We just got back from the most wonderful trip to Hilton Head Island, and since it was our very first time visiting, I wanted to share all the best things to do in Hilton Head Island for anyone planning a trip soon too!
We visited in early April, and unfortunately the weather was much chillier than we expected. So while we didn’t get as many beach and pool days as I normally love on vacation, it actually pushed us to explore more of the island, and honestly, I’m so glad it did.
If the weather had been perfect, you probably would’ve found me sitting on the beach all day reading a good book. But instead, we discovered so many fun activities, hidden gems, beautiful nature spots, and unforgettable experiences around Hilton Head.
From biking on the beach to dolphin cruises and wildlife refuges, this trip ended up being one of our favorite getaways yet.
So if you’re looking for the ultimate Hilton Head Island travel guide, here are all the best things to do, see, eat, and experience during your trip!
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Rent Bikes & Explore Hilton Head Island
One of the absolute best things to do in Hilton Head Island is rent bicycles! Hilton Head is incredibly bike-friendly, and honestly, biking is one of the easiest and most fun ways to explore the island. There are miles of bike trails, beautiful beach paths, and tons of areas where you can safely ride without needing your car.
We rented our bikes from Sharky’s Bike & Surf and had such a great experience. We visited during Spring Break season, and thankfully we snagged the last two bikes they had available! So if you’re traveling during a busy season, definitely reserve your bikes ahead of time.
One of the coolest parts was being able to bike directly on the beach, which I had never done before! It was such a fun and unique experience. Here’s also a great Hilton Head travel tip: you can bike all the way to the Sea Pines Beach access area and avoid paying the Sea Pines vehicle entrance fee.
If you drive in by car, it costs around $10 every time you enter, so bringing your bike can save money while still letting you explore all the amazing restaurants, shops, and scenery inside Sea Pines.
Visit Harbour Town
One of the first places we visited during our trip to Hilton Head Island was Harbour Town, and it’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Hilton Head Island! There’s so much to see and do there, especially if you love golf, shopping, sightseeing, or waterfront views.
My husband is a huge golf fan, so he especially loved seeing Harbour Town Golf Links, which is one of the most famous golf courses in South Carolina. They were actually preparing for the RBC Heritage golf tournament while we were visiting, which was really cool to see.
The tournament was happening shortly after we left, and trust me, my husband was very disappointed we missed it! Even if you’re not a huge golfer, it’s still fun to walk around and experience such an iconic Hilton Head landmark.
Another must-see attraction in Harbour Town is the famous Harbour Town Lighthouse. The views from the top are absolutely beautiful and definitely worth the climb. Admission was only around $7.50 per person when we visited, and inside the lighthouse you’ll also find antiques, historic artifacts, and interesting treasures to explore.
One of my favorite parts of Harbour Town was simply walking around the marina, browsing the cute shops, and admiring all the massive yachts along the water. It’s such a beautiful and relaxing area to spend an afternoon while visiting Hilton Head Island.
Go on a Sailing Brunch Cruise
One of the most memorable experiences from our trip was doing the Brunch Under Sail excursion with Island Head Sailing Co.. Even though it was windy and freezing the day we went, we still had the best time.
The sail lasted about two hours and included brunch, fresh fruit, pastries, deviled eggs, and endless mimosas while sailing around the island. It was such a relaxing and beautiful way to see Hilton Head from the water. The captains were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the island too, which made the whole experience even better.
One of the biggest highlights was seeing dolphins swimming nearby during the cruise! If you’re looking for unique things to do in Hilton Head Island, I highly recommend booking some type of boat or sailing excursion while you’re there.
They also offer trips to Daufuskie Island, day trips to Savannah, parasailing adventures, and dinner cruises as well.
Visit Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
If you love nature, wildlife, walking trails, or bird watching, then visiting Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is an absolute must.
This ended up being one of our favorite things we did during the colder weather. The scenery there is absolutely stunning, and it truly feels like a peaceful hidden gem near Hilton Head Island.
One important thing to know before visiting: there are no bathrooms or water stations once you enter the refuge. Unfortunately, we didn’t know that beforehand and had to cut our visit a little shorter than planned. So definitely bring water and plan ahead before going!
Even with our shorter visit, we still saw so much wildlife, including a real armadillo up close and several beautiful ibis birds around Ibis Pond. The views throughout the refuge were breathtaking, and it honestly felt like a dream for anyone who enjoys photography, hiking, or nature.
Book a Tiki Boat Sunset Cruise
Another one of the best things to do in Hilton Head Island was booking a tiki boat sunset cruise with Native Son Adventures.
We booked this excursion on our final night on the island, and it truly ended up being the perfect ending to our trip. We actually had the entire tiki boat to ourselves, which made it even more fun and relaxing. They provide a cooler onboard, so you can bring your own drinks and snacks while enjoying the sunset views around Hilton Head Island.
Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and took us all around the area, including a stop at a beautiful shell-covered island where we were able to get out and walk around. I had never seen so many shells in one place before, it was absolutely gorgeous.
Our guide also mentioned that many people find shark teeth there early in the mornings. Unfortunately, we didn’t find any, but we did get lucky enough to spot a rare roseate spoonbill on the ride back! I had never seen one before, and it honestly looked like a tiny pink flamingo. Such a cool and unexpected experience.
If you’re searching for the best sunset cruises in Hilton Head Island, I definitely recommend adding this to your itinerary.
Relax on the Beaches in Hilton Head
Even though our weather wasn’t ideal during this trip, we still made time to enjoy the beaches whenever we could. And honestly, even on the chilly days, walking along the beach and taking in the beautiful ocean views was still so peaceful.
Hilton Head Island has some of the prettiest beaches, and I already can’t wait to come back during warmer weather so we can spend even more time relaxing by the pool and ocean. If you love slower, relaxing beach vacations mixed with outdoor adventures, Hilton Head really is such a perfect destination.
Where To Eat In Hilton Head Island
If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Hilton Head Island, I actually shared a separate blog post all about where we ate during our trip and all the best foodie spots on the island.
Hilton Head has so many amazing restaurants, seafood spots, brunch places, and waterfront dining options that it’s honestly impossible to try everything in one trip. We already have a huge list of places we want to go back and try next time!
So if you’re a foodie like me, definitely make sure to check out my full Hilton Head Island restaurant guide too before planning your trip.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Hilton Head Island
Overall, our first trip to Hilton Head Island ended up being even more memorable than we expected. Even though the weather didn’t fully cooperate, we still found so many fun things to do, beautiful places to explore, and incredible food to try while visiting the island.
From biking on the beach and spotting dolphins on sailing cruises to exploring wildlife refuges and watching the sunset from a tiki boat, there truly is something for everyone in Hilton Head.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach vacation, a family getaway, or an adventurous coastal trip, I can honestly say Hilton Head Island is absolutely worth visiting. We already can’t wait to go back someday and experience even more of everything this beautiful island has to offer!
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