Explore Hilton Head
As one of America’s top family-friendly destinations, Hilton Head offers endless activities. In addition to the beach and golf, Hilton Head has jet ski and boat rentals, parasailing, zip lines and fantastic children’s museums with interactive programs guaranteed to keep the kids entertained for hours. And, of course, the fishing is exceptional.
Hilton Head is home to numerous nature preserves and historic landmarks, and a top spot for eco-friendly tours highlighting local wildlife. Whether you choose to go on foot, by bike, a charter boat, kayak or horseback let the knowledgeable guides of Hilton Head show you around the Island’s natural splendor and introduce you to its wild residents. Both guided and self-guided tours of the Island allow visitors to get up close and personal with Hilton Head’s sea turtles and dolphins.
Looking for some time to yourself? Take an afternoon to explore the Island’s day spas and be treated to a facial, nail or body treatment before hitting the shops. Speaking of Hilton Head’s shopping — it offers intimate boutiques specializing in beach attire and other local treasures and souvenirs.
Top off your day with a four-star meal at one of Hilton Head’s many fine restaurants and bars, or kick back and enjoy some local delicacies at a seafood house.
During your visit to our Island, take advantage of the 60 miles of public-use trails connecting you everywhere you want to go, or enjoy one of our 10 family beaches. You will find an infinite variety of activities to do during your visit. Once you have settled into your vacation ‘home’ for the next week or two, prepare to create unforgettable memories. Our island paradise offers:
• 12 miles of wide, soft sandy beaches
• Savory restaurants and family-friendly dining
• Miniature golf and water parks
• Thrilling water sports
• The best golf courses in the South
• Cultural activities and historic sites
• Outlet shopping, boutiques, flea markets, and specialty stores
• Freshwater, ocean and deep-sea saltwater fishing
• And so much more!
Most of our visitors spend their days basking in sunshine and ocean breezes, strolling on the Island’s wide, peaceful beach and catching waves in the Atlantic. Whether you just want to relax in the sun or try your hand at scuba diving, jet-skiing or dolphin watching, there’s something for everyone on the Island. Fishing charters, kayak tours, windsurfing, island cruises and all types of water activities are available.
Our Island is home to more than 24 championship courses, both public and private. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy exciting golf experiences including oceanfront courses or traditional courses in park-like settings, all played year-round in enjoyable weather — our average temperature is 70 degrees. We are also home to the annual RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing.
Tennis enthusiasts can enjoy the many professional courts available on Hilton Head. With more than 300 courts to choose from, there is no shortage of playing surfaces or playing opportunities. Professional tennis instructors are also available to those wishing to improve their games.
One of our most popular activities is biking. Consider renting a bicycle from one of the many bike rentals and riding on our public-use paths, many of which take you through nature preserves. It is truly an enjoyable way to experience the natural splendor of our island. Another biking highlight is the hard-packed sand on our beaches which make for an excellent riding surface. Where else can you ride your bike on the beach for miles?
You can kayak the tidal waters of the coast, go fishing in the Atlantic, or sail through our waterways on a boat tour and get up close and personal with the pelicans and dolphin. For more land-based pursuits, go bird watching and discover the beautiful wildlife and foliage of the Lowcountry at our Audubon-Newhall Preserve and Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Nearly 200 species of birds flock to the lakes, marshes and shoreline of our Island every year. Hilton Head is a bird watcher’s haven.
With more than 250 restaurants on Hilton Head, plus bakeries, farmers’ markets, and gourmet shops, there’s something for every appetite. We have fresh seafood at casual eateries, al fresco dining, or dinner by candlelight at one of our more elegant restaurants. You can’t go wrong with our local favorites like oysters, shrimp, gumbo, sweet potatoes fries and she-crab soup. We have other restaurants, specializing in international cuisine or southern cooking at its best, presenting alternatives to traditional island fare. Our restaurants and eateries offer everything from fresh flounder to okra … pizza to java.
This is a must: every Tuesday night, barring stormy weather, from June through August, there is a summertime festival called Harbourfest at Shelter Cove Harbour on Broad Creek. The fun includes story-telling and music, face painting, food concessions and more. Stay around till dark for the spectacular fireworks that are launched from a barge out over the harbor.
As for shopping — waterside shopping centers and numerous gift and souvenir shops cater to vacationers, but you’ll also find art galleries, specialty boutiques and some highly popular shopping areas: Shelter Cove Towne Centre, Coligny Plaza Shopping Center and Main Street Village.
And, if that isn’t enough to keep you busy, be sure to stop at the Coastal Discovery Museum in Honey Horn Plantation that features historical and ecological exhibits of Hilton Head’s colorful history, wildlife and lush natural beauty. Museum staff can tell you about upcoming environmental events and beach walks.
You have chosen a great place to spend your vacation! There is something for everyone on our beautiful Island of Hilton Head. We have no doubts that your vacation on Hilton Head Island will be the most enjoyable.
