What to Do on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a world-class resort where amazing beaches, excellent golf courses, and a host of activities all converge in the beauty of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Located about an hour northeast of Savannah, Hilton Head is chock full of fun things to do.

Find your favorite beach. Offering miles of pristine beach, Hilton Head is a favorite of beach-lovers. Coligny Beach, with its park and proximity to restaurants and shops, is the most popular beach on the island. 

If you prefer smaller crowds, check out other favorites like Alder Lane Beach, Folly Field Beach, or Burkes Beach. Fish Haul Beach Park on the north end of the island is a bit more remote and borders Port Royal Sound.

Make some waves. Enjoy the ocean and waterways by boating, paddleboarding, fishing, jet skiing, sailing… pick your water sport! Rentals and guides are available for various activities. 

Hit the fairways. Boasting more than 23 championship golf courses designed by the likes of Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and Jack Niklaus, Hilton Head Island has courses for all levels of golfers. 

Raise a racquet. Play tennis and more at one of the island’s top-notch courts such as Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center and Van Der Meer Tennis Center.

Follow the trail. Hilton Head has more than 60 miles of trails for biking, running, and walking. Many trails cross nature and wildlife areas like Sea Pines Forest Preserve, Audubon Newhall Preserve, and Hilton Head Island Birding Trail. 

Or visit Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, between Hilton Head and the mainland, where trails wind through coastal habitats for alligators, a multitude of birds, and other local wildlife.

Discover history. Explore the history of Hilton Head with a visit to Baynard Plantation Ruins dating back to 1793 or Mitchelville Freedom Park where the first freedmen’s town was located. At Zion Cemetery and Baynard Mausoleum you’ll find gravestones from Revolutionary War times.

Coastal Discovery Museum features historical buildings and exhibits about the island’s history and environment. 

Take a tour. Hilton Head Island experts provide a variety of tours ranging from dolphin tours to kayak nature tours to sailing tours. You can even sail on a pirate ship, take a shrimp trawling boat cruise, or embark on a creek cat boat tour through the tidal creeks.

See the classics. Stop by Shelter Cove where you can take a photo with the giant Neptune sundial or take in a show at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. Enjoy the marina, parks, shopping, and live entertainment while you’re there. 

And no trip to Hilton Head Island is complete without a visit to Harbour Town where you can explore the lighthouse and museum, shop in the boutiques, and watch Gregg Russell perform under the Liberty Oak.

Fun Facts about Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a popular vacation destination located in South Carolina. It is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning golf courses, and its rich history. Did you know that Hilton Head Island is actually a barrier island that is located near the coast of South Carolina? The island is approximately 12 miles long and 5 miles wide, making it the perfect size for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.

Another fun fact about Hilton Head Island is that it is home to one of the oldest lighthouse in the state of South Carolina. The Hilton Head Island Lighthouse was built in 1869 and is now a museum that visitors can tour. The lighthouse has been fully restored to its original condition and offers visitors a glimpse into what life was like for lighthouse keepers in the 19th century.

In addition to its rich history, Hilton Head Island is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The island is home to over 60 miles of bike paths that wind through lush forests, scenic marshes, and along the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you prefer to bike, hike, kayak, or simply relax on the beach, there is something for everyone to enjoy on Hilton Head Island.