- Top Attractions
- See & Do
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Why Visit Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head's story is rooted in Gullah-Geechee heritage and Charles Fraser's vision for eco-conscious development. This shaped our low-country architecture, where buildings rarely rise above the trees, a detail defining what is Hilton Head Island famous for.
With over 60 miles of interconnected bike paths and 12 miles of wide, firm beaches, outdoor life dominates. Explore the 605-acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve or kayak through calm tidal creeks. When visiting Hilton Head Island, look for nesting loggerhead turtles.
The local food scene is defined by Lowcountry cuisine, heavily influenced by Gullah traditions. You'll find fresh shrimp and grits on most menus, but try a traditional Frogmore Stew for a true local experience. Our oysters are best from September to April.
- Hilton Head IslandUnited States
- Hilton Head IslandUnited States
- Hilton Head IslandUnited States
- Hilton Head IslandUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octpleasant weather, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot, peak tourist season
- Wintermild temperatures, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #LightweightClothing
- #Swimwear
- #BeachTowel
- #WaterBottle
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 for beaches & day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #HiltonHeadBeach
- #HarbourTownLighthouse
- #ColignyBeachPark
- #PinckneyIslandNationalWildlifeRefuge
- #SeaPinesForestPreserve
- #DaufuskieIsland
- Sunset at Harbour Town
- Bike through Sea Pines
- Golf at a local course
- Kayaking in the lagoons
- Try local seafood
- Explore coastal trails
Recommended Hotels in Hilton Head Island by Experience
Things to do in Hilton Head Island
Discover
Discover things to do in Hilton Head Island, a blend of natural beauty and iconic landmarks. See the Harbour Town Lighthouse, explore Gullah culture at the Coastal Discovery Museum, and hike through the serene Sea Pines Forest Preserve.
Experience
Cycle on 12 miles of hard-packed beaches, kayak through saltwater marshes, or play a round of golf. Attend the annual Gullah Celebration or browse local produce at the farmers market. The island offers year-round outdoor and cultural events.
Harbour Town Lighthouse
Iconic lighthouse with panoramic views of the Calibogue Sound.
Coligny Beach Park
Popular public beach with amenities, swings, and splash pad.
Coastal Discovery Museum
Museum on Honey Horn grounds exploring Lowcountry nature/history.
Sea Pines Forest Preserve
605-acre protected area with trails, lakes, and wildlife.
Harbour Town Golf Links
Championship golf course, home to the PGA Tour's RBC Heritage.
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
Venue for professional performing arts and cultural festivals.
Kayaking the Broad Creek
Guided or self-guided paddling through saltwater marshlands.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) or the larger Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV), a 45-min drive. From SAV, a Hilton Head Island shuttle bus, taxis, or car rentals cover the airport to city center route. No train to Hilton Head Island exists.
Getting Around
A car rental in Hilton Head Island provides the most freedom. The island features over 60 miles of public bike paths for easy exploring. The Breeze Trolley serves as seasonal public transport in Hilton Head Island, connecting popular areas.
Local Essentials
When driving in Hilton Head Island, be prepared for traffic circles. Many resorts and communities have gate fees for vehicle access. Great Hilton Head Island travel tips for first-timers include booking bike rentals and dinner reservations well in advance.
Where to Stay in Hilton Head Island
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Hilton Head Island with sunset views. Taste classic Lowcountry boil and she-crab soup. The local culture embraces casual waterfront dining, making a fresh-caught seafood meal an essential island experience.
Enjoy
Eat at Hudson's Seafood House On The Docks for a bustling, waterfront vibe, arrive early. The Jazz Corner, one of the best bars in Hilton Head Island, is intimate, book ahead. Java Burrito Company is a fast-paced cafe, build custom.
Hudson's Seafood House On The Docks
Fresh, dockside seafood with stunning water views.
The Skull Creek Boathouse
A lively spot with sushi, seafood, and waterfront views.
Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana
Upscale Italian cuisine. Reservations are essential.
Lowcountry Backyard
Authentic Lowcountry cooking in a relaxed setting.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Hilton Head Island cultural activities rooted in Gullah heritage. The month-long Gullah Celebration in February features art, traditional food, and music, preserving the legacy of West African descendants on the Sea Islands.
Enjoy
From live jazz and songwriter festivals to outdoor art shows, there are many modern things to do. Enjoy contemporary performances and visual arts like Hilton Head Gullah Celebration, that define the island's creative energy.
Hilton Head Gullah Celebration
A month-long event in February celebrating Gullah culture.
RBC Heritage
A popular PGA Tour golf tournament held every April.
HHI Wine & Food Festival
March culinary week with tastings, chef demos, and pairings.
Hilton Head Seafood Festival
February week of chef events and fresh local seafood tastings.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
South Carolina's oldest parade, held in March on Pope Avenue.
Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Fest
November festival showcasing rare and vintage automobiles.
A perfect place to unwind
Hilton Head Island is a truly relaxing getaway. The entire place just runs at a slower pace. We loved the beautiful beaches and the focus on nature. The Lowcountry food, especially the shrimp and grits, was just fantastic. A wonderful spot to unplug.
Great for bike lovers
This place is made for biking! The network of paths is incredible; you can get everywhere without a car. We biked to Coligny Beach every day. It's so safe and well-maintained. It feels great to be somewhere so focused on outdoor living and activity.
Excellent family destination
Hilton Head Island was the perfect spot for our family trip. The kids loved seeing the Harbour Town Lighthouse and we felt safe everywhere. The beaches are clean and not overly crowded, which made it easy to keep an eye on everyone. So many easy dining options.
Incredible Golfing
Came for the golf and it did not disappoint. The courses are world-class and in immaculate condition. The views of the marshes and ocean from the fairways are stunning. A very organized and beautiful place to play a few rounds with friends.
Beautiful natural environment
What a wonderfully preserved natural space. We spent a lot of time in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, just walking the trails. It's so quiet and peaceful. The lack of bright lights and big signs makes it feel very special and untouched.
Quiet and restorative beaches
The beaches here are superb. Wide, clean, and perfect for long walks, even in the cooler weather. We found the off-season to be so calm and quiet. It was nice to just read a book on the sand and enjoy the sound of the waves. Very restorative.