Your Ultimate Hilton Head Vacation Guide

My family and I have been vacationing in Hilton Head Island every year for the past 10+ years, and it’s become our home away from home, our haven, and truly the best spot to vacation. This place holds a special place in my heart, and after years of vacationing here and now living nearby, I felt inspired to create this Hilton Head vacation guide. I’m excited to share all my insights into planning the best vacation ever to Hilton Head and to introduce you to this magical place.

Table of Contents:

Where is Hilton Head Island, South Carolina?
Where to Stay
Things to Do in Hilton Head
Exploring Local Culture
- Local Museums, Landmarks, and Art Galleries
- Festivals and Events
Dining in Hilton Head
- Must-Try Restaurants
Shopping and Souvenirs
- Shopping Spots
Tips for a Stress-Free Vacation
Get Your Family Photos Taken on the Island While You’re Visiting
Outdoor Adventures and Sports Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Water Sports
Day Trips from Hilton Head
Bringing Your Dog on Your Hilton Head Vacation
Your Ultimate Hilton Head Vacation Guide Wrap-Up

Where is Hilton Head Island, South Carolina?

Hilton Head Island is a heavenly escape in Beaufort County, southeastern South Carolina. It’s only an hour away from Savannah, GA, and about two hours from Charleston, SC. Hilton Head is a gem along the coast, known for its beautiful beaches, lush greenery, and serene ambiance. The island is shaped like a shoe if you look at it on a map and is renowned for its pristine beaches and family-friendly environment. I know you won’t be disappointed if you plan a vacation here, and if you take some of my recommendations from this Hilton Head vacation guide, you’ll have the best trip ever!

How to Travel to Hilton Head

Getting to Hilton Head is a breeze with multiple travel options available:

Flying: Hilton Head Island Airport is the most convenient option, with year-round flights provided by American Airlines and seasonal flights by Delta Airlines and United Airlines. Alternatively, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is about an hour away and offers a variety of flights. Rental car services are available at both airports.
Driving: Driving to Hilton Head is always an option, though be prepared for some traffic, especially if you arrive on a Saturday or Sunday. It’s best to get onto the island earlier in the day, preferably by noon, to avoid the worst traffic. If you arrive during peak hours, consider grabbing lunch, ice cream, or grocery shopping before heading to your rental or hotel.

Most rentals have a check-in time of 3 or 4 pm, and usually, you can only get in after.

What is the Best Month to Visit Hilton Head?

The best time to visit Hilton Head is late spring to early fall. The weather is warm, and the ocean is perfect for swimming. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and milder temperatures, consider visiting in April, May, September, or October.

How Many Days Do You Need in Hilton Head for Vacation?

A week is an ideal amount of time to spend in Hilton Head. It gives you enough time to relax on the beach, explore local attractions, and enjoy various activities without feeling rushed. If you’re short on time, a long weekend (3-4 days) can also give you a good taste of what the island offers. Something to keep in mind is that most rentals require a week-long stay, especially if you’re visiting in the busy months.

Where to Stay

The Hilton Head area offers a wide range of accommodation choices. This Hilton Head vacation guide covers everything from different areas on the island to hotels and vacation rentals, helping you explore the endless possibilities for your perfect stay.

Different Neighborhoods:

Palmetto Dunes: A popular area known for its golf courses, tennis facilities, and beautiful beaches.
Shipyard: Offers a mix of residential and resort amenities with excellent beach access.
Sea Pines: Known for its luxurious resorts, marinas, and the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse.
North Forest Beach: Offers a quieter, more residential feel with close proximity to Coligny Plaza.
South Beach: Another great area, particularly known for its marina and the famous Salty Dog Cafe.

Resorts and Hotels:

The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa: Offers luxurious accommodations with oceanfront views and top-notch amenities.
The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort: Known for its beautiful beachfront location and excellent dining options.
The Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island: Offers a relaxing and family-friendly atmosphere with easy beach access.
Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa: Another great oceanfront resort with excellent amenities.

Vacation Rentals:

Island Getaway Rentals: Offers a wide range of vacation homes and condos across the island.
Palmetto Dunes Vacation Rentals: Ideal for those looking to stay in the Palmetto Dunes area with access to golf and tennis facilities.
Beach Properties of Hilton Head: Specializes in vacation homes and villas in various island neighborhoods.

Things to Do in Hilton Head

Hilton Head offers plenty of activities for all types of travelers, making it the ideal destination for families, couples, solo adventurers, and groups alike. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly attractions, romantic outings, or outdoor adventures, this Hilton Head vacation guide has you covered. From beautiful beaches and golf courses to scenic bike trails and water sports, there’s something special here for everyone to enjoy.

For Families:

Mini Golf: There are several mini-golf courses around the island that are perfect for family fun.
Pirate Cruise: A fun adventure for kids where they can dress up and go on a pirate-themed cruise.
Pirate Park at Coligny: An excellent spot for kids to play while parents relax.
Biking Around the Island: Hilton Head has miles of bike trails that are safe and scenic, it’s truly a great way to see the island.

For Couples:

Sunset Dolphin Cruise: Enjoy a romantic evening on the water while spotting dolphins.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Explore the island’s waterways and get up close to nature.
Jet Skiing: This is a great option for those looking for some excitement.
Biking Trails: Enjoy a peaceful bike ride through the island’s beautiful trails together.
Relaxation at the Spa: Get some rest and relaxation at one of Hilton Head’s spas.

Free Things to Do:

Walk Around Coligny Plaza: A bustling area with shops, restaurants, and free entertainment.
Explore the Beaches: Hilton Head’s beaches are free and perfect for a day of relaxation or a scenic walk.
Visit Harbour Town: Explore the iconic lighthouse and marina area.

Exploring Local Culture

Hilton Head is rich in history and culture. Here are some must-visit spots:

Local Museums, Landmarks, and Art Galleries:

Harbour Town Lighthouse: An iconic symbol of Hilton Head with a museum and stunning views. The view is worth every step!
Coastal Discovery Museum: A great place to learn about the island’s natural history and cultural heritage. It offers 68 acres of scenic trails, gardens, historic oaks, and a fantastic butterfly habitat.
The Art League of Hilton Head Gallery: Showcases local art and offers various art classes.

Festivals and Events:

RBC Heritage of Golf: A bustling time on the island for this golf tournament. The golf tournament takes place in April.
Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival: A popular annual event featuring local cuisine and wines. This festival takes place in March.
Hilton Head Oyster Festival: An island tradition that locals and tourists look forward to each year with live music and amazing food. The Oyster festival takes place in November.
Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival & Concours d’Elegance: A must-visit for car enthusiasts. This usually takes place at the end of October.

Dining in Hilton Head

Many great restaurants around the island serve different cuisines. Here are some must-tries when you are visiting. Please keep in mind that if you’re visiting in the summer months, you may have to wait to get seated, as the island will be bustling. I suggest finding restaurants that take reservations, and you’ll want to call your reservation in as early as possible! Or if a restaurant doesn’t take reservations, go for an early dinner around 5 pm and find some yummy dessert afterward!

Must-Try Restaurants:

Frankie Bones: An excellent spot for American-Italian cuisine, with a carefree atmosphere. This is definitely one of my personal favorites!
Skull Creek Boathouse: Offers delicious seafood with stunning waterfront views. You can catch a beautiful sunset if you time it right. This is one of the more popular restaurants that does not take reservations, so keep that in mind!
San Miguel’s Mexican Cafe: Perfect for a casual meal with great margaritas. Located in Shelter Cove, this spot offers stunning outdoor seating with views of the marina.
Giuseppi’s Pizza and Pasta House: A local favorite, this spot is known for its pizza and Italian dishes. On our first night on the island, we would always get this delivered! As a plus, they’ve got excellent gluten-free pizza!
Nick’s Steak and Seafood: Known for its family-friendly and laid-back atmosphere, it offers hearty steaks and fresh seafood.
The Bank: This newer island restaurant is a bustling place with something everyone will want to eat! They have various food and beverage options, and the atmosphere is relaxed and fun.
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks: If you want a Lowcountry feel for dinner, with dining on the waterfront and fresh seafood, you’ll want to check this place out.
Stellini Italian Restaurant: An intimate dining atmosphere where they serve incredible Italian food. Making a reservation is recommended.
Harold’s Diner: This relaxed, no-frills diner serves up classic breakfast—but keep in mind, it’s cash only!
The French Bakery: Grab a cup of coffee here while also indulging in tasteful European-inspired breakfast foods.

Shopping and Souvenirs

You may want a souvenir shirt or sweatshirt if you visit the island. Lucky for you, tons of shops offer that kind of apparel. There are also some great local stores on the island that you should definitely check out and support local businesses.

Shopping Spots:

Coligny Plaza: This will be an excellent option for all your HHI gear and cute little shops and boutiques. You can knock out a lot of shopping here!
Tanger Outlets: Located just off the island, this is where you can hit a bunch of chain stores that you most likely will have back in your hometown.
Harbour Town: While smaller than Coligny, it’s going to have the same options with some unique shops and beautiful scenery.

Tips for a Stress-Free Vacation:

Planning a vacation should be exciting, not stressful! With this Hilton Head vacation guide, I’m here to share tips for making your trip as smooth and relaxing as possible. From packing essentials to local insights, these pointers will help you unwind and enjoy every moment of your time on the island.

Packing Tips:

Beach Essentials: Of course, you’ll need to pack your bathing suit, but remember your sunscreen, hats, and beach towels. If you’re going to the beach, be sure to bring your beach chairs (or you can rent them!), all of these items are typically more pricey if you have to purchase them once you’re here. Also, be sure to bring aloe in case someone gets a sunburn.
Comfortable Clothing: Pack light, breathable clothing for the warm weather, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. It gets hot and humid here during summer, so keep that in mind while packing. And one thing I’ve learned, if it’s going to be in the 60s, it can get chilly. As someone who was born and raised in Ohio, I always thought that was silly, but be sure to bring a light jacket, even if it’s for inside the restaurant.
Activity Gear: If you plan on biking, kayaking, or doing any sports, make sure to pack appropriate gear.
Bug Spray: There are pesky little bugs no matter the season.

Budgeting for Your Trip:

Plan Ahead: Book accommodations and activities in advance to get the best deals. Some vacation rental companies will open their bookings a year out, and if you’ve got your eye on a specific house or condo you want to stay in, you’ll want to book it asap!
Dining Budget: Allocate a budget for dining out, and consider cooking some meals if you have a rental with a kitchen.
Activity Costs: Include costs for activities like mini-golf, cruises, and rentals in your budget.

Navigating Around the Island:

Bike Rentals: Hilton Head is bike-friendly, with numerous trails, making biking a great way to get around.
Car Rentals: If you plan to explore off the island, having a rental car can be very convenient.
Public Transport: Shuttle services and trolleys are also available around the island.

Get Your Family Photos Taken on the Island While You’re Visiting

Documenting all the memories you’ve made on this vacation is a must! Take the time to get family portraits taken while you’re on vacation. As a Hilton Head photographer, I love capturing different life moments, whether it’s family, maternity, seniors, or couples. Capture every life event against the perfect backdrop of Hilton Head’s beautiful scenery. Contact me to schedule a session and preserve these precious moments forever.

Outdoor Adventures and Sports Activities

Hilton Head Island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and sports lovers. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, a tennis player, or someone who loves water sports, Hilton Head has something for you. If you do not enjoy relaxing by the pool or the beach all week, there are plenty of things to keep you busy!

Golf:

World-Class Courses: Hilton Head is home to some of the best golf courses in the country, including Harbour Town Golf Links, which hosts the RBC Heritage PGA Tour event.
Golf Resorts: Many resorts, like Palmetto Dunes, offer packages with access to multiple courses.

Tennis:

Tennis Resorts: Resorts like Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines offer excellent tennis facilities and programs for players of all levels.
Tennis Clubs: Join a local tennis club for friendly matches and tournaments.
Pickleball: There are a couple of areas around the island that also have pickleball courts, you can also get lessons at the center at Palmetto Dunes.

Water Sports:

Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Explore the island’s waterways and marshlands with a kayak or paddleboard.
Fishing: Book a charter for deep-sea fishing or try fishing from the beach.
Jet Skiing and Parasailing: There are plenty of jet skiing and parasailing options for thrill-seekers.

Day Trips from Hilton Head

While Hilton Head Island offers plenty to do, it’s also ideally situated for day trips to nearby attractions.

Savannah, GA:

Historic District: Just an hour away, Savannah offers charming squares, historic homes, and a vibrant arts scene.
River Street: Stroll along the waterfront and enjoy shops, restaurants, and historic sights.
Trolley tour: A trolley tour is a great way to see the city if you have never been there before and prefer not to walk. The tour guide will show you the most popular places and give the history of the city as well.
Forsyth Park: This is a beautiful park located in the heart of the city, offering stunning views, tons of space to relax and take in the scenery, and a lovely fountain.

If you need more suggestions for things to do in Savannah, reach out to me and ask!

Charleston, SC:

Historic Sites: About two hours away, Charleston is known for its well-preserved architecture and rich history.
The Battery: Walk along the waterfront and admire the beautiful homes while visiting White Point Garden.
Rainbow Row: Check out the iconic row of rainbow houses and be sure to get photos of it!
King Street: Explore luxurious stores, dine at local restaurants, and take in the bustling city.

Beaufort, SC:

Scenic Waterfront: This picturesque town features a charming downtown and beautiful waterfront. There are tons of shopping and local restaurants to enjoy.
History and Culture: Explore historic homes and the cultural heritage of this coastal town.

Bringing Your Dog on Your Hilton Head Vacation:

As someone who enjoys bringing her dog everywhere she goes, you may wonder if bringing her on vacation is worthwhile. You’ll want to confirm if the location you’re staying at is dog-friendly. Hilton Head has different times when they allow dogs on the beach. If you click here, you can read more about the specific times. Usually, restaurants allow you to have your dog if you sit outside. Bring Fido is a great website and mobile app that tells you all of the restaurants and attractions around you that are dog friendly. If you bring your furry friend, be aware of your surroundings while walking them. Nature and wildlife may be different than what you’re used to. Never walk your dog close to any of the ponds, as alligators typically live there.