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Plan Your Hilton Head Holiday: Best of Hilton Head

By Marty Bielicki

Explore Hilton Head

Blissfully free of splashy neon and rampant development, Hilton Head Island is known for its natural beauty, including white-sand beaches and wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for loggerhead sea turtles, alligators, snowy egrets, and dolphins. The posh resort town and its 12 miles of beach is heaven for sporty types, who have access to tennis, volleyball, polo, charter fishing, cycling, kayaking, and some of the best fairways in the country. In between beach time and outdoor exploration, there are world-class restaurants to try (oysters are a speciality), ritzy shopping centres to visit, and the Gullah Museum to experience. And don't miss the colourful Harbour Town Lighthouse, the island's icon. Want more Hilton Head recs? We’ve got them below.
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Essential Hilton Head

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How to do Hilton Head in 2 days

Tournament-worthy golfing, nature preserves, and all the seafood you can eat
Read on

A nature lover’s guide to Hilton Head

Hilton Head oozes Southern charm, from its fragrant magnolia gardens to its oak-lined avenues. This lowcountry hot spot is also a nature lover’s escape. You can kayak in wildlife-filled wetlands, cycle on the tranquil bike paths, or stroll around the nearby island of Daufuskie. Here are my five favourite outdoor adventures on Hilton Head.
  • Hilton Head Boat Charters
    519
    The best way to see Hilton Head is by speedboat. (It is an island, after all!) My family rented one from Hilton Head Island Boat Charters and explored Bull River a bit before cruising over to the Vanishing Island, a sandbar only visible at low tide. Here, we encountered a stingray and a treasure trove of seashells. The best part? On the way back, six bottlenose dolphins played in our wake.
  • Coastal Discovery Museum
    1,272
    The historic Honey Horn plantation has been transformed into a 70-acre open-air museum and botanical garden. (Don’t miss the Marsh Tacky horses and the blooming Camellias—there are more than 135 species here!) Though you’re allowed to wander freely, I recommend joining a nature walk, a Gullah heritage tour, a history seminar, an art class, or a child-friendly scavenger hunt. Check the seasonal event programme for exact details and dates.
  • Hilton Head Bicycle Company
    284
    Hilton Head is famous for its miles of pleasant bike paths. This bike rental and cycling tour company provides e-bikes for an extra boost, allowing you to cover more ground in a shorter amount of time. On the two-hour history and nature tour, you’ll ride on the hard-packed sand at Coligny Beach and stop at gator-filled lagoons while learning all about the island.
  • Tour Daufuskie
    329
    My family loves off-the-beaten-path activities, so we always explore Daufuskie by golf basket (rented from Tour Daufuskie). The island isn’t very developed, save for a restaurant, a general store, and a coffee shop. The main highlight was Melrose Rookery, where dozens of wood storks and egrets perch in the trees from March through June. Tip: Bring binoculars to see the birds and the baby gators in the water below.
  • Lowcountry Watersports
    2,512
    On this 90-minute kayak tour, an expert pointed out ospreys and hawks as well as blacktip reef sharks. (It was a thrill seeing one for ourselves!) Without a guide, we probably wouldn’t have spotted dolphins too. It added to the experience to have him talk about the local flora and fauna, giving us some interesting background info on the island’s biodiversity.
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Hilton Head travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Popular Activities

Many travelers recommend biking as a top activity in Hilton Head, highlighting the extensive trails and the unique experience of biking on the beach at low tide. The Sea Pines area is specifically mentioned for its scenic routes.

Historical and Cultural Sites

Visitors are advised to explore the Coastal Discovery Museum for a mix of nature and historical tours. The Harbourtown area in Sea Pines is also a must-visit, offering the chance to climb the lighthouse museum for panoramic views.

Nature Exploration

For nature enthusiasts, the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Sea Pines Forest Preserve offer stunning landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities. Kayaking and paddleboarding on Broad Creek provide a closer look at the local marine environment.

Dining and Shopping

The Shelter Cove Marina area is noted for its unique shops and restaurants, providing a pleasant stroll with water views. Dining at local spots like The Salty Dog Cafe is also highly recommended for first-time visitors.

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Outdoor Activities

According to forum posts, Hilton Head offers numerous family-friendly outdoor activities. Travelers have recommended renting bikes to explore the island's extensive bike paths and beaches. Celebration Park, with its large ship replica and play equipment, is highlighted as a great spot for children.

Water-Based Activities

Forum users suggest engaging in water-based activities such as dolphin tours, which are enjoyed by families and can be booked through companies like Outside Hilton Head. There are also options for family dolphin tours where you can rent the entire boat for a more intimate experience.

Children's Museums and Parks

The Sandbox Children’s Museum and the interactive play museum at Celebration Park are popular among families with young children. These venues offer indoor and outdoor interactive play experiences that are both educational and entertaining.

General Entertainment

For general entertainment, Shelter Cove Marina is noted for its children's early evening programs, which include performances by entertainers like Shannon Tanner and Cappy the Clown, providing fun for the entire family.

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Hotel Recommendations

According to forum posts, the Inn and Club at Harbour Town and Hilton Grand Vacations are popular for shorter stays, with the former being well-regarded for its full service. The Westin, Omni, Sonesta, and Marriott Courtyard are also praised for their amenities and locations.

Accommodation Preferences

For many users, the choice of accommodation depends on preferences such as proximity to the beach or golf courses. Sonesta was specifically recommended for its spa, restaurants, and natural setting, making it a favored choice for a luxurious stay.

Area Recommendations

Some travelers said the areas around Coligny Beach and Plaza are ideal due to their pedestrian-friendly environment, beach access, and nearby shopping and dining options. This area has been described as the hub of the island, making it an attractive option for first-time visitors.

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Transport Options and Prices

According to forum posts, travelers have options such as taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts for transportation between Savannah Airport and Hilton Head. Taxis are available at the airport for approximately $85 to the island. Uber and Lyft prices vary but are generally seen as affordable alternatives.

Car Rentals

Some travelers have suggested considering car rentals for greater flexibility during the stay on Hilton Head. Car rental prices at Savannah Airport have been mentioned as typically high, but renting from downtown Savannah might offer cheaper rates.

Shuttle Services

For those preferring not to drive, shuttle services are also mentioned as a viable option. Travelers can find links to discussions about specific shuttle services on travel forums, providing a range of choices for airport transfers.

Private Transportation

Additionally, private car services like Palmettocarservice.com have been recommended for direct transfers to Hilton Head. Some users also mentioned the possibility of arranging rides through contacts or neighbors offering airport ride services.

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Public Beach Parking

According to forum posts, the Coligny Beach area offers expanded parking suitable for day visitors. This location does not require any payment or permits in March, making it an accessible option for beachgoers.

Metered Parking

Some users discussed parking at Folly Field Beach, noting confusion over whether it is free or metered. A forum contributor provided a link to the official town website for accurate and updated parking information, which suggests checking there for the most current details.

Overflow Parking

Travelers have called out the limited options for overnight or overflow parking on Hilton Beach. The Hilton Head Airport is mentioned as a potential spot for parking, but its capacity can be limited, and it may not always be available. There is no indication of free overnight parking on the island.

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Popular Restaurants

According to forum posts, popular seafood restaurants in Hilton Head include the Sea Shack, Hudsons, and the Old Oyster Factory. These spots are praised for their fresh catch and scenic views. Hudsons, in particular, is noted for fish caught daily from its own docks.

Market Options

For travelers looking to cook their own seafood, forum contributors have recommended Benny Hudson's and the Piggly Wiggly at Coligny for purchasing fresh seafood. These markets are known for their good selection and fresh offerings.

Additional Recommendations

Some travelers also mentioned Sea Grass Grille and Catch 22 as excellent options for seafood dining. These restaurants have been highlighted for their quality food and have won local accolades, enhancing their reputation among visitors and locals alike.

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Golf Course Options

According to forum posts, Hilton Head offers a variety of golf courses suitable for different skill levels and preferences. Some travelers mentioned Hilton Head National and Golden Bear in Indigo Run as less challenging options. Rose Hill in Bluffton was also recommended for its relaxed atmosphere and reasonable greens fees.

Membership and Packages

For short-term visitors looking for membership options, the Heritage Golf group was suggested as they offer winter packages that include access to multiple courses like Shipyard, Port Royal, Oyster Reef, and Palmetto Hall. Additionally, Palmetto Dunes Resort was noted for offering golf packages that could include accommodations and multiple rounds of golf on their three courses.

Special Rates and Recommendations

Some users have shared tips on how to find better rates, such as playing during off-peak times or checking websites for last-minute deals. The post also highlighted that the area has peak seasons where prices may increase, particularly around popular events like the Heritage PGA tournament.

Private Course Access

For those with access to private courses through a timeshare, Belfair and Wexford were highly recommended, with Belfair receiving particular praise for its quality and reputation.

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Fireworks Locations

According to forum posts, the primary location for fireworks in Hilton Head is Shelter Cove. Users noted that this area offers fireworks displays that are accessible for public viewing.

Viewing Tips

Some travelers mentioned that fireworks can also be seen from nearby beaches such as those near Hilton Head Resort. However, visibility might be limited to aerial fireworks, with ground-level displays potentially obscured. For a potentially better viewpoint, walking closer to Shelter Cove is suggested.

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