I love Hilton Head Island. It's one of my favorite regional vacation destinations, so I thought I'd share some top things to do at Hilton Head.
Hi everyone!
It was nice to spend a weekend at home after last week's beach trip. I hope you guys also had a nice weekend too.
Hilton Head is one of my favorite vacation destinations. My extended family rented beach condos near the beach as a kid and I have such fond memories of it. The mix of wild sprawling live oaks, spanish moss, and palm trees gets me every time. I instantly feel relaxed when we land there.
The Hubs and I have been going at least once a summer for years. It's about a six-hour haul from Asheville driving but takes less than an hour and a half on the plane. We went to celebrate my Birthday this year.
The Hubs photobombed my airplane Instagram selfie!
Most of our time in Hilton Head this go-around was spent sitting on the beach and relaxing, so a day-by-day account wouldn't be very interesting... so I decided to put together a photo diary of the reasons I love Hilton Head. Hopefully, I've convinced you to make the trip by the end. 🙂
Reasons to LOVE Hilton Head Island
Wide, Stunning Beaches
Hilton Head has these wide stunning beaches that take your breath away. At high tide, you can walk out SO far and only be up to your knees.
Even on a sweltering hot Carolina day, the beach breeze is refreshing and calming. I don't get hot easily, so I even love the summer heat.
One of the coolest parts of the beach is the dramatic difference between high and low tide. It's so interesting to sit and watch the progress of it for a day. While we were there I think the beach went up and down a tenth of a mile.
At low tide, the beach is great for walking and biking.
There are pockets of the beach where it can get crowded, but the Hubs and I have never had trouble finding our own little piece of paradise. I suggest bringing your own chair and umbrella and walking away from the crowd! That's us in the red umbrella.
Sunsets
Y'all know I have a sunset problem. I want to see them all!
Hilton Head has some pretty magical ones. This is the harbor side view off ELA's Blu Water Grille.
My favorite sunset by far was from Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks.
Look a real shrimp boat!
This might be the prettiest sunset photo I've caught since Key West last fall.
The sun came down just perfectly for this view!
Watching sunsets makes a perfect beach vacation.
Bike Riding
One of my absolute favorite things about Hilton Head is the bike trail system. It's so inviting, easy, and FLAT (this coming from a mountain girl!) The Hubs and I rented bikes and explored. It such an easy way to get a little exercise on vacation and not have to use your car.
Anyone spot the GATOR!?
When I'm riding around here I imagine living here and never using a car again!
Nothing FEELS Touristy
Hilton Head Island has strict building rules and basically, everything has to be painted in a few neutral tones and can only be few stories tall. It keeps the crazy, tacky tourist stuff at bay and it feels like you aren't in a tourist trap all the time, even though it's one of the most visited islands in the country.
Yes, there are souvenir shops and timeshare stands, but they don't seem to take over the experience. You see a lot more views like this.
Again with the trees.... SWOON!
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
I've been lucky enough to stay at this resort several times and each time it impresses me more and more.
The Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island is located on the beach and is a wonderful place to stay for any kind of trip.
Doesn't this just scream relaxing?
The lobby is light, airy, and welcoming. The staff is extremely helpful and kind.
The rooms are modern, comfortable and have everything you could need!
I love the in-room features like a Keurig, iPhone charger alarm clock and mango bath products.
I also adore the balcony of the room because when I'm at the beach I want to spend as much time outside as possible.
The Hubs and I even spent an afternoon enjoying this tray of treats delivered to our door! The perfect way to unwind.
The pool is also very nice with waitresses to bring your drinks from the bar if you'd like! They also serve some pretty legit shrimp tacos.
The grounds are flowery and immaculate!
The resort even hosts all kinds of fun stuff like movie nights, kids activities, and turtle watching. Or you can just sit and take in the views as we did!
They have four on-sight restaurants and the Hubs and I went to the breakfast buffet every morning.
I did splurge a little on my actual birthday and got ALL THE THINGS for breakfast. It was glorious.
The Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island is a hotel I absolutely adore for its attention to detail, lovely grounds, and wonderful location.
Yoga on the Beach
One of the included activities at The Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island was daily yoga on the beach!
Free yoga? Yes, please!
If you are not a guest of the hotel, it is a donation class.
If you haven't done yoga on the beach yet, this is a great place to try it out because when the tide is out the sand is harder and more even, making the entire process a little less clumsy. Just don't expect your balance to be perfect!
Food
Ohhhhh the food.
Hilton Head has really good food, not just for a small beach town but for any place. The dining scene could definitely hang with some larger cities.
We have a few favorites we try to visit each trip like Red Fish to get the Cajun Shrimp and Lobster Burger (here's my copycat version.)
On this trip, we tried and fell in love with Charlies. It's an adorable french inspired restaurant with fresh fish galore. They handwrite their menus daily so you know you are getting something fresh and good.
This plate doesn't look super fancy (and it's a bad dark photo) but the food was sinfully good.
We also loved our scallops at Red Fish.
AND I couldn't go home without a little lobster. This was the Lobster Risotto at ELA's Blu Water Grille. It was so creamy and delish! I don't even WANT to know what was in this.
We also had some big plates of steamed seafood that were divine!
More of my favorite Hilton Head Restaurants:
Until Next Time Hilton Head
What a great long weekend! It was so nice to have a vacation where I didn't feel the need to pack in a bunch of activities and just relax!
Until next time Hilton Head!
It's now back to healthy veggie-packed meals and blogging! Not a bad life to come home to at all.
Want more Hilton Head Travel Tips:
- The Best Hilton Head Beach Week
- Hilton Head Thanksgiving
- Hilton Head Babymooon
- Hilton Head with Twin Babies
- Best Hilton Head Restaurants
- Best Hilton Head Takeout Restaurants
Or check out my entire page devoted to Hilton Head Island!
Pin for later!
I did receive a discounted rate and amenities from the Sonesta. All thoughts and options in this are my own. Thank you so much for allowing me to do posts like this and share my travels! xoxo
Your turn!
Ever been to Hilton Head?
What's your favorite beach town?
Farrah says
I've never been to Hilton Head but I've heard awesome things about it from people who have gone! :O Those beaches look absolutely amazing and that sunset is stunning! <3
I also reallyyy want waffles and oatmeal now. :O
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free says
I've never been to Hilton Head but definitely want to go now! What an amazing trip.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Alisa! It was a lot of fun!
Lex @ Flecksoflex says
Hilton Head is such a great spot for a getaway! I haven't been in years, but I loved it the last time I was there. What a nice vacation you had!
JulieWunder says
It was so nice. Glad you enjoyed your trip too. Thanks, Lex!
Sonali- The Foodie Physician says
So many gorgeous pictures!! You've definitely inspired me to put it on our travel destination list (it would be such an easy trip from FL)! The Sonesta Resort looks fabulous and that brunch is so cute 🙂
JulieWunder says
yes! We used to drive up from Florida when I lived there.
Angela says
I have not been to HH, but do plan to go at some point! Sounds amazing!! Happy Birthday 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much Angela!
Jenn says
You are making me want to run away on a vacation right now!! It looks beautiful there. And that hammock is totally calling my name!
JulieWunder says
Totally! Thanks Jenn!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
I've actually never been to Hilton Head but it looks gorgeous! I hope I can visit sometime!
JulieWunder says
You'd love it!
RFC says
Beautiful pictures! I live "just up the road" in Myrtle Beach. While some things are similar (we have the beautiful beach and those gorgeous trees!) , this place is PAINFULLY touristy. Probably fun when you are 18 years old and going on vacation with your friends for the first time, but not so great when you want somewhere to "relax"!
JulieWunder says
Oh yes! I've been there. BUT I still love a beach where ever it is!
Leah Goldglantz says
I have never been, but this makes me want to go! Your photos are beautiful!
JulieWunder says
Mission accomplished! 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
This looks like a great place to vacation! Great list of things to do!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Taylor! It's pretty awesome!
dixya @food, pleasure, and health says
thank you for sharing these photos, esp of beautiful water and sky. it was pretty relaxing just looking at them.
JulieWunder says
It is! Thanks Dixya!
Lindsay Cotter says
What a beautiful vacation destination! So many fun things to do too!
JulieWunder says
Totally! Thanks Lindsay!
Cassandra @ Powered By BLING says
Hilton Head is a beautiful area. I will have to check out that resort next time we're down there. Glad you guys had a great vacation!
JulieWunder says
I could not agree more! Thanks Cassandra!
Ilka says
Happy belated birthday Julie! this place looks amazing!
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much Ilka!
[email protected] the Long Way Home says
I've been wanting to go to HHI but you've pretty much convinced me!
JulieWunder says
It's pretty awesome. You'd love the running trials and yoga!
Runaway Bridal Planner says
I've actually never been here, in fact didn't even know it existed until now.
So beautiful, your photo's make me feel like I am on a beach. Which unless you count lake beaches I think this is the first year I haven't made a trip to an ocean state..
Happy Happy Birthday!!!!
JulieWunder says
Awww man!!! You have to make that happen!
Kerri McGrail says
Okay you have convinced me that I need to go here at some point in my life! Looks like you had a great trip!
JulieWunder says
Yes! Put it on the list!
amanda -runtothefinish says
Some of our good family friends used to go here every single summer!! I haven't made it there yet, but oh man is it on my list of must visit places and you certainly made me want to go sooner!!
JulieWunder says
It's sooo nice! Such great flat running too!
Patricia @Sweet and Strong says
I went to Hilton Head in college and loved it! I would love to go back and truly enjoy the beach and food now that I'm not in college mode. And yoga on the beach, that's definitely on my bucket list!
JulieWunder says
Aw yes! I vacation a bit different now than when I was in college too :-).
glenneth says
i LOVE hilton head! so beautiful! i haven't been in forever. all great reasons to love hilton head!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Glenneth!
abbey says
I love this. looks like a beautiful little vacation!!
JulieWunder says
It was lovely! Thanks Abbey!
Tara @ A Daily Dose of Fit says
I haven't been to HH in years! Thanks for reminding me of all the fun to be hand. Also, seriously considering making an oatmeal bar a permanent staple on my kitchen counter this fall/winter. YUM!
Kim @GetGreenBeWell says
I haven't been to Hilton Head in more than 2 decades! That hotel, though, the Sonesta looks amazing!
Laura says
Oh my this sounds like an amazingly wonderful vacation! So cool that you saw a gator! Wrestling a gator (at least 6 feet long) is on my husband's bucket list! (LOL smh)! I totally want to visit Hilton Head someday! My dad used to take us to a new beach every year....so we don't have one place we always went! I guess my favorite "beach" town would have to be New Buffalo, MI! I know the lake isn't technically a beach...but we went there all the time and always had a blast!
[email protected] says
My friend lives in Lexington South Carolina and she just loves Hilton Head. Looks like a beautiful resort. A great birthday celebration. And who wouldn't love free Yoga?
Blanee Sherer says
Glad that you had a great week at Hilton Head.
That was an especially nice shot of the sunset.
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
Looks like a great weekend getaway! Have not been there in years maybe it's time to go back. Love the oatmeal bar 🙂
Nancy says
Hilton Head is a favorite of ours too. But because of that 6 hour drive, we don't go often. We usually end up in Charleston because of the shorter drive. If you haven't tried it yet, on your next visit, try Skull Creek Boathouse. It's off the beaten path but well worth it for the atmosphere, the views and the food.
Annmarie says
I have never been to HH before but I have been to Kiawah and it was similarly beautiful! I can no longer travel down there due to my sun allergy but it is one of my favorite places I have visited!
Dan Steadman says
looks awesome....never been, but we went to Kiawah a couple of years ago and loved it...the little two keep asking when we are going back
Beth Ann Chiles says
Okay---I am sold. We have made it a goal to check out as many beaches as we can in order to find the perfect beach that we want to purchase a condo or home and Hilton Head looks like a serious contender. I think this is where we are planning to go for post Christmas so I will remember to bookmark your post for future reference. it looks amazing!!!! Thanks!
heather @Lunging Through Life says
I"m glad you got to visit again this year and enjoy it for your birthday! Happy Birthday, by the way 😉 I can't remember if I wished you one last week or not! Anyway, sunsets never get old. Watching them over the beach is even better! I'll also take that hammock in my backyard. I'm a bit sad I didn't get to the beach this year, but it is what it is. Next year hopefully!
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
I'm going to HHI for the first time this November--Alex's family gets together every year for Thanksgiving there. I'm pretty excited! And you are right, pretty perfect for an easy and chill but amazing birthday weekend! (Happy belated again!)