Things to Do in Hilton Head
An island spanning over 12 miles of Atlantic coastline, Hilton Head, South Carolina is awash with sparkling sand beaches waiting to be explored. The island is the ultimate destination if you want some air, land, and sea adventure. It pretty much takes the cake when it comes to a variety of exciting family-friendly activities.
There are a thousand and one things to do on the island and your vacation days are not enough to do them all. So here are the top 10 best things to do in Hilton Head.
Helicopter Tour
Image: Hilton Head Helicopter Tours Website
See the island from a different angle by booking a Hilton Head Helicopter Tour. It takes you on a quick tour around the island so you can see the breathtaking coastal views which is only possible when you’re up in the air. You’ll never now which marine life will make a special appearance.
While you’re up there, take the opportunity to scan the island and discover what other activities you can do. Even if you have things already planned out, a little spur-of-the-moment activity makes for a thrilling adventure.
Beach Hopping
Twelve miles is a lot to cover, but the next best thing is to go beach hopping. No beach is the same in Hilton Head so the experience is different with every beach park you visit. Here are the must-visit beaches on the island.
- Coligny Beach. This is the most popular beach on the island because of its spectacular shoreline. It has all the amenities you could wish for in a beach resort. You’ll never go hungry because cafes and restaurants are just near and accessible. It can get quite crowded in the summer, but if you keep walking down the shore, you’ll find a perfect spot in the sand where there are fewer beachgoers.
- Mitchellville Beach. People who want to get away from the crowded beaches go to the more secluded Mitchellville Beach. If you want peace and quiet while exploring the shore, this is the best beach to be in, that is, if you don’t mind the unpaved pathways and rough sand. As some parts of the beach can be muddy, you better swim on the next beach stop.
- Driessen Beach. If you love long walks on the beach, nothing can top the long and wide shore of Driessen. It stretches as far as the eye can see. Since the beach is so big, it never gets crowded.
Other notable beaches you can add in your beach hopping itinerary are Alder Lane, Fish Haul Beach, Folly Field Beach, and Islanders Beach.
Daufuskie Island Tour
Image: Tour Daufuskie Website
Touted as a “getaway within a getaway”, Daufuskie Island feels like you’re not in Hilton Head anymore. Towering Spanish moss oak trees give the island its own character. It serves as a fascinating backdrop to Daufuskie’s rich history. Take in all of the island’s beauty and history as you tour Daufuskie.
The remote island can only be accessed by boat or ferry. The few full-time residents of Daufuskie are mostly artists and retirees who live in well-preserved antebellum mansions. If you want to take a break from history lessons, you can go biking, kayaking, golfing, horse-riding, and paddleboarding.
Harbour Town Sightseeing
The trip to Hilton Head would not be complete without a visit to Harbour Town, home of the iconic lighthouse, which has become the most recognizable symbol of Hilton Head. There is a viewing area on top of the lighthouse where you can enjoy the scenery and the luxury yachts that line up at the marina. A gift shop and a small museum can be found at the base of the lighthouse. Being part of the Sea Pines resort community, Harbour Town has its own golf course, rental properties, restaurants, and horse stables.
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Hilton Head is devoted and committed to environmental and wildlife preservation that it houses over 250 species in the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. While you go on hiking and biking, you’d find alligators, turtles, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Scenic trails weave through marshes, ponds, and maritime forest. If you want to be one with nature, there’s no better place than Pinckney Island.
Golf
Image: Harbour Town Golf Links Facebook
With 24 championship golf courses, Hilton Head is every golfer’s wonderland. The stunning playgrounds for golf enthusiasts are designed by golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Pete Dye.
Golf aficionados who have played in the gorgeous greens rave about the super fairways and greens of Palmetto Dunes, Oyster Reef, Sea Pines, Harbour Town Golf Links, and Hilton Head National.
Zipline
Image: ZipLine Hilton Head Facebook
If you have a hankering for extreme sports, sign up for the Aerial Adventure with Zipline Hilton Head. Located on the 15-acre Broad Creek complex, the Aerial Adventure is your playground in the sky. It includes 50 “in-the-tree” activities that will give you an adrenaline rush. Some of the challenges include military climbing wall, skyak, Spiderman web walk, command crawl, Tarzan swing, ziggy zag bridge, and other obstacle courses.
But all these challenges are no match for the Zipline tour. This is an exhilarating 2-hour adventure that would have you soaring through giant trees. While you’re high above the ground, enjoy the stunning view of the water and marshes down below.
Island Biking
If you’ve had enough of adrenaline-pumping activities, why not tour the island on a bike? Hilton Head has over 60 miles of multi-use trails that can take you anywhere on the island. The bike trails connect to different parts of Hilton Head including the pristine beaches. You can ride with biking clubs that coordinate and schedule weekly bike tours. If you do not have a bike, that’s not a problem because the island has about 15,000 bicycles for rent!
Coastal Discovery Museum
Image: Coastal Discovery Museum Facebook
When the beach fatigue kicks in, head on to the Coastal Discovery Museum to learn more about the ecological and cultural history of Hilton Head Island. This is not some boring history lesson, but a highly immersive and engaging activity that will make you appreciate the Island’s flora and fauna. The kids will have a fantastic time interacting with the animals while learning about their history and habitat.
Day Trip to Savannah or Charleston
If you really want to immerse in Lowcountry culture and lifestyle even just for a day, why not go on a day trip to Charleston or Savannah? They’re just a boat ride or a car ride away.
You can choose one or both cities. Sample their food, explore the streets, and take in the history! Savannah and Charleston have their own charm and beauty, but they represent some of the best things about Lowcountry culture, cuisine, and architecture.
