Activities

With our list of the best tourist attractions and interesting things to do on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, you’ll find a variety of activities and entertaining locations to visit on the island.

Enjoy the Endless Beaches

You’ll want to head to the beaches first, no matter how much fun there is to be had elsewhere on Hilton Head Island. Beach access points may be found almost everywhere, and typically include (usually) free public parking and a wood boardwalk or sandy walkway that leads through the dunes to the ocean. The initial view of the Atlantic, followed by the knowledge that you don’t have to travel far in either direction to get away from any throngs who may have put up chairs or beach blankets, is always a delight.

Relax in Coligny Beach Park

Coligny Beach Park is located on the busiest of Hilton Head Island’s major beaches. Although it’s the island’s closest thing to a traditional beach scene (the adjacent Coligny Plaza includes a variety of stores and restaurants), it’s done tastefully.

Location: Coligny Circle, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Explore the Bike Trails and Do Some Beach Biking

A visit to Hilton Head Island is a welcome diversion in a world dominated by vehicles. Bike trails can be found almost everywhere on the island, either lining the highways heading onto and around the island or branching out into the forest or toward the beach, making it simple to escape the traffic congestion, noise, and pollutants and instead explore at your leisure. It’s also really easy to cycle her because of the flat terrain.

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

There are several types of ducks and shorebirds, including white ibis, egrets, and herons, as well as bald eagles, making it a wildlife spotters’ haven. Deer, alligators, and armadillos are also common sightings.

Visit Bluffton

Begin your tour in the Old Town, a charming neighborhood with wonderful restaurants (including The Bluffton Room, a fantastic fine-dining institution), elegant boutique stores, and a beautiful public plaza.

Location: 70 Boundary Street, Bluffton, South Carolina

Take a Boat to Daufuskie Island

It’s a 45-minute boat voyage through the Intracoastal Waterway to get here, and it’s a lot of fun. Daufuskie Island Ferry operates on a regular schedule, while private operators provide a variety of services, including water taxis, during the peak season. A dolphin sighting is almost certain no matter which route you take.

Location: Daufuskie Island, South Carolina

See the Ruins of Stoney-Baynard Plantation

After touring the Sea Pines Nature Preserve, visit the neighboring Stoney-Baynard Plantation historic site to see the ruins of one of the island’s old plantations.

Location: Plantation Drive, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Walk the Trails at Sea Pines Forest Preserve

Sea Pines Forest Preserve is well worth a visit for nature enthusiasts. It’s a great spot to explore on foot in the Sea Pines Resort neighborhood (and easy to get to by bike).

Location: Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Entertainment

Adventure Cove Mini Golf & Arcade

18 Folly Field Rd
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
+1 843-842-9990

For more information visit Adventure Cove Mini Golf & Arcade

Cheetah Premier Gentlemen's Club of Hilton Head

1 Dunnigans Alley
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
+1 843-842-2999

For more information visit Cheetah Premier Gentlemen’s Club of Hilton Head

Hilton Head Escape Room

10 Executive Park Rd #102
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States
+1 843-681-7529

For more information visit Hilton Head Escape Room

Atomic VR Virtual Reality Arcade

38 Gateway Cir #200
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
+1 843-505-7182

For more information visit Atomic VR Virtual Reality Arcade

Pirates of Hilton Head

149 Lighthouse Rd
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
+1 843-363-7000

For more information visit Pirates of Hilton Head

Harbour Town Lighthouse

149 Lighthouse Rd
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
+1 866-305-9814

For more information visit Harbour Town Lighthouse

FESTIVALS

The Hilton Head Island Wine and Food Festival

For 37 years, the Hilton Head Island Wine and Food Festival has proudly supported the community. Every March, the Hilton Head Wine and Food Festival has brought a diverse range of vintages and delectable dishes to the island for over 30 years. The Wine and Food Event partners with several restaurants and bars on the island to present scrumptious food and refreshing wines to the community and any of the thousands of tourists the festival attracts every year.

The Hilton Head Wine and Food Festival takes place for a week and includes everything from wine tastings and movie screenings to celebrity chef dinners and special three-course meal evenings at restaurants with in-house sommeliers and chefs collaborating to create culinary wonders.

19 Executive Park Rd
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

For more information https://hiltonheadwineandfood.com/faq/

Gullah Celebration

Today, descendants of West Africans who were enslaved and transported to the coastal islands of South Carolina and Georgia are fighting to maintain a way of life. Gullah is more than just a people’s name and language. It encapsulates the essence of endurance, spirituality, and tradition. Through the stitching of sweet grass baskets, the weaving of casting nets, and the cooking of traditional Gullah meals, the Native Island Gullah People continue the traditions of their forefathers. Since 1996, NIBCAA has presented the Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration, which celebrates the Gullah people’s rich cultural legacy and history on Hilton Head Island.

The “Arts Ob We People Annual Art Exhibition and Sale,” “Taste of Gullah,” Arts, Crafts and Food Expo, Gullah Gospel Music Series, and more are among the Celebration events this year. We welcome you to join us in celebrating Gullah, where the spirit of the Gullah Culture will alter your soul.

539 William Hilton Pkwy
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

For more information https://www.gullahcelebration.com/

Hilton Head WingFest

At the fun-filled, family-friendly festive environment, over 6,500 pounds of chicken wings will be served. There will be a kid’s zone, a rock climbing wall, and a bungee jump, among other attractions. Big screen televisions will be provided by Custom Audio Video and Hargray to view all of the March Madness Basketball games. Local favorites will provide live entertainment, and Adventure Radio will be on site to broadcast all of the action. The Kid’s Wing Bobbing Competition and the Adult Wing Eating Contest are both fun to watch or participate in. Cast your vote for your favorite wing, and the winner will be announced at 4:30 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and free for children under the age of 10.

Lowcountry Celebration Park
94 Pope Avenue
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

For more information https://www.hiltonheadwingfest.com/

HarbourFest At Shelter Cove Harbour

HarbourFest, held weekly during the summer at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina on Hilton Head Island, S.C., features live music and entertainment, arts and crafts, children’s activities, and Tuesday night fireworks. Dates with fireworks. After the main event, there will be a spectacular party! Watch as Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina comes alive with a spectacular fireworks display! Enjoy spectacular fireworks that illuminate the night sky. Live music will accompany you throughout the evening to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival and the lasting influence The David M. Carmines Memorial Foundation has had on our non-profit community, town, state, and region.

17 Harbourside Ln
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

For more information https://www.welcometosheltercove.com/harbourfest

St. Patrick's Day

Join the Hilton Head Ireland St. Patrick’s Day parade with your friends and family! Floats, boats, trucks, cars, motorcycles, and golf carts are all welcome, as are people, horses, and pets. Please check our local vendors if you want a huge float. Each entry competes for one of five prizes. The Budweiser Clydesdales, military jet flyovers, the Planter’s Peanut Nutmobile featuring Mr. Peanut, the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile, and Nashville music artist Michelle Murray have all been in the Parade over the years. In 2002, our parade was named one of the Southeast’s Top 20 Tourism Events.

This is a fantastic distinction, and we are quite proud of our community! In honor of the Parade’s 30th anniversary in 2013, the Town Council of Hilton Head Island presented it with a commendation. We’re still the Islanders’ favorite springtime event after all these years.

71 Pope Ave
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

For more information https://www.hiltonheadireland.org/enter-the-parade