Hilton Head, South Carolina is somewhere I’ve been going since I was too young to even walk around, but it wasn’t until my dad moved there (and I was old enough to legally drink) that I really began to discover all the fun hot spots the island has to offer. It’s truly a great vacation destination for all ages (there’s even a Disney resort here!), so keep it in mind the next time you’re looking for a domestic beach vacation and are tired of the crowds in Florida!
Food & Drink
Obviously my favorite activity on any vacation is eating and drinking, and there is no shortage of great spots in Hilton Head. From fancy sit-down dinners to casual take-out windows and everything in between, the island has something for everyone.
Java Burrito
Recently named South Carolina’s best burrito (https://www.counton2.com/news/national-news/where-to-find-the-best-burrito-in-south-carolina-according-to-yelp/), Java Burrito combines fresh Mexican-inspired fare with a full coffee bar…and they sell alcohol!!! Having tried it myself, it was insanely fresh and delicious, and I wish I had been in the mood for a spiked coffee or a margarita because the selection was amazing. They offer a breakfast menu and happy hour specials on drinks, making it the perfect place to stop at literally any time of the day. Just know you might have to wait in line because Java Burrito is understandably very popular!
Sea Shack
If you’re looking for truly authentic, fresh, local seafood, this is your spot. The Sea Shack is a local favorite for the delicious bites and reasonable prices, and gained some fame when Rachel Ray endorsed it. You can get anything from gator nuggets to frog legs, but the shrimp burger and fresh fish sandwiches really shine. Both times I’ve been, I left feeling full and satisfied, but wishing I could’ve eaten more because it was so good. Again, be prepared to wait in line if you’re there in the busy summer months, but I promise it will be worth it.
Carolina Coffee & Crumbs
Instead of hitting up the closest Starbucks, try Carolina Coffee & Crumbs for your morning pick-me-up. They have unique lattes (my favorite is the S’mores Latte), as well as a full breakfast menu and a stacked pastry case. My only complaint is that the line is always super long and the coffee is pretty slow to come out. Maybe I’m used to speedy cafes because I live in NYC, but definitely get there early or be prepared to wait. One of the best parts about this place is that you can walk around the rest of the shops at Coligny Plaza and even walk right to the beach from there. It’s a great shop and I’ve never been disappointed by the coffee or the pastries, but admittedly I haven’t tried any of the main dishes. It’s definitely worth checking out for your daily caffeine fix!
Salty Dog Cafe
Both a tourist destination and a great restaurant/bar, the Salty Dog Cafe is a must-visit. The outdoor deck is the place to be, with a view of the marina and a fun, lively atmosphere. The Salty Dog Cafe “compound” has a pizza window and an ice cream shop as well, so you can really get whatever you want from here. In the summer season it’s always packed, but I’ve also seen it fairly busy in the off-season as well. My biggest complaint is that they DO NOT allow dogs on the patio, which is kind of bogus for an outdoor area of a restaurant that’s based off of a literal dog. But anyway, it’s still a solid place to grab a bite or some drinks and enjoy the atmosphere.
Fat Baby’s Pizza
Pizza in the south is always tricky, and in no way am I saying this place is comparable to New York Pizza, but sometimes you’re in the mood for a lazy meal and pizza hits the spot. Fat Baby’s is a sports bar vibe with fairly decent pizza (and I have pretty high standards) that is actually some of the best in the area. The theme and branding makes this place fun, and if you’re looking to catch a game with some drinks and bites, this is a great option. You can’t leave without a classic Fat Baby’s t-shirt and your own Fat Baby coloring page hung on the wall somewhere.
Old Oyster Factory
For the fancier sit-down dinner with incredible views of the marsh, this place is for you. The Old Oyster Factory sits overlooking the marshland and waterway, making for a breathtaking view at sunset. The menu is definitely seafood focused, but they have options for any kind of diner, including kids! I haven’t been here in YEARS but the hushpuppies are still ingrained in my memory and I’ve been dying to go back. Consistently rated one of the best restaurants in Hilton Head, I don’t think you’ll leave feeling disappointed.
Skull Creek Boathouse and Skull Creek Dockside
While these are two separate restaurants, they’re located just steps away from each other and have very similar vibes. They both have casual fare and more of an outdoor bar atmosphere, but they’re always packed with young people and families alike. The food is pretty standard but perfect for a casual meal by the water.
Pool Bar Jim’s, Jamaica Joe’s, and the Tiki Hut
These three beach bars, while very different and not necessarily close to each other, are must-visits for a truly fun beach vacation. Located at resorts right on the beach, they have phenomenal frozen drinks, cocktails, and beer all at reasonable prices. They all have a super fun atmosphere and the Tiki Hut often has live music to boot. At any of these spots you’ll feel like you landed on a tropical island resort. Keep these in mind for your day of sun and fun on the beach and you will not be disappointed.
Beaches
While the island has no shortage of beaches, many stretches are in private communities or located at beachfront resorts. Here are some of the beaches I’ve been to on the island and why you should check them out:
Islanders Beach Park
This beach is the closest to where my family lives, and since they’re residents they do have a parking pass, which makes parking here super easy for us. For visitors, there are plenty of spots with parking meters but make sure you’re diligent because the meter checkers are ruthless in the summer months. The great thing about this beach is that there’s a pavilion with bathrooms and outdoor showers, as well as an expansive and shady playground area for the young ones. The times I’ve been here it’s been quiet and definitely more of a family feel, which is nice and relaxing. From here, you can also walk down the beach a ways and grab a drink at Jamaica Joe’s, or at any of the resorts in the area (my family has always loved getting drinks and snacks at the Westin).
Coligny Beach Park
This area is a much more active and lively beach, with tons of shops, hotels and restaurants right along the beach. There are brand new bathrooms and pavilions, a play fountain, changing rooms, and shady southern swings to sit back and relax. From here you can get to the Tiki Hut and Pool Bar Jim’s, where you’ll find the party crowds and flowing drinks. Once you walk onto the beach it’s easy to find a quieter spot to set up, but if you’re looking for some fun, it’s easy to find it here.
Sea Pines Beach Club
This beach area is within one of the private communities, so you will have to pay a fee at the entrance to get in, plus any fees for parking, but this beach club has more of an upscale atmosphere, with a gorgeous patio and restaurant area. I’ve been to this beach a bunch of times, mostly because it’s a very family-oriented area and where many of the tourists rent homes, so it’s always lively but never rowdy. A great option if you’re staying in the Sea Pines community or if you just want to explore a new beach during your vacation.
Other Things to Do
Eating, drinking, and lounging on the beach aren’t the only things to pass the time on the island. There are all sorts of activities for everyone, and so much to see you’ll never have a shortage of ideas while you’re here.
Golf Courses Galore
I’m not sure I could name or even come close to naming all of the golf courses, but many of them are very high quality and some are even professional level (Harbor Town Golf Links is where I attended the Heritage Classic when I was there). For any golfers you might be traveling with, Hilton Head is a dream of options.
Salty Dog Cafe
Not only can you get food and drink here, but you can also shop to your heart’s content and explore the little Salty Dog compound. You can also rent boats, jet skis, kayaks, and other water sports from here and head out to explore the water. In the summer months there are usually tons of activities here for kids. When I was younger we all did a fun tie-dye activity with the Salty Dog T-Shirt Factory and it was perfect for a group of kids. Even just to walk around and kill time, this area is perfect for people-watching or just enjoying the view of the marsh.
Harbor Town
This is really the main tourist area that has shopping, restaurants, and even an expansive playground for the kids. Walk around and look at the mega yachts in the marina while you shop or wait for your reservation at the brand new Quarterdeck, a massive restaurant right next to the iconic lighthouse. From Harbor Town you can charter boats, jump on a fishing excursion, or rent sailboats, kayaks, and other water sport equipment. There’s truly something for everyone, and it’s a great spot to take in the views of the water while enjoying the best that Hilton Head has to offer.
If you’re still looking for activities to fill your time, Hilton Head is perfect for clamming, fishing, bike riding, or tennis. You can also opt for horseback riding at the gorgeous Lawton Stables, or learn about the history of Gullah culture at the Gullah Museum.
Overall, Hilton Head is an ideal vacation destination for everyone, from a fun long weekend to a full week with the whole family. You’ll never run out of things to do or restaurants to try, just don’t forget the sunscreen!
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