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Best Things to Do in Hilton Head Island: Ultimate Travel Guide

Best Things to Do in Hilton Head Island Ultimate travel guide (1)

Hilton Head is an island which covers over 179 sq km &  is surrounded by nature and offers breathtaking coastal scenery. It is an abundance of outdoor adventure for all the explorers, here you can enjoy the smell of salt air as the bright sunshine hits your skin. It warms and awakens your soul. This place has more than 30 golf courses, 160 km of bike trails, 20 km of sparkling, flat sand Atlantic ocean beaches. You will definitely enjoy it because there you can find bike rides, fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, and tennis. You will discover the joy of the natural side of life. Now in this guide, we are covering the best things to do in Hilton Head Island for visitors. So continue your readings to know about such thrilling things that make your trip even more special. 

Top Best Things to Do in Hilton Head Island

  • The harbour town lighthouse – As a symbol of Hilton Head and also a must visit landmark. Visitors can climb at the top of the lighthouse for the best view of the marina, beaches and surrounding water at same time. The area of the lighthouse also provides dining, shopping and scenic photos. Also, don’t forget to explore the  waterfront restaurant 
things to do in hilton head island The harbour town lighthouse
  • Dolphin Watching tour – one of the best ways to enjoy hilton head is to visit the dolphin watching cruise. The local operator will offer trips to the visitors where they can see dolphins playing and swimming near the boat. They also have sunset cruise which provides breathtaking view and creates a memorable experience for the rest of the life 
 Things to Do in Hilton Head Island dolphin watching hilton head island
  • Golf – The island is mainly famous for its golf, this island has over 24 championship courses designed by the name of the top sports. It doesn’t matter if you are an experienced golfer or a beginner. The golf course provides scenic surroundings which give it a beautiful vibe. 
 Things to Do in Hilton Head Island is  Golfing AT HILton head island
  • The Coastal Discovery Museum – The museum provides insight into the cultural heritage. The exhibit covers some local wildlife, Gullah tradition and knowledge about the history of plantations. The visitor can also explore the garden, historic building and nature trails. You can also gain knowledge about the event and people who shaped Hilton Head. This museum sometimes hosts workshops and programs in which you learn more about the place. 
The Coastal Discovery Museum
  • Bike around – For bikers Hilton Head island is a perfect place, the place is friendly to pedestrians and for bikers it is common to get around. There are so many paths which are connected with the different routes which lead to shopping and dining complexes. The island has plenty of scenic trails protected by nature areas, bikes are allowed on the beach. 
bike ride around hilton head island
  • The local eats & drinks – If you are hungry this island serves some of the best delicious food, you should try the fresh, local seafood. They have the best oysters, salmon, calamari and grilled octopus, and if you are not a seafood lover there are so many other options for you. 
the local eats & drinks at hilton head island

Outdoor Adventures in Hilton Head

  • Hiking in a sea pine forest – In every nature lover’s checklist exploring the sea pine forest is a dream place. This land offers trails which wind through forests, wetlands and some of the historic sites. This hiking provides you the beautiful experience of nature, you get the opportunity to see the wildlife like deer and species of birds. There is an ancient shell ring which is over 4000 years old, its a fascinating historical landmark. 
  • Historical horse drawn carriage tour – In this tour you will discover Beaufort’s old southern charm around the historic centre. You can also join small groups for a knowledgeable narrated tour of the old Beaufort. You will get to know about the history of the city from the early period to the American Revolution and Civil War.
  • Daufuskie Island Tour – You can only visit this island by boats and is largely undeveloped. This island is famous because of the novel of Pat Conroy’s “The Water is Wide” . A guided tour makes the trip simple, in this package you will get a round-trip boat ticket, transportation between islands.  
  • Hilton Head Firework Cruise – You can spend your summer evening on a cruise boat with a beautiful view. Keep your eyes on bottlenose dolphins before the firework display, this is a straightforward tour with its easy to find meeting point. Buckle up your seats while the captain takes you through the broad creek to shelter cove to find the spot for sunset. 
  • Pirate ship adventure tour – In this tour let your inner pirate come out to play as you are set sail off the coast of the island. It was made for children so they can enjoy and experience the life of a  pirate. This ship includes many types of fun things like face paints, fake pirate tattoos and pirate gear so you can look like a pirate. The ship also has a water cannon for some more fun and entertainment. 

Best Places to Shop and Eat in Hilton Head Island

  • Harbour town – This town has over 20+ stores for which are set against a stunning marina backdrop. You will see different and unique types of boutiques selling coastal-inspired clothing, jewellery and artwork. If you don’t have any issue in climbing stairs there is a shop at the top of the iconic red and white Harbour Town Lighthouse. There are some of the great food options in Harbour Town. With different types of restaurant serving freshly caught, local seafood. 
Harbour town
  • The Hilton head island Farmer market –  this market is mostly popular for its weekly events for both locals and tourists. In the coastal museum’s honey horn site, there is an outdoor market of mix regular and new vendors. There are no charges for parking. You can buy fresh eggs,high quality healthy products, meat and seafood. You can also find some delicious baked goods like cookies and bread. 
The Hilton head island Farmers market
  • Main Street Village – This village has unique types of small boutique and family-owned stores. There is free parking for all, you can see tree lined avenue from one store to another which gives it a beautiful view. You can buy beautiful original home decor and accessories, sportswear and different kinds of unique gifts.
 Things to Do in Hilton Head Island Main Street Village at hilton head island
  • Village at Wexford – It is an elective collection with over 30 stores positioned around 2 huge fountains and landscape greenery. In this picturesque setting you’ll see an upscale boutique which offers children’s clothing, tableware and gifts. There are also some unique types of stores which have won awards, including . Hilton Head oils and balsamics, Le cookery. 
 Things to Do in Hilton Head Island Village at Wexford

Best Time to Visit Hilton Head Island

Consider these things before going to enjoy the Things to Do in Hilton Head Island that will really help you out to make plans. 

  • April-May – If you visit Hilton Head island in between April-May you will enjoy your vacation and will also have a taste of  summer. At this time the place is less crowded and you can also enjoy your day at the beach. At this time of the month you will get the temperature between the highest 70’s and lowest 50’s. If you are a golf fan you should visit here in mid april to experience the RBC heritage PGA golf tournament. 
  • June-August – summer is the main season to visit the Hilton head, they also reopened the adventure outfitter and all season activities. The 90 degree temps make the ocean swimmable, people take advantage of the seasonal offerings. There is an event that happens in June-August as shelter cove harbourfest. 
  • September-October – On the island you don’t experience a traditional fall, the colour of the leafs remains the same. You don’t have to wear sweaters, you can swim in the ocean in September. The only drawback visiting here is its peak atlantic hurricane season. There is an event which occurs in October “The Annual Italian heritage Festival” . You should experience this festival. 
  • November- March – At this time of season it is the low season in Hilton Hill. The island temperature dips from high 70s low 80s and oftentime 50s in the daytime. At night you will have to wear a coat due to the high temperature. There are events that occur between November-March, in November “Oyster Festival” in February “Sea-Food Festival and Gullah Celebration and in March “Wine and Food Festival”.

Travel Tips for Visiting

These are some of the travel tips that you must read before going to enjoy the Things to Do in Hilton Head Island. 

  • You should choose the right living quarters where you can stay and take a break.
  • If you want to enjoy the beach you have to arrive early before the crowd.
  • There are so many scenic paths winding through the island you should rent bike to explore the beautiful view.
  • If you want to taste some fresh seafood to lowcountry classics you should visit the Hilton Head Food and try the locals famous shrimps and grits. 
  • If visiting the island don’t forget to visit the Harbour town it is famous for its lighthouse, boutiques and waterfront views. 

Conclusion

At the end, I hope you will find this guide related to Things to Do in Hilton Head Island & understand about it . Hilton Head Island, full of activities and famous for many things. A visit to this island is much more than a day at the beach. There are 30 types of golf courses and golf programs than anywhere else on earth including the RBC Heritage of Golf. Which is  one of the top events on the PGA Tour. You can visit their local markets for delicious and fresh foods and there are different types of stores for home accessories, jewelleries and artworks. For kids there are things to enjoy like pirate ships, firework cruise, dolphin cruise. Visiting this island is one of the best things you can do in your vacation. 

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