on Hilton Head Island.

What to Do in Hilton Head

Shopping and dining.

Most of the island's shopping and dining outlets are in a few main areas: Harbour Town, Sea Pines, Shelter Cove, Coligny Plaza, Main Street Village and the Village at Wexford. For families, I recommend Coligny Plaza Shopping Center, Harbour Town and Shelter Cove.

Coligny Plaza has a large pirate ship play area and row after row of souvenir shops where your family can find the perfect trinkets to commemorate your trip. Harbour Town, in the upscale Sea Pines Resort area, is close to many of the island's boat excursions and the Harbour Town Lighthouse. Harbour Town also has an outdoor playground, ice cream and a good variety of shops.

Shelter Cove has morning-to-night dining with coffee shops and bakeries, sit-down seafood restaurants and more. It also hosts live entertainment, including fireworks in the summer, and has a marina with boat excursions and water sports rentals.

Most of the island's beachfront resorts and rental homes have beach access, but there are plenty of public beach access points as well. Coligny Beach is particularly popular with young children as they can splash in its wading fountain or play in calm waters. It's also within walking distance of Coligny Plaza Shopping Center.

Driessen Beach Park, Islanders Beach Park and Burkes Beach also have family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, restrooms and picnic pavilions. You can see a full listing of Hilton Head beaches here .

My kids run around too much for us to need beach chairs and umbrellas, but you can buy them from one of the local shops or rent them through Shore Beach Service .

Boat outings

Young children might be especially excited about themed activities, such as a ride on the pirate ship the Black Dagger ($30 for kids older than 2 and free for kids under 2). Kids will get decked out with face paint and pirate costumes before receiving their pirate names and searching for treasure.

Meanwhile, Mermaid of Hilton Head takes families on a boat cruise where kids will encounter a "real" mermaid ($35 for adults, $30 for kids, free for those 2 and under). The cruise can be combined with a dress-up photo shoot ($75). This company also offers Mermaid U Swim School (from $35).

Outside Hilton Head — which has four island locations and one on the mainland — conducts a wide range of guided tours, excursions, fishing trips and lessons. You can get your family out on the water in kayaks or on paddleboards year-round.

The tour company also offers several special "camps" designed just for kids ages 7 to 17. Prices depend on the outing or activity you choose. To give you an idea, kayak tours can cost as little as $40 for adults and $20 for kids for a two-hour trip; a teen stand-up paddleboard adventure that includes lessons costs $45 per child.

Another special experience for the entire family awaits on Daufuskie Beach, where Daufuskie Trail Rides offers horseback riding on the sand or nearby trails. Prices range from $125 to $150 per person (depending on season) for a 90-minute tour; transportation to and from the equestrian center is available as an optional add-on.

Harbour Town Lighthouse

A family trip to Hilton Head wouldn't be complete without a trip to Harbour Town — the family-friendly dining, shopping and entertainment destination within Sea Pines.

The big attraction at Harbour Town is the unmistakable white-and-red Harbour Town Lighthouse . It's open for visitors daily, and it costs $4.50 per person to climb the 114 steps to the top. The lighthouse is also a museum, so the kids can learn about the history of the island and its development as a tourist destination.

Cycling and water sports

Hilton Head is one of the most bicycle-friendly beach towns I've ever visited. There are more than 50 miles of public bike paths around the island — and that doesn't even include the hard-packed sand beaches that allow bicycles. Most bicycle rental facilities allow you to take your bike anywhere on the island. Some companies will even deliver bicycles directly to your hotel.

Depending on where you stay, you may be able to rent bicycles through your resort, but there are many local companies as well. A few are Hilton Head Outfitters , Wheelz of Hilton Head and Hilton Head Bicycle Company . There are many others as well.

Most of these companies also rent water sports equipment, including kayaks, paddleboards and surfboards; they also offer beach equipment like jogging strollers, beach carts, wagons and beach wheelchairs.

Where to Stay

If you want a big beachfront resort, you can look to The Westin Hilton Head Resort & Spa . This 416-room property has three outdoor pools, four restaurants, private beach access and daily activities like yoga on the beach, live music and pool games for kids. All guest rooms have balconies, and some have ocean views.

You could also choose to stay in one of the popular resort areas, including the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort or The Sea Pines Resort . Both offer a variety of accommodation types, along with on-site dining, shopping and recreation. This allows you to make the resort your "home away from home" while on vacation.

For a laid-back vibe with a budget-friendly price tag, the Beach House Hilton Head Island sits right on popular Coligny Beach. it features a tiki hut bar, live music, an on-site restaurant, a large beachfront pool and oceanfront rooms. Suites with bunk beds are available for families looking for a bit more space.

If you can find availability, families will really enjoy Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort , a Disney Vacation Club property.

You'll find Disney's signature friendly service and special touches — like Mickey-shaped snacks, character meet-and-greets and daily activities — but in a relaxed beach environment. This resort is not directly on the beach, but it is only about a five-minute ride on the complimentary shuttle or a 10-minute bike ride away.

The best way to stay at Disney's Hilton Head Resort is likely to rent Disney Vacation Club points from an owner and plan well in advance.

Bottom Line

Hilton Head Island had so much to offer. Plus, the beach was immediately accessible when my family didn't feel like doing anything but playing in the waves or on the sand.

Time seemed to slow down while we were there — something I am always trying to achieve as my kids grow older. After our first visit, I realized Hilton Head Island is one of those beach towns that I can see returning to with my family year after year.

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