Hilton Head Travel Guide

Curious about Hilton Head Island?  This Hilton Head Travel Guide has everything you need to know about visiting this gorgeous island of the South Carolina coast including things to do, where to eat, and some local secrets!

Hilton Head Travel Guide

I adore Hilton Head Island.  I've been to HHH countless times since I was a child. I've been multiple times a year, in all seasons, and consider the little island home away from home. I fall a little more in love with it each time I go.    There are so many things to cherish about it, including the wide, golden beaches with natural tide pools, a lush landscape with the perfect combination of palmettos and live oaks, and scrumptious, world-class food.  I go back often for the seafood alone.  From the quirky Coligny Plaza, alligators in the lagoons, gorgeous golf courses,  to the timeless Harbour Town in Sea Pines Resort, there is so much to enjoy.  It's a charming and unique destination that's beloved by many... including me.

One of the things that stands out most about Hilton Head is they have very strict restrictions on what you can build, the colors you can paint, and even how large signs can be.  That means everything on the island blends into nature, and you don't really see anything obnoxious like most beach towns.  It leads to a very peaceful place to spend time, staying busy or doing nothing at all.

I've written about Hilton Head for years, but I wanted to put together everything I've learned about traveling to the island in one place.  I wanted to create a Hilton Head visitor guide for anyone planning to visit.  You can start with my Hilton Head Travel Page, sharing all my trips, and then dive into my  Hilton Head Travel Guide!  My hope is to help you plan your perfect Hilton Head adventure.  You'll find everything you need to know to decide where to stay, what to do, and what to eat!

Hilton Head Travel Guides:

• Best Hilton Head Restaurants
• Best Hilton Head Restaurants on the Water
• 25 Can't-Miss Things to Do at Hilton Head Island
• 20 Best Things to Do in Hilton Head with Kids
• Harbour Town Lighthouse Visitors Guide and Tips
• Coastal Discovery Museum Guide
• Reasons to Love Hilton Head in the Off-Season
• Practical Tips for Taking Babies on a Beach Trip

 

Where is Hilton Head South Carolina?

Hilton Head, South Carolina, is a Lowcountry barrier island and part of the Sea Island chain.  It's located near the Georgia-South Carolina border, about 20 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia, and 95 miles southwest of Charleston.

Hilton Head is small, covering just 42 square miles, and is charmingly shaped like a foot.  There are a whopping 12 miles of gorgeous beachfront along the shores.

 

How to Get There:

Hilton Head is easy to get to by driving or flying.  By car, you get to the island via I-95.  Get off at South Carolin Exit 8 and drive down 278 to reach the island.

By air, you can fly into either Savannah International Airport or Hilton Head Island Airport.  Savannah has daily flights from cities all over the country, but Hilton Head just has flights from Charlotte and Atlanta.  General Aviation flights go into Hilton Head Island Airport.

 

 

Which Month is Best to Visit Hilton Head?

I love Hilton Head year-round.  Most people visit in the summer, when it's warm and peak beach season, but I also find it unexpectedly wonderful in the off-season.

Summer is busy and full of things to do and full of tourists.  It is vibrant and full of life, with live music and fireworks during your trip.  If you are looking for a traditional beach trip with hot weather, this is the best time to go.

Fall and Spring are two of the best times to visit, as afternoons are often still warm enough to go to the beach, but the summer crowds are gone.  I've visited in April for Spring Break, September and also had Thanksgiving several times on the island.  The island even hosts a Turkey Trot 5k!

Winter is calm and quiet with a fraction of the visitors.  It's generally not warm enough to sit on the beach, but it is perfect for beach walks.  You can sometimes get the entire beach to yourself.  I love biking, running, and enjoying a peaceful time on the island.  You can also get into any restaurant on the island that has an hour wait in the summer without a line.  Here's what Hilton Head looks like in January.

My personal favorite times to visit Hilton Head are September and May because it's still very warm for full beach days, but not as crowded as the summer months.  There are more locals too.

 

Hilton Head Weather

Summer has the best beach weather on Hilton Head.  The weather is usually very warm and muggy, in the upper 80s to low 90s, with tropical-like afternoon storms.

Spring temperatures vary a lot, with some days good for the beach and others a bit cool.  Average high temperatures range from the mid-80s in September to the low 70s in November.  In March, you'll also get an average of the low 70s, but up to mid-'80s by May.

In winter, temperatures range from the low to mid-60s, with overnight lows in the 40s.

 

Where to Stay on Hilton Head

Curious about where to stay on Hilton Head?  Hilton Head is packed to the brim with everything from beachfront luxury resorts, vacation rentals (homes & condos), to budget hotels.  Most of the rentals and resorts are located in different plantations or neighborhoods, each with a slightly different feel.

• Sea Pines: The classic Hilton Head gated community is located on the toe or south side of the island.  It features gorgeous shaded biking paths, winding roads, and tons of beachfront and houses close to the beach.  There are also a few condo-style developments near South Beach at the tip of the island.  The neighborhood also features the popular Harbor Town, where you'll find the iconic red-and-white lighthouse, and South Beach, which has the famous Salty Dog restaurant and a shopping area.
• Palmetto Dunes: Palmetto Dunes is another very popular gated resort community in the center of the island.  Shelter Cove and the shopping area connected to it are also part of this neighborhood.  It also features lots of old trees and shaded bike and walking paths.  It's a great place to stay because of its central location on the island, and the beaches are wide and gorgeous.  You'll find both house and condo rentals, but there are a lot more beachfront condos in Palmetto Dunes than in Sea Pines.
• Coligny Beach / North Forest Beach / South Forest Beach: The Forest Beach area is near the public beach access near Coligny Plaza.  There are a lot of beachfront condos in this area, and you'll have easy access to lots of shopping and restaurants.  It's not a gated area, though, and doesn't have the same neighborhood feel as Palmetto Dunes or Sea Pines.  One big pro to staying in this area is that it is easy to walk or bike to Coligny Plaza.  It's also the only area on the island that allows golf carts.
• Shipyard: Shipyard is a smaller gated community with many condos and some houses.  You'll find pretty bike paths and that neighborhood feel in a smaller package.  It's also centrally located between Palmetto Dunes and Coligny.
• Folly Field: Folly Field is in the heel or Northern end of the island.  It doesn't have exactly the same feel as Sea Pines or Palmetto Dunes, but it still offers lots of great oceanfront rental options, often at slightly lower prices.

My two favorite neighborhoods to stay in are Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines.  I find Sea Pines slightly more charming, but you can't beat the location and number of great beachfront condos in Palmetto Dunes.

 

Rentals

One of the more common places to stay on Hilton Head is at a vacation rental.  There are thousands of rentals, ranging from one-bedroom condos, a rental home, a villa, to huge oceanfront houses for families.  I've had a lot of luck searching for ones through VRBO.  If the rental is through a local rental company, it's sometimes helpful to reach out to them directly to see if they can offer a better rate than VRBO.

 

Resorts

There are a handful of lovely Oceanfront resorts on Hilton Head.  My two favorites are the Sonesta and the Westin Resort.

• Westin Resort & Spa
• Disney's Hilton Head Resort -Not technically oceanfront but they do have a beach club with beach access.
• Sonesta Resort
• Omni Hotel & Resort
• Hilton Head Beach & Tennis
• Marriott Resort & Spa- They have a resort and many vacation club properties that offer two bedrooms in a resort-style setting.

Things to Do on Hilton Head

Beaches

Enjoying the 12 miles of beaches along the atlantic ocean are just magic.  The golden sand and wide beaches are by far the best things to do on Hilton Head Island.  Whether you are relaxing and reading a book or running in the waves with kids, there is something for everyone.  The ocean is our favorite place.

The beaches are really cool because they are so wide and the water moves up and down them so dramatically with the tides.

That often leads to fabulous tidepools, which are a paradise for small kids.  We also love to play with beach toys and fly kites.

Most neighborhoods, resorts, or condos have private beach access, but here, if you don't have that, there are several public beaches you can enjoy.  Make sure to bookmark this Hilton Head Travel Guide so you can find these later.

Public Beach Access Points:

These spots have amenities like parking, showers, and bathrooms.

• Alder Beach Access: Off South Forest Beach Drive
• Coligny Beach Park: Off Coligny Circle
• Driessen Beach Park: End of Bradley Beach Road
• Chaplin Community Park: Off William Hilton Parkway
• Fish Haul Park & Mitchellville Freedom Park: End of Beach City Road
• Burkes Beach Access: End of Burkes Beach Road
• Folly Field Beach Park & Islanders Beach Park: Off Folly Field Road

 

Golfing

Golf is a huge pastime at Hilton Head Island, with over 26 championship courses designed by names like Robert Trent Jones Sr, Pete Dye, and Jack Nicklaus.  Visiting the golf course is a favorite thing to do on Hilton Head.  It is also als the the annual RBC Heritage event in the spring.  The island is also home to serveral mini-golf courses.

 

Pools

Another perfect way to pass the time on Hilton Head is to play in the pools! It can get very hot in the summer, and the pools are the perfect way to cool down.  Most resorts and condos have at least one for you to enjoy on your Hilton Head vacation.

 

Biking

Hilton Head is home to over 60 miles of paved bike trails.  Exploring the island by bike is one of the best things to do.

 

Harbor Town

Harbor Town is in Sea Pines and features the iconic red-and-white lighthouse, shops, and many restaurants.  It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening.  If you are planning a trip to Harbour Town, check out my Harbour Town Lighthouse Guide.   We love to eat at the Quarterdeck and catch the classic Gregg Russell kids' show.

 

Shelter Cove

Shelter Cove is another great shopping area that has restaurants, shops, and just about rentals for all types of water activities, including boating and kayaking. It's a great place to see gorgeous views of the marsh.

 

Coastal Discovery Museum

We just love the Coastal Discovery Museum for kids and adults.  This hidden gem offers daily activities, including animal meet-and-greets and Blue Crab Fishing experiences.  There is so much family fun here!

 

South Beach

South Beach is at the southern tip of the island and features the iconic Salty Dog Cafe restaurant and shopping area.  You can also walk over to South Beach overlooking Calibogue Sound, which is often full of dolphins.  You can also get a great west-facing view, making this a lovely place to watch the sunset.  This is one of my favorite local secrets in this Hilton Head Travel Guide.

 

Biking, Walking, or Running

Hilton Head is known for its wide and often tree-shaded paths that are ideal for biking, walking, or running around the island.  You can wind through the neighborhoods or do a 22-mile loop around the island.  There are lots of bike rentals on the island.

 

Watching Sunrise & Sunset

I fell in love with a location that gives me the chance to watch the sunrise and sunset over the water each day.  Hilton Head is that place!  You can catch a gorgeous sunrise over the beach most mornings.

In the evenings, you can see parts of the sunset over the water like this or travel to the marsh side of the island and see gorgeous sunsets.

 

Boating & Watersports

There are so many opportunities to enjoy boating and watersports on Hilton Head.  You can take group tours, rent private boats, or even kayak or paddleboard the marshes.  Whatever you do, getting out of the water is part of the charm.

Hilton Head is also known for world-class golfing.

 

Keep Reading: 7 Reasons to Love Hilton Head Island

 

My Favorite Hilton Head Restaurants

I think Hilton Head Island has the most lovely assortment of super delicious and unique restaurants.  The food and fresh seafood alone is one reason I keep going back year after year.

I've shared my favorites before in a complete Hilton Head Food Guide and also my favorite Hilton Head Takeout Restaurants, but here are a few of my all-time favorite meals on the island.  These are the ones I dream about when planning my trips.  You will not be sorry for trying them.

 

Charlie's L'Etoile Verte Restaurant

Charlie's just happens to be one of my favorite restaurants in the world.  They handwrite their menus daily, featuring whatever fresh fish is brought in off the docks.  The preparations and cooking techniques are world-class, and every meal I've had there has been incredible.  The taste is so good.

My two favorite dishes there are their blackened fish of the day and the Grouper with Mushroom sauce.  Don't forget to finish with a piece of their Caramel Cake.

 

Hudson's Seafood House on the Dock's 

Hudson's is an institution in Hilton Head for its consistently good seafood and its incredible dockside restaurant with gorgeous views.  It's the perfect place to watch the Hilton Head sunsets.

They serve fresh-caught shrimp daily and the most incredible baked oysters.  In the winter, make sure to get their fresh, local steamed oyster clusters, served on a cafeteria-style tray.

 

Skull Creek Boathouse

Skull Creek Boathouse is another iconic Hilton Head restaurant with a gorgeous outdoor patio draped with live oaks.  My favorite thing to get there is the ceviche and raw tuna dishes.  You can't go wrong with their poke!

 

Red Fish

Red Fish has a delicious menu and a charming wine shop.  It's one of my top picks because of their insane Shrimp and Lobster Burger.  I've loved it so much I made my own version - Cajun Shrimp Burger - here!

 

Island Bagel

I love a good bagel sandwich, and I think that Island Bagel on Hilton Head serves one of the best!  Get a sandwich on your first morning and another dozen to enjoy during the rest of your trip.

These are just a few of my favorite spots.  Make sure to read my Hilton Head food guides for my complete list of favorite places to eat.

Keep Reading: Best Hilton Head Restaurants & Best Hilton Head Takeout Restaurants

 

Hilton Head Shopping

Hilton Head shopping can be fun and unique!  There is a big outlet mall at the entrance to the island and an outdoor shopping area at Shelter Cove, but you'll also find cute local boutiques tucked into many of the shopping plazas.  Here are a few places with a variety of shops in one place.

• Tanger Outlets
• Shelter Cove Shops
• Harbor Town
• Coligny Shopping Plaza
• South Beach Marina Village

 

Hilton Head Travel Guide - Hilton Head is the Perfect Island Escape

Between the luxurious accommodations, endless lists of things to do, and world-class dining, it's no wonder that Hilton Head is constantly one of the more popular vacation destinations in the Southeast.

It's certainly won me over, and I'm sure it will win you over too.

I hope this Hilton Head Travel Guide can help you plan your first or hundredth trip to the island.  These are just some of my favorites, but there are so many lovely things to do and eat on the island.  Please feel free to drop your favorites in the comments below.

Happy trip planning!

 

More Hilton Head Resources

Check out my Hilton Head Travel Page for all my Hilton Head articles, but here are some of my favorites.

• Best Hilton Head Restaurants
• Best Hilton Head Takeout
• 7 Reasons to Love Hilton Head
• Top 15 Moments from Hilton Head 2021
• Hilton Head in September
• Hilton Head Thanksgiving Take 2
• Hilton Head Thanksgiving
• The Twins First Hilton Head Trip
• Hilton Head Babymoon

 

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