7 Things to do on Hilton Head Island

7 Things to Do on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

In late June, when ocean waves started summoning and whispering “beach trip” in my ears amidst a heatwave in Washington, D.C., I started planning a road trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Clocking in at approximately 8.5 hours driving time, it is the perfect distance for a getaway to the island’s famed beach life at the peak of summer. As I had visited only once and nearly a decade before, I knew there would be even more activities and adventures ahead to check out and explore. Also, with the average daily temperature for July and August hovering around 82-85-degrees, I looked forward to donning my bikini and trading indoor air conditioning for island breezes.

Here are some highlights of my active and outdoorsy visit to Hilton Head.

1. Watch the Sunrise

If you want to understand why Hilton Head is trademarked as “America’s Favorite Island” you’ve got to wake up. You’ve got to set your alarm for 6 am, put down your cell phone the night of arrival, get to bed, hit the beach while the sun is still sleeping (and let’s admit, most people are too!), and the air and sand are cool underfoot. As the sun begins to rise and you walk the broad, flat expanse of packed sand that makes Hilton Head’s beaches among the most famous in the world, you’ll start to feel the magic as the coastal winds dance around you. I encountered fellow tourists and many families, but mostly it’s locals hitting the beach, running, meeting up for a dog playdate, and working out: always with a nod, wave, and smile. You walk and watch as the sun rises clearly like an egg yolk as it did one morning, or dash in and out of a cloud bank as it did another: each sunrise a unique pattern of light, watercolor, and crepuscular rays.

Sunrise will vary depending on time of year: mid-July it was 6:30 am.

2. Hit the Links

If you’re a golf fan, the Lowcountry courses should entice you with over 26 world-class courses at your driver’s mercy. Wanna play like a champion? It helps to have courses designed by the pros, including renowned course architects Peter Dye and Jack Nicklaus. In Palmetto Dunes alone, you can experience three PGA golf courses, including Robert Trent Jones golf course with a stunning, ocean-front layout (here pictured courtesy of Hilton), Arthur Hills golf course known for its Lowcountry scenery and precision play, and George Fazio golf course: the island’s only par-70 course and true championship challenge. But don’t be intimidated: no matter your skill level, there is something for everyone.

3. Dine on Delicious Seafood

With a robust island culture, it’s safe to say that eating seafood on Hilton Head is a sport. Everyone will ask you what you tried, where you’ve been, and compare dishes and notes like a seasoned critic. There’s everything from seaside shacks to upscale waterfront dining, raw bars, and more. There are several restaurants I recognized from my previous visit…so many well-established and beloved venues.

The below list is curated from a few locals who couldn’t say enough about these favorite, seafood hotspots:

The Black Marlin Bayside Grill: an all-around favorite, known for Sushi Nachos and a famed Shrimp Burger.
Redfish: upscale and authentic Lowcountry seafood.
Fishcamp on Broad Creek: marsh-side atmosphere with Southern-style seafood.
Lowcountry Backyard: Southern food served up in a charming garden patio setting. Their shrimp and grits are voted among the top in South Carolina.
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Dock: Since 1967. Go if you’re sustainability-minded: they claim that 90% of their seafood is locally caught.
Poseidon: raw bar, oysters and fresh catches.
Sea Shack: casual, country-style seafood. Mentioned as one of “The South’s Best Seafood Dives” (Southern Living, 2025)

4. Shop Locally

There are many pockets for shopping on the island, but none more centralized than Coligny Plaza Shopping Center, founded in 1955. Walking distance from the beach, this collection of 60-plus businesses is an outdoor venue that’s perfect for the temperate climate and filled with festive restaurants, live music, unique shops and tented stalls. I grabbed a coffee at Carolina Coffee & Crumbs and strolled through the complex, purchasing a garlic and truffle olive oil at Hot Daddy’s Sauce & Oil Co. and looking over cute sundresses at Blue Moon. The Frosty Frog Cafe was packed with families dining al fresco, while The Shell Shop drew visitors looking for the perfect souvenir. Sweet Al’s Cafe is the perfect place to grab breakfast (think coffee, donuts and NJ bagels), while Hilton Head House of Honey supports Lowcountry beekeepers with their sales.

5. An Active Stay

As I travel often, I sought a hotel that was tucked away to offer some peace, and yet brimmed with beach fun…talk about a tall order! But I found both respite and adventure at the newly renovated Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa in the exclusive Palmetto Dunes. Leading up to the hotel Spanish moss dripped from gnarled, live oak trees, and I immediately felt transported into a shaded sanctuary. A welcome drink was thrust into my hands the minute I entered the lobby for a breezy check-in. I first dropped off my luggage in a modernly designed and sprawling suite with a 180-degree ocean view, and second, ran down for a dip in the azure pool, where it felt like all the guests had turned up to play: listening to live music, playing games, and splashing the afternoon away. During my visit, in addition to the beachfront Liquid Bar, there were prosecco carts one afternoon for special bubbly cocktails poolside!

A short walk from the pool, and I found myself on a stretch of the world-famous beach where you can rent beach chairs and an umbrella or simply sit atop a towel on the sand and take in a lively scene–families building sand castles, swimmers diving and bobbing, sunworshippers lying out, competitors duking it out with every manner of sand game!

Speaking of sport, the resort offers opt-ins like their award-winning pickleball and tennis, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, PGA golf, and more. It’s one of the many ways to take advantage of the property’s access to 2,000 acres of natural beauty. When ready for a reset from fun in the sun? Sign up for a treatment at their Spa Soliel, where the waiting room will transport you to a waterfall in a verdant rainforest.

I witnessed everything from an outdoor sunset wedding to dolphins swimming amidst the waves at this resort: what a stay.

Watch this video to experience the hotel up close: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMF6KnfsI2T/

6. Bike on the Beach

Years ago, during my first trip to the island, my friend Jen said: “Just wait until we bike on the beach!” Her family, longtime vacationing veterans to the area, made an annual pilgrimage, so I assumed she knew what she was talking about. But biking on the beach? Who was she kidding? Trudging through thick sand? I could not picture it other than an insanely hard workout.

But what makes Hilton Head’s beaches unique is their wide and densely packed sandbed during low tide (when I was visiting in mid-July low tides were before 10 am and after 4 pm), which make them an easy place to cycle, and a cool and breezy ride when you push into the wind! Really, bicycling on the beach here feels like a rite of passage.

If you ride the length of the beaches however? It WILL be a workout of 12 miles one way!

Standard adult beach cruisers rentals range in price from $20-30 a day.

Ebikes are also available, at an average of $45-60 a day.

7. Visit charming Bluffton

Neighboring Hilton Head Island just across the bridge to the mainland and only 15 miles down the road is charming Bluffton, SC. I popped into town on a recommendation to eat brunch at FARM, a delightful farm-to-table eatery featuring local, sustainable food and inventive flavors. (I love the brunch menu where you pick one entrée and two sides from an extensive list of deliciousness; I opted for 4 sides for my main instead as I simply couldn’t decide! If still available–as the menu is constantly evolving seasonally–get the Field Pea Salad) Then, I walked around to discover sweet shops and antique stores on Calhoun Street. Also check out the historic district, Heyward House and Museum, and numerous art galleries. The Burnt Church Distillery is just off the main road into Bluffton and I meant to get to it: make sure you allot time!

Tips to Save on Travel Expenses

Airfare

While there is always the option to fly directly into Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH), but as is with any direct access you’ll be paying a premium for your air ticket. A more affordable option that’s extremely popular is to fly into the nearby Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) that’s only 45 miles south of the island. With many non-stop flights from major US cities and an award-winning reputation–voted the #1 Domestic Airport in the US in previous years– SAV is about an hour’s drive to Hilton Head and a smart choice.

Tip: Locals warn that afternoon flights are often delayed or canceled due to summer’s mercurial thunderstorms. Always book a morning flight, I was advised!

Driving

I, of course, made a road trip of my journey from D.C. to South Carolina and took advantage of low gas prices and a fun, easy drive. An effort to eat healthfully during my journey also paid off in loading a basket with smoked almonds, protein and granola bars, bananas and apples and tortilla chips. I brought a stainless steel water bottle I refilled at Visitor Centers off of interstate 95, and listened to podcasts I’d downloaded to keep myself energized. All in all, it was an easy fun drive with one stop heading down for a Mexican food dinner on the fly and one stop on the return in Richmond, Virginia at a craft brewery I’d been wanting to try.

Tips to Save on Hotel & Activities

Hotel

An average night at a hotel for double occupancy on the island is around $275 a night. So, take advantage when possible of cashing in on rewards programs and trading accumulated benefits for hotel nights. At the Hilton Beachfront Spa & Resort, for example, Hilton Honors members can use their points to stay. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy choice accommodations while saving money for other things like food and activities.

It’s always beneficial to see what complimentary activities a given hotel offers at the beginning of your stay so you can take advantage and map out things you or your family love to do, and then build other opt-in activities you need to pay for around that. The Hilton offers a free calendar of family-friendly activities like cornhole, crafts, and beach yoga, among others. If unsure of what’s available, the friendly staff at the Activities Center is there to help. Seasonally, there are other gratis attractions as well. Memorial Day to Labor Day, the adjacent Shelter Cove offers free fireworks to guests of the Hilton, who can simply walk to Shelter Cove to view and enjoy!

**Disclosure: the author was hosted by Hilton for editorial purposes; all opinions expressed are her own.

Live Like a Local

Take advantage of festivals and free concerts that local merchants support. From now through August 15, 2025 on Fridays from 7-10 pm, enjoy live music in the park at the Shelter Cove Towne Centre. Bring a blanket or towel to sit on, pack your own snacks, pets welcome. For a list of performances and directions check this link: https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/events/sunset-celebrations-2025

Bring your Gear

One thing about engaging in any manner of activity on Hilton Head Island? Is that outfitters offering rentals have you covered should you not wish to bring large items from home like paddleboards or kayaks; however, a major way to save is to bring your own gear, whether that’s golf clubs, pickleball paddles, boogie boards, or even bikes.

*Prices listed reflect time of travel.