8 Best Kayak & SUP Tours on Hilton Head Island 

There are endless ways to enjoy the local waters of Hilton Head Island, but a guided kayak or SUP tour with a local naturalist is by far the most intimate Lowcountry experience available. 

Hilton Head’s network of nature trails extends to miles of tranquil paddling trails that lure you away from the white sandy beaches to explore the tidal creeks, salt marshes, and coastal wetlands of Hilton Head Island. Imagine yourself surrounded by Lowcountry beauty with the freedom of paddling alongside playful dolphins and manatees, sighting minks and otters in the marshlands, and bald eagles nesting above – that’s a Hilton Head Island paddle tour! You can even paddle with your pooch

Sure you can venture out by kayak alone, but the benefits of a locally guided tour are abundant! Our local tours are tailored to beginners so if you’re a first-timer, instruction is included. Your naturalist guide is familiar with Hilton Head’s waterways (hello secret spots!), the history and habitats of our unique coastal ecosystems, and the wildlife that calls Hilton Head home. 

Begin your Lowcountry paddle adventures with our Sunset Rental’s Guide to Kayak & SUP Tours on Hilton Head Island, SC. 

1. Outside Hilton Head

Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
Guided Tours on Broad Creek & Daufuskie Island

Explore the hidden channels of Broad Creek with the outdoor experts at Outside Hilton Head, a local favorite since 1979! Winding 7 miles inland from Calibogue Sound, Broad Creek is Hilton Head’s largest creek with calm sheltered waters, tranquil marsh channels to explore, and bountiful wildlife, birdlife, and bottlenose dolphin encounters. Broad Creek is a favorite feeding ground for our Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, playful and curious enough to cruise alongside your kayak! 

The kayak and SUP tour options at Outside Hilton Head are endless! Choose from a Guided Kayak Nature Tour, Outback Kayak Tour, Full Moon Kayak Tour, Shelter Cove Fireworks Paddle, Kayak Fishing, May River Excursions, Intro to Stand Up Paddling, SUP Yoga, or a peaceful SUP Nature Walk on Broad Creek. Group tours or private customized adventures are available and you’re your adventures are over, there’s shopping, restaurants, and amazing outdoor events at Shelter Cove

2. Kayak Hilton Head

Broad Creek Marina
Guided Tours on Broad Creek & Pinckney Island

Located across the creek at Broad Creek Marina, Kayak Hilton Head has been guiding the scenic waterways on Hilton Head since 1995. Broad Creek Marina is Hilton Head’s newest marina and offers a wide variety of dolphin and nature cruises, sailboat charters, parasailing, fishing charters, and kayak and SUP tours with Kayak Hilton Head. End your paddle experience sipping cocktails, savoring Lowcountry cuisine, and unwinding with scenic waterfront views at Fishcamp on Broad Creek or Up the Creek Pub & Grill.   

Kayak Hilton Head offers daily 2-hour guided kayak and SUP tours of Broad Creek, private full-day tours, Shelter Cove Fireworks paddle tours in the summer, and kayaking eco-tours of historic Pinckney Island, one of the best birdwatching spots on Hilton Head Island. Their experienced outdoor adventure guides are fun and friendly with an intimate knowledge of the island’s wildlife and waterways.    

3. H20 Sports

Harbour Town Marina
Guided Tours on Calibogue Sound

H20 Sports are the only water sports activity provider at Sea Pines Harbour Town with activities for every age and adventure level! Whether you’re seeking a thrill, a casual cruise, or a self-guided tour of Calibogue Sound, you’ll find it at H20 Sports at Harbour Town. Kayak and SUP tours from Harbour Town explore the Calibogue Sound, a wild ocean channel between Hilton Head and Daufuskie Island with hidden creeks, coves, and marshes teeming with life. 

H20 Sports is all about “the FUN, the WATER, and YOU!”. Tour options include guided kayak tours, sunset kayak tours, SUP lessons and tours, or customized family adventures on the water. Other water sports activities available include Hilton Head Parasailing, Alligator & Wildlife Tours at Sea Pines Forest Preserve, Dolphin Tours, Hilton Head Sailing Charters, and jet ski, wave runner, and boat rentals to head out on your own expedition. 

4. Island Water Sports

Sea Pines South Beach Marina
Guided Tours on Calibogue Sound

If you’re spending your vacation in Sea Pines South Beach, Island Water Sports at South Beach Marina is your go-to for Kayak and SUP tours of Calibogue Sound. Situated on Braddock Cove at the southernmost tip of Hilton Head Island, South Beach Marina is a scenic launching point for paddle adventures on Calibogue Sound, and one of the most spectacular sunset spots on Hilton Head Island – best enjoyed from the world-famous Salty Dog Café!    

Island Water Sports offer a 90-minute Guided Kayak Tour, or “nature walk on water” through the creeks of Calibogue Sound, stand up paddleboarding through the salt marshes of South Beach Marina, and a variety of water activities. Take a banana boat ride on Calibogue Sound, explore Vanishing Island on an eco-tour, or rent a pontoon or powerboat to plan your own adventures. 

5. Hilton Head Outfitters

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
Guided Tours on the Palmetto Dunes Lagoon System

The Palmetto Dunes 11-mile lagoon system offers easy paddling for families and beginners. The saltwater lagoon system winds through the neighborhoods and golf courses in the Palmetto Dunes Resort area with calm waters, and an incredible variety of saltwater species for kayak fishing! The Palmetto Dunes lagoons boast some of the best island fishing on Hilton Head with an abundance of redfish, flounder, spotted sea trout, and tarpon. A South Carolina saltwater fishing license is required to fish in the lagoon system. 

Hilton Head Outfitters is located on the shores of the Palmetto Dunes lagoon system and offer single and tandem kayak rentals, three person canoes to explore and fish the calm waters of the lagoon, and inshore skiff charters with a naturalist guide. 

6. Coastal Discovery Museum

Honey Horn Plantation
Guided Tours of Jarvis Creek & Daufuskie Island

The ultimate Lowcountry experience awaits at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn Plantation. Aside from the spectacular plantation grounds with native gardens, wildlife habitats, and excellent exhibits, the Coastal Discovery Museum offers a long list of guided eco-tours on land and water. From artisan & history tours, heritage garden tours, and wildlife tours to epic excursions on the coastal creeks, Coastal Discovery Museum has tours for every traveler. 

Take a kayak tour of Jarvis Creek, a small creek perfect for beginners and families, or immerse yourself in the full splendor of Hilton Head Island on their Kayak the Outback Tour, a 4.5-hour paddle through the peaceful and pristine creeks of Page Island and Daufuskie Island. 

7. Sea Monkeys Watersports

Hilton Head Harbor & Marina
Guided Tours on Skull Creek & Pinckney Island

Situated on the north end of the island, Skull Creek separates Hilton Head from Pinckney Island to join the Port Royal Sound. While Skull Creek is well known for its excellent waterfront dining and fresh seafood straight from the docks, it also offers some of the best paddling on Hilton Head Island with coastal charm, wildlife, and scenic views of Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge.   

Sea Monkeys Watersports launch their guided jet ski, kayak, and paddleboard trips on Skull Creek and Pinckney Island from Hilton Head Harbor & Marina. They also offer boat rentals by the hour, perfect for a casual dolphin watching cruise with the family. Linger a little longer and enjoy fantastic food and the island’s best sunset and waterfront views at Sunset Grille, consistently recognized as one of Hilton Head Island’s best kept secrets! 

8. Vayk Gear Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals

THE source for Beach Gear Rentals on your Hilton Head, SC vacation!

There’s no need to pack a kayak or SUP when you spend your Hilton Head vacation with Sunset Rentals. Our exclusive Beach & Bike Gear credit program with Vayk Gear gives guests staying in participating properties up to $350 credit on complimentary kayak and SUP rentals to explore the Hilton Head Island rivers, creeks, and lagoons at your own pace. Vayk Gear credit can also be used towards bike rentals, outdoor games, coolers, beach chairs, umbrella rentals, and beach carts to transport it all in one trip.

HOW IT WORKS

1. Book your vacation to Hilton Head Island! Complimentary Beach Gear is offered year round on select Sunset Rentals vacation homes and villas with 4-21 night stays. The value of your complimentary beach gear varies by property and ranges in value from $150 – $350. 

2. After booking, watch for an email from our gear partner Vayk Gear. Your rental house name and check-in date in the subject line. Click on the link in the email directing you to the beach gear rental page and input your reservation number. The complimentary beach gear credit will be applied automatically.

3. Select your desired beach gear, add any optional extras, and check out! Choose from top quality beach gear items like bikes, chairs & umbrellas, kayaks, paddle boards, corn hole, beach carts, skim and boogie boards and more.

4. Vayk Gear will take care of the rest! Select the items you want at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled arrival date and we’ll deliver everything for you on the day you are scheduled to arrive and pick everything up on your scheduled departure day. Just leave your gear clean and where you found it the night before your scheduled departure (gear pickups start at 6am ET), we’ll take care of the rest.

All that’s left to do is take a tour of the resort areas of Hilton Head to choose a neighborhood, find a vacation home or villa with Vayk Gear credit, and start planning your HHI paddle adventures with our team at Sunset Rentals. We hope to see you on the waterways soon!


Hilton Head Island Grocery Stores & Food Delivery Services


For many travelers, shopping for groceries is a fun beginning to a vacation, but for others, well it’s a burden they would rather leave behind. One of our guests’ most frequently asked questions about Hilton Head Island is where to stock up on groceries, find the freshest seafood, and fill the cooler with beverages during their stay.   

When it comes to grocery shopping, Hilton Head Island has everything from convenient big-box supermarket chains and boutique grocery stores to roadside seafood stands, Lowcountry delis, and classic old-fashioned convenience stores. We’ve put together the Ultimate Grocery Shopping Guide to Hilton Head to help you plan your vacation to America’s Favorite Island. 



GROCERY STORES & DELIS



Barnacle Bill’s Fresh Seafood Market

614 William Hilton Parkway | Phone: (843) 785-9007

Barnacle Bill’s is a laid-back roadside seafood market conveniently located mid-island near Chaplin Community Park. They offer an amazing selection of fresh fish and seafood, or pick up a portion of ready-made Lowcountry boil for a feast at home.

Open daily 10AM to 5PM, closing at 2PM on Sunday.



Benny Hudson Seafood

175 Squire Pope Road | Phone: (843) 682-3474

Situated on the banks of Skull Creek, Benny Hudson Seafood has been supplying islanders with seafood straight from the dock for over 5 generations. Known as a sulfite-free facility, they offer the freshest, high-quality seafood from our local waters and beyond.

The Marketplace is open Monday to Saturday 10AM to 5PM.


Fresh Market

890 William Hilton Pkwy | Phone: (843) 842-8332

Fresh Market is an upscale grocery store just south of Shelter Cove and the entrance to Palmetto Dunes. They stock a selection of local Lowcountry organic produce, fresh baked goods, beer and wine, toiletries, and ready-made family meals to go.

Shop in-store or online for curbside pickup. Open daily 8AM to 9PM.



Harris Teeter

Main Street Village | Phone: (843) 689-6255
Park Plaza Shopping Center | Phone: (843) 785-6185

Harris Teeter is a larger supermarket chain with two locations on the island – Main Street Village near Port Royal and Park Plaza near Sea Pines Resort.

Both stores are open daily from 6AM to 11PM with online ordering, express curbside pick-up, and local delivery.



Harbour Town General Store

Sea Pines Harbour Town | Phone: (843) 363-9802

If you’re staying in Sea Pines Resort area, you can stock up on vacation essentials, groceries, and beach gear at the Harbour Town General Store. The store is situated next to the Gregg Russell Playground and is open daily from 9AM to 9PM.



Hilton Head Oils and Balsamics

Village at Wexford | Phone: (843) 681-2722

Hilton Head Oils and Balsamics sells premium olive oils, balsamic vinegars, gourmet sauces, and health and beauty products from the finest olives in Italy.

The store is open Monday to Saturday 10AM to 6PM for shopping and tastings, or to purchase online for delivery.



Kroger

Shelter Cove Towne Center | Phone: (843) 842-0540

There is a large Kroger Grocery Store located in Shelter Cove Towne Center with a pharmacy, and a Kro-Bar to sip and shop! Kroger is open daily from 6AM to 11PM with convenient curbside pickup and Instacart delivery.



Lowcountry Produce Market & Café

The Shops at Sea Pines Center | Phone: (843) 686-3003

Situated in The Shops at Sea Pines Center, Lowcountry Produce serves breakfast and lunch daily and has a small specialty marketplace. Lowcountry Produce has attracted national attention for its selection of handmade pies, pickles, chutneys, relishes, sweet jellies and preserves, and southern-style chow chows.

Open daily 8AM to 2:30PM.



Palmetto Dunes General Store

1 Trent Jones Lane, Palmetto Dunes | Phone: (843) 842-2507

Located in the heart of Palmetto Dunes, the General Store is within walking distance to the beach and sells a variety of groceries, beer and wine, grab-and-go items, beach gear, candy, and ice cream. They are known for their world-famous cinnamon rolls and the best fried chicken in Hilton Head!

Open daily 5AM to 11PM.



Piggly Wiggly

Coligny Plaza | Phone: (843) 785-3881

Family-owned since 1969, Piggly Wiggly at Coligny Plaza is a one-stop shop for all your grocery needs and vacation essentials. They offer a wide variety of local South Carolina products, a “Fish n’ Tales Seafood Market” with seafood straight from the local waters, and cool Dig the Pig merchandise to take home.

Open daily 7:30AM to 7:30PM.



Publix Super Market

Island Crossing Shopping Center | Phone: (843) 842-2632
Festival Center at Indigo Park | Phone: (843) 689-9977

There are two Publix Supermarket locations in Hilton Head – Island Crossing near Sea Pines open 7AM to 10PM daily and the Festival Center near Port Royal open daily 7AM to 9PM. Publix offers online ordering for curbside pick-up and Instacart delivery on the island.



South Beach General Store

South Beach Marina | Phone: (843) 671-6784

Staying in Sea Pines South Beach? The South Beach General Store is an old-fashioned convenience store with a wide range of essentials, beach gear, beer and wine, and quality Hilton Head souvenirs.

Open daily 8AM to 7PM.



South End Seafood Market

18 Executive Park Road | Phone: (843) 540-1109

Tucked away off Pope Avenue near Coligny Plaza, South End Seafood is a hidden gem with a great selection of fresh fish and seafood native to the South Carolina Lowcountry, and a range of condiments to spice it up.

Open daily 10AM to 5PM.  



Whole Foods Market

Shelter Cove Towne Center | Phone: (843) 842-0700

For natural and organic grocery items, ready meals, and catering, Whole Foods is located next to Kroger in the Plaza at Shelter Cove Towne Center. Whole Foods Market is open daily 8AM to 9PM with online ordering options for curbside pickup and grocery delivery.


HILTON HEAD LIQUOR STORES



Reilley’s Wine & Spirits

Main Street Village | Phone: (843) 681-5778
Village at Wexford | Phone: (843) 785-3339

Reilley’s Wine & Spirits is the largest liquor store on Hilton Head Island with a vast selection of domestic and imported wines, champagnes, single malt liquors, small batch bourbons, flavored spirits, vintage ports, and more! With a south end and north end location, it’s easy to shop at Reilley’s wherever you stay on Hilton Head.

Open Monday to Saturday 9AM to 7PM.



Roller’s Wine & Spirits

Sea Pines Circle | Phone: (843) 842-1200
Coligny Plaza | Phone: (843) 785-3614
Port Royal Plaza | Phone: (843) 681 8454

Since 1960, Roller’s Wine & Spirits has been serving Hilton Head with specialty wines, top-shelf spirits, and quality cigars with a team of sommeliers on staff to help you shop. They also offer free tastings in-store, online shopping and delivery (excluding liquor), and a wide selection of domestic and imported cheeses, cured meats, and specialty food products to order.

Open Monday to Saturday 9AM to 7PM. 



Sea Pines Liquor

The Shops at Sea Pines Center | Phone: (828) 808-3426

For Sea Pines Resort area vacationers, this is the only liquor store inside the gates to stock up on spirits! Sea Pines Liquor stocks a wide selection of award-winning wines, top-selling spirits, and more than 35 varieties of moonshine. Be sure to snap a selfie with Dan the Moonshine Man!

Open Monday to Saturday 9AM to 7PM.


GROCERY DELIVERY SERVICES 



Low Country Grocery Runner

Phone: (843) 505-8568

For the past 17 years, Low Country Grocery Runner has been providing concierge-level grocery deliveries to locals and visitors on Hilton Head Island. Their motto is “shop on-line not in-line” and you’re guaranteed a stress-free shopping experience with delivery directly to your Hilton Head Island vacation rental. They also offer a choice of private chef experiences from family-style Mexican Nights and Lowcountry boils to formal fine dining and wine pairings at home.


HILTON HEAD ISLAND FARMERS MARKETS



Hilton Head Farmers Market

Coastal Discovery Museum | Tuesdays 9AM to 1PM

The Hilton Head Farmers Market at Honey Horn Plantation features the freshest produce from local farmers and growers. You’ll find everything from free-range meats, fresh seafood, and quality fruit and veg to handmade sweets and pastries, and all the ingredients for the perfect charcuterie board. Be sure to sample the food trucks, explore the grounds and exhibits at the Coastal Discovery Museum, or book an afternoon tour of the island with a local guide.



Farmers & Makers Market

The Shops at Sea Pines Center | Tuesdays 10AM to 2PM

If you’re staying in the Sea Pines Resort area, the weekly Farmers & Makers Market is the perfect stop for local grocery shopping. The market hosts a diverse group of vendors, artists, and local farmers with fresh farm-to-table fruit and vegetables, seafood straight from the boats, southern-style BBQ, and one-of-a-kind artisan products for gifts or souvenirs to take home.



Wednesdays at Wexford Outdoor Market

Village at Wexford | Wednesdays 10AM to 2PM

Every Wednesday (May through September) the Village at Wexford hosts a sprawling open-air farmers’ market with dozens of local vendors. Stock up on meats and fresh produce, home-baked goods, and Lowcountry delicacies, and take advantage of your Market Card with great specials at participating Village at Wexford retailers and restaurants.



Hilton Head Community Market

Shelter Cove Community Park | Saturday 9:30AM to 12:30PM

The Hilton Head Community Market at Shelter Cove is the best place to be on a Saturday morning! The market features some of the best local farmers, bakers, and artisans in the Lowcountry with everything from smokin’ good BBQ and seafood to preserves, honeys, and sweet treats for the kids, As a true community market, your shopping supports local businesses and gives back to a wide range of featured Hilton Head non-profit organizations.


Savor delicious home-cooked meals with Sunset Rentals – your home away from home on Hilton Head Island!

The Best Collection of Sea Pines Vacation Rentals

At Sunset Rentals, our properties range from smaller more intimate spaces to large & luxe mansions. For peace of mind, all our properties feature high-security keyless entry, and our premium rentals include luxury linen and towels. Let us help to plan your next Hilton Head Island stay today!


Best Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries On Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island isn’t just about pristine beaches and golf courses; it’s also home to a vibrant wine, beer, and spirits culture. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just looking for a fun afternoon, these winery, brewery, and distillery locations on Hilton Head Island provide a great way to experience the local culture. From traditional ales to unique blends and flavors, there’s something for everyone.

The island offers several options to enjoy a curated drink. So gather your friends, enjoy some delicious libations, and soak in the beautiful surroundings of Hilton Head. Here’s a guide to the top five options you should check out while soaking in the sun.

Hilton Head Winery, Brewery, & Distillery Guide

1. Hilton Head Brewing Company

  • Address: 1 Cardinal Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
  • Phone: (843) 715-3251
  • Hours:
    • Daily: 12 PM – 9 PM

Brewery Overview

Hilton Head Brewing Company is the island’s first craft brewery, offering a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for enjoying a cold beer after a day in the sun. With a spacious taproom and outdoor seating, it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

2. Lincoln and South Brewing Company

  • Address: 138 Island Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
  • Phone: (843) 715-3030
  • Hours:
    • Mon-Thurs: 12 PM – 10 PM
    • Fri-Sat: 12 PM – 11 PM
    • Sun: 12 PM – 9 PM

Brewery Overview

Tap room, food, and music – What’s not to like?! Lincoln and South Brewing Company brings a taste of local flavor combined with its Vermont roots with its small-batch brews. The brewery features a warm, inviting atmosphere with rustic decor that embodies the Lowcountry spirit.

3. Side Hustle Brewing Company

  • Address: 59 Pope Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
  • Phone: (843) 715-3942
  • Hours:
    • Mon-Fri: 12 PM – 10 PM
    • Sat: 11 AM – 11 PM
    • Sun: 12 PM – 10 PM

Brewery Overview

Nestled in the heart of Hilton Head Island this beloved local gem is renowned for its meticulously crafted beers. Quality beer starts with carefully selected ingredients that contribute to unique flavors, aromas, and overall character. Whether it’s a refreshing lager or a hop-forward IPA, the perfect tasting beer leaves you with a sense of satisfaction!

4. Hilton Head Distillery

  • Address: 14 Cardinal Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
  • Phone: (843) 686-4443
  • Hours:
    • Mon-Sat: 12 PM – 6:30 PM
    • Sun: CLOSED

Distillery Overview

Hilton Head Distillery is the island’s only distillery and a craft spirits destination. A favorite and must-do activity for locals, vacationers, day-trippers, corporate retreaters, and everything in between. This distillery offers tiki cocktails, a tasting bar, daily tours of the production facility, cocktail classes, and a bottle shop.

5. Island Winery

  • Address: 15 Cardinal Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
  • Phone: (843) 842-3141
  • Hours:
    • Mon-Sat: 12 PM – 5 PM
    • Sun: 12 PM – 4 PM

Winery Overview

If you’re a wine lover, then this beachy winery is for you! Explore a variety from distinct blends to coastal specialties. With a laid-back atmosphere and community-oriented events, it’s a popular stop for wine lovers.


Hilton Head Vacation Homes


Start and finish each day of fun & exploration inside one of Sunset Rentals’ finest Hilton Head condos and home rentals. Most vacation rentals feature private pools, gas fireplaces, chef’s kitchens, free parking, walk-out patios, and distinctive interior designs—all within steps of the Atlantic Ocean’s sandy shoreline. Life at the beach has never been this enticing! Call us at 800-276-8991 to start the booking process.


5 Dog-Friendly Activities On Hilton Head

Unquestionably, the most difficult aspect of planning a well-deserved vacation is lining up necessary pet boarding for your favorite furry friend. It’s never easy saying “goodbye” to a pet (or pets), even if it’s just for a week. However, one of the fastest-growing trends in the hospitality industry is the rise of pet travel. Instead of constantly worrying about your four-legged buddy throughout your long-awaited beachy escape to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, why not bring him or her along for the adventure of a lifetime? Luckily for you and your family, Sunset Rentals boasts the region’s premier pet-friendly vacation homes. In fact, we have the largest collection of seaside, pet-friendly rentals on Hilton Head Island, one of the Carolinas’ most desirable oceanfront locales.

The key to planning a vacation with your dog is finding the right destination and Hilton Head Island ticks all the boxes for a paw-fect pet-friendly vacation! Aside from our world-famous championship golf courses, you can practically take your well-behaved pooch anywhere on Hilton Head, including many of the island’s top tourist attractions, restaurants, and beaches. Say goodbye to hard-to-find pet sitters, doggy day cares, and costly boarding fees and start planning a pet-centric vacation with your pooch on Hilton Head Island. 

America’s Favorite Island is not only one of the most popular island destinations in the US, Hilton Head is also an oceanfront paradise for dog lovers and their furry-family members. Situated on the southern tip of the South Carolina coastline, Hilton Head Island boasts 12-miles of pristine pet-friendly beaches for beach-loving pups, water activities for adventurers, nature trails for wildlife viewing, outdoor patios with designer doggie menus, and beachfront rentals that’ll have your dog drooling for days! 

A recent study shows that nearly half the American population added a pet to their family during Covid and searches for “pet-friendly”, “dog-friendly”, and “allows pets” went up over 300%. Traveling with a pet requires a little extra thought and it’s always smart to plan ahead when adding the family dog to your guest list. Here’s our top tips for tail-wagging adventures and a dog-friendly vacation on Hilton Head Island.


Play on Hilton Head Island’s Dog-Friendly Beaches

Beach loving pups are in for a treat on Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head boasts some of the best dog-friendly beaches in South Carolina with wide open stretches for fetch and frisbee, calm waters for ocean dips, and hard packed sands for digging and beach walks. Burkes Beach is a favorite for dog-lovers with easy access to Chaplin Dog Park or head to Alder Lane Beach for a quieter beach day away from the crowds. Hilton Head Island’s beach rules are perfect for pets! In the high season, dogs are allowed on the beach before 10am and after 5pm, in the off-season Hilton Head is a pooch’s paradise with pets welcome anytime, on leash or under strict voice control.  


Cruise the Atlantic Coastline & Barrier Island Waterways

If your pup is adventurous (and a confident swimmer) take your outdoor activities to the next level and explore the coastline and waterways on a dog-friendly charter or cruise on Hilton Head Island. Sail alongside Hilton Head’s resident dolphin pod on Captain Mark’s dolphin cruises, go Lowcountry saltwater fishing on The Runaway, or plan a pet-friendly eco-adventure with Outside Hilton Head. When you vacation on Hilton Head Island, your pooch is always part of the adventures.


Explore Hilton Head’s Dog-Friendly Parks & Trails

If your pup prefers dry land, Hilton Head’s dog-friendly bike paths, nature trails and off-leash dog parks make it easy to get outdoors. Explore the Hilton Head Island bike paths, hike the nature trails at Audubon Newhall Preserve and Sea Pines Forest Preserve, or head to Chaplin Park. Chaplin Park is the most dog-friendly destination on Hilton Head with sports courts, a kids playground, hiking trails, beach access to Burkes Beach, and a fenced-in, double-gated, off-leash dog park for your pooch to romp and roam freely. The chance of encountering local wildlife on Hilton Head Island is high! Please keep your pets leashed, watch out for wildlife on the trails (and in the ponds!), and respect our wildlife habitats leaving no trace behind. 


Savor Fresh Seafood, Oceanfront Cocktails and Patio Dining with your Pup

While your furry travel buddy is not allowed inside Hilton Head Island’s cafes and restaurants, nearly every outdoor patio on the island is pet-friendly, and the climate is perfect for year-round patio dining with your pup. With 30+ dog friendly patios on Hilton Head Island (including favorites like The Crazy Crab, The Old Oyster Factory, Fishcamp, and Skull Creek Boathouse), exclusive doggie menus, chews and treats – your pooch will be panting to join you at breakfast, lunch, dinner and oceanfront cocktails on Hilton Head.


Spend your Vacation in the Top Pet-Friendly Rentals on Hilton Head Island

The days of leaving your furry friend behind while you vacation are long gone – our team at Sunset Rentals love and treat our four-legged travelers as well as our human guests, with exceptional guest service! 

Sunset Rentals represent Hilton Head Island’s largest collection of pet-friendly rentals offering pet owners a wide range of condos, golf villas, and luxury vacation villas that welcome well-behaved pets. Our dog-friendly vacation rentals feature all the comforts and perks of a private home, dog-friendly amenities for your pup, and a locally based team to guide you through your vacation planning. 

Take a tour of the top resort areas of Hilton Head Island, browse our selection of dog-friendly vacation rentals, and start planning your dog-friendly vacation on Hilton Head Island with Sunset Rentals.

1. Go To The Beach

Spend an afternoon on the beach—swim, play fetch, build a sandcastle, you name it. Some of the prettiest dog-friendly beaches in South Carolina lie on the island.

Local’s Tip: Go for a sunrise jog on the beach. It’s good exercise for both parties!

2. Pet-Friendly Dining

Dine at a handful of the best pet-friendly restaurants, such as Fishcamp on Broad Creek, Reilley’s Grill & Bar, Carolina Crab Company, and Aunt Chilada’s Easy Street Cafe.

Local’s Tip: Take photos together, and capture that perfect Instagram moment.

3. Off-Leash Dog Park

Let your pup off of the leash at the Chaplin Community Dog Park. It’s the paw-fect way to get those zoomies out, and tucker your pup out. Dogs can mingle and make friends while on vacation, too!

4. Go For A Picnic

Picnic at beautiful Folly Field Beach Park. Dogs like picnics too! Your pup will love hanging at the beach park and soaking up all the rays!

Local’s Tip: Treat your four-legged friend at Tail Wiggles’ “Barkery.”

5. Get Adventurous!

Take your pup out for some high times! Head out to sea with a rod in hand on a Runaway fishing charter or Board one of Captain Mark’s dolphin cruises.

Local’s Tip: Hike through the heart of Audubon Newhall Preserve or go Stand-Up Paddleboarding!

It’s not uncommon for travelers to aimlessly Google “dog-friendly activities near me” during pet travel. BringFido is always a marvelous resource, especially when it comes to locating restaurants that allow dogs. Finding a place to walk your dog on the island is as easy as smacking your pointer finger on a map while blindfolded. That being said, you’ll likely want to do more than just walk or jog with your dog this summer. Thus, we pieced together 10 unique (and fun) activities that are a short walk, bicycle ride, or drive from our eclectic mix of pet-friendly rentals on Hilton Head Island.

To learn more about our particularly beautiful slice of South Carolina’s coast, please visit us online at SunsetRentals.com. You can also reach us at any time by dialing 843-785-6767. We cannot wait to see all of your smiling faces this summer in our sandy paradise!


Pet-Friendly Rentals on Hilton Head Island

The decision to vacation on Hilton Head Island was an easy one, primarily because of this breathtaking community’s pristine beaches, mouthwatering coastal cuisines, seemingly endless bicycling trails, and countless boat tours. There’s ample space to “spread your wings” on this quiet, picturesque haven, as the isle spans nearly 70 square miles—most of which is lush, uninhabited land where cute woodland critters govern the domain.

But, above all else, the diverse array of pet-friendly rentals on Hilton Head Island is likely what drew your eye. Sunset Rentals prides itself on offering a genuinely unforgettable escapade for everyone, pet owners included. Over the years, we’ve enhanced the guest experience by adding nearly 100 charming, modern pet-friendly villas and homes along the eastern rim of Hilton Head Island.