Best Attractions & Things to Do in Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island, located in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, is a popular vacation destination known for its beautiful beaches, world-class golf courses, and wide range of activities and attractions. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, or just some relaxation, Hilton Head Island has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best attractions that Hilton Head Island has to offer. From its natural beauty, to its rich history, to its delicious local cuisine, Hilton Head Island is a destination that will leave you with lasting memories.

1. Dolphin Tour

Dolphin tours on Hilton Head Island are probably one of the most popular things to do on the island. There are several companies that give dolphin tours, and booking them can be a little difficult. South Carolina Aquarium and Dolphin Habitat have the best rates and availability. Dolphin tours are super fun, and most people find them to be a very Zen experience. There are many types of tours available. Some companies are more focused on seeing dolphins than seeing the island. Most tours are about 2 hours. Dolphin tours in Hilton Head Island are a great way to see the dolphins in the wild. The tour is filmed or recorded so that you can see dolphins at any time of day. There are several things to keep in mind before booking a dolphin tour. First, make sure the tour has a permit to be on the water. If not, the tour may be in violation of the federal law that states that dolphins are a threatened species. The second thing to keep in mind is that the tour is in the water. It can get pretty cold during the winter months, so bring a jacket if you’re visiting during that time.

2. Beaches and Water Sports

Hilton Head’s most popular assets are its beaches and water sports. With beautiful white sand beaches, calm blue waters, and a tropical climate, this island is a paradise. There are many water sports like Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, which are popular with residents and tourists alike. If you are looking to have a more adventurous experience, go parasailing, jet skiing, or fishing. There are many places to enjoy the water. Harbor Town is known for its calm waters and serene atmosphere. At its northern end, the island has a long stretch of beach that is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. However, there are many other beaches too like the Worm Island Beach, Tybee State Park Beach, Horry beaches, and Hilton Head Golf Club. You can also enjoy water sports like boating, fishing, scuba diving, swimming or just relaxing on the beach.

3. Cultural & Historical Sites

If you are interested in the island’s rich history, no place better showcases it than the historic district of Beaufort. The city has many historical sites, museums, and monuments that are worth visiting. Museums like the Maritime Museum of South Carolina, Museum of Natural Science, The First Coast Maritime Museum, and the Lineberger Museum of Fine Arts offer a fascinating insight into the past. Other historical sites include Fort Sumter and the Old City of Beaufort, which are worth a visit. In addition to the city’s cultural offerings, Hotel Andra and the Point Resort provide a glimpse into the island’s natural history.

4. Shopping & Fulfillment Centers

The retail scene on Hilton Head Island is quite impressive. There are many places to shop for souvenirs, gifts, and high-quality food items. The island has the largest concentration of outlet malls in the country. This gives you a ton of options for finding the best deals on designer clothing, furniture, and home items. There are many other places to shop as well like the downtown historic district, the retail corridor on Bluffton Road, Garden City, and Sea Pines.

5. Golf Courses and Restaurants

The golfing scene on this island is one of the best in the world. The island has many golf courses that range from public courses to championship courses. The public courses like the Harbour Town Golf Links, the M Hilton Head, the Sea Pines Golf Club, and the Stono Ferry Golf Links are great places to play. For championship courses, the Sea Island Resort is a great choice. There are many restaurants that serve amazing seafood and other cuisines too. Try out the new Steak and Seafood Restaurant, the new Bi-Rite Cafe, or the Oyster Bar.

6. Events and Festivals

The local culture on the island is one of the best features of this place. If you want to experience the local culture, the Cultural Festival that is held every June is a great place to start. Other festivals on the island include the Jazz Festival, the Blueberry Festival, the Art Festival, the Hilton Head Food Festival and the Oktoberfest. The Hilton Head Island Festival is held every February to celebrate the culture and the history of the island. It is a great place to get to know the locals as well.

7. Sports and Recreation

Golf is one of the most popular sports on the island. The island has many great golf courses like the Sea Pines, the Sea Island Resort, the Harbour Town, the Sea Pines, and the Stono Ferry. Other options include the Hilton Head National Golf Club and the Sea Pines Resort. For those who love running and are looking for a beach to hang out or a park to run in, the island has beautiful public parks.

8. Play golf at Harbour Town Golf Links

A golfer’s dream, Harbour Town Golf Links is home to the Arnold Palmer Professional Golfers’ Association event, The All-American. Originally built in 1904, it was renovated in 2016 to include a new clubhouse and a practice putting green. Harbour Town Golf Links also has 9 holes designed by Arnold Palmer himself. If you are looking for a place to play golf that offers both nearby courses and a stunning beach view, then Harbour Town is the place to be.

9. Visit Fort “Sumter

If you’re visiting the Lowcountry at all, then Fort “Sumter” is a must-see. The American Civil War-era fort was built in 1856 and was the first permanent structure built on Hilton Head Island. The location of the fort was chosen because of its strategic importance. It was meant to control both the entrance to the Port of Hilton Head and the entrance to the Port of Charleston. The fort has more than just its historical significance. Nowadays it is a museum that explores local history and the ecology of the Lowcountry. Visitors can also see how the fort was used during the Civil War and how it was used during the War of 1812. Fort “Sumter” is a very cool place to visit, and it’s nestled in a secluded area of the island.

10. Go kayaking on the Edisto River

The Edisto River is one of the best kayaking spots in the Lowcountry and a great way to explore the area. The river begins in the Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina and flows through North Carolina before finally reaching Hilton Head Island. Kayaking on the river is a great way to experience the beauty of the area and its surroundings. The Edisto River is home to many types of wildlife, including many types of endemic fish and rare plants. Kayaking on the river is also a great way to experience the area’s culture. The Edisto River is often used as a means to trade goods between different communities throughout the area. Visitors can experience this by looking out for Native American-style art and trading goods with the locals.

11. Discover the maritime history of Beaufort and Port Royal

The sea has always been a big part of life on Hilton Head Island, and that’s not surprising. The island was named after John Hilton Head, a sea captain who was one of the first people to settle the island. The maritime history of the area is fascinating, and there are plenty of ways to experience it. Perhaps the best way to learn about the history of the area’s maritime history is by visiting the Maritime and Port Discovery Museum. At the museum, visitors can learn about the area’s maritime history and the maritime traditions that still exist in the area. Visitors can also enjoy a trip to the museum aboard the USS New York, which was decommissioned in 1969.

12. Explore Fort Walker State Park

Fort Walker State Park is a great place to explore the natural and historical wonders of the Lowcountry. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, and it also has the largest undeveloped coastal hardwood forest in the United States. The park also has some interesting historical relics, including a Civil War-era fort and the ruins of a plantation house that was burned down in a historic fire. Visitors can also see how some of the park’s natural resources, such as its live oak trees, were once used by the area’s Native American tribes. The park is close to a number of attractions, including the Blue Ridge Mountains, Kiawah Island and Port Royal.

13. Eat a late-night snack at one of the best restaurants in Hilton Head Island, The Tasting Room and Bistro

The Tasting Room and Bistro is a great place to go for a late-night snack or a drink. The Tasting Room features a menu of creative small plates, while the Bistro offers a selection of comforting, home-style Southern fare. The Tasting Room is located in the Seascape Hotel, which also has a number of rooms that are perfect for a romantic getaway. Both The Tasting Room and Bistro and the Seascape Hotel are located in the trendy, historic district of Hilton Head Island. The Tasting Room and Bistro is just a short walk from the beach and many other attractions.

14. See a Broadway show on Beau Soleil Beachfront Theatre Stage

If you are looking for a great way to spend an evening, then you should see a Broadway show on the Beau Soleil Beachfront Theatre Stage. The theatre has become a popular place for musicals, and it also hosts other forms of live entertainment. The theatre is located on the beach, so it is a great place to see a show while enjoying the views, including all the different types of wildlife that are attracted to the area. The theatre is also a short walk from the rest of the attractions on Hilton Head Island, making it a great way to experience the area while you are there. Another great thing about seeing a show at the beach theatre is that there are no late-night traffic jams and hassles that come with going back to the city.

15. Hit the links at Hilton Head Plantation Golf Course

Hilton Head Plantation Golf Course is an 18-hole public golf course that is a part of the Plantation Golf Club. The course is located on Hilton Head Island and has been in operation since 1936. It was designed by Donald Ross and is known for its natural rolling terrain, with many narrow and challenging fairways. Hilton Head Plantation Golf Course is considered to be one of the best golf courses in the country and has been featured in multiple golfing magazines. The course is also open to the public and does not require that players be members of the Plantation Golf Club. Hilton Head Plantation Golf Course is a great place to play golf and is also a great place to go for a walk or run. The beach is only a short walk from the course, making it a great place to go while you are on Hilton Head Island.

16. Take leisurely stroll along the beautiful beaches of Hilton Head Island

The beautiful beaches of Hilton Head Island may be best known for their crystal-clear water and great fishing, but they are also some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There are over a dozen different types of beaches on the island, with varying dune types, water types, and sand types. The best way to experience the different types of beaches on Hilton Head Island is by taking a leisurely stroll along with one of the beaches. The best way to do this is to take a walk along the beach and follow the line that runs parallel to the shore. The beaches vary greatly in terms of length and type, so it’s best to take a stroll on a few different beaches in order to experience as many types of beaches as possible.

17. Coligny Plaza

The plaza in Coligny, South Carolina is a beautiful place to visit on Hilton Head Island. The plaza was named after the Coligny family, who have been on the island for generations. The plaza is located on 17th Street, and it is lined with beautiful old buildings. The plaza is popular among tourists and locals alike. There are a variety of shops and restaurants in the plaza, and it is a great place to visit on a weekend. There are a couple of things that visitors should keep in mind while visiting the plaza. First, the plaza is not air-conditioned, so visitors should keep that in mind. Second, the plaza is very popular, so visitors should plan to park far away.

18. Climb the Harbour Town Lighthouse

The lighthouse at Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island is a great place to visit. It is a unique tourist attraction that provides great views of the island. The lighthouse is located in the harbor and is easily accessible by foot. The climb up the lighthouse is a bit of a hike, but it is nothing that a few relaxed steps can’t help you overcome. The climb is a bit of a challenge, but it is also a great opportunity to check out the lighthouse and see some of the island from a different perspective. Park your car at the top of the island and climb the lighthouse for a great view. Visitors should keep in mind that the climb is a bit of a challenge, so be sure to wear good shoes if you plan to go.

19. Visit Harbour Town

Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island is a great place to visit. It is a popular resort town with many activities for visitors. There are a variety of things to do in Harbour Town, and the town is always undergoing renovations. Visit Harbour Town and see what is new in the town. Visitors should keep in mind that Harbour Town is very popular. It is recommended that visitors make a reservation if they plan to visit the town on a weekend. There are a variety of things to see and do in Harbour Town. There are shops with everything from souvenirs to perfume to clothing. There are also a variety of restaurants. The best part is that they are all located near each other, so visitors can easily walk from one to another.

20. Sea Kayaking Tour

If you are looking for a unique way to explore the island, then a sea kayaking tour is for you. Kayaking is a great way to explore the waters of the island and see some of the natural beauty that is often overlooked. There are a number of companies that offer sea kayaking tours. A kayaking tour on Hilton Head Island is a great way to see the natural beauty of the island. The best part about sea kayaking is that you can arrange any tour that you like. You can choose to kayak on the open water or do a tour where you paddle along the coast. There are several things that you should keep in mind when booking a sea kayaking tour. First, make sure the tour has a permit to be on the water and that the tour is not in violation of the federal law that states that dolphins are a threatened species. The second thing to keep in mind is that the tour is in the water. It can get pretty cold during the winter months, so bring a jacket if you’re visiting during that time.

21. Bird-Watching at Audubon Newhall Preserve

Bird-watching is a great way to see some of the natural beauty of Hilton Head Island. The island is home to many birds, and bird watching tours will help you learn about these birds and their habitats. The best way to find a bird-watching tour is to ask around. There are a number of bird-watching tour companies on the island that offer tours. If you are new to bird-watching, you might want to start with a company that offers a beginner tour. Beginner tours are great because they help you learn the basics of bird identification. Bird-watching is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is a relaxing activity that helps you appreciate nature. Bird-watching tour companies will provide you with the best places to go and help you identify the birds you see.