Things to Do in Hilton Head Island

Relax on the beach!

Beach Scene at Sunrise-Hilton Head, South Carolina

With what one will surely struggle with, as Hilton Head Island has some of the most breathtaking beaches one could ask for. This is one of the main reasons why many from all over the world plan there vacations to come to Hilton Head Island; for the powder white sand that line there waters.

The waters are that of the clear Atlantic Ocean, with a very calming surrounding which makes it very easy for people to walk up to the beautiful waters and sit there all day on any of the many frequented beaches such as Coligny Beach Park enjoying the Sun and swimming in the water listening to the crashing waves that surround them.

People can do more then just swim; it would be enjoyable to be on the water playing volleyball, digging up shells, parasailing, or just renting an umbrella and chair for a very leisurely day on the water to enjoy your vacation. People who have an urge for that relaxing day without so many adventures can enjoy the beach as well, because Hilton Head Island is known for their beaches being so clean and well maintained that getting onto the sand of one of these beautiful beaches is very easy.

So people will be sure to find the right beach here in Hilton Head Island to fit their idea of what a good beach should entail for each individual vacationer!

Go exploring on a bike

View the Beaches of Hilton Head Island | Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is believed by many to be the most bike friendly and best designed biking destination that America has to offer. The island is entirely surrounded by over sixty miles of bike pathways which interconnect the most traveled parts of Hilton Head Island, like beaches, parks, and various shopping locations, to residential communities.

The most relaxing and easiest way that people can take in sights on the island is through a relaxing bike ride around the island. By riding along the oceanfront, the wooded landscape and marshes surrounding the island will appear, and you will enjoy the brisk coastal air. Going on an early morning bike ride is the most relaxing way to take in all of the sights and sounds, because of the low temperatures and quite serene atmosphere.

Because the biking paths on the island are virtually flat, these pathways serve as great trails for people of all ages and in families; people can bring their children with them and are sure to have just as much of a good time. Local cafes and spots for photos can also be found along the path to offer the complete travel experience. Bikes can be rented around the entire island and many can be purchased at the many shops on the island that specialize in the sales of various forms of biking apparatus. The activity of biking is one that can surely entertain visitors of any age and any personality while at the same time is also beneficial for health and for the environment.

Visit the Harbour Town Lighthouse

Harbour Town Yacht Basin in Hilton Head Island, SC, United States - Marina Reviews - Phone Number - Marinas.com

Arguably the most distinguished and renowned landmark on Hilton Head Island, this 90-foot structure can be seen all over the resort town of Sea Pines. With a history steeped in the island's maritime heritage, its distinctive white-and-red stripes serve as the primary symbol for Hilton Head Island. Tourists have the ability to climb to the top of the Lighthouse to receive unobstructed, 360-degree views of the local marina, the championship golf courses, and the vast, beautiful ocean.

Harbour Town, with its collection of boutiques, fashionable boutiques, inviting restaurants, and relaxing cafes, provides an atmosphere where one could easily lose themselves for an afternoon while listening to the live music performed while staring out at the opulent yachts and serene ocean views in front of you in the restaurants located around the town. This place makes for great photo opportunities, particularly at the breathtaking sunset which provides a magnificent colorful backdrop which mirrors the tranquil colors onto the calming ocean waters below.

Avid golfers on this island love to visit Harbour Town because it is the host to a variety of professional golf tournaments, not to mention that the Championship Golf Course at the resort is known around the world and the locals and many visitors make it a priority to spend at least one afternoon playing golf when visiting Hilton Head Island.

Watch for dolphins or experience other fun water activities

Hilton Head Island's Top Dolphin Tours

If it is said that the things that the vast majority of vacationers most enjoy are swimming and sunbathing, that statement is likely true; however, if that statement is in question, there is most definitely a number of things that vacationers are more fascinated about than swimming. Watching for dolphins is the most requested and gratifying activity available on the island, because the ocean around the island has quite a large population of playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that the locals often referred to as, 'happy'.

If tourists want to go look for dolphins, a majority of the captains and guides on these particular boats know where they like to hang out as well as provide educational information on many other marine creatures inhabiting the water around the island. Other worthwhile activities that can be done in the water around the island are kayaking in the calm marshes of the island, or other enjoyable and energetic activities like parasailing, jet skiing, and paddle boarding, just to name a few.

Kayaking or paddle boarding around the island allows people to take in the tranquil, majestic beauty that the marsh surrounding Hilton Head Island has to offer and also offers a chance to spot a number of marsh animals that call the marsh home. Parasailing allows the tourists to get a spectacular view of the beach and the ocean high in the air and for such an activity, people are surely guaranteed a relaxing and thrilling trip all in one, which allows them to take in more than one scenery at once while having fun with the people they have traveled with.

Discover Local Food and Shopping

Security Challenge

No trip to the island of Hilton Head is ever complete without taking the time to enjoy some of the island's best dining and shopping experiences. Visitors to the island are sure to delight in the fresh seafood, crab cakes, and shrimp and oyster dishes which all exemplify the signature 'Lowcountry cuisine' of South Carolina. Many travelers can sit on the patio and eat a wonderful meal while overlooking the ocean, or enjoy the scenic view of a harbor full of boats, as the island boasts numerous waterfront restaurants which serve up this fantastic cuisine, as well as others from around the world.

Popular shopping areas such as the shops at Coligny Plaza offer anything that tourists might need for a perfect beach day; there are shops full of souvenir trinkets and mementos, fashion boutiques for all sorts of apparel, charming gift stores and local art galleries. You may want to take advantage of one of the shops and find a lovely keepsake for yourself, such as a handcrafted item, or something beach related as a souvenir of the fun that you had at Hilton Head Island.

Food festivals and local farmers' markets are common occurrences on the island, giving tourists a wonderful opportunity to taste and sample the island's many food specialties and fresh produce. The dining and shopping available at Hilton Head Island is one of the reasons why the island is considered a favorite family getaway and is visited by people of all ages every year.