Things to Do in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina — a place where pristine beaches, scenic bike trails, world-class golf, and Southern coastal charm create one of America’s top vacation destinations.

Whether you’re planning a family getaway, couples retreat, or solo escape, there’s no shortage of unforgettable things to do in Hilton Head Island. From dolphin cruises and kayaking to local dining and historical tours, here’s your ultimate 2025 guide.

 1. Relax on Hilton Head’s Award-Winning Beaches

Hilton Head is home to 12 miles of soft, sandy shoreline along the Atlantic. The beaches are wide, clean, and perfect for both relaxation and recreation.

 Best Beaches to Visit

• Coligny Beach Park – The island’s most popular public beach, with restrooms, outdoor showers, swings, and lifeguards.

• Folly Field Beach – Quieter and ideal for families, with boardwalk access and gentle surf.

• Burkes Beach – Great for biking and kite flying.

• Sea Pines Beach Club – Private but open to visitors with resort access; upscale amenities and beach bar.

Pro Tip: Visit at sunrise — Hilton Head’s east-facing beaches are famous for golden light and calm waves.

 2. Go Dolphin Watching or Take a Sunset Cruise

One of the top-rated Hilton Head experiences!
Embark on a dolphin-watching cruise from Shelter Cove Marina or Harbour Town. You’ll see playful bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, and sometimes even manatees.

Recommended Operators:

• Dolphin Discoveries Nature Tours

• Island Explorer Dolphin Tours

• Vagabond Cruise (Harbour Town)

🌅 For couples, choose a sunset sail — the skyline over Calibogue Sound is breathtaking.

 3. Bike the Island’s Scenic Trails

Hilton Head is one of the most bike-friendly destinations in the U.S., with over 60 miles of multi-use pathways connecting beaches, parks, and neighborhoods.

Family-Friendly Routes:

• Coligny to Sea Pines (easy, shaded, scenic)

• Jarvis Creek Park Loop – Short and beautiful lake ride

• Palmetto Dunes Path – Winds through resorts and lagoons

🪶 Rentals available everywhere — try Hilton Head Outfitters or Pedals Bicycles.

 4. Explore Harbour Town & the Lighthouse

📍 Harbour Town, Sea Pines Resort

This iconic marina is the heart of Hilton Head. The red-and-white Harbour Town Lighthouse is the island’s most recognizable landmark.

What to Do:

• Climb the 114 steps for panoramic views of Calibogue Sound.

• Browse boutique shops and local art galleries.

• Enjoy live music at The Quarterdeck or Harbour Town Bakery & Café.

• Watch yachts and dolphins at sunset.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit during the evening — the harbor lights and sea breeze create the perfect island atmosphere.

 5. Play a Round of Golf (or Mini Golf!)

Hilton Head is a golfer’s paradise, boasting over 30 world-class courses.

Top Courses:

• Harbour Town Golf Links (home of the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage)

• Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Course

• Sea Pines Resort Courses

For kids and families, try Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf — a fun, themed mini-golf park near Coligny Beach.

 6. Visit the Coastal Discovery Museum

📍 70 Honey Horn Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

This free, interactive museum showcases the island’s natural and cultural history.

Highlights:

• Butterfly garden & marsh boardwalk

• Gullah heritage exhibits

• Native wildlife displays

• Family workshops & kids’ scavenger hunts

🎟️ Admission: Free (donations encouraged)

 7. Spend the Day at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina

Shelter Cove is Hilton Head’s entertainment hub, filled with restaurants, shops, and live events.

Things to Do:

• Rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard.

• Take a fishing charter.

• Watch live outdoor music during HarbourFest (June–Aug).

• Enjoy dinner at Poseidon or ELA’s On the Water.

🧭 Perfect for: Families and evening strolls.

 8. Explore Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

Just before crossing onto Hilton Head, you’ll find Pinckney Island Refuge — a stunning natural preserve covering 4,000 acres of salt marshes, lagoons, and forests.

Activities:

• Birdwatching & photography

• Walking & biking trails

• Wildlife spotting (alligators, herons, deer)

☀️ Best time to visit: Early morning for wildlife and cooler temperatures.

 9. Dine on Fresh Seafood & Lowcountry Cuisine

Hilton Head’s food scene is a delicious mix of seafood and Southern flavor.

Top Restaurants:

• Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks – classic waterfront dining.

• Skull Creek Boathouse – iconic sunset views & fresh catch daily.

• The Crazy Crab – family-friendly with marina views.

• A Lowcountry Backyard – shrimp & grits, hush puppies, and sweet tea.

🍤 Insider Tip: Make dinner reservations for sunset hours (6:30–7:30 PM).

 10. Kayak or Paddleboard the Marshes

Explore Hilton Head’s quieter side by paddling through its calm estuaries and saltwater creeks.

Best Spots:

• Broad Creek

• Skull Creek

• Shelter Cove Lagoon

Look out for dolphins, egrets, and blue crabs along the way.
Rentals and guided eco-tours are available through Outside Hilton Head or H2O Sports.

 11. Take a Day Trip to Daufuskie Island

Accessible only by boat, Daufuskie Island feels like stepping back in time.

What to Do:

• Golf cart tours through the island’s Gullah heritage sites

• Art galleries and local studios

• Relaxed beaches and rustic charm

⛴️ Ferries depart from Hilton Head’s Broad Creek Marina.

 12. Don’t Miss Hilton Head’s Top Events

• RBC Heritage Golf Tournament (April) – world-famous PGA event at Harbour Town.

• HarbourFest (Summer) – weekly fireworks, music, and family fun.

• Hilton Head Seafood Festival (February) – local chefs, cooking demos, and tastings.

• Gullah Celebration (February) – honoring African American coastal culture.

 13. Family Fun & Kid Favorites

• The Sandbox Children’s Museum – interactive play & learning for ages 2–10.

• Adventure Hilton Head – zip lines, go-karts, and aerial ropes course.

• Mini Golf & Ice Cream – Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf & The Frozen Moo.

• Beach bike rides & shell collecting – endless family bonding moments.

 Where to Stay on Hilton Head Island

• Luxury: The Sea Pines Resort, Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

• Family: Marriott’s SurfWatch, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort

• Romantic: Sonesta Resort Hilton Head, The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa

• Budget: Best Western Ocean Breeze Inn, Holiday Inn Express Hilton Head

All are close to beaches, marinas, and bike paths.

 Travel Tips

• Hilton Head is car-optional — bikes and trolleys can get you almost anywhere.

• Spring and fall (March–May, Sept–Oct) offer the best weather and fewer crowds.

• Parking at public beaches can fill up by 10 AM — go early.

• Bring bug spray for evening walks near the marshes.

• Keep an eye out for sea turtle nests (May–Oct) — never disturb them.

 Final Thoughts

Hilton Head Island combines the charm of the Lowcountry with the luxury of a modern beach escape.
From its peaceful beaches to its vibrant harbors and natural beauty, there’s something here for everyone — families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

So grab your bike, sunscreen, and appetite for adventure — Hilton Head awaits.