Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is a cozy resort town known for beautiful beaches, top-rated golf courses, and miles of breathtaking nature trails and bike paths. With an abundance of activities and picture perfect scenery, it’s a perfect destination for couples, families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Here are the 9 of best things to do while you are in Hilton Head.
Ride bikes – One of the best things to do in Hilton Head!
There is a reason why biking on Hilton Head Island is such a popular activity here on the island.
With over 60 miles of bike paths to get lost in, you can easily explore the entire island without a car.
The shade of the trees and the fresh air in your face make it an enjoyable activity even on the hottest of days.
The town of Hilton Head does a great job of providing signs and maps along the way, as well as clearly posted directions.
Please note that cars have the right of way on the Hilton Head Island and not bikers, so it’s important to be alert.
You definitely need to make a point of riding your bike on the hard sand beach. You will thoroughly enjoy the warm breeze and the sounds of the ocean as you pedal your way down one of the prettiest beaches you will ever find.
Palmetto Dunes and Shelter Cove are two popular bike baths as well as Sea Pines. Sea Pines will charge you to enter, and you cannot ride your bike into the area. You can either rent from a bike ship once inside, or bring them on the back of your car.
There are numerous bike shops that rent by the day or the week, and many resorts offer bike rentals as well.
With bike racks being in abundance everywhere, Hilton Head makes it very easy to make cycling your favorite form of transportation while on the island.
Sea Pines Resort
Home to Hilton Head’s most recognized landmark, Harbour Town Lighthouse is located in the private community of Sea Pines Resort. It’s one of the 9 best things to do in Hilton Head, and no trip to Hilton Head is complete without exploring around this nautical landmark.
Head over to the lighthouse museum, walk to the top and and check out the amazing views!
There is a great marina and some pretty impressive boats and yachts that are usually docked there. Check out the cute shops and great restaurants as well as the abundance of water sports and incredible views.
After exploring Harbour Town, hop in your car and head on over to the South Beach Marina Village and check out the Salty Dog Cafe. They have three restaurants, a bunch of adorable shops and live music to enjoy. Be sure to grab some of the best ice cream on the island while you are there.
No stop her is complete without an infamous Salty Dog Cafe souvenir t-shirt. If by chance you forgot to get one, you can order online and they always ship for free.
If you are not staying in Sea Pines, there is an admission fee of $9 per car to enter the resort. This charge helps to cover the cost of the roads and security as Sea Pines Resort is a planned unit development and it is not maintained by the town, county, or state.
Water Sports
Hilton Head Island, or commonly known as HHI, has an abundance of water sports to fit everyone’s fancy and is truly a water lover’s paradise. Because there is such a variety and abundance of options, it truly is one of the best 9 things to do in Hilton Head.
If you love to fish, there are over twelve miles of beach for surf fishing. There are fishing charters that will take you out miles into the blue green ocean waters to artificial reefs for an unforgettable experience.
If jet skis are more your thing, consider renting them at SeaMonkey’s where you can ride in Low country and take in the beautiful surroundings of the salt marsh and wildlife. Another great option is to rent them in SeaPines and ride down by the lighthouse.
Take a ride on a Creek Cat and check out the wildlife up close and have access to smaller marshes. Explore at your own pace and zip around at speeds of up to 30 mph.
Get out on a kayak or paddle board and soak in your surroundings. Keep your eyes open for dolphins and sea turtles while you are out and about.
Because the water is filled with lots of shrimp, crabs and fish, dolphins are always in abundance around Hilton Head. You will not be disappointed going on a sunset cruise to see the dolphins and watch the sun set into the horizon. Be mesmerized by the beauty all around you as you enjoy the landscape of Hilton Head.
Golf
Hilton Head Island is a golf lover’s paradise with over twenty four public and private courses. Designed by golf legends, these top rated golf courses make this one of the top 9 things to do in Hilton Head.
It’s home to the PGA’s Heritage Classic and Harbour Town Golf Links, as well as many other beautiful and challenging courses.
Shop
From upscale stores to souvenir shops, and everything in between, Hilton Head Island is a shopper’s lovers dream.
If outlet shopping is your thing, there are two very large outdoor malls just for you on the island that are home to 88 name brand stores.
For shopping that is mostly unique to Hilton Head, be sure to check out Coligny Plaza. Home to an assortment of specialty shops, apparel and accessories, and some pretty great restaurants.
Be sure to check out Sand Bar Cafe. They always have great entertainment and the food and drinks are fabulous.
Shelter Cove Town Centre is another shopper’s delight. Filled with a mixture of independent and chain stores, you are bound to find something you like. It’s also home to some great restaurants as well.
When you are done shopping, head down to Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina and check out the shops there and the marina activities.
Eat
With over 200 restaurants on Hilton Head, there is something here to accommodate everyone’s taste buds. There are an abundance of seafood options, as well as every other cuisine you can imagine.
Some of my favorites include Sand Bar Cafe, Flora’s Italian Cafe, Frankie Bone’s and the Skull Creek Boathouse. Java Burrito Company is great for lunch, and the Hilton Head Social Bakery in Shelter Cove has delicious pastries and deserts. If you are looking for a quick breakfast sandwich, Palmetto Dunes General Store does not disappoint. They even have chairs outside where you can eat and watch the tennis activity across the street.
Hilton Head is home to some great ice cream shops as well. Stop by Hilton Head Ice Cream and then head over for a fun game of mini gold at Pirate’s Island Adventure. They have two fun courses and the people that work there are so nice and friendly.
Nothing says vacation like an ice cream cone followed by some miniature golf.
Relax
Hilton Head Island is the perfect spot for relaxation. Whether you choose to lay out by the pool with a good book, bring your chair and sit on the beach, Hilton Head is the perfect place to just chill.
Head down to Coligny beach. It’s one of the most popular beaches on the island, and it’s easy to see why. The beach and facilities are beautiful. Amenities include bathrooms, changing stations and outdoor showers. You can rent chairs and umbrellas for the beach, or if you need more shade, they have swings and wooden chairs.
The beach is also wheelchair accessible with matting leading all the way down to the ocean.
Hang out on the beach and take a swim in the nice warm ocean. The water is shallow and waves are very gentle.
Afterwards go for a nice walk on the sandy beach.
Another reason Coligny Beach is so popular is that right across the street from Coligny Plaza. There is everything you need for a perfect relaxing day in Hilton Head, right at your finger tips.
Head down to Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina. Take a stroll or sit on one of the many rocking chairs and watch the boats. Take time to soak in your surroundings.
Hilton Head is perfect for family vacations, couples, long weekends, or anyone just looking to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
Consider coming to Hilton Head by yourself. Here’s 23 reasons why you should.
It’s the type of place where you can keep yourself busy all day, or the ideal setting to just sit back, unwind and enjoy the beauty around you.
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