Things To Do on Hilton Head Island

Clock Icon 10 minutes read
Update Icon Nov 16, 2021

Welcome To Hilton Head Island – Your Ultimate Island Escape

Hilton Head Island is a glorious hidden gem located in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the southernmost tip of South Carolina. It’s become a desired vacation destination because of its year-round subtropical temperatures, stunning ocean views, and laid-back southern vibe. People from around the world plan their yearly trips here for all the activities that this small island has to offer like:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails
  • World-Class Golf Courses
  • Museums
  • Shopping
  • Fishing
  • Watersports

…….and of course it’s outrageously good southern food and even more spectacular southern charm.

With only around 40,000 people living on this little island, it welcomes over 100,000 travellers to its beautiful 12 mile stretch of beach. People are drawn here every year because of its rich historical past, diverse wildlife and gorgeous surroundings.

If you’re looking for a solo retreat, a romantic getaway or a family vacation Hilton Head Island has it all. We’re confident that this will be a trip you’ll want to relive over and over. But to make sure you get the most out of your time on this beautiful island, we’ve put together this mini travel guide of our top 7 Hilton Head Island things to do

Let’s Get Started!

Coastal Discovery Museum

Looking for a break from the beach? South Carolina’s popular Coastal Discovery Museum is a great place for a family excursion. If you’ve had enough of the sun or the weather isn’t cooperating, don’t hesitate to pack up the kids and head on over. The price of admission is free (although they do encourage donations), and there is so much to see and do while you’re there. You’ll learn all about the rich history, Hilton Head Island culture and the diverse and interesting wildlife in the area. We definitely recommend planning on taking a tour where you’ll be given the opportunity to interact with some of the wildlife and trek around the salt marshes. A few of the nature tours they have available are

  • Explore Honey Horn Tour
  • Birding At Pinckney Island
  • Butterfly Discovery Tour

But that’s not all that families come to Coastal Discovery Museum for there’s also a lovely farmer’s market every Tuesday full of fresh local produce as well as a corral of food trucks to tantalize your taste buds. If you’re planning on adding this gem to your vacation itinerary, make sure to check their website for updates on the other popular yearly events they have, like their art market, family fun day and native plant sale.

This place will have you feeling like you’re a Hilton Head Island expert by the time the fun is over.

Coligny Beach Park

Coligny Beach Park, South Carolina (Photo Credit: Margaret.Wiktor)

We’ve got a feeling you’re going to really like it here. Coligny Beach is one of  Hilton Head Islands’ most popular parks. To get there, you can either bring your car, take advantage of the free parking or hop aboard the beach shuttle. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll find a very well-maintained park, with gazebo-covered seating and rocking chairs to take in the view, or you can follow along the boardwalk to the perfect place to settle in for the day on the white sand. No worries if you don’t have a beach chair; beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. Feeling a little famished? Gather up the kids and head across the road to Coligny Plaza, where beachgoers are more than welcome to find some shade and some eats in the restaurants or wander around the shops. After a day here, you’ll head back to your place content and sun-kissed. There’s no doubt about that.

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

Pinckney Island, South Carolina (Photo Credit: accidental photographer)

Come see the wildlife in the lush subtropical environment of the Pinckney Island refuge lands. With 14 miles of hiking and nature trails, you’ll be completely immersed in South Carolina’s outback. Along the way, you’re bound to see some of Hilton Head Island’s most colourful birds the painted bunting, white-tailed deer, red foxes, bobcats and of course, the alligators. Believe us when we say there’s a lot of them! This nature preserve is a true outdoorsman’s paradise with opportunities for saltwater fishing, hunting and kayaking.

Folly Field Beach Park

Folly Field Beach, South Carolina (Photo Credit: Raymond B. Summers)

Located on Starfish Drive, the quaint Folly Field beach is family-friendly and a great spot to spend a day or two throwing a frisbee, digging your toes in the sand and soaking up the rays. The water here is super warm, and the beach itself is very wide, so there’s lots of space to sprawl out and enjoy. If you have a stroller or a wheelchair, there’s also beach matting and a boardwalk that’ll help you get your wheels to where you want to go with ease. Be on the lookout for sea turtles as they breed here in the sand dunes. You might even see Crush from Finding Nemo! Surf’s up Dude!

The Harbour Town Lighthouse

Harbour Town Lighthouse, South Carolina (Photo Credit: Raymond B. Summers)

Built in the 1970s, painted in bright red and white, The Harbour Town Lighthouse is one of Hilton Head’s most recognizable landmarks. Located in the Sea Pines area in the heart of Harbour Town, you can’t miss it. Visitors are welcome to climb all 110 stairs for remarkable 360-degree views of the town, harbour and, depending on the time of day, the sunset. But more than that, Harbour Town Lighthouse is a museum sharing the town’s rich history with local artifacts, exhibits, and self-guided tours. See you at the top!

Sea Pines Forest Preserve

Take a trek through the marshy wetlands of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve over elevated boardwalks. Walking trails and wetland boardwalks where you’ll see the famed shell ring. An archaeological site that is estimated to be over 4,000 years old. You’ll also walk among the Live Oaks that may shed their needles but never go bare. There’s also a ton of wildlife to see like sea turtles, birds and, of course, alligators. If you’ve brought a bike along or wish to rent on, There are also biking paths to enjoy and the option to take a self-guided tour through the preserve. Plan to spend a day, bring a picnic and take in the wonder of the Lowcountry.

The Sandbox: An Interactive Children’s Museum

Do you have littles in your travel crew? If so, then put The Sandbox at the top of your to-do list. This children’s museum is the perfect activity on a day where the sun is hiding, or you’ve exhausted your desire for beach days. With 2500 square feet of interactive activities, your kids will have the time of their lives, all while learning along the way. The Sandbox conveniently has 2 locations, one just off Pope Road in Hilton Head and the other on Fording Island Road in Bluffton. Make sure to check out their site before heading over to plan your visit. You’ll want to take full advantage of their creative programming with exhibits and events happening all year round. They even have yoga classes for your little one. How cute is that!? We promise your kids are going to want to nama-stay here for a loooooong time.

Have fun!!!

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park

Quite possibly, the most meaningful experience you’ll have while in Hilton Head is a visit to the historic town of Mitchelville. This Freedom Park, while still being constructed, is working to preserve and share the important story of Mitchelville  – the first self-governing free African- American city in the United States. Families can come for a nature walk along the boardwalk that will carry you over to the salt marshes. Here you will find a unity bench to spend some time looking over the Atlantic Ocean and reflect.

You’re also invited to book a private tour where you can dig deeper into the history of Mitchelville, the people who lived there and The Roots Of Reconstruction Tour, where you will learn about two significant time periods, the Civil War and Reconstruction on Hilton Head Island

Don’t let your vacation pass by without taking the chance to experience this special place.

Hilton Head Island Historic Day Trips

Part of the fun of going somewhere on vacation is experiencing the history and the culture of somewhere new. With such a rich historical past, historic sites and beautiful cities and towns around Hilton Head Island, you’ll want to set aside some time to visit its historical sites, beautiful beaches, farmers markets and art galleries.  

These are the three that we highly recommend:

  • Charleston, South Carolina – while this trip is a 2 hour trip from Hilton Head, the time spent getting there is totally worth the investment. This town is so full of southern charm and history it’ll take your breath away. Spend some time wandering the cobblestone roads or take a horse-drawn carriage tour that’ll take you past 25-30 blocks of churches, parks and some of the most beautifully preserved homes. You can also add to the tour a chance to see some artifacts that survived the Civil War.
  • Beaufort, South Carolina – only 45 minutes from Hilton Head Island, this sleepy town has been the backdrop for over 20 Hollywood movies. It’s a gorgeous little spot with interesting boutiques and restaurants to browse and pass the time away in. But there’s also tons of historical significance to this town, making it an interesting blend of pop culture and history.
  • Savannah, Georgia – take a 2-hour scenic boat cruise from Hilton Head for a full day trip of enjoying the sites and sounds of Savannah. Once you’ve arrived In Savannah, you will have 4 hours to explore this charming historic city full of pubs and candy shops offering their famous candied pralines. We recommend purchasing a ticket to the hop-on and hop-off trolley to maximize your time while you’re there.

The Ocean Is Calling

Booking a vacation at Hilton Head Island could not be dreamier. This little pocket of paradise is a place where stress seems just to melt away. There’s truly something here for everyone. Whether you’re an outdoorsman looking to get out into the outback of the Lowcountry, a hopeless romantic wanting to go for long walks on the beach, a foodie looking forward to the southern seafood cuisine or a history buff, this will be a vacation to be remembered.

We hope that this list of our top 8 Hilton Head Island things to do helps you plan and make the most out of every moment you have here. The only problem is you may never want to leave.

Happy Travels!