Things to Do on Hilton Head Island
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From beautiful beaches and championship golf courses to dolphin cruises, biking, water sports, shopping and exceptional Lowcountry dining, Hilton Head Island offers activities and attractions for almost every type of vacation. Whether you're planning a family beach trip, couples getaway, golf vacation or extended stay, you'll find plenty of ways to experience the island. Hilton Head Island is known for its natural beauty, relaxed coastal atmosphere and outdoor lifestyle. Visitors can explore miles of sandy shoreline, ride bikes beneath live oaks and Spanish moss, kayak through tidal creeks, play some of the area's most celebrated golf courses or spend an afternoon exploring Harbour Town, Shelter Cove or Coligny. Use our Hilton Head Island Things to Do guide to discover attractions, activities, restaurants and local experiences to add to your vacation itinerary.
Hilton Head Island Beaches A trip to Hilton Head wouldn't be complete without time at the beach. The island features approximately 12 miles of Atlantic Ocean shoreline, giving visitors plenty of room for swimming, walking, biking, shell hunting and relaxing beside the ocean. Popular beach areas include Coligny Beach, Folly Field Beach, Islanders Beach and the beaches stretching along Forest Beach, Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines. Each part of the island offers a slightly different experience, making your choice of vacation rental location an important part of planning your trip. Explore our Hilton Head Island Beaches guide to learn more about beach access, popular beach areas and places to stay near the ocean.
Outdoor Activities & Family Things to Do Some of the best Hilton Head Island activities take place outdoors. The island's extensive network of leisure pathways makes biking one of the most popular ways to explore, connecting visitors with beaches, parks, shopping areas, restaurants and scenic sections of the island. Families can also enjoy miniature golf, playgrounds, nature programs, horseback riding, museums and interactive activities. The Coastal Discovery Museum and Sea Pines Forest Preserve provide opportunities to experience the Lowcountry's natural environment, while destinations such as Harbour Town and Shelter Cove offer activities that can entertain the entire family. Whether you're traveling with young children, teenagers or multiple generations, you'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do on Hilton Head Island.
Water Sports, Dolphin Tours & Boating Hilton Head Island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Broad Creek, Calibogue Sound, Port Royal Sound and miles of tidal creeks and salt marshes, making getting out on the water one of the best ways to experience the Lowcountry. Popular Hilton Head water activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, parasailing, sailing, surfing and fishing. Dolphin cruises and nature tours offer visitors an opportunity to explore local waterways while looking for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and other Lowcountry wildlife. You can also charter a boat, book a fishing trip or take a sunset cruise for a completely different perspective of Hilton Head Island.
Hilton Head Golf Golf has been part of Hilton Head Island's identity for decades. The island and surrounding area feature numerous championship courses, including some designed by legendary names in golf course architecture. One of the best-known is Harbour Town Golf Links in Sea Pines, home of the PGA TOUR's RBC Heritage. Golfers can also explore courses in Palmetto Dunes, including the Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course, George Fazio Course and Arthur Hills Course. Whether you're planning an entire Hilton Head golf vacation or simply want to play a round during your beach trip, the island offers courses for a wide range of skill levels.
Restaurants & Entertainment Exploring Hilton Head Island can quickly work up an appetite. Fortunately, dining is an important part of the island experience. Hilton Head restaurants range from casual seafood spots and waterfront dining to steakhouses, cafés, bakeries and fine dining. Fresh seafood and Lowcountry-inspired dishes are local favorites, with shrimp, oysters, crab and fresh fish appearing on menus throughout the island. Popular dining areas include Harbour Town, South Beach Marina, Shelter Cove Harbour, Shelter Cove Towne Centre, Coligny and the north end of Hilton Head. Visitors can also find live music, waterfront entertainment and seasonal events throughout the year. Browse our Hilton Head Restaurants & Entertainment guide to find places to eat and enjoy an evening out during your stay.
Shopping on Hilton Head Island Need a break from the beach? Hilton Head offers everything from locally owned boutiques and specialty stores to larger shopping destinations. Explore Coligny Plaza, Shelter Cove Towne Centre, The Shops at Sea Pines Center and The Village at Wexford for clothing, gifts, art, coastal décor and vacation essentials. Nearby Bluffton also offers additional shopping, including the Tanger Outlets. Shopping can easily be combined with lunch, dinner or entertainment, making it a convenient activity for rainy days or afternoons away from the beach.
Explore Harbour Town, Sea Pines & Shelter Cove Several areas deserve a place on almost every first-time visitor's Hilton Head itinerary. Harbour Town is one of Hilton Head Island's signature destinations, known for its marina, lighthouse, shops, restaurants and waterfront setting. Nearby, visitors can explore more of Sea Pines, including South Beach Marina, the Sea Pines Forest Preserve and recreational activities throughout the resort. Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina and Shelter Cove Towne Centre provide another concentration of restaurants, shops, entertainment and waterfront activities near the center of the island. These destinations make it easy to combine sightseeing, dining, shopping and recreation into a single afternoon or evening.
Find the Best Things to Do Near Your Hilton Head Vacation Rentals Where you stay can make a major difference in how you experience Hilton Head Island. Staying near the activities you plan to enjoy can mean more time at the beach, shorter bike rides and easier access to restaurants, golf courses, marinas and attractions. Hilton Head Rentals offers vacation homes and villas throughout many of the island's most popular areas, including Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, Forest Beach, Shipyard and Folly Field. You can also search Hilton Head oceanfront rentals, pet-friendly vacation rentals, private pool rentals, vacation homes and condos to find accommodations that match the way you want to experience the island. Start exploring our Hilton Head Island Things to Do directory below, discover your favorite activities and attractions, and then find the Hilton Head vacation rental that puts you close to everything you want to experience.
