The best part about birding in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is that it’s an inexpensive way to get outdoors, and it’s great for every age. Hilton Head is one of the best places to visit in South Carolina for birding as our town is quite environmentally friendly, and there are hundreds of species that frequent the area. Search for Red-Shouldered Hawk or be on the lookout for the Pileated Woodpecker along with a variety of seabirds. Keep reading as we’ll provide a South Carolina visitor’s guide to birding around Hilton Head Island.
Where to Go
Because birding is a popular pastime activity around the island, you’ll be happy to know there is a Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Birding Trail. All you have to do is use your cell phone and download the app to find information about the birds that frequent the area and birding sites where you can find them. Not only does the app act as a South Carolina visitor’s guide for birding, but it also provides understanding about the continued development of nature at each site that ultimately protects our feathered friends.
Tips for Bird Watching
When you’re looking for birds on your South Carolina family vacation, there are different ways that you can identify birds just by appearance. Looking for colors, shapes, movements, how they sing and noting the time of year are all ways you can be sure of your findings. Bring a notebook along on your daily treks around Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, as it will be easier to make a note of a bird before it flies away.
Popular Birds You’ll Find
While there are many birds in the area, there are several that you will more than likely see on your daily outings. Using the Hilton Head Birding Trail as a South Carolina visitor’s guide for birding will be the best way to identify the majority of them. We’ll go over a several that you can expect to see during your South Carolina family vacation.
Great Blue Heron—Blue-gray color (though there is a white phase), black wide stripe over eye, thick bill, long legs and neck
Great Egret—White feathers, long yellow bill, and black legs
Bald Eagle—White head and tail, dark brown wings, yellow bill and legs
Osprey—Dark brown on back and white on the belly, small head, grey legs, waterbirds
Red-Shouldered Hawk—Checkered black and white wings, red on the breast, rounded wings, and fanned-out tail while flying
Pileated Woodpecker—Smaller size, dark in color, pointed beak, and a red mohawk
Brown Pelican—The only type of pelican around Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Versatile Vacation Homes All Sizes
Now that you have had a chance to review our South Carolina visitor’s guide for birding, you can have a fun day out spotting birds around the area. Whether you’re a family vacation, romantic getaway, or are heading to Sunset Rentals for a reunion, you’ll be in one of the best places to visit in South Carolina: Hilton Head Island. Our properties range from small one-bedroom rentals to vacation homes with up to 10 bedrooms for large groups. If you have any questions, please contact us at 1-800-276-8991.
Embrace the fun-filled adventures of winter as you embark on a journey filled with sunshine, sandy shores and a variety of family-friendly adventures on Hilton Head, America’s favorite island. Hilton Head Island is a destination where every stroll reveals the captivating charm of Lowcountry landscapes, nature tours unveil the island’s diverse wildlife, and an abundance of family-friendly attractions promise a boundless blast for every age group – from the tiniest tots to spirited teens.
Our kids winter guide to Hilton Head Island will help you create the ultimate winter vacation itinerary, unlocking a world of education, excitement, and exploration outside the classroom!
Escape the winter chill and dive into the warm sandy embrace of Hilton Head Island’s pristine public beaches. Hilton Head has 12 miles of free, public, pet-friendly beaches with oceanfront rentals just steps from the sand. Yes, your puppy may join you on your family vacation to Hilton Head! You may not be splashing in the ocean, but the warm winter weather is perfect for picnics, building sandcastles, dolphin watching, beachcombing for seashells and shark teeth, and witnessing the candy-colored glow of an island sunset before tucking into bed. Nothing beats a winter vacation on the beach! Here are 8 Easy Beach Access Spots on Hilton Head to get you started!
Hilton Head Island boasts an array of recreational parks and community parks, but Lowcountry Celebration Park near Coligny Plaza emerges as an undisputed favorite for the kids. This dynamic destination playground features a 1,400 square-foot Adventure ship playground mimicking Captain William Hilton’s vessel, loaded with climbers, slides, tunnels, misting cannons, interactive activity panels, and more! Just a short stroll away, families can extend their adventure to the sun-kissed shores of Coligny Beach Park, as well as shops, restaurants, and family fun at Coligny Plaza.
For curious minds and adventurous spirits, the Sandbox Children’s Museum is a treasure trove of interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and discovery for young minds. Located at Lowcountry Celebration Park, the museum is designed for ages 12 and under to ignite their imagination, play, and explore freely in a safe kid-friendly environment. The Sandbox Children’s Museum also hosts regular themed events including free family nights and holiday happenings.
Get ready to unleash your inner artist at The Art Cafe, a vibrant paint your own pottery studio near Coligny Plaza. Choose from a variety of pottery pieces, whether it’s a mug, plate or quirky figurine, and let your imagination run wild with a palette of colorful paints. The Art Cafe provides all the tools and paints you need to bring your masterpiece to life, and with their expert touch, they’ll glaze, fire, and have your unique creation ready for collection in just 3 days.
Embark on a family climb to the top of the iconic red and white striped Harbour Town Lighthouse in the Sea Pines resort area. As you climb the 114 steps, let the kids take the lead! It’s not just a lighthouse climb, it’s an educational journey through the rich history of Hilton Head Island to breathtaking panoramic views of Hilton Head’s coastal beauty.
Hilton Head’s famous local, Gregg Russell, knows how to make playtime extraordinary! Located just a short stroll from the Harbour Town Lighthouse, the nature-inspired Gregg Russell Playground embraces a giant live oak with a tree house, swings, slides, climbing bars, and picnic tables to take a break while the kids play. Spending the holidays in Hilton Head? Don’t miss the free Gregg Russell Christmas Concert with a special visit from Santa Claus on December 23 at 7:30 PM
Ahoy, matey! Join a swashbuckling adventure cruise aboard the Black Dagger with the Pirates of Hilton Head, the #1 rated attraction on Hilton Head Island. While cruising the calm waters of Calibogue Sound, your young buccaneers (ages 2 to 10) will enjoy non-stop action with a full pirate makeover, lessons in pirate lingo, and a battle against the infamous Stinky Pete for pirate treasure. Join the crew, and rest assured – your young buccaneers always emerge victorious!,
Not all water activities stop for the winter on Hilton Head Island! Bundle up and get out on the water with Outside Hilton Head, where expert tour guides ensure every family adventure is nothing short of extraordinary. Dive into the thrill of a family fishing charter, explore the island’s waterways with kayak tours, join playful dolphins on a sunset cruise, or set sail to Daufuskie Island for an unforgettable Lowcountry day trip. What a wonderful experience gift for the kids this holiday season!
Step into a magical world at Lawton Stables. Nestled in the heart of Sea Pines Forest Preserve, Lawton Stables is a haven for animal lovers. Book a family carriage ride through the forest preserve, or let the big kids explore on a guided trail ride, while the little ones (ages 7 and under) enjoy whimsical Shetland Pony rides around the farm. The free petting zoo is always a hit! Buy a bag of food for 50 cents and mingle with goats, pot-bellied pigs, miniature donkeys, miniature cows, alpacas, ponies, chickens, and more!
At the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, every step is a journey of discovery and every moment is a chance to learn and have fun! This free museum offers an interactive indoor Kids Zone and 68 acres of historic landscapes with magnificent live oaks, ancient cedars, and Lowcountry wildlife, including endangered Marsh Tacky horses. Pick up a map at the Discovery House to explore the Honey Horn grounds and gardens at your leisure, or book a guided tour to discover, explore, and learn the history and heritage of Hilton Head Island. Their winter program schedule is packed full of unique experiences!
Take your family fun to the skies with Adventure Hilton Head, Hilton Head’s top adventure destination! Embark on an aerial adventure swinging and climbing through the treetops, soar through the sky on a zipline canopy tour (ages 10 and up) with a swinging sky bridge, aerial spiral staircase, and seven ziplines boasting the highest view on the island! If you prefer keeping the excitement closer to the ground, Adventure Hilton Head’s new go-kart track is the ultimate destination for fast-paced, family fun.
Cost: Aerial Adventure (5+ years): $59 per person Zipline Canopy Tour (10+ years): $99 per person GoKart Track (3+ years): $15 single cart. $20 double kart.
Winter afternoons are made for family-friendly mini-golf showdowns! Test your putting skills as you navigate the whimsically landscaped mini-golf courses on Hilton Head Island. Adventure Cove near Folly Field Beach features two Caribbean inspired 18-hole courses with caverns, fountains, and lush lagoons, or keep up the pirate theme practicing your putting skills at Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf in Shelter Cove.
Address:18 Folly Field Rd, Hilton Head Island Phone: (843) 842-9990 Cost: Starting from $11 Hours: Monday – Friday: 12 PM to 9 PM Saturday – Sunday: 10 AM to 9 PM
Address:8 Marina Side Dr, Hilton Head Island Phone: (843) 686-4001 Cost: Starting from $11.50. Little Pirates 3 and under play FREE Hours: Daily 9 AM to 10 PM
Grab your binoculars and embark on a self-guided wildlife safari of Hilton Head. The best way to view wildlife is to bike the trails, kayak the waterways, and adventure out to Hilton Head Island’s nature preserves, wildlife refuges, and pristine beaches. Your self-guided wildlife safari will uncover beautiful birdlife, majestic marine mammals, gators, deers, bobcats, wild boars, and more! Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, Audubon Newhall Preserve, Sea Pines Forest Preserve, and the Coastal Discovery Museum are top spots for wildlife watching in Hilton Head! To witness sea turtle season on Hilton Head, plan your family vacation between May and October.
Pickleball is the ultimate family vacation activity! It’s easy to learn, affordable (or free!), and bridges the generational gap like no other sport! Hilton Head Island takes the pickleball craze up a notch with world-class racquet clubs offering pickleball programs and a choice of free pickleball courts in community and recreational parks across the island. Start your planning with our guide on “Where to Play Pickleball on Hilton Head Island”.
Your family’s dream vacation is just a Sunset Rentals reservation away! With a stunning selection of 245 vacation rentals situated on Hilton Head Island’s picturesque golf courses, sandy beaches, and tranquil lagoons, you get to handpick the view and the amenities that suit your family’s desires! Opt for private heated pools to make winter a splash, spacious bunk rooms to delight the kids, and pet-friendly options for Fido to join in the family fun. Plus, with participating Sunset Rentals, guests enjoy FREE bike & bear gear including kayak rentals, chairs and umbrellas for your beach days, and bikes for the whole family delivered directly to your Hilton Head Island home! Design your dream family vacation with Sunset Rentals, locally serving Hilton Head since 1993!
Our on-island team has been welcoming families to celebrate the holidays in our luxury homes on Hilton Head Island for more than 25 years. The holiday season kick-off festivals have begun and no matter how you like to celebrate the holidays, there are fun festivities for the whole family on Hilton Head Island.
The most important factor in planning events for your Hilton Head vacation is finding a home away from home, hosted by a local team that cares! Sunset Rentals has been proudly serving guests on the island for more than 25 years – come and experience the Sunset Advantage on Hilton Head!
Our team at Sunset Rentals has put together the ultimate guide to dog-friendly restaurants on Hilton Head Island. We’ve even taken it a step further so you can discover the best places to take your dog to dinner near your Hilton Head Island vacation rental. This month, we highlight the best dog-friendly restaurants near Coligny Plaza in Forest Beach, Hilton Head Island.
The Forest Beach neighborhood of Hilton Head is anchored by Coligny Plaza, the award-winning sandy beaches at Coligny Beach Park, and Lowcountry Celebration Park. Many of the stores in Coligny Plaza welcome your pup to shop with you, and there are plenty of pet-friendly outdoor patios in the neighborhood to savor a snack, seafood platter, or sunset cocktail with Fido.
Aunt Chilada’s MenusAunt Chilada’s Easy Street Cafe has been an island favorite since 1988. This Hilton Head hotspot is known for its Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine (famous fish tacos, too!), specialty margaritas, and a lively yet relaxed bar scene! The large patio is covered for all seasons and pet-friendly with an outdoor bar and live music for laid-back vibes with Fido!
Famous for their burgers, Reubens, seafood, and signature “Earle” sandwich, the Earle of Sandwich Pub serves “great food and drinks, at mainland prices”, and the bar only closes at midnight! This homey pub is family-friendly and will gladly welcome your dog on the outdoor patio for lunch, dinner, or a cold beverage break from the beach.
Next door, you’ll find FISH Casual Coastal Seafood serving classic, Lowcountry-style seafood, buns, and baskets, along with craft beers, creative cocktails, and delicious wines. Find an outside table on the lagoon-front patio for pet-friendly dining and live music, and if you’re traveling with kids – take a bucket to the beach, fill it with litter, and claim your free kid’s meal!
Flatbread Grill & Bar is a modern, upscale restaurant with old-world charm, a relaxed atmosphere, and two outdoor patios and bars with HDTVs to grab a bite and catch a game with Fido! The menu features wood-fired pizzas, pastas, gourmet salads, seafood baskets, and a wide range of craft beers and specialty cocktails. – with great happy hour specials every day!
This laid-back, beach-inspired cafe is the downtown spot for award-winning grub and the best daiquiris on Hilton Head Island – you can even pick your proof (virgin options too!). The award-winning grub ranges from pizza and pies to seafood and salads, with a tadpole menu for the little tots and Olive’s Dog Menu for Fido! Live music daily adds to the vibe of this cool, pet-friendly Hilton Head cafe.
For authentic Greek cuisine on Hilton Head Island, reserve a patio table at It’s Greek to Me, an island favorite since 1997. The menu features all your Greek favorites made from scratch with plenty of gluten-free options, a kids menu for picky little eaters, and imported wines and cocktails to pair. The charming patio will gladly welcome your well-behaved dog.
Known as “Hilton Head’s Seafood Destination” and the “chill bar” on Coligny Beach, Rock Fish Seafood & Steaks at Bomboras (once Bomboras Grille) has long been a favorite of locals and visitors to Hilton Head Island. Try their tapas-style appetizers or indulge in a hearty entree or Bomboras handheld. Local Tip: Keep an eye out for their date night events where you can send the kids upstairs to paint their own pottery at The Art Cafe, while you dine at Rock Fish.
Established in 1993, Skillets Cafe & Grill serves the best breakfast and brunch on Hilton Head Island (in signature porcelain skillets), and home-style lunches and dinners ranging from snacks and salads to Lowcountry seafood, southern sides, and prime rib dinners! Bugsy’s Beef & Barley Breakfast is “better than a run on the beach” or let Fido give the Tailwagging Turkey a try!
Watusi Cafe & Market is your dog-friendly neighborhood coffee shop in Forest Beach – open for all-day breakfast & lunch year round with extended hours in the summer for happy hour & early dinner (please call ahead!). Fido will soon make this a local Forest Beach favorite!
If you’re still on the hunt for the pawfect dog-friendly vacation home on Hilton Head Island, you’re in the right place! Our collection of Hilton Head Island vacation rentals includes a wide selection of Hilton Head pet-friendly rentals near Coligny Plaza. Start browsing online or call our team at (843) 785-6767 to find a private paradise for you and your pet on Hilton Head.
When you vacation on Hilton Head Island the main things to do is enjoy the sun, shopping and eat amazing food. But the big question is what is there to do when it is raining outside? Don’t let a little rain dampen your Hilton Head Island vacation spirits! This place has plenty of fun-filled activities and attractions to turn an unexpected rainy vacation day into an unforgettable experience for the whole family. From nature tours and activities to Lowcountry comfort food classics and cozy coastal retreats to hunker down for a day indoors, we’ve got you covered! Here’s our ultimate guide to turning your unexpected rainy days on Hilton head into fun-filled memories. Here are our four top things to do when it is raining outside on Hilton Head Island.
Come and enjoy the Nash Gallery located in Shelter cove! It features incredible work by American’s finest craftsman including glass, ceramics, jewelry, and much more!
Address: 13 Harbourside Lane 2H Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
At the Hilton Head Distillery, you can enjoy a great drinking experience in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. They offer distillery tours, tasting rooms and a bottle shop.
Address: 14 Cardinal Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Voted as the “best destination off the beaten path” Island Winery is a great choice for a rainy day. Here, tradition meets innovation. Located amidst the beauty of our coastal paradise on Hilton Head Island, this family-run winery invites you to sample a selection of specialty & memorable wines.
Looking for something for something to keep the kids occupied while it is raining? The Sandbox is the perfect place to bring them!
The Sandbox exists to provide inclusive and safe environments for children to learn and explore with their peers and caregivers through hands-on discovery and imaginative play that cultivates their physical, social and cognitive development.
Address: 80 Nassau St Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Whether you’re traveling with kiddos, a group of friends, or as a couple, trust Sunset Rentals with your lodging on Hilton Head Island. Locally serving Hilton Head since 1993, our team takes pride in offering the most trusted vacation rentals on Hilton Head to work from home with warm southern hospitality and first-class service every step of the way.
