Looking to make the most of your next Hilton Head Island vacation with affordable activities for the entire family? We know that money is limited and you want to make the most of it while you’re here with free or low cost adventures. That’s why we’ve put together this list of our favorite budget-friendly activities across the island!
1. Visit the Beach
We know visiting the beach is a no-brainer here on the island, but it’s a popular favorite for a reason! Hilton Head Island is home to 12 miles of white sandy beaches just waiting to be explored. Whether you’d prefer to soak up the sun, splash through the waves, or search for seashells, a beach day is the perfect way to get outside and play with no extra cost!
Local’s Tip: Check out this blog post to find out which beach is right for you!
2. Catch Blue Crabs
Want to get up close and personal with some marine life? Try catching blue crabs at a local public dock! All you have to do is visit a grocery store to buy some string and chicken neck, tie it to a stick, and toss it into the water. Blue crabs love the strong scent of chicken, while other marine animals typically avoid it, so it’s a sure fire way to lure in blue crabs. For the best results, we recommend trying it out at the Cross Island Boat Landing or Old House Creek Dock!
3. Explore the Great Outdoors
As a staff favorite here at Sunset Rentals, the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge has proven to be one of the best places on the island for bird watching and alligator sightings along the biking and walking trails. The Refuge is a significant part of the Atlantic Flyway, attracting thousands of migratory birds throughout the year, as well as plenty of other local wildlife. It is home to nesting habitats for ibis, egrets, and herons, as well as alligators swimming through the waters, deer frolicking in the wooded areas, and more. Just drive on over and start exploring for free!
Honey Horn is a close second favorite, offering visitors the perfect place to explore the island’s cultural heritage and natural beauty. With plenty of historical buildings, salt marshes, and oyster beds along the way, you’re sure to get in some wildlife spotting at no cost. The Coastal Discovery Museum is also located at Honey Horn, where you can find exhibits, guided tours, events, and experiences full of opportunities to get up close and personal with Hilton Head’s wild inhabitants for just. For admission price and free entry dates, visit the Coastal Discovery Museum’s website.
4. Enjoy Free Shows at Shelter Cove
Throughout summer, Shelter Cove features weekly celebrations for Harbourfest! Each week from Memorial Day through Labor Day, you can enjoy week-long events with live music and entertainment, arts and crafts, kids activities, as well as Tuesday night fireworks! View the 2024 Fireworks Schedule for more information.
Shelter Cove also offers free movie nights throughout the summer, rain or shine! Pack your snacks and picnic blankets, head over to Shelter Cove, and settle in for an outdoor movie night on a 20’ screen! Check out their full schedule for specific dates and showtimes.
5. Get Outside and Play
Lowcountry Celebration Park is the newest park on Hilton Head Island, offering 10 acres of adventures near Coligny Beach. The Adventure Playground features an expansive pirate ship, wading pool, and playground for the little ones to explore while learning about the island’s rich history, The Perimeter Walk offers the perfect spot for an evening stroll with the little ones, an open lawn is available for family picnics, and a pavilion is offered for quick meals before hitting the beach. There are also two fitness stations, Wi-Fi, restrooms, and more for your action-packed day of adventures across the park.
Nearby at Coligny Beach Park, you can find the Coligny Fountain! Not only does Coligny offer a boardwalk to the beach, multiple lounging areas, convenient trails, and beachside shops, but also a fun fountain for the little ones to make a splash. The Coligny Fountain is renowned as one of the most iconic Hilton Head tourist spots, making the perfect photo op while the kids are splashing and playing or rinsing off after a long beach day.
6. Journey Through Museums and Exhibits
Another staff favorite, the Port Royal Maritime Center, is a museum located just 30 minutes from the island but is well worth the scenic drive into Beaufort. Experience an engaging and exciting educational experience for all ages! Get up close and personal with reptiles, travel back in time to view historic fossils, take in the natural beauty from the outdoor docks, learn Gullah Geechee history, and enjoy tons of interactive activities throughout the museum. The best part? Admission is free!
7. Watch for Wildlife
Wherever you look across the island, you’re sure to find wildlife! If you’re on the ocean, search for sea turtles coasting through the waves. If you’re on the beach, you might just find sea turtles making their way to the shore. If you’re staying on a lagoon, you’re likely to see alligators basking in the sun. And if you’re enjoying lunch at a waterfront restaurant, dolphins are often seen breaching along the coast.
On Hilton Head Island, alligators are often seen in Jarvis Creek Park basking along the banks of the pond, swimming through the lagoon systems in Palmetto Dunes, Shipyard, and Sea Pines, as well as exploring the golf courses near water. Just be careful and always pay attention to your surroundings – especially if you hit your ball toward water or wooded areas.
No matter the animal you’re watching for, just be sure to follow wildlife safety and preservation rules, so that you and our wild inhabitants can stay safe on the island!
8. Have a Sand Sculpture Contest
Head over to one of the island’s many beaches with your sand buckets and shovels, plan your best sand sculpture design, and get to digging! Need some inspiration? Many visitors build sandcastles and sculptures along the sandy shores of Hilton Head, so take a walk around and get inspired. When you’re done building, snap a photo and let us be the judge! Just tag us on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok and show us your creations!
9. Get Complimentary Beach Gear
When you book a stay at one of our many participating properties with complimentary VayK beach gear credit, you can enjoy top-quality beach gear for no extra cost to you! You can rent popular, top-quality beach gear like bikes, chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, paddle boards, beach carts, boogie boards, and more. All you have to do is book a 4-21 night stay at one of our participating properties to receive up to $350 in beach gear credits.
10. Spend Quality Time at Home in Your Vacation Rental
There’s no better way to make the most out of your money than spending quality time at home with your family! One of the best perks of staying in a vacation rental is having the space and privacy to accommodate everyone, especially with a full kitchen and dining area. Full gourmet kitchens allow you to make meals right from home, saving money without having to eat out for every meal. You can make a quick trip to one of Hilton Head’s grocery stores (or have them delivered), make a meal with plenty of room for the whole family to gather around to help, and eat around the table for great conversations and delicious meals. Or, if you’re looking to get outside and enjoy the island views, take your meal outside for a picnic by the pool, on the deck, or at a local park!
Another perk of staying in a vacation rental includes spacious living areas with comfortable seating and TVs–perfect for movie nights! Gather around the living room, sit back and relax, then choose a movie to enjoy together. Plus, if you’re wanting something more interactive, you can gather around for a game night! Some of our rentals even include ping pong tables, board games, and more, so that you can have all the fun you need right from home.
Stay with Sunset Rentals
At Sunset Rentals, we understand the importance of making the most out of your money while you’re here. That’s why our properties include the best rentals across the island with spacious interiors, convenient locations, luxurious amenities, and some even include complimentary beach gear credit! Get the most out of your money spent on vacation when you stay with Sunset Rentals and if you ever need help planning, just give our office a call at 800-276-8991. Our reservationists would be happy to help you plan an unforgettable vacation that fits your budget!
