11 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Hilton Head | 2024 (with Photos)
Known for its stunning beaches and world-class golf courses, Hilton Head Island is a vacation paradise. Located in South Carolina, this island is about 12 miles long and 5 miles wide with a total of 60 miles of bike trails within.
Besides the beaches and over 30 golf courses, this peaceful place offers many outdoor activities, such as water sports, picnics, and general relaxation.
Hilton Head has many historical sites, many relating to the Civil War. Moreover, it is rich in lush green forests and stunning flora and fauna.
So, if you are planning a trip to Hilton Head Island, read on this Travel-Lingual guide to get inspired.
Most Recommended Thing to Do
Harbour Town Lighthouse
Top Choice Hotel
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
Our Top Choice Restaurant
Our Top Choice Bar for Nightlife
Best Time to Visit
Ideal weather for outdoor activities on Hilton Head.
Average Temperature
Warm and humid, ideal for beach lovers.
Transportation Options
Bicycles, taxis, shuttles, buses, trolleys, rental cars, walking options
Average Cost ($, $$, $$$)
$$
My Top Recommendation
When visiting Hilton Head Island in the United States, make sure to explore the stunning beaches and indulge in various water activities. From relaxing on the pristine white sands to trying your hand at paddleboarding or kayaking, there is never a dull moment by the coast in this beautiful city.
For a taste of local culture, don't miss out on the vibrant dining scene in Hilton Head Island. From seafood shacks offering freshly caught delights to upscale waterfront restaurants, treat your taste buds to a wide range of flavors while enjoying breathtaking views of the ocean.
What You'll Need to Bring
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
- Beach towel and swimsuit.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
What Not to Miss
- Coligny Beach
- Harbour Town Lighthouse
- Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Sea Pines Forest Preserve
- Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina
What to Avoid
- Crowded tourist spots.
- Rush hour traffic.
- Overpriced tourist traps.
Table of Contents
1. Visit Sea Pines Forest Preserve
Set up in 1959, Sea Pines Forest Preserve is a beautiful resort village located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Covering over 600 acres of lush maritime forest, wetlands, and ponds, it is a perfect place for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers.
The preserve is situated within the Sea Pines Resort gated community and is open to the public year-round. The preserve is home to an abundance of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, herons, ospreys, and deer.
The most important feature within the Sea Pines Forest is the Indian Shell Ring, a prehistoric shell midden that dates back over 4,000 years. Visitors can take a walking tour through the preserve or many of the bike paths and explore at their own pace.
2. Go to Daufuskie Island
Located just off the coast of Hilton Head, South Carolina, nearby Savannah, this small and picturesque island is only accessible by boat. Daufuskie Island is a hidden gem that offers visitors rich history, a thriving artistic community, and unspoiled natural beauty.
With almost no cars on the roads, visitors can explore the town on foot, by bike, or even by golf cart. Daufuskie Island boasts many nature tours on which visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the island's natural habitats.
On Daufuskie Island, visitors can explore maritime forests, salt marshes, and sandy beaches. Moreover, the Island also has sunset tours for those looking for a more romantic and scenic experience.
3. Visit Harbour Town
Harbour Town lies within the Sea Pines Resort gated community and is an iconic destination on Hilton Head Island. This charming Mediterranean-style village is known for its world-class golf course, which hosts the annual RBC Heritage PGA Tour event.
The Harbour Town Marina offers a variety of boating and water sports experiences. Visitors can also book rides on fishing boats, sunset cruises, and dolphin-watching tours.
The most iconic landmark located in Harbour Town would definitely be the Harbour Town Lighthouse. This red and white striped lighthouse stands tall at 90 feet and has been guiding mariners through the waters of Calibogue Sound since 1970.
The Harbour Town Lighthouse offers stunning views over the surrounding area, including the marina, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Sea Pines Forest Preserve.
4. Visit the Beaches of Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island has some of the best beaches in the US, but some of the most popular ones are Coligny Beach, Folly Field Beach, Burkes Beach, and Mitchelville Beach.
Hilton Head's Coligny Beach is a public beach, located near the center of the island. Coligny Beach Park is located near the beach where visitors can enjoy their day in the shade. After a long day at the beach, visitors can go to the nearby Coligny Plaza to find a perfect place to eat.
The Folly Field Beach is a much more secluded beach and it has beach parks that are perfect for families. The Folly Field Beach Park offers a wide range of amenities, including restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and a playground.
Burkes Beach is located at the end of William Hilton Parkway and it is a great quiet spot for relaxation.
Mitchelville Beach is located on the north end of the island and is a perfect spot for fishing and birdwatching. It is also known for its stunning sunsets and is a popular spot for romantic walks along the shore.
5. Take a Day Trip to Bluffton
Located just a few miles inland from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, this charming town is an ideal destination for a day trip. Bluffton is known for its picturesque scenery, historic architecture, and vibrant arts and culture scene.
The town is home to Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival and Bluffton Village Festival.
The Arts & Seafood Festival celebrates the town's seafood industry and the thriving arts and culture scene, with live music, food vendors, and an art show.
The Bluffton Village Festival is a charming street fair that celebrates the town's history and local art and crafts, with live music, food vendors, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
In addition to these festivals, Bluffton is home to the Heyward House Museum. This museum is a beautifully restored historic home located in Bluffton, South Carolina.
Built-in the early 19th century, the house has been meticulously preserved and now serves as a museum that offers a glimpse into the daily life of a wealthy southern family in the 1800s.
Visitors can explore the Heyward House Museum's many rooms and exhibits, which showcase a wide range of artifacts and memorabilia from the era.
6. Go to Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
Created in 2005, this beautiful outdoor space goes along the Gullah Heritage Trail. The Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park is a perfect place to learn more about the African American history and culture in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina.
The park offers many exhibits and educational programs. Those programs can give a better insight into the African American community and their lifestyle.
The Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park also offers a walking trail, picnic areas, and a playground. The park hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music, cultural festivals, and historical reenactments.
7. Visit Shelter Cove Towne Centre and Shelter Cove Harbour
Shelter Cove Towne Centre is known for its thriving shopping and dining scene. The Shelter Cove outdoor mall offers a wide variety of retailers, from national brands to local boutiques. It has a movie theater, family-friendly activities, and many festivals.
Shelter Cove Harbour is a marina that features a wide range of activities for visitors. Anything from a sunset cruise, rent a kayak or paddle-board, boat tour, or evening stroll along the scenic promenade.
Located at the entrance to Shelter Cove Harbor, The King Neptune Sundial represents the Roman god of the sea, King Neptune. This sundial is one of the largest in the world, standing 12 feet tall and 20 feet wide.
8. Go to Sandbox Interactive Children's Museum
If visiting with children, the Sandbox Interactive Children's Museum is a perfect place to visit. The museum is designed to be an interactive and engaging learning experience for children, with fun exhibits and activities that encourage exploration and play.
The Sandbox Interactive Children's Museum exhibits are designed to be fun and engaging, while also promoting important educational concepts.
The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and it is a great option for birthday parties and other special events.
The museum has a dedicated party room and offers a variety of party packages that include access to exhibits and other activities.
9. Visit the Hilton Head Distillery
For liquor lovers, there is also the Hilton Head Distillery. This is a small-batch distillery located on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina.
One of the Hilton Head Distillery's signature products is its West Indies rum. This rum is made using molasses sourced from South Carolina's Low Country region and it's aged in charred oak barrels.
In addition to the rum, the Hilton Head Distillery also produces a range of other drinks, including gin, vodka, and the famous Carolina Whiskey.
The whiskey is made using a blend of locally sourced corn, rye, and barley, which are milled, mashed, fermented, and distilled on-site at the distillery.
If you are traveling to Hilton Head Island with a group of people over the age of 21, this is one of the most fun things you can do in town!
10. Check out the Stoney Baynard Plantation Ruins
South Carolina is also the home of the Stoney Baynard Plantation Ruins. Also known as Baynard Ruins and or Braddock's Point Plantation, this plantation is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Stoney Baynard is a favorite destination for history buffs. Visitors can explore the Stoney Baynard Plantation Ruins**,** which are remnants of the original plantation house, destroyed during the Civil War.
11. Visit the Coastal Discovery Museum
Lastly, we have a favorite Hilton Head Island attraction for kids and adults alike. Besides The Sandbox Interactive Children's Museum, the ideal place for families on Hilton Head Island is undoubtedly the Coastal Discovery Museum.
Located in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, this museum is an educational institution that wants to promote an understanding and appreciation of local natural and cultural history.
The Coastal Discovery Museum offers a wide range of exhibits and interactive experiences that showcase the area's rich history and natural beauty.
While you are on Hilton Head Island, you might as well learn a thing or two about your surroundings and the complex history that has shaped the fascinating place. This is a great spot to learn for tourists and locals alike.
FAQs relating to things to do in Hilton Head, South Carolina
Let's look at some frequently asked questions about things to do on Hilton Head Island.
What is Hilton Head Island known for?
This Hilton Head Island is known for its beautiful beaches, fine dining experiences, golf courses, and historic sites. During the summer season, lifeguards are on duty so visitors can relax and enjoy themselves.
How do you explore Hilton Head Island?
There are many ways to explore Hilton Head Island. Visitors can explore the bike trails, go on a boat tour, or get a fishing charter. What's more, sunset tours are a beautiful way to see Hilton Head's old town from a different perspective.
Where Should I eat on Hilton Head Island?
There are many great places to eat on Hilton Head Island. The Hudson's Seafood House is a perfect place for seafood lovers. Located on the docks, the restaurant also provides a beautiful view of Port Royal Sound.
What are the most popular attractions on Hilton Head Island?
The most popular attractions on Hilton Head Island include the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, the Jazz Corner, the various art galleries, and the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.
For heaps of fun, visit the Hilton Head Escape Room and the Comedy Magic Cabaret.
Summing up: Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Hilton Head, South Carolina
With so many different fun things to do, Hilton Head Island is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Coastal Carolina.
Learn more about the African American community and Civil War history, take nature tours, and explore the Hilton Head Island Folly Field Beach Park. Hilton Head Island has attractions for the whole family to enjoy.
Just make sure you do your research and book any tickets you need for Hilton Head Island attractions. Make the most of your Hilton Head vacation and come prepared!
With so many fun things to do at Hilton Head, you will want to plan a busy schedule.
