Things to do in Hilton Head Island

Things to do in  Hilton Head Island

Lowcountry meets high charm

Breezy beaches and plentiful golf courses draw travelers to Hilton Head Island in the South Carolina Lowcountry. This island in Beaufort County offers both a polished resort atmosphere and easy access to natural landscapes and wildlife. There are many things to do in Hilton Head Island including dolphin-watching trips, parasailing adventures, kayaking excursions into wildlife preserves, sunset cruises, and history-focused walking tours, plus popular landmarks such as the Harbour Town Lighthouse and Coastal Discovery Museum. Plus, learn about local wildlife from dolphins and alligators to birds during a visit to Hilton Head.

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Top 1 attractions in Hilton Head Island

#1

Coastal Discovery Museum

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Explore the cultural heritage and natural history of the Lowcountry ecosystem and Hilton Head Island at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Located on the historic Honey Horn Plantation, the museum features indoor and outdoor exhibits, as well as guided walks and tours, offering a fun and educational day for visitors of all ages.More
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Top activities in Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise
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Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

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970
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$39.99
Hilton Head to Savannah Round-Trip Ferry Ticket
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Hilton Head to Savannah Round-Trip Ferry Ticket

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375
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$84.75
Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise
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Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise

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319
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$47.65
2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour

2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour

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1189
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$45.00
Hilton Head Island Guided Water Tour by Creek Cat Boat
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Hilton Head Island Guided Water Tour by Creek Cat Boat

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366
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$145.00
2-Hour Private Hilton Head Sunset Cruise
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2-Hour Private Hilton Head Sunset Cruise

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225
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$399.00
per group
2-Hour Private Hilton Head Dolphin Watching Cruise
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2-Hour Private Hilton Head Dolphin Watching Cruise

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267
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$379.00
per group
Daufuskie Island Guided History Tour from Hilton Head

Daufuskie Island Guided History Tour from Hilton Head

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733
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$115.00
Hilton Head Dolphin Tour with Stop at Disappearing Island
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Hilton Head Dolphin Tour with Stop at Disappearing Island

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110
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$55.00
Hilton Head Island Jet Ski Adventure

Hilton Head Island Jet Ski Adventure

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170
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$78.97
Parasailing Adventure at the Hilton Head Island

Parasailing Adventure at the Hilton Head Island

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303
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$115.17
America's Cup 12-Meter Yacht Afternoon Sail from Hilton Head

America's Cup 12-Meter Yacht Afternoon Sail from Hilton Head

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368
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$52.95
Hilton Head Pirate Ship Adventure Sail aboard the Black Dagger
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Hilton Head Pirate Ship Adventure Sail aboard the Black Dagger

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577
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$40.95
Hilton Head Shrimp Trawling Boat Cruise
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Hilton Head Shrimp Trawling Boat Cruise

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236
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$47.65
Hilton Head Guided Pedego Electric Bike Tour

Hilton Head Guided Pedego Electric Bike Tour

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38
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$95.00
Private Hilton Head Sunset Sailing Tour with Dolphin Watching

Private Hilton Head Sunset Sailing Tour with Dolphin Watching

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91
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$530.00
per group
Hilton Head Island Dolphin Watching Nature Cruise

Hilton Head Island Dolphin Watching Nature Cruise

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328
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$42.35
Private Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Tour

Private Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Tour

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14
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$379.00
per group
Mermaid Encounter Tour

Mermaid Encounter Tour

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66
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$47.95
Sunset Guided Kayak Tour 90 Minutes
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Sunset Guided Kayak Tour 90 Minutes

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$53.24
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All about Hilton Head Island

When to visit

Summer is the peak tourist season on Hilton Head, with hot temperatures perfect for swimming and other water activities. The official beach season runs from April to September, and you can expect lifeguards on duty at designated swim areas and popular beaches. Visit in the spring and fall for smaller crowds, cheaper prices, and pleasant temperatures, though in fall there is a risk of hurricanes. If you don’t mind slightly cooler weather, winter is a great time to visit.

Getting around

A bicycle is one of the best ways to get around Hilton Head, which offers more than 60 miles of biking trails. You can even ride a bike on many beaches with hard-packed sand. Otherwise, a rental car, taxi, or rideshare is your best bet. Although the island is only 42 square miles (109 square kilometers), there is limited public transportation, which includes the seasonal Breeze trolley. Certain resorts and neighborhoods also offer shuttle services.

Traveler tips

When planning your trip, consider traveling to Hilton Head in winter. Temperatures are relatively mild, with highs around 64°F (18°C) during the day and lows around 42°F (6°C) at night—ideal for taking advantage of the many world-class golf resorts on the island. Winter is also a great time for vibrant sunrises and sunsets, fresh seafood, and sport fishing. Prices also will be at their lowest, and the crowds practically non-existent.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EDT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
1
Tours
127
Reviews
11,380
EN
9e27aa2f-30af-434e-9aa0-5908550ec9e8
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People Also Ask

What is Hilton Head Island known for?

Known as a relaxing beach destination with plenty of golf courses, Hilton Head is a barrier island and popular place to vacation in South Carolina. The island is also known for an abundance of resorts, wildlife excursions (such as dolphin-watching tours), and landmarks such as the Harbour Town Lighthouse.

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How do I spend a day on Hilton Head Island?

A day on Hilton Head Island is best spent out on the water. Choose between kayaking, parasailing, a dolphin-watching excursion, a sunset cruise, or a boat trip into a wildlife preserve to see this South Carolina destination from a fresh perspective.

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What is the nicest part of Hilton Head Island?

Hilton Head Island is about five miles (8 kilometers) wide and 12 miles (19 kilometers) long, with several nice areas to match different travelers’ interests. For golf, choose Sea Pines or Palmetto Dunes. For entertainment and restaurants, choose North Forest Beach. For a large beach, choose Coligny. For shopping and yachts, visit Harbour Town.

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Is there a difference between Hilton Head and Hilton Head Island?

No, there is no difference between Hilton Head and Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head is simply a shorter way to refer to Hilton Head Island, the official name of the resort town. The island itself can be referred to by either name.

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Does Hilton Head have a boardwalk?

Yes, Hilton Head is home to pedestrian boardwalks and extensive bike paths, though these aren’t the waterfront boardwalk experience with arcades and rides that you might have in mind. Check out the boardwalk at Coligny Beach Park or go for a scenic stroll on the boardwalks along Jarvis Creek.

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Can you walk on the beach at night in Hilton Head?

Yes, you can walk on the beach at night in Hilton Head, but expect a natural beach with little to no artificial light to guide your way. Beaches are all public in Hilton Head, but access to some may be private. Alcohol is prohibited on the beach.

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