Hilton Head Island is part of the low country in the United States. The island offers a plethora of breathtaking beaches and is known for its love of golf. Amongst their famous beaches and golf courses, Hilton Head offers an abundance of other attractions and sites to see for the whole family to enjoy.
View All Homes For Sale in Hilton Head Island, SC >>>
Here is a list of the top 30 things to do while in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Dolphin & Nature Tour
18 Simmons Rd, Hilton Head Island SC
Hilton Head Dolphin Tours | Hilton Head Dolphin Cruise and Boat Tour
Founded by Sonny C Charters Inc is the Dolphin & Nature Tour. Owners Sonny and Mary Ann Compher started this tour due to their love of Hilton Head and the outdoors. Sonny and his mates are passionate about providing their guests a pleasurable experience and give you an option of 3 tours to choose from.
- 1.5 Hour Hilton Head Island Daytime Tour
Enjoy the stunning views of broad creek and homes in Long Cove, Wexford, and Spanish Wells Plantations.
See the beautiful Bottlenose Dolphins as well as Sea Turtles, Bald Eagles, Osprey, and more.
Also offered are a plethora of attractions to see and experience.
- 1.5 Hour Hilton Head Island Sunset Tour
Enjoy everything the daytime tour offers, except for being under the breathtaking sunset.
- Enjoy a private tour with your partner, family, or a group of friends.
Coligny Beach
1 N Forest Beach, Hilton Head Island SC
Located at the end of pope island, you will find the stunning and popular beach of Hilton Head. Bursting with people and eye-catching views, this is the beach to see, whether you are a visitor or resident.
Often referred to as the beach park because of the copious number of activities one can do while visiting. You will find restaurants and shops as well as a plethora of kid-friendly attractions like the in-ground water fountain and swings.
If you’re thinking about taking a car, this beach offers free parking located on Pope Ave. If you are looking at public transit for whichever reason, there is a convenient drop-off location at Coligny circle.
Coastal Discovery Museum
70 Honey Horn Dr, Hilton Head Island SC
This museum was founded in 1985 with a mission to preserve history and take on the responsibility of caring for the low country.
They offer a plethora of exhibits and attractions, so no visitor goes bored. Be sure to check out their website for more information and to plan your next best trip!
Hilton Head Distillery
14 Cardinal Rd, Hilton Head Island SC
Hilton Head Distillery | Hilton Head's First Craft Distillery
If you are looking for an exciting place to spend your day, then you will want to check Hilton Heads’ very own distillery. Spend $15 and enjoy the mouth-watering beverages the distillery has to offer.
Some of the tasty beverages you will find here include a Toasted Coconut Rum, Santa’s Secret, Whiskey Girl Peach, Spiced Rum, and more.
For a complete list of flavorsome spritz and cocktails, check out their website.
Shelter Cove Towne Center
40 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island SC
Shelter Cove Towne Centre - Shopping & Dining on Hilton Head Island
A shopping and dining experience like no other is found on the waterfront is Shelter Cove Towne Center. This walking village offers shopping, dining and waterside activities for the whole family to partake in and enjoy.
Explore boutiques before going in for a relaxing pedicure or take the kiddos to the park. Also featured at this unique Towne center are events to be enjoyed by people of all ages.
The Sandbox Children’s Museum
8 A Pope Ave, Hilton Head Island SC
Hilton Heads’ premier destination for the little ones to experience hands-on learning is found at the Sandbox Children’s Museum. In addition to their 11 hands-on exhibits, the Sandbox Museum offers imagination hour, free family night, summer camp and facility rentals.
Some of the exhibits include a flight deck, which allows your explorers to fly the friendly skies while dressing up like real pilots. The loggerhead sandcastles are the first exhibit upon entry to the museum, which will surround you in sand, sea and sky. A fantastic spot for all kiddos to explore, learn and have a blast!
Audubon Newhall Preserve
55 Palmetto Bay Rd, Hilton Head Island SC
Exploring the Audubon Newhall Preserve
This free attraction offers you a beautiful scenic stroll where you will be surrounded by a diverse variety of trees, plants and wildlife. Take in the exquisite surroundings alone or in one of the free group tours offered. Sit on the bench overlooking the preserve for a chance to see an alligator!
Lean Ensemble Theater
3000 Main St. Hilton Head Island SC
With the vision to be the southeast’s theater destination is the Lean Ensemble Theater, a place to enjoy a pleasurable night out while watching plays full of talented individuals. Past productions include Every Brilliant Thing, The Humans and Cry It Out. Another production has Mitchellville, a young man trying to save his Gullah family home; he dives into the history of his family lineage, the civil war, and the first town in black freedom in America.
Endangered Arts
841 William Hilton Parkway, Unit B, Hilton Head SC
Endangered Arts, Ltd. | Home » Galleries
An art gallery to provide its visitors with diverse art pieces by some of today’s leading artists.
When stepping into this elegant spot in Hilton Head, you will find a glass sculpture of the ocean, bronze sculptures of Cheetahs, Chimpanzees and more. The list of art pieces is incredible; I encourage you to check out their website for a full list of artists and the work they provide.
Fort Howell
160 Beach City Rd, Hilton Head Island SC
Fort Howell is a historic landmark built by U.S troops in 1864. Patrons who stroll through Fort Howell will have a delightful experience that is unique in comparison to a preserved civil war attraction; the fort structure is gone, but the history remains. After the battle was over, the Union soldiers freed all the slaves on Hilton Head and set to work on establishing the forts to protect and attack the heavily used waters that were found in between Charleston and Savannah, Georgia.
Folly Field Beach Park
55 Starfish Dr, Hilton Head Island SC
Located off Folly Field Road is another beach Hilton Head has to offer its patrons. Enjoy a quiet and peaceful walk along the ocean while watching the breathtaking sunrise. More fun activities to enjoy at the beach can include a family picnic followed by a volleyball game. Amenities such as a sand shower, water fountain, restrooms and a soda machine can be found at this local beach.
Baynard Plantation Ruins
84 Baynard Park Drive, Hilton Head SC
This unusual home was built between 1790 and 1810. It was made with tabby, a combination of crushed up oyster shells, whole oyster shells, water and lime. Strolling through this historic landmark, you will stumble upon another tabby dwelling used by house slaves. This plantation has an abundance of history to it, being owned by the Stoney brothers until the passing of them both, in which Union troops then used it as a headquarters during the war.
Nash Gallery
13 (2h) Harbourside Ln, Hilton Head SC
Nash Gallery | Hilton Head Island, SC
Walking into this fine art gallery, you will find the handcrafted work of over 150 talented North American artisans. These craftsmen allow you to see firsthand their spectacular work of art that features glass, ceramics, jewelry, metal, wood, and so much more. Nash Gallery is a truly unique experience.
Zion Cemetery and Baynard Mausoleum
Zion Cemetery & Baynard Mausoleum, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Zion Cemetery and Baynard Mausoleum - Local Life
This historic piece of land is home to the oldest structure on the island. Some may find it creepy, but others will be interested to see the various gravestones dating back to the Revolutionary War era. During your visit, you can check out the giant stone tomb that was constructed in 1846 by William E. Baynard, the owner of the plantation mentioned above.
The Farmers Market at Sea Pines Center
71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head SC
Sea Pines Farmers Market Facebook
Run by the community to bring you local and fresh veggies, fruits, seafood and more.
You can visit every Tuesday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Related Post: Moving to and Living in Hilton Head Island, S.C. - The Definitive Guide
Bluewater Adventure
1 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head SC
Bluewater Adventure | Hilton Head Boat Rentals and Dolphin Tours
Exactly as it sounds, adventures to be had on the water!
Jump on a Catamaran and enjoy a tour around Hilton Head.
Aboard a 20-passenger cycle boat for sip & adventure.
Ride the waves on their new jet skis and enjoy the up-close view of the dolphins!
Island Explorer
101 Marshland Rd, Hilton Head SC
Island Explorer Dolphin and Nature Tours - Hilton Head
Grab your friends and family and go see the breathtaking views of Hilton Head on their perfectly designed 12 passenger boats. Choose from a stunning sunset tour, or a dolphin and nature tour. You can check out their website to see the plethora of options the Island Explorer has to offer its guest.
Off the Hook Fishing Charters
68 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head SC
Hilton Head Island Fishing with Off The Hook Fishing Charters
A native of Hilton Head is Captain Brian Vaughn who will bring you on a fishing trip like no other. This unique experience will provide you with opportunities to catch tarpon, trout, sharks and more. A more added delight is the chance to see the beautiful dolphins, seabirds and other wildlife. Be sure to check out their website for in-season fish and to book your trip in advance.
Comedy Magic Cabaret
843 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head SC
Hilton Head Comedy Magic Cabaret
A night full of laughter is good for the soul. While at the lounge, you will see their resident headliner, Kerry Pollock. During your visit, you can snack on a plate of chips and salsa, a pair of jacks and more. Pair your fare with a tasty beverage like the painkiller cocktail or a chocolate martini.
Island Skiff Adventure Tours
18 Simmons Rd, Hilton Head SC
Island Skiff Adventure Tours | Hilton Head Dolphin Tours
At Island Skiff, you will get a unique experience and drive your very own boat while following a local tour guide. You can explore the marshes and make stops to visit the dolphins. If you aren’t ready to be on a skiff, you can now enjoy the same remarkable adventure by speedboat.
Zipline Hilton Head
33 Broad Creek Marina Way
ZipLine Hilton Head | Zipline & Aerial Adventures Hilton Head, SC
This is an attraction that will be sure to entertain the whole family. Choose from over 50 different obstacles in the sky through their Aerial Adventure High Ropes Course-Aged 5 and up.
Zip through the scenic views of Broad Creek through their ziplining adventures. They offer eight zip lines to anyone over the age of 10.
Pirates of Hilton Head
149 Lighthouse Rd, Hilton Head SC
Pirates of Hilton Head - Pirate Treasure Hunt Experience
Embark on the island’s #1 rated attraction where the kids will transform into pirates themselves! There’s face paint, tattoos, and a pirate sash to wear before they start the hunt to find the treasure.
Harbour Town Lighthouse
149 Lighthouse Rd, Hilton Head SC
Harbour Town Lighthouse | Hilton Head Island, SC | Sea Pines
Climb the lighthouse and explore Hilton Heads’ rich history and get the inside scoop of how the lighthouse was created.
Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island
12 Georgianna Dr, Hilton Head SC
The Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island
An organization committed to maintaining Gullah customs. Founder Louis Cohen will preserve the Gullah cultures by telling tales and singing stories. She also shares her knowledge of plants and their medicinal properties. She plans on restoring the homes she grew up in, which will also become part of the Gullah museum. To learn more, visit their website.
Harbour Town Golf Links
11 Lighthouse Ln, Hilton Head SC
Harbour Town Golf Links | Hilton Head Island, SC Golf | PGA Tour Golf Courses
Hilton Head offers a plethora of golf courses; here at Harbour Town, you will be surrounded by a stunning view of the ocean, boats and more. Check out their website for a complete list of details.
Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
226 Beach City Rd, Hilton Head Island SC
Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
Step into the scenic area where freedom began! This spot is used to preserve, promote and honor the history behind the town of formerly enslaved people in the United States. Explore the praise house that served as a spiritual outlet, for a place to learn about the important history, visit this historic freedom park.
Sea Pines Forest Preserve
Located in the Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head, SC
The Sea Pines Forest Preserve on Hilton Head Island, SC
If you enjoy the scenic views nature has to offer; you won’t want to miss this adventure. Spend the day walking through picturesque paths or taking a boat tour such as the Alligator and Wildlife tour. Don’t forget to check out the 4,000-year-old sea pines shell ring!
Island Winery
15 Cardinal Rd, SC
Island Winery
Taste the delightful wines offered at the Island Winery while enjoying the views of the scenic surroundings on the patio or in their large family and pet picnic sitting area. Also provided is an indoor tasting room. Check out their website for their endless list of tasty wines.
Islanders Beach Park
94 Folly Field Rd, Hilton Head Island SC
Islanders Beach Park - Hilton Head Island
Take the kids out to enjoy the 12 miles of sandy beaches and one of the largest playgrounds Hilton Head has to offer. You will be surrounded by breathtaking trees, plants and other forestry.
After hours of play, you can cool down at the beach.
Daufuskie Island
Island in Hilton Head, S
Daufuskie Island, South Carolina | Hilton Head
The only way to travel to the island is by boat or ferry and then travel along the island in golf carts! Here you will see the beautiful white sand beaches, Spanish moss and historical landmarks.
Coming to the island is a full day’s trip as there is an abundance of things to do and see. Check out the goat barn, or visit the cows, ducks, turkeys and more. There are also guided kayak tours and paddleboards. To plan your trip, visit their website.
Whether you are spending your day on a relaxing beach or enjoying the copious amount of attractions the island has to offer, we can assure you; you won’t be disappointed.