16 Best Things To Do In Hilton Head, South Carolina

One might argue that it’s the quality of the beach that makes a place the

best beach town

of them all, but

Hilton Head Island

proves something even more true: It’s the richness of the town that wins the day, and in this case, the hearts of its 40,000 locals. Let’s not dismiss Hilton Head’s superb beach bona fides, however. Tucked snugly against the water-riven coast of South Carolina, the foot-shaped island exposes 12 miles of broad, tawny sands to the Atlantic Ocean’s rolling swells. Outside of its beach appeal, the sparkling eco-community (with a serious nod to golf) that real estate developer Charles Fraser carved out amid the island’s dense pine stands in 1956 has matured into a collection of gated neighborhoods surrounded by live oaks, magnolias, and palmettos; linked by neon-free boulevards bordered by bike paths; and boasting clusters of markets, bars, boutiques, and more than 250 restaurants. Keep reading for the 15 best things to do in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Arts & Culture

Learn The Island’s History

Hilton Head is home to one of the great American cultures, Gullah, which evolved from the beliefs and practices of Africans enslaved on (and later liberated from) Hilton Head’s indigo and Sea Island cotton plantations. In fact, the island is home to

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park

, site of the first self-governing village of liberated enslaved people—then called « freedmen »—in the nation. Set beneath arching oaks on Port Royal Sound, Mitchelville is now a center for touring and education and is emblematic of a welcome surge in Gullah-focused tours, festivals, and cuisine as well as an increased awareness for the 2.67 million visitors who cross the bridge onto Hilton Head Island every year.

exploremitchelville.org

; 40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926; 843-255-7301

Listen To The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra

For a town of only 40,000 to boast its own symphony is no small feat. With more than four decades of performances under its belt. the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra concerts are a must do for music lovers. Series performances are held on Sundays and Mondays throughout the year at First Presbyterian Church, but you can catch more casual performances by going to a free Symphony Under the Stars show at Colony Park when the weather is fair.

hhso.org

; 7 Lagoon Road, Suite 100, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-842-2055

See A Show At The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

This regional art center does it all. Located in the heart of Hilton Head, the center produces its own theater series, in addition to welcoming musicians, performers, vocalists, and comics from across the country. Stop in to see a play like « Fences » or « Chicago » during their runs. Fans of the visual arts can also check out the center’s Walter Greer Gallery, which is operated in partnership with the Art League of Hilton Head and features the work of more than 150 local artists.

artshhi.com

; 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-686-3945

Spend An Evening At The Jazz Corner

Hilton Head is home to one of the coolest jazz clubs on the East Coast. For an elegant evening out and a one-of-a-kind experience, make reservations for The Jazz Corner. The jazz supper club has been swaying to the rhythm since 1999 and still hosts two shows a night, seven days a week—all without missing a beat.

thejazzcorner.com

; 1000 William Hilton Parkway C-1, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-842-8620

Natural Attractions

Have A Beach Day

All 12 miles of Hilton Head Island are public beaches that feel both expansive and inclusive (several access points include mats for wheelchairs). And with an average air and water temperature of around 70 degrees, that’s about as pitch perfect as beach life gets.

Bike Through Town

In town and along the beach, there are enough outdoor activities on offer to keep you staying and playing all day long and into the night. They’ll certainly tempt you to put off turning in until way past sunset. Stroll the sidewalks to catch glimpses of blue skies and bluer waters, but the better way to see it all is by biking along the sands to see the sights. There are several outfitters where you can snag a set of wheels in town, but few have the longevity and service of Hilton Head Bicycle Company, which has been in business for more than 30 years.

hiltonheadbicycle.com

; 112 Arrow Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-686-6888

Weather The High Seas

The fishing enthusiasts in your party can cast a line from the beach or book a chartered boat to take the fun to the deep blue. Popular shoreside spots include Jarvis Creek Park, the Charles C. Haigh Jr. Fishing Pier, and lagoons at Palmetto Dunes or The Sea Pines Resort. When you’re ready to delve into deeper waters, book a fishing charter to from companies like Drifter Excursions or Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, which will ferry you to the best spots to catch everything from king mackerel to giant tarpon.

Drifter Excursions:

hiltonheadboattours.com

; 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Shelter Cove:

sheltercovehiltonhead.com

; 1 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-548-0532

Tee Off On A Legendary Course

With 26 championship courses sprinkled throughout the island, Hilton Head is a golfer’s paradise. You can play a course designed by some of the greats, including Robert Trent Jones, Jack Nicklaus, and Pete Dye, but what’s truly special about golfing on Hilton Head Island are the gorgeous landscapes to be admired everywhere you turn. Just a ride on a golf cart is a real treat for the senses.

Choose A Watersport

For the most adventurous vacationers in the bunch, there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventure on the water. Take your pick from kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, sailing, jet skiing, and parasailing. The world—or should we say the island—is your oyster!

Food & Drink

Enjoy A Waterfront Dinner At Hudson’s Seafood House

First-time visitors are sure to fall in love with Andrew Carmines’ local oysters at Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks. The waterfront spot overlooking the Port Royal Sound uses one of two remaining Hilton Head Island fishing fleets to bring in fresh catch daily. And they’ve been doing things the same way for more than 50 years. You can’t go wrong if you order the day’s special—it was likely plucked from the ocean that very morning.

hudsonsonthedocks.com

; 1 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926; 843-681-2772

Dine In A French Bistro

Enjoy tasty French bistro staples like escargots de bourgogne (served with garlic herb butter sauce and crispy leeks), perfectly cooked cassoulet, and two kinds of moules-frites at Chez Georges. The wine list is impeccable, as well. Catch the aperitif hour from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Friday, when adult beverages are two dollars off and there’s a small plates menu offered. The restaurant also uses this time to host ticketed wine tastings complete with paired cheese plates.

chezgeorgeshhi.com

; 37 New Orleans Road, Sute J, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Munch On Excellent Pastries

Find the best croissants this side of the Atlantic at transplanted Parisian Philippe Feret’s Hilton Head Social Bakery. In addition to classic French pastries like Kouign-Amann, mango peach turnovers, and almond brioche, the cozy cafe also overs 18 varieties of fruit tarts, plus more specialty desserts and a savory menu featuring dishes like quiche and jambon-beurre, a traditional French ham and cheese sandwich on a baguette. With a new second location on the island, it’s easier than ever to get your fix.

hiltonheadsocialbakery.com

; 17 Harborside Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-715-3349

1018 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head, SC 29928; 843-715-2598

Have A Seasonal Southern Meal

Billed as an “American bistro with Southern soul,” Lucky Rooster has an exceptional menu that changes often based on seasonality and what chefs can find fresh. Expect refined comfort food like deviled eggs topped with smoked salmon, bacon, tomato, and parsley or scallops and shrimp finished in a cognac cream sauce and served with Charleston red risotto.

luckyroosterhhi.com

; 841 William Hilton Pkwy Unit A, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-715-3215

Slurp Down A Daiquiri At The Frosty Frog Cafe

This lively cafe near Coligny Beach will put you on island time in a matter of minutes. All you need is one of their signature daiquiris, a basket of fried shrimp, and a shady spot under a tiki umbrella listening to live music.

frostyfrog.com

; 1 North Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-686-3764

Town Treasures

Visit the Harbour Town Lighthouse

The red-and-white striped landmark has become the calling card for this very special island since it was erected more than five decades ago. Located on the Yacht Basin in Harbour Town, $7 will earn you admission to climb to the top of the lighthouse, as well as see the attached museum where you can find out more about the lighthouse, Hilton Head’s history, and see a special Coast Guard exhibit.

harbourtownlighthouse.com

; 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 866-305-9814

Walk The Shops at Harbour Town

After you’ve climbed to the top of the lighthouse, spend some time strolling through the town below to peruse the 20 locally owned shops, boutiques, and specialty stores located in Harbour Town. From Hilton Head souvenirs to handmade gifts and sweet treats, there’s something for everyone in this charming corner of the island.