Hilton Head Island is one of our favorite places to vacation – it is a charming, hidden gem on the East Coast with great beaches, amazing outdoor restaurants, and of course…exciting things to do outside. Here are some of our popular favorites and some of our off the beaten path secrets:
1. Bike… Everywhere
Hilton Head has about 60 miles of public cycling trails and is one of only 21 Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community Award winners in the US. Call one of the many bike companies up and leave your car (and worries) behind as you cruise along the trails or on the hard pack sandy beach.
2. Find Your Beach
Feel like relaxing on the beach instead of biking? Us too…. Hilton Head has 12 miles of beach on the Atlantic. It is usually pretty calm and the water gets so warm. For a fun vibe, check out the beaches near Coligny Plaza – they have beach bars close by with live music and great drinks – more on that in a bit. For more seclusion, the Port Royal area has beautiful beaches that never seem too crowded. Grab your tropical-smelling lotion, sunglasses, and a good book or good friend and you will be all set for the entire day.
3. …And Grab a Frozen Cocktail While You Are There
Picture This – toes in the sand, a frozen cocktail in hand, and the sound of the waves crashing in the distance. There are a bunch of beach/resort bars all over the Island and all of them are great, but here are 3 hidden gems we just have to share.
– Coco’s On the Beach: this place is hard. to. find. The best way to access it is from the beach, just South of Singleton Beach. Park your bike on the sand, walk up between the Dunes, and out of no where a colorful, tropical, beach bar pops up welcoming you with open arms, strong pours, and beach volleyball. You can also get there from Hilton Head Resort, but it’s not as fun that way.
– Tiki Hut: Okay, we know… this is not a secret and not hidden. BUT IT IS SO MUCH FUN. Fire pits, live music, string lights, and a full tiki bar… right on the beach. Need we say more??
– Pool Bar Jim’s: Now that you have explored Tiki, it is time for Pool Bar Jim’s – literally steps away. Walk out to the beach, and walk North until you see a Pavilion Bar serving up some of the best frozen cocktails and bloody mary’s on the Island. Don’t forget to say hi to Jim, he is funny as hell and will make you anything you want.
4. Park Yourself at an Outdoor Restaurant and Hang All Night
What is better than some good food or drinks, out in the fresh air, along the water, during sunset??? We have hunted down the best restaurants on the Island for dining al fresco, so that you don’t have to. This list is based on quality of the food and drinks, ambiance, proximity to water, and sunset views – in no particular order. TRUST US.
– Skull Creek Dockside
– Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks
– Skull Creek Boathouse
– Fish Camp on Broad Creek
– Old Oyster Factory
4. Explore Harbour Town and South Beach
Okay so this might be the most touristy thing on our list, but stay with us. Harbour Town really is beautiful to just stroll around. It is a huge marina with shops, restaurants, a lighthouse you can tour and more. If you are looking for a little more adventure / outdoor activity, there is golf, kayak rentals, jet ski rentals, and Island boat/fishing tours right on site.
Also in the Sea Pines section of the Island, sits South Beach. The Salty Dog is a must visit for anyone’s first time on the Island. We don’t recommend eating here, the food is mediocre at best, but grab a drink and hang out listening to the live music. Every evening before sunset, the Salty Dog runs a Happy Hour cruise for anyone 21+. There is a full bar on board and you get to hang out a cruise along the Sound for an amazing evening on the water. Before you head out, make sure to grab a tee shirt, they have them in any color you can think of.
5. Fall Asleep on a Boat – The Lofty!
This is hands down our favorite and most unique thing we have done in Hilton Head. The Lofty is a cozy, 27ft sailboat you can rent through AirBNB!! It is docked in Shelter Cove near a bunch of restaurants and right by where they shoot off fireworks in the Summer. We recommend checking in, grabbing take out from a restaurant nearby, and enjoying your date night right out under the stars. Bikes are included in your rental, which is a huge plus, and the boat was super clean. Just a heads up – It is small, but you get to cozy up together and fall asleep rocking to the gentle waves.
We hope you enjoy your time away and outside in Hilton Head!!
