If you’re looking for a beach destination that will be perfect for everyone in your group, look no further than Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – and this guide to Hilton Head Island has you covered. It’s a family destination, and after visiting once, I can see why.
Sam and I visited with his parents and aunt and uncle, and we all loved the area for different reasons. Sam and I loved how bikeable the island is and all of the beautiful beaches and parks. Sam’s parents enjoyed running and walking along the paths and sampling the multitude of restaurants. Sam’s aunt and uncle live within a few hours drive and have been coming to the island for years for its peaceful ocean views and gorgeous golf courses.
There is so much to do on Hilton Head Island that you can’t possibly fit everything in during one trip. You’ll want to explore and visit the preserves and museums, but also relax on the beaches and take in the ocean sounds.
This post provides the details you need to plan your first getaway to Hilton Head Island.
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- Where is Hilton Head Island?
- How to Get to Hilton Head Island?
- When is the Best Time to Visit Hilton Head?
- Things to Know Before Visiting Hilton Head Island:
- What to Pack for Your Hilton Head Island Vacation:
- Where to Stay on Hilton Head Island:
- 4-Day Hilton Head Island Itinerary:
- Final Thoughts
- Additional Posts of Interest
Where is Hilton Head Island?
Located about 1 hour from Savannah, GA, 2 hours from Charleston, SC, and 4.5 hours from Atlanta, GA, Hilton Head is a barrier island in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Hilton Head Island’s layout gives it the appearance of a shoe or foot, so you’ll often hear visitors and residents describe locations as being in the “toe” or the “heel” of Hilton Head.
How to Get to Hilton Head Island?
If you’re flying to Hilton Head, you’ll either fly to Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) or Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). Hilton Head Island Airport is a small airport, but it does offer daily seasonal flights on United, American, and Delta from a few select airports.
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is a larger option about 45 to 60 minutes from Hilton Head in Savannah, Georgia. Since I recommend you get a rental car in Hilton Head (at least for your first visit), SAV may be a great option at a more affordable price. Southwest also flies here, which was a huge bonus for Sam and me as Companion Pass holders.
When is the Best Time to Visit Hilton Head?
The most popular time to visit Hilton Head is during the summer months (June-August) when the daily temperature is generally in the 90s and the ocean water is warm. All seasonal activities have resumed and the island is in full-swing.
However, if you’re looking for less crowds (and lower prices!), and enjoy weather in the 70s, the best time to visit is April to May. This is also an enjoyable time for those who visit for golf.
Things to Know Before Visiting Hilton Head Island:
– There is a bridge from the mainland to the island, so you do not need to take a boat to access Hilton Head.
– Hilton Head does have it’s own small airport, but there is a much larger airport about 45-60 minutes away in Savannah, Georgia.
– While home to approximately 40,000 year-round residents, Hilton Head sees 2.5 million visitors annually.
– Hilton Head Island is 12 miles long and 5 miles wide.
– The Island has more than 100 miles of bike trails – I definitely recommend renting a bike during your vacation!
What to Pack for Your Hilton Head Island Vacation:
– Sunscreen! You will need a lot during your Hilton Head Getaway. My go-to sunscreens are Supergoop and Sun Bum.
– Beach Towels – Costco and Lands End always have the best oversized beach towels.
– Bathing Suit – I love Target and Summersalt for swim options!
– Beach Chair – This one is my favorite!
– Books/Kindle – I have the Kindle Paperwhite and love it!
– Rain Jacket – my go-to jacket is this North Face one.
Where to Stay on Hilton Head Island:
With 2.5 million annual visitors, Hilton Head Island has plenty of lodging options to fit your needs. Since I was traveling with several family members, Sam and I chose to rent this Airbnb which was a 10-minute walk from Coligny Beach Park and I couldn’t recommend it more. I definitely suggest looking into a Hilton Head Island rental versus a hotel if you’re with a group, particularly to save money on food.
The Sea Pines Resort is the premiere place to stay on Hilton Head, especially if you’re a big golfer. The community is gated and requires a fee for non-residents/non-guests to enter. The area is beautiful and full of gorgeous accommodations, but you’ll definitely be paying a higher price than elsewhere on the island.
Hilton Head Island has over 20 hotels, ranging from luxury properties like Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort and the Westin Hilton Head Resort and Spa to mid-tier options like Hilton Garden Inn Hilton Head and Courtyard by Marriott Hilton Head Island.
4-Day Hilton Head Island Itinerary:
Day 1: Explore via Bike and Enjoy the Beaches
Bike Around Hilton Head
I highly recommend renting bikes. It’s a great way to explore the island and avoid the traffic congestion that occurs at roundabouts on the island.
Renting bikes is also a piece of cake – you can rent them online ahead of your stay, and they will be delivered directly to your hotel or rental.
I rented a cruiser bike and a helmet from Pedals Bike Rentals and it was ready at our Airbnb when we arrived. The bike rental was $35 for the week and the helmet was $5. The best part is that the bikes are designed to be ridden along the beach since the sand is so compacted. I’m telling you, the bike rental is worth it!
Once you arrive on the island and get settled in your accommodations, head out for a ride on island time. With over 100 miles of bike trails, you won’t run out of places to explore.
Lunch at The Sandbar
The SandBar is located on Pope Avenue which is the main road in Hilton Head. The restaurant is open daily from 11:30am until 10pm. It’s a fantastic food option in Hilton Head, whether you are looking for a light lunch or a full meal.
They have a great ‘beach snack’ menu along with a full slate of entrees like fish and chips, seafood pasta, and ribs. There’s also a full bar with indoor and outdoor seating.
Coligny Beach
While all of the beach in Hilton Head is public, much of the beach access is private. The city has several beach parks that allow public access. One of my favorites is Coligny Beach Park because of the amenities it offers. You’ll find beautiful bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, and water fountains.
Keep in mind that there is hardly any shade on the beach and it can get very hot. Arrive prepared with plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. I also recommend some sort of shade, whether it’s an umbrella or a hat. I also love my collapsable, easy-to-transport beach chair.
If you’re staying at a property located along the water, you’ll likely have your own beach access and may even have chairs and umbrellas included.
Dinner at Reilley’s Grill & Bar
For a dinner complete with steaks, seafood, and pub sandwiches, head to Reilley’s Grill & Bar. The restaurant also serves up a mean cocktail menu, along with a couple of zero-proof options.
We enjoyed dinner here on our first night in Hilton Head and were immediately impressed by the size of the restaurant and quick-pace at which the employees moved. We arrived slightly ahead of our reservation time so we grabbed drinks at the enormous outside bar and people-watched while we waited for our table. Just a note that the outside bar and seating area can get quite loud.
We were seated inside at a much quieter table and enjoyed meals consisting of salads, steaks, and chicken wings (quite the mix, I know!). Everything was delicious and the service was great. There is also a large bar inside the restaurant.
Reilley’s Grill & Bar can get very busy so I highly recommend making reservations. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner, and also serves a champagne brunch on Sunday mornings.
Day 2: Museums, Parks & Golf
Explore the Coastal Discovery Museum
The Coastal Discovery Museum consists of 68 acres of beautiful marshes, boardwalks, and more that explore the nature, history and culture of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. The museum operates as a Smithsonian affiliate.
The museum is situated on the historic Honey Horn Property and the perfect spot to learn more about the area while enjoying the beauty of the region.
I recommend starting in the Discovery House where you can pick up a property map and chat with the experts on the property and Lowcountry. The Discovery House is also home to several permanent and special exhibits and a beautiful gift shop.
Behind the Discovery House are several boardwalks and marsh overlooks where you can often spot gorgeous birds searching for their next meal.
Kids will also enjoy the nearby Butterfly house. If you want to explore further and have the time, continue walking around the property and you’ll find trails that lead to several gardens, an outdoor theater, and historical buildings.
The museum is free to visit, although donations are accepted.
Lunch at Skull Creek Dockside
After a morning learning about the Lowcountry, grab lunch enjoying the Lowcountry views. Skull Creek Dockside is a restaurant that provides outdoor dining options just steps away from the water, along with delicious food, of course.
We loved this restaurant because they had a gluten free menu for Sam to order from, and they had tons of non-seafood options for me. I ordered a delicious pizza while the rest of the group ordered salads, oysters, and chowder.
Skull Creek Dockside also has a large drink menu complete with tons of beer options, a variety of wines, several cocktails, and NA and soft drink choices.
If the weather is nice, I highly suggest asking for a spot outside so you can take in the beautiful water views while enjoying your delicious meal.
Play a Round (or two or three) of Golf
If you are a golf fanatic or just looking to try a new course, you are in the right place. Hilton Head Island is home to over 26 championship courses (both public and private), making it a popular place for the golf lover.
While I haven’t quite mastered the game of golf yet, Sam, his dad, and his uncle enjoyed several rounds while on our vacation. The pictures they sent from the courses were gorgeous.
Sam found that prices just outside Hilton Head can be significantly cheaper than on the island itself if you’re okay not playing one of the famed courses. And all area golf courses have the added bonus of alligators, who frequently sun themselves along the fairways near ponds and bodies of water.
Happy Hour at The Bank
The Bank is a great spot for a low-key dinner and/or drinks. Coming from a financial background, I absolutely loved the theme of this establishment. One of the bars inside had “fixed asset” beers (regular taps) and “variable asset” beers (rotating taps). I found this hilarious! Just a little bit of finance humor.
There’s ample seating both indoors and outside, including high tops, regular tables, and fireside-style seating.
I biked from our Airbnb to the beer garden which was about a 5-minute bike ride, and enjoyed dinner and two drinks outside before biking back. Once I got there, I realized the Hilton Head Island public wifi extends throughout the entire property, so I’ll definitely bring my laptop next time and get some work done while enjoying a drink and snack.
Day 3: Trails, Shopping, and Ocean Views
Sea Pines
No trip to Hilton Head Island is complete without a visit to Sea Pines. However, Sea Pines is a gated community. If you are not staying in the community, you need to enter by car (cannot walk or bike in) and pay $8 per car to enter. This fee is good for the entire day and you can come and go.
In my opinion, it’s absolutely worth it, as long as you have activities planned in Sea Pines.
Start your morning by exploring the 605-acres Sea Pines Forest Preserve. It’s a peaceful and beautiful preserve, complete with hiking trails and outdoor recreation opportunities.
You can choose to hike on your own, take a boat tour, book a wagon tour, or even enjoy a guided horseback ride.
Highlights of my visit to Sea Pines Forest Preserve were the numerous alligators sunbathing along Lake Joe and visiting the 4,000-year-old Sea Pines Shell Ring which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Lunch at The Salty Dog
While in Sea Pines, grab lunch at a southern-favorite, The Salty Dog Cafe. No reservations are allowed, so be prepared for a wait during the busy seasons, but there’s plenty of bar seating and shops to browse while you wait.
The restaurant offers ample indoor and outdoor seating, and I recommend dining outside if the weather is nice as the tables are situated along the water.
The Salty Dog Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and has a gluten sensitive menu. The restaurant offers delicious seafood options, but also plenty of non-fish options like chicken sandwiches and salads.
Shopping & Sight-Seeing at Harbour Town
After lunch, head over to Harbour Town (still in Sea Pines) for shopping, drinks, and sight-seeing. Harbour Town is home to the Harbour Town Pier, Liberty Oak and the Harbour Town Lighthouse – so fun to see!
Sam and his dad enjoyed rocking away in the rocking chairs overlooking the marina while his mom and I browsed the shops.
Kids will enjoy the large Gregg Russell playground and make sure you check the schedule to see if you’ll be able to catch a Gregg Russell concert under the Liberty Oak during your visit.
Dinner at Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks
One of my favorite spots we ate at during our Hilton Head vacation was Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks. The restaurant is situated in a beautiful location on the water.
Hudson’s is a higher-end restaurant which is reflected in its meal prices, but the seafood is very fresh and the service is wonderful. Everyone at our table aside from myself ordered a seafood dish and raved about how good it was. I ordered a delicious chicken dish and had a slice of chocolate peanut butter pie for dessert. It was delicious!
Hudson’s does not take reservations and your entire group must be present before you will be seated. Lunch and dinner are served daily, with brunch offered on Sunday.
Day 4: Wildlife, Shops, and Beach
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is situated between Hilton Head Island and the mainland town of Bluffton and is a great spot for hiking and birdwatching. The refuge sees thousands of migratory birds a year and I was able to see quite a few relatively close-up during my visit.
The refuge is open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset and does not require an admission fee. Additionally, there are no facilities available once you are inside the refuge (water, bathrooms, etc.).
Browse the Shops at Shelter Cove Towne Centre
Shelter Cove Towne Centre features a mix of shopping, dining, events and residential living. You’ll find a wide array of shops, including favorites like Lululemon and Talbots and boutique options like Coastal Bliss and White Lotus.
There are also plenty of food and drink options so grab lunch and fuel your shopping day. While I did not eat there during my trip, Poseidon came highly recommended as a great option in the shopping center.
After you are done shopping, take a walk along the water at Shelter Cove Community Park. The park provides a great spot to relax and take in the beautiful views, and there are also often events taking place within the park.
If you need transportation, the Breeze Trolley provides service to Shelter Cover mid-April through Labor Day.
An Afternoon at the Beach
As your trip winds down, make sure you take full advantage of the beautiful beaches. Spend your final afternoon relaxing at the beach (or pool) and enjoying the beautiful weather. Consider taking a walk or bike ride along the beach and reflect on your fantastic trip to Hilton Head Island.
Final Thoughts
Hilton Head Island was one of my favorite trips of 2024 – so much so that we already have 2025 planned! Going into the vacation, I thought the area might be too touristy for my liking, but after spending a few days, I completely understand why 2.5 million people visit the island each year.
