27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Hilton Head, SC

Things To Do In Hilton Head, SC

 

Although Hilton Head Island is only 12 miles long and 5 miles wide, it is a great place to go on holiday. There are 60 miles of bike trails on the island.

It’s known for its beautiful sandy beaches that look out over the water. These beaches are great for water sports, picnics, and just resting.

Plus, it has a lot of golf fields and a lot of resorts for tourists, which means it has a lot of high-end places to stay, shop, and eat.

Aside from the obvious tourist spots, Hilton Head has a lot of different things to see and do.

You can visit historical places, some of which are related to the Civil War, and nature preserves that are full of thick forests, murky swamps, and lots of plants and animals.

1. The Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum

Four women from Hilton Heads, South Carolina, came up with the idea for the Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum. They wanted to give their kids a way to learn and have fun while playing with creative, hands-on, and educational displays.

It covers 2,500 square feet and is made to meet the needs of young children from birth to age eight.

At the Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum, there are lots of things to do that are meant to be fun for both kids and their parents.

The kids choose something that interests them, and their parents or guardians also have fun.

All of the different types of exhibits are meant to teach different things, from math and science to language growth and reading skills.

The idea behind the Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum is easy to understand: kids learn best when they can play and learn at the same time.

Of course, parents love seeing their kids having fun!

The Adventure is a great exhibit where kids can “sail” on the ocean. Flight Deck is another great exhibit where kids can fly, and An International Bazaar is another great exhibit where kids can play professional roles as “responsible adults.”

There is also Charlie’s Perfect Playplace, a great place to relax and play alone!

Address: 18A Pope Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States

2. Gullah Heritage Trail

The Gullah Heritage Trail owes its name to a group of West African enslaved people, known as the Gullah people.

The Gullah People live mostly in Georgia and South Carolina. Along the Atlantic coast of these states, some of their language and customs have been lost over time.

Linguistic scholars say that the word “Gullah” might be a changed form of the word “Angola.”

The Kissi people who live in Sierra Leone and Liberia may be meant by the word “Geechee,” which is related to them.

This helps us figure out where they are from.

Interesting enough, the Gullah people speak a language that is all their own. It’s a mix of English and a lot of different West African languages.

But why do they need to make their own language?

Well, people who were slaves and then freed came from all over the world and different cultures in the 16th and 17th centuries. This made it necessary to find a better way to interact.

This road leads to the Gullah Heritage Trail of Hilton Head. Because it is in a remote area, the trail has mostly kept the customs, culture, and language of their ancestors alive.

Many Gullah people today are eager to share parts of their cultures with tourists and people who book trail trips, which let them see and tour the Gullah Geechee Corridor, which is another exciting thing to do in Hilton Head.

Address: 70 Honey Horn Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, United States

3. Java Burrito Company

People are happy and helpful at The Java Burrito Company, a trendy coffee and burrito shop with a warm atmosphere.

For a while, you can sit there with your laptop or a good book. Because they’re so famous in Hilton Head, South Carolina, you could even say they’re one of the town’s attractions!

The Java Burrito Company uses quality ingredients without any added chemicals and supports fair trade. They know all the details of every locally sourced ingredient they use.

A family owns and runs the business, which offers food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

You can also make your own quesadilla, salad, taco, or, of course, burrito at a cool bar.

Address: 1000 William Hilton Pkwy Suite J6, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States

4. Hilton Head Golf Courses

 

This South Carolina island is home to many Hilton Head Golf Courses. In fact, the island is famous for being a great place to play golf.

So, stopping by some courses and taking a few swings is one of the most fun things you can do while looking for things to see.

There are 24 top golf courses in the area, some of which are public and some of which are private.

Each one has beautiful scenery, was designed by great artists, is surrounded by live trees, and has a coastal background.

You’ll find beauty and great green no matter which one you choose

5. The Kazoobie Kazoo Factory, Museum, and Gift Shop

It’s a lot to say, but the Kazoobie Kazoo Factory, Museum, and Gift Shop is a pretty cool place.

It has one of the biggest kazoo collections in the world that anyone can see, which makes it an obvious choice for a place to visit near Hilton Head.

The Kazoobie Kazoo Factory, Museum, and Gift Shop is a fun and quirky place that tells American history through the kazoo, which was invented in the United States.

This video talks about the background of the kazoo and takes you on a tour of the factory where these silly instruments are made to show you how they are made.

Even better, at the Build You Own Kazoo station, you can make your own kazoo. There are 14 colors to choose from, a special resonator, and the chance to use an industrial tool to put it all together.

There are so many kazoos, accessories, and other store-bought items in the gift shop that it will be hard to decide what to buy!

Address: 12 John Galt Rd, Beaufort, SC 29906, United States

6. Bluffton

Even though Bluffton isn’t actually on Hilton Head Island, it’s a great place to spend the day this weekend and one of the best places to find more cool things to see.

Not only does everyone in Hilton Head think of it as part of the island, but it’s also one of the most beautiful places in the US!

Old Town is the first place you should visit. It has lots of shops, restaurants, and a nice public park.

History buffs will also be interested in this. The Bluffton Movement of 1844, which was a protest against high federal taxes, set the seeds for the Civil War and the secession.

To learn more about history, you should visit the Heyward House Museum. It was built in 1841 and is now the town’s tourist center.

The 1857 Church of the Cross is another great place to visit. There are also festivals and events to look forward to, such as the Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival and the Bluffton Village Festival.

7. King Neptune Sundial

It’s fun to take a quick shot at the King Neptune Sundial, which is a pretty interesting place to visit in Hilton Head.

The huge 12-foot bronze statue is at the entrance to Shelter Cove Harbor. It is not only the largest symbolic sundial in Hilton Head, but also in the whole world.

Romans called Neptune the “God of the Seas,” and this figure shows him.

He stands on a base that is 26 feet across and also keeps time for the clock we talked about earlier.

A man from Hilton Head named Wayne Edwards made the statue in 1983. It has a strong trident.

He made sure it was correct by using the constellations Ursa Major and Polaris to line up the trident with the position of the sun in the south.

Good news: the King Neptune Sundial really does tell time!

Address: 13 Harbourside Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States

8. Live Oac Outdoor Adventure Company

There are a lot of exciting things to do at the Live Oac Outdoor Adventure Company while you’re on vacation in Hilton Head.

Since 1996, it has been the most famous company of its kind in the area, taking people to all the less well-known parts of the island.

Their boat, Odyssey, is quiet and comfy, and you can do a lot of things on it.

You can go fishing, water skiing, tubing, kayaking, snowboarding, watching animals, cruising, and exploring, and you’ll have a guide with you the whole time.

You can see sharks, birds, dolphins, and turtles. The boat moves so quietly that the animals don’t mind it.

Address: 43 Jenkins Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, United States

9. Driessen Beach Park

Driessen Beach Park is another one of the free things to do in the lovely locale of Hilton Head, a great alternative to the more crowded Coligny Beach Park.

One more free thing to do in the beautiful area of Hilton Head is to go to Driessen Beach Park instead of the busier Coligny Beach Park.

On the northeastern part of the island, there is a wide, friendly beach that goes on for as far as you can see.

Driessen Beach Park has beautiful views that make for great photos, and it’s also a bit of a secret spot.

Some tourists do come here, but for many people in the area, it’s a well-kept secret.

There are lots of great places to eat at the resorts that line the beach.

There are a lot of great things about Driessen Beach Park. Even when it’s busy, it’s easy to move around and find a nice place to lay down a towel and relax.

The park has good facilities like bathrooms, showers, a playground, a pavilion for having meals, grills for cooking, lifeguards, and bike racks.

For that reason, it’s without a doubt one of the best beach activities in Hilton Head, South Carolina!

Address: 64 Bradley Beach Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States.

10. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina is right in the middle of Hilton Head, South Carolina, and is a great place to have fun.

The theater has 349 seats, which is a lot more than a lot of other, better-known art centers in the United States.

People in the area put on a lot of festivals, events, and shows of artistic and performing arts every year.

The Youth ArtsFest, the Taste of Gullah, and the Christmas Tree Lighting are all examples.

The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina also puts on five plays, musicals, and comedies every year. That’s not counting the celebrity-hosted art shows at the Walter Green Gallery!

The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina also has educational classes for kids that are meant to get them interested in the performing and visual arts.

If you want to find something fun to do in Hilton Head after all the hike and beach time, this is a great possibility!

It seems like something new happens every day, so you’ll always find something interesting!

Address: 14 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States

11. Hilton Head Island Bike Trails

There are a lot of bike trails in Hilton Head that are fun to ride and discover.

The calm is a nice change from the busy world full of cars and other cars.

You won’t be able to find this kind of peaceful, natural beauty in most of South Carolina!

No matter where you are on the 12 miles of beach, the views are beautiful.

There are a lot of bike tracks here, which makes it easy to rent or buy a bike while you’re here. However, you should still try to bring your own.

Without the smell of cars, this is a great way to get around the area. It’s also a draw in and of itself, letting you explore the large area of land at your own pace.

The League of American Bicyclists has given the Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community Award to only 21 places in the United States. Hilton Head is one of them.

You can use the 117 miles of paths that are shared with walkers, or you can reserve six miles just for cyclists.

12. Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks

A very common item on this list of things to do in Hilton Head is something that has to do with food.

Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks is the name of the restaurant, and you’ll have a great time there from the moment you walk in.

There are tables with views of the beautiful Port Royal Sound off the coast of Hilton Head, South Carolina. You can sip a tasty cocktail and watch fishing boats bring in fresh seafood to be cooked in the restaurant’s kitchens.

Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks has been serving delicious food for almost 50 years. They have a great catch of the day choice and sometimes have a bluegrass band playing in the background to keep people entertained.

There is a large menu with options for coffee, lunch, and dinner.

Not sure what to have?

Ask for their “catch of the day” or order clams from nearby.

When soft-shell crab season comes around, the crab dishes on the menu are out of this world. The soft shell crab BLT and the buster crab béarnaise are two examples.

The South Cackalachy Punch is another drink you should try. It has blackberry brandy, firefly cherry moonshine, honey syrup, and lemon in it.

Address: 1 Hudson Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, United States

13. Shelter Cove Towne Centre

One of the more high-class places to visit in Hilton Head, South Carolina, is the Shelter Cove Towne Center.

You won’t believe it, but this now-thriving and spotless shopping center used to be a very failing mall just a few years ago.

Builders worked hard to make the Towne Center and make it into a fun place for people to live and visit.

The Shelter Cove Towne Center has been turned into a beautiful modern town with lagoons, shops, restaurants, homes, and more.

The 290,000-square-foot gem is truly amazing, and it’s no surprise that both tourists and locals love it so much.

A park by the water is also close to the mall and is a great place to rest your feet.

Address: 40 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States

14. Harbour Town Lighthouse and Museum

There is no doubt that the Harbour Town Lighthouse and Museum is the most famous landmark on Hilton Head. It should definitely be on your list of things to do.

It is in the Sea Pines Resort area in the middle of Harbour Town, South Carolina, on the southern part of the island.

The white and red bands on the Harbour Town Lighthouse and Museum make it stand out.

It helps boats and other vessels find their way on the Intracoastal Waterway and in Harbour Town Marina. It’s also a museum with a lot of history.

The Harbour Town Lighthouse and Museum is 90 feet tall and was finished in 1970. It is now filled with fun displays that you can see as you climb its many steps.

You can learn about the island’s 10,000-year past through artifacts and photos.

There is also a display about the Coast Guard.

When you reach the top of the Harbour Town Lighthouse and Museum, you’ll be able to see the island of Daufuskie and maybe even Georgia!

Address: 149 Lighthouse Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States

15. Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park was created in the year 2005 as a scenic outdoor space along the Gullah Heritage Trail.

People who were slaves in South Carolina and fled their “owners” before the Civil War built the first self-governing settlement there.

A highlight of a certain part of African American history, the park is still important to them today.

One of the best places to visit on Hilton Head is Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, which is a bit of a secret gem.

It comes with a sandy beach stretch where you can rest without any other people around and see dolphins and blue crabs.

In terms of history, Mitchelville Freedom Park keeps the history of Historic Mitchelville alive.

The park has many trails that you can walk on. You can also eat at one of the picnic shelters and take a break from the sun.

Don’t forget to visit the Praise House. It used to be a place where many spiritual meeting took place.

Address: 226 Beach City Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, United States

16. Burkes Beach

Burkes Beach is at the very end of the road with the same name, which leads to Chaplin Park.

The area is very peaceful and relaxing, and it’s great for swimming, biking, and taking pictures.

It’s not one of the most famous places for tourists to visit, but that makes it one of Hilton Head, South Carolina’s best-kept secrets.

Burkes Beach’s sandy path is great for taking pictures, and the grassy areas on either side are great for having a lunch.

There are also open areas, sports courts, and even a dog park that you can use. You can also swim in the water.

Address: 60 Burkes Beach Rd, Hilton Head, SC 29928, United States

17. The Jazz Corner

Need ideas for fun and beautiful things to do on a date at night?

There is something for you at The Jazz Corner. It is also one of the best things to do in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

At first glance, the place doesn’t look like much, but the energy and style will blow you away—it reminds you of fancy jazz clubs in New York.

The Jazz Corner, as its name suggests, is all about jazz music and is thought to be one of the best places in the world to hear jazz.

The walls are covered with original paintings that set the mood, along with the soft, elegant lighting and high-class environment.

Every night of the week at 6 p.m., the stage at The Jazz Corner brings modern jazz musicians to Hilton Head for you to enjoy some amazing shows.

Also, the food at The Jazz Corner is pretty good.

When wrapped in prosciutto and served with Oilerie balsamic vinegar and butter sauce, their giant sea scallops are very tasty.

The Boursin Carolina rice comes with pear and apricot chutney and crispy kale on the side.

Know that whatever you order at The Jazz Corner will be good.

If you like drinks, you should also try their martinis.

Address: 1000 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States

18. Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center

The Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center is the best tennis center in South Carolina.

It has won awards and is generally thought to be the best and most fun place on Hilton Head to do the things listed.

Do you know what Pickleball is?

They play a game that is a mix of badminton, tennis, and ping pong.

Try it out; you might love it!

The Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center has clinics and classes for people who want to learn how to play the fun sport.

Is everyone just here to play some tennis?

You can choose from 25 different courts, and six of them stay lit up at night for some evening games.

There are pros and staff on hand to help you have a better time and give you advice. There are also daily programs and tournaments for players of all skill levels that give you fun ways to push yourself.

Address: 6 Trent Jones Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States

19. Hilton Head Distillery

The Hilton Head Distillery is the first distillery to open in this part of South Carolina. Its main goal is to make mixes of Carolina whiskey and West Indian rum.

When you walk in, you can get small-batch vodka and rum, which can be a nice treat in the cooler months.

You can do a lot of different things at the Hilton Head Distillery, but the main attraction is the taste.

You can mix and match your own cocktail samples with flavored drinks, aged spirits, and other things.

Two Traditions Rum, Mountain Peak Espresso Rum, Redlock Spiced Rum, and Aermoor Vodka are some of the company’s most well-known names.

You can also take tours of the building to learn more about it and how the goods are made.

Address: 14 Cardinal Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, United States

20. Folly Field Beach Park

Even though Folly Field Beach Park is in a private area, it’s still one of the best things to do in Hilton Head.

The beach is beautiful and well-liked, so both tourists and locals like going there.

Folly Field Beach Park has a beautiful path that is great for a stroll in the evening. Beach mats make it possible for wheelchair users to get all the way down to the stands.

A vending machine is ready to give out snacks, and guests can use the bathrooms and showers.

Even though Hilton Head, South Carolina has a lot of beach parks, Folly Field Beach Park still stands out.

Address: 55 Starfish Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States

21. Daufuskie Island

You can have a great time this weekend in Hilton Head, South Carolina, by going to Daufuskie Island.

It’s kind of like a vacation spot inside a holiday spot, and every year it gets a lot of visitors.

About 300 people live in the getaway full-time, and the only way to get there is by boat from Harbor Town, which goes west into Calibogue Sound.

It’s hard to think that Daufuskie is one of the most popular places to visit on Hilton Head because it looks and feels so different from the rest of the area.

As of 1982, it has been on the National Registry of Historic Places. It is full of history.

Victorian homes, beautiful scenery, rivers perfect for paddleboarding, and trails perfect for biking and horseback riding are all waiting for you.

A lot of the time, history trips go around the island to show you its best attractions.

There aren’t many cars at Daufuskie, which helps keep the peaceful look of the mossy oak trees that are hundreds of years old and the nice, clear beaches where you can rest.

You should put art workshops, farms, distilleries, and galleries on your list of places to visit!

Address: SC 29915, United States

22. Coligny Beach Park

Coligny Beach Park has Hilton Head’s largest beach. It’s also one of the most popular free things to do on the island, making it one of the top 10 best places to visit in South Carolina.

Coligny Plaza, which is close to the beach, looks like a pretty scene at the beach and has some nice shops and restaurants.

Coligny Beach Park has a lot of great amenities that make it clear that this is a great place for tourists.

There are large changing rooms, clean bathrooms, rubber mats for easy entry, and even free Wi-Fi. The beautiful fine sand makes it a great place to relax.

Coligny Beach Park is a great place to rest and enjoy the beautiful views of the water.

You can relax in gazebos, benches, swings, beach chairs, and umbrellas that you can rent.

As you might expect, this place gets pretty crowded during busy times, but the great sand and surf make up for it.

Before you go for a swim, ask the lifeguards what the water is like.

Address: 1N Forest Beach, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States

23. Coastal Discovery Museum

The Coastal Discovery Museum is a great place to learn and have fun for both kids and adults.

It should be on the list of things to see for nature fans who go to Hilton Head, South Carolina.

It is a non-profit community-centered group that was founded in 1985 on 68 acres of land with the goal of teaching visitors and locals about the heritage and natural history of the Lowcountry area.

There are lots of ways to learn about the plants and animals in the area at the Coastal Discovery Museum.

You’ll see cool native plants like a Southern Red Cedar that is almost 500 years old, a majestic and towering live oak that never loses its leaves, and many garden plants that are grown at different times of the year.

Also, the animals here are very cute.

You will learn a lot about animals like dolphins, shrimp, turtles, snakes, crabs, and a lot more.

Native butterflies live in the butterfly habitat at the Coastal Discovery Museum during the warmer months. It’s a fun place to go on a trip.

There is also the Bird’s-Eye View Theater, which puts on a lot of shows and events, dolphin tours where you can meet bottlenose dolphins, guided kayaking trips, a shell ring made from shellfish found in the area, and a farmers market every week!

Address: 70 Honey Horn Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, United States

24. Harbour Town

Harbor Town is a great place to visit, and you should plan a day trip there this weekend.

Many people think of it as the business center for Hilton Head’s Sea Pines Resort, and it’s a great place to shop, eat, and play sports.

You can do anything you want here, as long as you have the cash to enjoy a high-class holiday in South Carolina!

There is a lot of shopping to do. You can find clothes, furniture, home decor, jewelry, crafts, art, and gifts.

You can grab a bite to eat at a number of places, such as the Harbour Town Bakery & Café, which serves coffee, tea, baked goods, and snacks outside.

Lastly, if you want to play sports, the marina is full of action areas where you can have fun.

Activities that happen on the water include pirate ship adventures, sailing trips on racing boats, kayak eco-tours, dolphin cruises, and more.

At the Harbor Town Golf Links, there is a famous 18-hole course, a tennis club with good courts, and a big playground for kids to make the active experience more varied.

Address: Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States

25. Sea Pines Forest Preserve

You should go to the Sea Pines Forest Preserve if you love nature. It is also one of the best places to visit in Hilton Head.

It became a natural reserve in 1959 and is an important place to see many unique and very old wildlife.

It’s not too far from Coligny Beach Park, but it seems like a million miles away!

Native Americans who lived on the move found the Sea Pines Forest Preserve about 4,000 years ago.

They lived here for a while and then moved on, leaving behind the remains of an abandoned town and a plaza for ceremonies.

The Indian Shell Ring, which is said to be about 40,000 years old and is definitely real, is the most interesting thing about these sites.

The Sea Pines Forest Preserve is made up of many hidden lakes, raised boardwalks, and mystery swamps.

Alligators and other animals are free to roam, and local flowers grow in meadows that stretch for miles and miles.

Views of South Carolina can be seen from the preserve’s raised paths, on a boat trip, or in a wagon. You can also fish, have a picnic, or even ride a horse through the area.

Address: Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States

26. Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

The Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is another protected area. This one was set up by the Pinckney family, as the name suggests.

They lived in Hilton Head for more than two hundred years and had a farm on this land in the middle of the 18th century.

In 1975, the 4,000-acre land was finally turned into the preserve. It’s now one of the best things to do in Hilton Head!

People think of the Pinckney National Wildlife Refuge as one of the most important places for archaeology in South Carolina because it is home to over 115 historic sites, some of which show proof of people living there more than 10,000 years ago.

Some gravestones of black men who fought in the Civil War are important pieces of history.

The Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to see wildlife.

There are many kinds of birds that you can see, such as egrets, white ibis, bald eagles, herons, and other shorebirds and lake birds.

You might also see bobcats, deer, snakes, armadillos, and different kinds of fish.

People often go hunting, fishing, taking pictures, and hiking or biking on the 10 miles of well-marked trails that lead to the top views.

You’ll also see different types of biomes in the refuge, such as a salt swamp, a forest, a brushy area, and a stream.

Address: Pinckney Wildlife Refuge Rd, Hilton Head, SC 29926, United States

27. Mitchelville Beach

If you’re looking for free things to do in Hilton Head, South Carolina, Mitchelville Beach is a better choice.

It’s also called Fish Haul Beach Park, and it’s in the northeastern part of the area.

The shore is very peaceful, making it a great place to relax and think.

When there are fewer tourists, it’s harder to get to and has a more rustic charm.

Coastal plants grow right up to the shore, unpaved roads are bumpy, and at low tide you can see tide pools and salt marshes.

There are no lifeguards, but it does have bathrooms, showers, tables, and other modern features.

Address: 124 Mitchelville Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, United States

28. Stoney-Baynard Plantation

Close to Sea Pines Nature Preserve, the Stoney-Baynard Plantation is a must-see. It’s a fun place to explore and learn about the history of one of Hilton Head’s once-great plantations.

It is known as the Baynard Ruins and the Braddock’s Point Plantation by people who live in South Carolina.

The last time it was used was at the end of the Civil War, in 1790.

Of course, there are also rumors of ghosts in its stories!

You can really get a sense of how big the Stoney-Baynard Plantation was when you walk through it.

Part of the two-story house that used to be here is still there, and you can see some marks where Union troops camped during the war.

You can walk around the about 6-acre property and see the slave house, the overseer’s house, and maybe even a ghost or two, if you’re into that kind of thing.

Address: Plantation Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States