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Category: Wildlife

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10 Reasons to Visit Hilton Head Island in Winter 

Hilton Head Island in winter is a well-kept secret, offering an escape filled with serenity, adventure, and a chance to explore the island’s top attractions and best-kept secrets, without the crowds or traffic jams! With its mild weather, uncrowded beaches, and a wealth of activities, you’ll wonder why you didn’t consider a winter getaway to Hilton Head sooner. 

From vibrant wildlife wonders to exquisite culinary experiences, from sunset-painted skies to thrilling outdoor adventures, each reason to visit Hilton Head Island in winter adds a layer of magic to your winter escape.

1. Mild Weather

Leave the winter chills behind and escape to Hilton Head Island, where a mild subtropical climate beckons! The absence of scorching summer heat and Hilton Head’s humidity means you can enjoy outdoor activities without working up a sweat, or just bask in the sun on Hilton Head’s beautiful beaches. Word of caution, the water may be a little too chilly for swimming or watersports. 

Hilton Head’s winter weather offers a delightful reprieve from the cold! Even during the coldest months, you can expect daytime highs in the mid-60s, occasionally edging towards 700F. You may experience occasional showers, but they tend to be brief and are followed by lots of sunshine! The combination of mild temperatures, lower humidity, and ample sunshine makes Hilton Head in winter a haven for sunseekers and snowbirds.  

2. Uncrowded Pet-Friendly Beaches

Searching for a paw-some pet-friendly paradise? Hilton Head Island takes pride in being a pet-friendly destination that embraces the whole family, including Fido! You’ll find that many of Hilton Head’s top tourist spots, waterfront restaurants, tour guides, and sun-kissed sandy beaches are all set to welcome you and your well-behaved canine companion with open paws. 

Hilton Head Island’s beaches are dog-friendly year-round, with restrictions in the summer season. From October through March, your furry companion can roam the sandy shores anytime, whether leashed or under your watchful eye and voice command. With 70+ pet-friendly vacation rentals on Hilton Head Island, Sunset Rentals is set to welcome you too.  

3. Sensational Seafood

Prepare your taste buds for a seafood extravaganza! Hilton Head hosts a smorgasbord of food festivals during the winter months, featuring the freshest catches and local culinary delights. Whether you’re craving succulent shrimp, buttery crab, or flavorful freshly harvested oysters roasted over hot coals, Hilton Head’s favorite restaurants are open in winter and ready to serve! Bonus – you won’t have the long summer wait lines and can snag the best seat in the house for seafood with a side of painted skies.   

Keen to plan your winter escape around a foodie festival? Our Winter Events Calendar 2024-25 highlights Hilton Head’s Lowcountry oyster roasts, sommelier series, wine dinners, cooking classes, and seasonal seafood festivals featuring the Lowcountry’s finest chefs and culinary experts. Come savor the flavors of winter on Hilton Head Island!



4. Winter Golfing 

Wondering where to go for a winter golf getaway? Hilton Head Island is a golfer’s dream year-round, and winter is no exception. With its mild climate, world-class public golf courses, and over 400 holes to choose from, Hilton Head has earned its reputation as one of the best golfing destinations in the world. In winter, you can enjoy reduced rates, and perfect your swing, without the crowds, while watching wildlife and soaking up breathtaking ocean views. 

Embrace the ultimate golfing experience on Hilton Head Island with our exclusive collection of luxury vacation villas and homes nestled along the fairways of the island’s renowned golf courses. Our golf course rentals provide the ideal home base for your winter golfing getaway, ensuring your time on the greens is just as special as your rounds on them.

5. Nature & Wildlife

Escape the snowy winter wonderlands and embrace a wonderful world of wildlife and nature activities on Hilton Head. The island’s wildlife is more active in the winter months and can be found free-roaming on the nature trails, protected preserves, miles of untouched beaches, and even the golf courses on Hilton Head. Wildlife-watching experiences are endless – horse ride through Sea Pines Forest Preserve, bike the island’s trails, hike through Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge, birdwatch at Audubon Newhall Preserve, paddle the Palmetto Lagoons, book a fishing charter, or simply watch the dolphins frolicking from the shoreline or a waterfront restaurant. 

Every experience on Hilton Head presents an opportunity for viewing wildlife, and when you stay with Sunset Rentals, there’s an exciting added bonus waiting – complimentary Vayk Gear Credit on select Sunset Rentals vacation homes and villas ranging in value from $150 to $350! We’ve got you covered for beach gear, corn holes, paddleboards, kayaks, bike rentals, and board rentals for those brave enough to brace the chilly waters. Get the full scoop HERE!     

6. Rainy Day Activities 

Rain showers do occasionally grace the island in winter! Rainy days are a welcoming opportunity to explore the wealth of indoor attractions and entertainment options on Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head is retail heaven, so shopping and snacking on seafood is always an option! 

You’ll find movie theaters at Park Plaza, Coligny Plaza, and Northridge Plaza, and the kids will be entertained for hours with mini-golf and arcade games at Adventure Cove. The Sandbox Children’s Museum is an adventure in itself for kids 8 and under, or immerse yourself in the history and culture of Hilton Head at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn.

7. Arts & History 

Hilton Head Island has a rich arts and culture scene that every visitor should embrace. With 68 acres of trails, native grounds and gardens, a historic Discovery House full of exhibits, a cool Kid Zone, and a wide variety of guided tours and excursions, the Coastal Discovery Museum is the place to begin your deeper discovery of Hilton Head. 

If it’s the arts you’re after, you won’t be disappointed. Hilton Head hosts an enticing line-up of arts, culture, and live music events through the winter.  Experience music theater and ballet at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, concertos composed by classical music stars at the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Series, or reserve your ticket for dinner and a show at The Jazz Corner, Hilton Head’s world-renowned jazz supper club.

8. Holiday Events & Festivals 

Hilton Head Island doesn’t just celebrate the holidays, it creates a winter wonderland of pure coastal enchantment. The island truly comes alive during this special season, and there’s no shortage of magic moments to revel in. The Hilton Head holiday festivities include dazzling light displays that transform Sea Pines Harbour Town and Shelter Cove into shimmering attractions, a Christmas boat parade gliding down Skull Creek, snow falling at Shelter Cove, and festive wagon rides weaving their way through Sea Pines Preserve. 

And, of course, you’ll find Hilton Head’s beloved Greg Russell under the famed Liberty Oak Tree in Harbour Town for a Thanksgiving Concert, Christmas Concert, and New Year’s Eve Celebration as the ball drops from Harbour Town Lighthouse.  

9. Winter Sunrises & Sunsets 

Imagine having front-row seats to Hilton Head’s awe-inspiring winter sunrises and sunsets, all without the hustle and bustle of summer crowds. Our oceanfront rentals provide a perfect perch to watch the sun rise from the ocean, painting the sky with hues of pinks, purples, and golds. For the most breathtaking sunsets, head west to Harbour Town, Shelter Cove, or Skull Creek. 

Whether you’re waterfront dining, cruising the Calibogue Sound, or bundled up on the front porch of your vacation home, slow down and savor a winter sunrise or sunset on Hilton Head. Here are the Top Spots to Watch the Sunset on Hilton Head for tips to plan your sunrise and sunset experience.

10. Affordable Off-Season Pricing 

Browse our Sunset Rentals by Location: 
– Hilton Head Island Maps
– Sea Pines
– Forest Beach
– Palmetto Dunes
– Shipyard
– Port Royal

However you choose to spend your winter vacation on Hilton Head, Sunset Rentals ensures that your stay is nothing short of magical. Hilton Head’s off-season means you can enjoy fantastic deals on vacation rental homes and condos, or a monthly rental for an extended Snowbird stay. Experience the same stunning views, top-notch amenities, complimentary Vayk Gear, and warm southern hospitality for a fraction of the cost when you vacation on Hilton Head Island this winter. 

What if working from home comes with elegant interiors, a private pool and spa, uninterrupted ocean views, and the soothing sounds of the Atlantic Ocean as your daily companion? At Sunset Rentals we’ve curated a collection of homes on Hilton Head Island that redefine the way you work! Whether your work setup requires a formal office space, hammock chair, or a poolside perch while the kids play, finding your ideal remote workspace on Hilton Head has never been easier – pick a property with Vayk bike & beach gear credit and get all your bikes, beach gear, and water sports gear delivered for free!

Stay with Sunset Rentals

Whether you’re simply networking or negotiating a million-dollar deal, trust Sunset Rentals with your remote workcation 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. 

Book with confidence and ease with our Sunset Package or call our team at (843) 785-6767 and let us guide you towards a perfect winter escape on Hilton Head Island.

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Top 10 Questions Guests Ask About Hilton Head Island 

Fondly known as “America’s Favorite Island”, Hilton Head is one of the best beach towns on the East Coast for a vacation! Visitors have miles of stunning beaches to explore, excellent water sports, world-class golf courses, waterfront dining, drinking, dancing, and so much more! 

Situated only 45 minutes from Savannah and 90 minutes from Charleston, Hilton Head attracts an estimated 2.5 million visitors a year to its sunny shoreline. Our team at Sunset Rentals has been locally serving Hilton Head since 1993 and we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming countless guests to our beautiful coastal town. To enhance your Hilton Head experience, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 questions our guests ask when traveling to the island. 

1.     When is the best time to visit Hilton Head Island? 

Hilton Head Island has an enticing sub-tropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Summer is peak tourist season on Hilton Head and the time to visit if you’re after festive events and family fun in the sun! Spring and fall bring tolerable temperatures for outdoor adventures (and fewer crowds), and the warm winter weather attracts flocks of snowbirds for extended stays on the island. Take a peek at our HHI weather planner to determine the best time for you to visit Hilton Head Island. 

2.     Is Hilton Head Island pet-friendly? 

YES! Hilton Head Island is so pet-friendly that you can take your dog nearly everywhere, except the lush green fairways! Our beaches are pet-friendly year-round with limitations in the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), you can book a private paddle, cruise, or fishing charter with Fido, and most outdoor patios are quite happy to welcome well-behaved and leashed pets, some even going the extra mile! Browse our selection of 65+ pet-friendly properties on Hilton Head and take some time to read our tips on planning a dog-friendly vacation on Hilton Head Island. 

3.     What are the BEST things to do on Hilton Head Island? 

Whether you’re planning on staying active and hitting the hotspots, relaxing away from the crowds in nature, or a little bit of both – Hilton Head Island has it all! Aside from 12 miles of insta-worthy Atlantic beaches with a tropical island vibe, Hilton Head Island is a mecca for a fun-filled vacation for families with kids, a group of friends, or a romantic couples getaway! Here are the best things to do on Hilton Head Island at a glance – or go ahead and click the link for detailed vacation planning.    

4.     Where are the best beaches on Hilton Head Island? 

With 12 miles of white sandy Atlantic beaches to explore, we’re always asked which is the best beach to visit on Hilton Head Island. The award-winning Coligny Beach Park is the most popular beach with excellent amenities and a wide variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and kids’ activities all nearby. Driessen Beach Park, Burkes Beach, Folly Field Beach, and Islanders Beach Park located mid-island are uncrowded and less “touristy” with grills and pavilions for picnics, kids playgrounds, dog parks, and beautiful boardwalks to stretches of sandy shoreline and calm, lifeguarded waters. 

For seclusion in nature, the north island beaches at Fish Haul and Mitchelville Park are idyllic. The city also offers a free beach wheelchair program and beach matting for visitors with disabilities to access the public beaches on Hilton Head. 

5.     Are there any cultural or historical attractions on Hilton Head Island? 

Hilton Head Island is the perfect destination to unwrap the fascinating cultural history of South Carolina’s Lowcountry region. The island is home to several historic sites and landmarks including the 4,000-year-old Native American Indian Shell Ring and Baynard Plantation ruins in Sea Pines Forest Preserve, and historic Mitchelville Freedom Park on Port Royal Sound, commemorating and preserving America’s first pre-Civil war slave settlement. 

Situated on the historic Honey Horn Plantation, the Coastal Discovery Museum is a must-do for every visitor to the island. Here you can take nature tours on land and water, explore the breathtaking grounds and gardens, and discover the rich Gullah Geechee heritage of Hilton Head with a local guide. 

6.     Do I need a car to get around Hilton Head? 

For the ultimate Hilton Head Island experience, yes! There are lots of things to see and do in Hilton Head that may require a car, but with miles of interconnected bike paths and seasonal trolleys, getting around locally is easy. The Breeze is Hilton Head Island’s free seasonal trolley running seven days a week, every 30 minutes, between the shops, restaurants, and events at Shelter Cove Town Center and Coligny Beach Park in Forest Beach. Or look out for the bright red Forest Beach Shuttle serving North and South Forest Beach, Coligny Plaza, and Pope Avenue. 

In season, guests in Sea Pines Resort Area can hop on the complimentary Sea Pines Trolley connecting Harbour Town, The Shops at Sea Pines Center, South Beach Marina Village, and Sea Pines Beach Club. If you’re staying in Palmetto Dunes, the seasonal on-demand Dunes Buggy will pick you up from your vacation rental and take you anywhere within Palmetto Dunes Resort Area, Shelter Cove Harbor, and Shelter Cove Town Center. From a sandy beach to a sunset seafood bar, for free! 

7.     Where are the best restaurants and bars on Hilton Head Island? 

The short answer, they are everywhere! Hilton Head Island boasts 250+ bars and restaurants with lively happy hours, a plate for every palette, and an ice-cold beverage to pair! Whether you’re craving our rich tradition of Lowcountry cuisine, indulging in a sunset dinner cruise, or planning a pizza night for the kids, you’ll find it here on Hilton Head Island. 

If you’re looking for things to do after dinner in Hilton Head, nightlife activities range from laid-back island-style Tiki bars and hip rooftop bars with late-night DJs and live music to world-class jazz rooms and sophisticated fine dining bars with panoramic views. For the ultimate Hilton Head Island foodie itinerary, check out our guides to the Best Restaurants on Hilton Head Island and the Hilton Head’s 10 Best Bars. 

8.     Can I rent gear locally in Hilton Head? 

Everything you need for an epic Hilton Head vacation is available to rent locally – kayaks and paddleboards for the waterways, skimboards, and surfboards for ocean play, beach loungers and umbrellas, and bike rentals for the whole family. Rentals are readily available at Outside Hilton Head in Shelter Cove, H20 Sports in Harbour Town, and at the various marinas around the island. 

Save on gear rentals and add “hassle-free” to your Hilton Head Island vacation when you stay with Sunset Rentals. We’ve partnered with Vayk Gear to offer an exclusive “Bike & Beach Gear Credit” program on participating properties with a wide range of top-quality gear delivered to your rental on arrival and picked up on departure.   

9.     When can I find nearby grocery stores & grocery delivery services? 

There are a number of big box and boutique grocery stores on the island to fill your fridge! Big box stores include Kroger and Whole Foods at Shelter Cove, a Publix Super Market at Island Crossing near Sea Pines, a Publix and Walmart Supercenter at Festival Center near Port Royal, and two Harris Teeter locations in Main Street Village and Park Plaza Shopping Center at Sea Pines Circle. The smaller boutique-style grocery stores include the Palmetto Dunes General Store, the Fresh Market, and Piggly Wiggly at Coligny, a Hilton Head Island institution since 1969! 

Many of these stores offer online ordering, curbside pickup, and express delivery or skip the lines completely and have your groceries delivered right to your rental, with your pantry packed, and your fridge filled by our local Lowcountry Grocery Runner – private chef experiences available too! 

10.   Which resort area of Hilton Head Island is best suited for my stay? 

The home and villa rentals on Hilton Head Island are set in unique resort communities each with its own ambiance, activities, and attractions. Sea Pines Resort and Palmetto Dunes are particularly popular with families, the Forest Beach neighborhood places you steps from the buzz at Coligny Plaza and Beach Park, and Shipyard Plantation and Port Royal are quieter neighborhoods, away from the crowds. 

Serving Hilton Head since 1993, Sunset Rentals have a selection of 230+ Hilton Head Island vacation homes and villas with options for luxury oceanfront pool homes, seaside condos, gorgeous golf villas, and private dog-friendly homes to accommodate anywhere from 2 to 23 guests. 

Take a tour of the top Hilton Head Island resort areas to find a neighborhood and rental to suit your style or call our team of local experts at (800) 276-8991 to assist with vacation planning and answer all your questions about visiting Hilton Head Island.  

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8 Easy Beach Access Spots On Hilton Head, SC

Who doesn’t love a beach vacation? Hilton Head in South Carolina is the premier choice for your next ocean getaway. From community parks and recreational facilities with endless activities to protected nature preserves and beautiful beach parks with miles of white sand and crystal clear waters, Hilton Head Island has something for everyone! With over 60+ miles of bike paths weaving through the island, exploring Hilton Head is fun and easy!

Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, nature lover, sandcastle builder, or sun worshipper here is a list of beaches not to miss during your stay on Hilton Head.

Local’s Tip: From the ocean to the high water mark, all the beaches on Hilton Head Island are public, however, beach access is often located on private property. There are several beach parks on the island providing public beach access to 12 miles of uncrowded, natural beaches and glistening ocean waters that beckon you to play. Our Guide to Hilton Head Island Beaches & Nature Preserves has the full scoop on the beaches of HHI.

CLICK HERE FOR AN INTERACTIVE HILTON HEAD ISLAND BEACH PARK MAP  

1. Alder Lane Beach Access

Park Information

 2 Woodward Ave
Hilton Head Island 29928

Directions
Located off South Forest Beach Drive
Learn About Beach Parking

Hours

  • Summer Hours: Monday thru Sunday 6 am – 9 pm
  • Winter Hours: Monday thru Sunday 6 am to 6 pm

Amenities

  • Beach Access
  • Beach Matting
  • 22 Metered Parking Spaces
  • Outdoor Showers
  • Restrooms
  • Seasonal Life Guards
2. Coligny Beach Park

Park Information

Hours

  • Summer Hours: Monday thru Sunday 6 am – 9 pm
  • Winter Hours: Monday thru Sunday 6 am to 6 pm

Amenities

  • Free Parking (Main parking lot is accessed from Pope Ave)
  • Beach Matting
  • Outdoor Showers
  • Public Art
  • Restrooms
  • Seasonal Lifeguards & Beach Rentals
  • Free Beach Wheelchair Reservations
  • Wi-Fi
3. Burkes Beach Access

Park Information

 60 Burkes Beach Road
Hilton Head Island 29928

Directions
Located off William Hilton Parkway at the end of Burkes Beach Road
Learn About Beach Parking

Hours

  • Summer Hours: Monday thru Sunday 6 am – 9 pm
  • Winter Hours: Monday thru Sunday 6 am to 6 pm

Amenities

  • Beach Matting
  • Seasonal Lifeguards & Beach Rentals
  • Outdoor Showers

* Visitors must park at the Chaplin Community Park, 35 Cast Net Drive.



4. Driessen Beach Park

Park Information

 64 Bradley Beach Road
Hilton Head Island 29928

Directions
Located off William Hilton Parkway at the end of Bradley Beach Road
Learn About Beach Parking

Hours

  • Summer Hours: Monday thru Sunday 6 am – 9 pm
  • Winter Hours: Monday thru Sunday 6 am to 6 pm

Amenities

  • Metered Parking
  • Permit Parking
  • Beach Matting
  • Boardwalk
  • Grill
  • Outdoor Showers
  • Picnic Pavilion
  • Playground
  • Restrooms
  • Seasonal Lifeguards & Beach Rentals
5. Folly Field Beach Park

Park Information

 55 Starfish Drive
Hilton Head Island 29926

Directions
Located off Folly Field Road
Learn About Beach Parking

Hours

  • Summer Hours: Monday thru Sunday 6 am – 9 pm
  • Winter Hours: Monday thru Sunday 6 am to 6 pm

Amenities

  • Metered Parking
  • Beach Access
  • Beach Matting
  • Boardwalk
  • Outdoor Showers
  • Seasonal Lifeguards & Beach Rentals
  • Restrooms



6. Islanders Beach Park  

Park Information

 94 Folly Field Road
Hilton Head Island 29928

Directions
Located off William Hilton Parkway
Learn About Beach Parking

Hours

  • Summer Hours: Monday thru Sunday 6 am – 9 pm
  • Winter Hours: Monday thru Sunday 6 am to 6 pm

Amenities

  • Permit Parking
  • Limited Metered Parking
  • Beach Access
  • Beach Matting
  • Boardwalk
  • Grill
  • Outdoor Showers
  • Picnic Pavilion
  • Overlook Pavilion
  • Seasonal Lifeguards & Beach Rentals
  • Free Beach Wheelchair Reservations
7. Fish Haul Beach Park

Park Information

 124 Mitchelville Road
Hilton Head Island 29926

Directions
Located off Beach City Road
Learn About Beach Parking

Hours

  • Summer Hours: Monday thru Sunday 6 am – 9 pm
  • Winter Hours: Monday thru Sunday 6 am to 6 pm

Amenities

  • Free Parking
  • Beach Access
  • Beach Matting
  • Outdoor Showers
  • Restrooms
8. Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park

Park Information

 40 Harriet Tubman Way
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Directions
Located near the end of Beach City Road

Hours

  • Summer Hours: Monday thru Sunday 6 am – 9 pm
  • Winter Hours: Monday thru Sunday 6 am to 6 pm

Amenities

  • Free Parking
  • Observation Deck
  • Outdoor Showers
  • Picnic Pavilion
  • Restrooms
  • Trails

 

…MORE BEACH RENTALS

Escape to Hilton Head Island with Sunset Rentals! 

Take a tour of the Top Resort Areas of Hilton Head Island, find a Hilton Head home to suit your style, and start planning your vacation with the peace of mind of a local trusted team that has been locally serving Hilton Head Island since 1993! Sunset Rentals – here to serve all your vacation needs on Hilton Head Island!
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Top 9 Community Parks On Hilton Head

Get ready to soak up the sun and have some fun while visiting one of Hilton Head Island’s local parks. To make life easy while you’re on vacation, Sunset Rentals has compiled a list of Hilton Head’s Best community parks all offering endless activities, even something for the pickiest person in your group. Love biking? check out the over 60+ miles of bike paths weaving through the island. Love hiking? Hilton Head is extremely walkable, making it fun and easy to explore!

Whether you’re on a family getaway, group gathering, or romantic stroll, our guide to Hilton Head Island’s local parks will have you on the right path to epic adventures during your stay on Hilton Head.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND COMMUNITY PARKS 

1. Capri Chaplin Community Park

11 Castnet Drive
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Situated just north of Palmetto Dunes Resort Area, Chaplin Community Park is Hilton Head Island’s largest and most diverse community park with excellent facilities and bike paths connecting to the shoreline of Burkes Beach. Sports enthusiasts have large fields for soccer, baseball and football, a basketball and pickleball pad, and six tennis courts, there’s a shady playground for the kids and a large off-leash dog park for Fido! There’s something for the whole family at Chaplin Community Park.

2. Compass Rose Park

4 St Augustine Pl 
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Nestled in the trees near Coligny Beach Park & Plaza, Compass Rose Park is a small and peaceful community park with tranquil reflecting pools and fountains, gardens, walkways, and covered plazas. Compass Rose Park is also home to one of Hilton Head Island’s favorite attractions – a statue of Charles Fraser, the modern day founder of Hilton Head, walking his legendary alligator, Albert.

3. Green Shell Park

99 Squire Pope Rd
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Situated on Skull Creek near the north end of the island, Green Shell Park is a small 3-acre park with a covered picnic area, two playgrounds, a basketball hoop, and a wooded nature trail to an observation deck overlooking wetlands and marshes teeming with birdlife. For history lovers, the park is an archaeological site dating back to 1335 AD and is home to the historic Amelia White Cemetery and the Green Shell Mound, an authentic Native American shell ring.

4. Honey Horn Park

70 Honey Horn Drive
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Honey Horn Park is perhaps Hilton Head’s most famous park – home to the top-rated Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. Encompassing 68 acres of lush Lowcountry landscapes, Honey Horn Park features some of the oldest structures on the island, a butterfly enclosure, a stunning camellia garden, a marsh tacky horse barn, and a scenic interpretive nature trail through the grounds. The Coastal Discovery Museum offers the best tours and activities on the island with something for every interest and adventure level and regular exhibits and events for visitors to step back in time and experience the rich history of Hilton Head Island.

5. Jarvis Creek Park

99 Squire Pope Rd
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Situated on Skull Creek near the north end of the island, Green Shell Park is a small 3-acre park with a covered picnic area, two playgrounds, a basketball hoop, and a wooded nature trail to an observation deck overlooking wetlands and marshes teeming with birdlife. For history lovers, the park is an archaeological site dating back to 1335 AD and is home to the historic Amelia White Cemetery and the Green Shell Mound, an authentic Native American shell ring.

6. Shelter Cove Community Park

39 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Across from Palmetto Dunes, Shelter Cove is Hilton Head’s premier destination for watersports, shopping, dining, and seasonal events that draw a crowd! The Shelter Cove Community Park is situated waterfront at Shelter Cove Town Center with peaceful picnic spots, walking paths connecting to Shelter Cove Veterans Memorial Park, and a pavilion with a lineup of fun festivals and events throughout the year.

7. Lowcountry Celebration Park
94 Pope Ave
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Lowcountry Celebration Park lies in the heart of “downtown Hilton Head” across from Coligny Plaza Shopping Center and the Coligny Beach parking lot. Minutes away from Hilton Head’s award-winning beaches, the park features an open pavilion and lawn, fitness stations, public art, and two of the island’s favorite family attractions – The Sandbox Museum and The Adventure Playground. 

The little ones love to play and learn at the Sandbox Museum (great for a rainy day activity!) and clamber, climb and set sail aboard The Adventure Playground, a 1,400 square foot replica of the ship where Captain William Hilton first spotted the shoreline of Hilton Head Island.

8. Squire Pope Community Park

137 Squire Pope Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

If you’re planning a paddle on the Lowcountry waterways without competing with motorized boats, head to the Sailing and Rowing Center at Squire Pope Community Park on Skull Creek. The state of the art facilities include a floating dock and launch, a waterfront picnic pavilion among the moss-draped oaks, a playground, and a firepit area for after adventure stories and s’mores.  

9. Xeriscape Garden

1 Town Center Court
Hilton Head Island 29928

Located at the Town of Hilton Head offices near the Village of Wexford, the Betsy Jukofsky Xeriscape Garden is a small interpretive community garden full of indigenous and wild plants, towering palmettos and pines, and beautiful birdlife. If discovering Hilton Head’s local flora, fauna, and nature is on your vacation itinerary, be sure to stop by the Xeriscape Interpretive Garden.

Click Here To View Vacation Rentals

Escape to Hilton Head Island with Sunset Rentals! 

Take a tour of the Top Resort Areas of Hilton Head Island, find a Hilton Head home to suit your style, and start planning your vacation with the peace of mind of a local trusted team that has been locally serving Hilton Head Island since 1993! Sunset Rentals – here to serve all your vacation needs on Hilton Head Island!

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5 Best Recreational Parks On Hilton Head

Who doesn’t love a game of pick-up basketball or softball? Or exploring a new skatepark while on vacation in Hilton Head Island? There is something for everyone here, from baseball fields, to skateboard ramps, and tons of tennis courts — (psssttt… and also, even everyone’s new favorite sport, PICKLEBALL!)

These recreational facilities have endless activities to delight every member in your group. Whether you’re a pickleball enthusiast, avid runner, on a family outing, or planning a romantic picnic, our guide to Hilton Head Island’s recreational parks will have you on the right path to epic adventures during your stay on Hilton Head.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND RECREATION PARKS

1. Barker Field

708 Baygall Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Situated on the north end of the island next to Fish Haul Beach Park, Barker Field features multi-use sports fields, baseball fields, and a playground for the kids. A boardwalk leads from Barker Field across the marshlands to an observation deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Port Royal Sound.

2. Bristol Sports Arena

4 Helmsman Way
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

For action and excitement on wheels, head to the Bristol Sports Arena just off Palmetto Bay Road. The Bristol Sports Arena outdoor skate park has ramps, rails, and features for all abilities or get your skates on for a session at the hybrid in-line outdoor hockey rink. 

3. Cordillo Courts

2 South Forest Beach Drive
Hilton Head Island 29928

With more than 300 tennis courts and 4 of the “Greatest US Tennis Resorts” on the island, Hilton Head is a haven for racquet sports. The Cordillo Courts near Coligny Plaza feature 4 tennis courts and 4 pickleball courts, open daily, year-round, on a first come, first serve basis. 

4. Crossings Park

4 Haig Point Ct, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Situated one block from the Bristol Sports Arena, Crossings Park is one of the first (and largest) recreational parks on the island with three baseball fields, a playground shaded by tall trees, and a huge grassy meadow for playtime!  A well-marked dirt trail winds between the playground and the meadow for a bike ride or nature walk beneath the towering live oaks.

5. Hilton Head Park
152 William Hilton Pkwy
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Hilton Head Park, also known as Old Schoolhouse Park, is one of the quieter recreational parks on the island. The park borders a tidal marsh and features courts for tennis and pickleball, a basketball pad, and a large grass field for soccer, football, and family fun after a day at the beach!

Book Your Dreamy Home TODAY!

Escape to Hilton Head Island with Sunset Rentals! 

Take a tour of the Top Resort Areas of Hilton Head Island, find a Hilton Head home to suit your style, and start planning your vacation with the peace of mind of a local trusted team that has been locally serving Hilton Head Island since 1993! Sunset Rentals – here to serve all your vacation needs on Hilton Head Island!

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17 Best Fishing Charter Companies on Hilton Head

Did you know that Hilton Head Island is consistently ranked the #1 island in the Continental U.S.? The island is separated from the mainland of South Carolina by the thriving Calibogue Sound and Intracoastal Waterways with 12 miles of deep blue coastal waters along its eastern shoreline. 

The incredibly diverse ecosystems of South Carolina’s coastal wetlands are pristine fishing environments with miles of freshwater marshes, backwaters, tidal creeks, and ocean waters teeming with a vast array of birdlife, wildlife, and marine life. Whether you’re a first-timer fisherman learning to cast a line or an experienced angler seeking a trophy catch, we highly encourage you to get out on the water on a guided Hilton Head fishing charter.  


Most of the experienced charter captains on Hilton Head Island have been fishing the local waters for decades and stem from generations of local fishermen. The benefits of a guided full-service fishing charter are endless – local experienced guides, all the gear, and a fishing license included, and you get to focus on the tranquil Lowcountry views, the fishing experience, and quality time with family!

There are four main types of fishing charters to choose from:

  • Inshore: Inshore charters stay close to land in the shallow and calm waters around Hilton Head Island. Fish species found include tarpon, redfish, trout, flounder, black drum, and sharks. 
  • Nearshore: Nearshore charters venture around 5-25 miles from the island trolling the wrecks, rips, and reefs for red snapper, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, tarpon, grouper, sharks, and so much more! 
  • Deep Sea: Deep Sea fishing takes you 40+ miles from the coastline or out to the Gulf Stream and is an all-day affair for avid anglers. Hilton Head boasts some of the best offshore big game and sport fishing on the Atlantic coastline with an abundance of Mahi Mahi, blackfin tuna, marlin, wahoo, and more.  
  • Shark Fishing: Every HHI fishing experience is likely to include an encounter with one of Hilton Head’s 50+ shark species but nothing is quite as thrilling as a guided shark fishing charter. Shark fishing is a Hilton Head specialty and the kids absolutely love it!

BROAD CREEK MARINA

Location: 18 Simmons Road, Hilton Head Island

Broad Creek Marina is Hilton Head’s newest marina with lots of fun both on and off the water. The marina is situated next door to Adventure Hilton Head for ziplining, Sky Pirate for parasailing, and Up the Creek Pub & Grill for fresh seafood overlooking Broad Creek. On the water, you’ll find dolphin and nature cruises, boat tours to the Vanishing Island and historic Daufuskie Island, and a wide variety of fishing charters with highly-rated local guides.

TAIL TAMER FISHING CHARTERS

Phone: (843) 422-1860

Charters for up to 6 passengers: 
3-Hour Charter – From $475
Half-Day Charter – From $575
Full-Day Charter – From $1,200

Captain Terry Hall and his experienced captains at Tail Tamer offer a variety of inshore and nearshore charter options for all ages and abilities, including beginner fishing trips, family charters, thrilling shark fishing, and classic catch n’ eat fishing charters!

INTEGRITY FISHING CHARTERS

Phone: (843) 422-1221

Charters for up to 6 passengers: 
4-Hour Charter – From $695
6-Hour Charter – From $950
8-Hour Charter – From $1,395
12-Hour Charter – From $1,975
Gulfstream Charter – From $3,460 
Shark Fishing Trip – From $595

Captain Mike Russo will cater to all your deep sea fishing desires in comfort aboard his 38’ Hatteras Sportfisher, Integrity. Choose from near-shore and offshore deep-sea fishing charters or private customized charters for a sunset or island cruise. Learn the basics on a family fishing trip or head into the deeps for the catch of a lifetime with Integrity Charters. Captain Mike Russo will cater to all your deep sea fishing desires in comfort aboard his 38’ Hatteras Sportfisher, Integrity. Choose from near-shore and offshore deep-sea fishing charters or private customized charters for a sunset or island cruise. Learn the basics on a family fishing trip or head into the deeps for the catch of a lifetime with Integrity Charters.

Reel Easy Charters

Phone: (843) 290-2932

Charters for up to 6 passengers: 
3-Hour Inshore/Shark Trip – From $525
4-Hour Vanishing Island & Shark Fishing – From $650
4-Hour Inshore/Nearshore – From $650
5-Hour Nearshore – From $800
6-Hour Offshore – $950
8-Hour Offshore – $1,350

Captain Jack and Reel Easy Charters specialize in inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing charters in and around the Lowcountry waters. For the ultimate family fishing experience, their Vanishing Island & Shark Fishing charter explores the sand dollars, starfish, shells, and shark life around the Vanishing Island of Hilton Head Island.

SEA BEE CHARTERS

Phone: (843) 949-0407

Charters for up to 6 passengers: 
3-Hour Shark & Inshore – From $425
4-Hour Inshore & Nearshore – From $525
5-Hour Inshore & Nearshore – From 625
6-Hour Inshore & Nearshore – From $725


Land the fish of a lifetime with Captain Danny & his crew at Sea Bee Charters on Broad Creek. Sea Bee operates a 25’ Carolina Skiff geared for inshore fishing on Broad Creek and nearshore charters to the wrecks and reefs off the coastline.

TOP SHOT SPORT FISHING

Phone: (843) 384-9714

Charters for up to 6 passengers: 
Shark Fishing – From $450
Half-Day Charter – From $600
5-Hour Charter – From $750
6-Hour Charter – From $900
8-Hour Charter – From $1,200


Strike gold on a sport fishing charter with Captain Jay Prescott of Top Shot Sport Fishing. Fishing trips include trolling and bottom fishing the nearshore artificial reefs, all-day charters to the Savannah Snapper Banks, shark fishing trips around the island, or customized trips for up to 6 anglers.

SKULL CREEK MARINA

Location: 1 Hudson Rd, Hilton Head Island

Combine a Lowcountry fishing charter with the best waterfront dining experience on Hilton Head Island at Skull Creek Marina. Situated across from Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge on the northern end of the island, Skull Creek Marina is home to the famous Skull Creek Boathouse, Skull Creek Dockside, and Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks with the ultimate in Lowcountry cuisine and views. They’ll even cook up your catch of the day for a boat-to-table restaurant experience!

BULLDOG FISHING CHARTERS

Phone: (843) 422-0887

Charters for up to 6 passengers: 
3-Hour Fishing Charter – From $625
4-Hour Fishing Charter – From $750
5-Hour Fishing Charter – From $900
6-Hour Fishing Charter – From $1,200
7-Hour Fishing Charter – From $1,350
8-Hour Offshore Charter – From $1,600


Climb aboard the 32’ Bulldog docked at Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks at Skull Creek Marina. Captain Christiaan, a third-generation Hilton Head Island fishing captain, offers a variety of charters ranging from fun 3-hour shark fishing trips for the kids to full-day reef trips and offshore bottom trips. Remember to reserve a table to cook your catch!  

SHELTER COVE HARBOUR & MARINA

Location: 1 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island

Situated across from Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina is a Hilton Head hotspot for shopping, waterfront dining, famous festivals, and every watersport and activity you can imagine under the sunny South Carolina skies. The world-class marina is the largest deepwater marina on the island and the starting point of some of the best fishing experiences on Hilton Head Island.

OUTSIDE HILTON HEAD

Phone: (843) 686-6996

Guided Fishing Charters: 
3-Hour Kayak Fishing – From $135
3-Hour Family Fishing – From $495
3-Hour Shark Fishing – From $495
4-Hour Charter Fishing – From $595

Ultimate Lowcountry Day – From $745

Click HERE for a list of all activities!


Outside Hilton Head is all about exploring the great outdoors! They offer a full fleet of boat rentals with inshore, nearshore, and shark fishing charters, kayak fishing excursions, nature tours, dolphin cruises, and a variety of water activities for every age group.

CAPTAIN HOOK PARTY FISHING

Phone: (843) 258-4677

Public Party Fishing Charters: 
3.5-Hour Inshore Shark Fishing – From $55 pp
4-Hour Inshore Shark Fishing – From $60 pp
4.5-Hour Inshore Shark Fishing & Fireworks – From $65 pp
5.5-Hour Offshore Fishing – From $65 pp


Captain Hook is the largest fishing boat on Hilton Head and a great option for an affordable group fishing charter! Choose from inshore shark fishing, and offshore charters, or book well in advance for their sunset shark fishing or fishing and fireworks charters in the summer. For a private experience, the fleet includes the Gullah Gal, True Grits, Gale Force, and Gale Warning for groups of up to 6 people.

Bay Runner Fishing Charters

Phone: (843) 290-6955

Charters for up to 12 passengers: 
3-Hour Charter – From $495
4-Hour Charter – From $595
5-Hour Charter – From $725
6-Hour Charter – From $850
8-Hour Charter – From $1,195

Shark Fishing Trips – From $495

Make Your Own Trip


Captain Mike Altman has been chartering the local waters since 1970. Head out on an inshore charter on the Calibogue Sound, a nearshore excursion on the reefs, or create a one-of-a-kind experience customized for your charter crew with Bay Runner Fishing Charters.

Native Son Fishing Charters 

Phone: (843) 816-3312

Charters for up to 6 passengers: 
2-Hour Charter – From $350
3-Hour Charter – From $495
4-Hour Charter – From $625
5-Hour Charter – From $745
6-Hour Charter – From $875
7-Hour Charter – From $940
8-Hour Charter – From $1,245


Local island native, Captain Byron Sewell, and his team of seasoned guides offer nearshore and offshore charters for all ages on their 26-ft power catamarans. Native Son charter options range from two-hour trips to all-day deep-sea adventures along the South Carolina coastline.

Hilton Head Outfitters

80 Queens Folly Rd, Hilton Head Island

Phone: (843) 593-9110

Palmetto Dunes Lagoon Charters: 
2-Hour Inshore Charters – From $365
3-Hour Inshore Charters – From $485
4-Hour Inshore Charters – From $585
5-Hour Inshore Charters – From $685
6-Hour Inshore Charters – From $785

Fishing Gear Rentals


Hilton Head Outfitters are best known for their water activities and guided inshore fishing charters on the Palmetto Dunes 11-mile lagoon system, teeming with a variety of saltwater fish. They also offer nearshore and offshore charters on their custom Maverick out of Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina.

HARBOUR TOWN YACHT BASIN

Location: 149 Lighthouse Rd, Hilton Head Island

The Harbour Town Yacht Basin in Sea Pines Resort is one of the top yachting destinations on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and a haven for boaters, water sports enthusiasts, and anglers of all ages! The Sea Pines Resort area is home to many of Hilton Head’s top attractions as well as world-class private fishing charters with the island’s most experienced and qualified captains

IZZY-A FISHING CHARTER

Phone: (843) 298-0990

Charters for up to 4 passengers: 
4-8 Hour Fishing Trips – Call For Pricing

Join Captain Greg Clark aboard his 25’ Sea Cat to explore the coastal waters in and around Hilton Head. Capt. Greg’s private fishing charters are family-friendly and include offshore, inshore, deep sea, and shark fishing expeditions for up to 4 passengers.

BLACK SKIMMER HILTON HEAD

Phone: (843) 363-8335

Charters for up to 6 passengers: 
3-Hour Shark Fishing – From $500
4-Hour Charters – From $700
5-Hour Charters – From $875
6-Hour Charters – From $1,000
8-Hour Charters – From $1,400


The 31’ Black Skimmer is chartered by father and son fishing team Captain Steve and Captain Ben. They offer nearshore, offshore, deep sea, and shark fishing charters from Harbour Town for up to 6 passengers, families welcome.

VALOR FISHING CHARTERS

Phone: (843) 422-1935

Charters for up to 6 passengers: 
2-Hour Charters – From $400
3-Hour Shark Fishing – From $500
3-Hour Charters – From $500
4-Hour Charters – From $560
6-Hour Charters – From $815

Located at the pier at Harbour Town Yacht Basin, Valor Charters offer year-round fishing charters of the Atlantic Ocean and Calibogue Sound, including tranquil fly fishing trips on Hilton Head’s Lowcountry backwaters and estuaries. The 26’ Andros Boatworks carries up to four anglers, children are welcome.

PALMETTO BAY MARINA

Location: 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island

Situated on the south end of the island near the base of the Coligny Island Expressway Bridge, the Palmetto Bay Marina is one of Hilton Head’s oldest working marinas, fully renovated for your boating pleasure! There’s shopping at Bay Breeze, excellent waterside restaurants, bars, live music on Broad Creek, and a full-service marina with Lowcountry watersports, party boat fishing, and a variety of fishing charters.

REEL JOB CHARTER FISHING

Phone: (843) 384-8236

Charters for up to 6 passengers: 
3-Hour Shark Fishing – From $495
4-Hour Charter – From $595
5-Hour Charter – From $695
6-Hour Charter – From $795
8-Hour Charter – From $1,195


Captain Brad & Captain Bill are full-time Lowcountry captains with plenty of experience to deliver the ultimate fishing experience on Hilton Head Island. They offer multiple inshore, nearshore, and family fishing trips aboard the customized 25’ Pursuit, set up to fish! Reel Job Charter Fishing is voted the best fishing charter service on Hilton Head Island by Lowcountry Style & Living!

DRIFTER EXCURSIONS

Phone: (843) 363-2900

Party Fishing & Private Charters:
2-Hour Private Charter – From $395
3-Hour Private Charter – From $495
4-Hour Private Charter – From $650

4.5-Hour Deep Sea Fishing aboard The Drifter – From $72 pp

Shark Fishing aboard The Drifter – From $65 pp


Drifter Excursions offer dolphin watching, shark fishing, and private fishing charters on a fleet of four boats including sport fishing aboard the Boomerang, inshore and shark fishing on the Ricochet, and party boat fishing aboard the 60’ Drifter. The Hobo, a 27’ Carolina Skiff departs out of Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina with private charters for groups of up to 16 anglers.

OFF THE HOOK FISHING CHARTERS

86 Point Comfort Rd, Hilton Head Island

Phone: (843) 298-4376

Charters for up to 4 passengers: 
2-Hour Charter – From $375
3-Hour Charter – From $475
4-Hour Charter – From $575
5-Hour Charter – From $725
6-Hour Charter – From $875
8-Hour Charter – From $1,150

Off the Hook Fishing Charters is owned and operated by Captain Brian Vaughn, an island native with two IGFA World Records to his name and 30+ years of experience guiding inshore, light tackle, and fly fishing charters on the Lowcountry waterways. Their fleet of 18’, 22”, and 25’ bay boats are geared with the finest fly and spinning tackle for the ultimate fishing experience for all ages and abilities. For large groups, you can book 2-3 boats for up to 12 passengers!

HILTON HEAD HARBOR & MARINA

Location: Jenkins Rd, Hilton Head Island


The Hilton Head Harbor & Marina is also located on the north end of the island as you drive in on William Hilton Parkway. The harbor and full-service marina are home to Sea Monkeys Watersports rentals & tours, Mermaid Boat Tours, local HHI charter fishing companies, and one of the island’s best-kept secrets – The Sunset Grille, a casual fine dining restaurant with the best waterfront and sunset views on Hilton Head!

OUTCAST SPORT FISHING

Phone: (843) 290-0371

Charters for up to 6 passengers: 
4-Hour Charter – From $750
5-Hour Charter – From $900
6-Hour Charter – From $1,050
8-Hour Charter – From $1,400


For the ultimate shark fishing experience, book a charter with Captain Chip on The Outcast. The Outcast is the current state record holder for blacktip and lemon sharks, and the largest fish ever landed… a 16.3ft Great White! Whether you’re a family of novice fishermen or an avid angler, Hilton Head shark fishing is best on The Outcast.

After a day adventuring the Lowcountry waterways or deep Atlantic waters, settle your sea legs with Sunset Rentals. Our collection of 230+ Hilton Head Island vacation rentals are situated in the top Hilton Head neighborhoods with high-end amenities and home comforts to cater to every angler at the end of the day! 

Book with confidence and ease online or call our team today at (843) 785-6767.

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A Guide to Dolphin Watching on Hilton Head Island

Everyone loves dolphins, but there’s nothing quite as spectacular as interacting with these playful, intelligent, and magnificent mammals in their natural habitat. On Hilton Head Island you won’t find any dolphins in captivity or controversial dolphin shows – our warm South Carolina coastal waters are a natural haven for wild Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, some migrating through in summer, and others choosing to stay year-round in the ocean and waterways surrounding Hilton Head Island. Very intelligent indeed! 

Hilton Head Island ranks as one of the “10 Best Dolphin Sighting Destinations in North America” and dolphin watching is one of the most popular activities on the island. Dolphins are easily spotted from the beaches, oceanfront golf courses, waterfront restaurants, and even from the comfort of a vacation home! 

Our guide to dolphin watching on Hilton Head Island highlights when, where, and how best to experience our migratory and resident Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in the wild.

DOLPHIN SEASON ON HILTON HEAD

Dolphin season on Hilton Head Island is year-round! While most dolphin pods migrate seasonally, the mild year round water temperatures on the South Carolina coastline are highly attractive to Atlantic Bottlehead Dolphins. The Lowcountry coastline is home to an estimated population of 600 resident dolphins with approximately 170 full time resident dolphins thriving on Hilton Head Island. In the summer months, the dolphin population almost doubles with migratory dolphins seeking warmer waters close to shore and hunting for food in the salt marsh estuaries.

WHERE TO SPOT DOLPHINS ON HILTON HEAD

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins are a familiar site on Hilton Head Island and can be easily spotted frolicking and feeding in the Atlantic Ocean, rivers, creeks and tidal marshes. Visitors to Hilton Head regularly encounter our resident dolphin pods playing in Broad Creek, following the shrimp boats on Calibogue Sound, or strand feeding on the muddy banks of the shallow backwater creeks. The South Carolina coastline is one of the few places in the world where you can witness the unique activity of dolphin strand feeding.

DOLPHIN WATCHING TOURS & EXPERIENCES ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND

Dolphin tours are the best way to encounter bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat and explore the hidden creeks and coves otherwise unreachable! A dolphin watching tour is sure to be the highlight of your Hilton Head Island vacation, and there are endless options to choose from.

Hilton Head’s dolphin watching tours range from intimate kayak tours right in the water to narrated group tours on a double decker boat. Any water activity on Hilton Head presents an opportunity to encounter our friendly dolphins and diverse local wildlife – the experience is up to you!

Outside Hilton Head

Outside Hilton Head offer unique guided experiences for all dolphin lovers with options for group tours or customized private outdoor adventures with a naturalist. Choose to dolphin watch by kayak, SUP, pontoon, catamaran, or luxury sail boat by sunset. You can even go tubing with dolphins! If you prefer to explore the coastal waterways unguided, Outside Hilton Head has a wide selection of boat, kayak, and SUP rentals.

Dolphin Discoveries Nature Tour

Unlike many of the big boat tours on Hilton Head, Dolphin Discoveries offers an intimate dolphin watching experience limited to 6 guests only, with no set loop on the water and dolphin sightings GUARANTEED! There are great options to choose from including sunset dolphin cruises, fireworks and dolphin nature tours, and kayaking dolphin experiences to encounter the local pods up close and personal.

Dolphin Seafari

The famous Donuts Dolphin Cruise with Dolphin Seafari is always a favorite with families visiting Hilton Head. The 30-foot covered pontoon boat sits close to the water for ultimate dolphin viewing, with private tours available to escape the crowds. Traveling without kids? The Sunset Dolphin Cruise aboard Dolphin Seafari is voted the best dolphin tour on the island, with private tours available for smaller groups.

Captain Mark’s Dolphin Cruises

Captain Mark has been cruising dolphin lovers down Broad Creek and along the Calibogue Sound for 40 years! Captain Mark’s dolphin cruises cover the coastal wildlife, nature and history of Hilton Head Island and take you past some of the top attractions and secret dolphin viewing spots on the island. For pet parents looking for a dog-friendly Hilton Head dolphin tour, this is it!

Coastal Discovery Museum

The Coastal Discovery Museum offers group tours and private experiences to encounter dolphins in their natural habitat on both Hilton Head and the remote waters of Daufuskie Island. The Coastal Discovery Museum also presents an opportunity to make a difference during your stay on Hilton Head and Adopt a Dolphin! Your support will help raise funds towards saving dolphins and continuing conservation efforts on the island to protect the local pods.

FUN FACTS ABOUT ATLANTIC BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS
  • Dolphins are named after their elongated snout.
  • They eat small fish, squid and crustaceans and swallow their food whole.
  • They grow up to 13 feet long and up to 1,300 pounds.
  • They use sound to communicate, navigate and hunt and can make up to 1,000 clicking noises per second.
  • They do not have vocal chords, all sounds come through the dolphin’s blowhole.
  • They shed their outermost layer of skin almost every two hours.
  • Their dorsal fin is as unique as a human fingerprint
  • They can remain submerged and hold their breath for up to 15 minutes.
  • They dive as deep as 800 feet below the surface.
  • They launch themselves as high as 20 feet out of the water.  
  • They can reach speeds of up to 18 miles per hour.
  • They can hold their breath for up to 7 minutes.
  • Dolphins need to be awake to breathe. They have two brain lobes that act independently, one side sleeps while the other stays awake to breathe.
  • They feel emotions such as fear, grief and joy.
  • They LOVE humans but they are wild animals and should always be treated with respect!
  • Dolphins are a federally protected species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act – it is illegal to feed, touch or harass dolphins!

Stay with Sunset Rentals and you can watch the dolphins from home! Our collection of 225 Hilton Head Island vacation homes and villas are situated in the top resort areas of Hilton Head Island and include luxury rentals on the Calibogue Sound, Broad Creek and Atlantic Ocean with fantastic vantage points for dolphin viewing from your front porch. Start planning your Hilton Head dolphin encounters today with our on island team at Sunset Rentals.

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History of Hilton Head Island

Situated only 45 minutes from historic Savannah, Hilton Head is the largest of the South Carolina islands stretching 12 miles along the Atlantic Coastline. Hilton Head Island offers the ultimate in Lowcountry island living – miles of unspoiled beaches, nature preserves and biking trails, world-class golf and tennis, upscale shopping and dining, and luxury Lowcountry coastal retreats. 

Hilton Head Island also offers visitors a glimpse into the fascinating history of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, a destination that has survived three wars, multiple hurricanes, and eras of feast, famine – and fame. In 2021, Travel+Leisure ranked Hilton Head #1 in World’s Best Islands but what lies behind the fame of America’s favorite island. Journey with us as we explore the fascinating history behind Hilton Head Island.

2000 BC to 1500 AD

Evidence of life over 4,000 years ago remains on Hilton Head Island today. The well-preserved Native American Indian Shell Ring is located in Sea Pines Preserve and is the oldest known archaeological site on Hilton Head Island, and one of only 50 shell rings known to still exist today. This iconic remnant of Hilton Head Island’s history measures 150 feet in diameter and is one of the most pristine examples of a shell ring remaining in the USA. 

Later, in 1335 A.D, the Native American tribes built a fortified village covering two acres along the banks of Skull Creek. This shell ring is also open to the public on a short and easy trail at the Green’s Shell Enclosure Heritage Preserve. Both these historic shell rings are today listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

1500 to 1700: EARLY EUROPEAN EXPLORERS

Historical records show the first Spanish explorers making contact with local Native Americans in 1521, nearly two hundred years later. In 1566, the Spanish explorers built Santa Elena, a permanent settlement and Fort across the Port Royal Sound on Parris Island. They abandoned Santa Elena in 1587 to colonize further south in St Augustine, Florida. By 1663, the island was largely uninhabited except for a small population of Native Americans living off the land. 

In August 1663, English Captain William Hilton set sail from Barbados to explore land granted to the Lords Proprietors, eight Englishmen to whom King Charles II had granted power of Carolina. His original landing site was the Port Royal Sound and, on gaining first sight of the headlands, he claimed the land for Britain. 

In the spring of 1670, Captain Robert Sandford together with over 150 colonists, servants and slaves sailed into what is today Charleston Harbor claiming the land and naming it Charles Town, in honor of King Charles II. By 1672, the expanding settlement had relocated on a peninsula between the Cooper and Ashley River and …. the rest is history! Today, Charleston ranks as the #1 City in the USA. 

On 16 August 1698, the Lords Proprietors granted John Bayley of Ireland a barony which included most of Hilton Head Island, excluding Port Royal Sound and Skull Creek. John Bayley never once visited Hilton Head Island, instead appointed Alexander Trench as an agent to sell the property. The bulk of the barony remained in the Bayley family until after the Revolutionary War.

1700 to 1860: HILTON HEAD PLANTATION HISTORY

In 1717, Colonel John Barnwell was granted 1,000 acres of land on the NW corner of the island (now Hilton Head Plantation) and became the first white settler on Hilton Head. There was still hostility between the Spanish and British and, in 1733, the City of Savannah was founded as a barrier between Spanish Florida and British Carolina. 

By the 1750s, most of the plantations on the island were successfully growing indigo, which was being sold to the English – until the Revolutionary War. During the Revolutionary War (1775 to 1783), the British successfully took the city of Savannah (after failing to take Charleston!) and frequently raided the island, burning plantations and capturing slaves. Aside from rice, indigo was South Carolina’s most second valuable export, however trading with England had now ceased. 

It wasn’t until 1790 when William Elliott planted the first crop of Sea Island long-staple cotton that the island once again began to gain recognition. William Elliott teamed up with neighbor Will Seabrook to pioneer a new fertilizer for the cotton crops and the Lowcountry sea islands began to boom. 

The War of 1812 brought more devastation by British forces to the island, but the economy quickly resumed and, by 1860, the cotton industry on the island was lucrative with nearly two dozen working plantations.

1860 to 1940: SLAVERY & THE CIVIL WAR

South Carolina was the first US state to withdraw from the Union in December 1860, and, in April 1861, the Civil War began. After the Battle of Port Royal Sound in November 1861, more than 12,000 soldiers captured Fort Walker and Hilton Head Island fell into the hands of the Federal troops. Hilton Head Island became the headquarters for the blockade of the South Atlantic coast with an estimated forty thousand soldiers, prisoners of war, and former slaves settling on the island. The prospering rice, indigo and cotton plantations were abandoned, yet this victory meant freedom for the African Americans that remained. 

In 1862, Union General Ormsby Mitchel built the town of Mitchelville, the first self-governing town of formerly enslaved African Americans with nearly 1,500 Gullah residents. Land was confiscated, northern missionaries opened one room schools, and homes were built for the former slaves, known locally as “contrabands of war”. 

In 1864, as the troops began to move out of the area, Fort Howell was built to protect the town of Mitchelville. In 1865, the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery was signed and the Gullah community of Mitchelville were legally freed. Many moved on, others stayed on the island farming in the summer, oyster harvesting in the winter, and remaining true to the rich legacy of the Gullah culture. 

Hilton Head Island returned to nature and from the 1900s to 1950s was primarily used as a destination for wealthy private hunting groups. Today, visitors to Hilton Head can walk the quiet trails leading through historic Mitchelville Freedom Park with the original site of Battle of Port Royal, historical remnants of the town and Fort Howell, and access to an off the beaten path beach overlooking the passage taken by Captain William Hilton in 1663. 

The Baynard Plantation, built by Revolutionary War hero Captain Jack Stoney in 1793, was used as the HQ for the Union troops and was later burned to the ground. Visitors to the island today can still tour the ruins of the grand antebellum home and slave quarters on a short hike through Sea Pines Preserve.

1950 to 2000: MODERN AGE OF HILTON HEAD ISLAND

By early 1950, Georgia timberman Fred Hack had discovered the acres of loblolly pine and live oak trees on Hilton Head and, along with JB Fraser and other investors, set up the Hilton Head Company and began to buy up acres of land to harvest lumber. Lumber mills were built and, after harvesting millions of feet of lumber, Hilton Head Company began selling off lots along the beach for vacation cottages.

The modern age of Hilton Head Island began with Charles Fraser, son of J. B Fraser. Charles had a vision to preserve the plantation history and natural beauty of the island and build an eco-friendly, resort community on his family land dominating the southern tip of the island. The first car ferry arrived in 1953, a grocery store opened at Coligny Circle in Forest Beach, and the James F. Byrnes swinging bridge was built in 1956, finally connecting Hilton Head Island to the mainland. 

Fraser’s vision for a world-class resort became a reality and a model for future resort communities across the US. Sea Pines Plantation was a stunning natural oasis with classic Lowcountry architecture and beach homes, untouched forest preserves, 5-miles of sandy beaches, championship golf courses, and the signature candy-cane Harbour Town Lighthouse. Shipyard was the second plantation to be developed on Hilton Head, followed by Port Royal and Palmetto Dunes. 

EXPERIENCE HILTON HEAD ISLAND’S HISTORY

Harbour Town Lighthouse

Hilton Head Island is home to two lighthouses: The historic Leamington Lighthouse built by Union Troops in 1879 which overlooks the Arthur Hills Golf Course in Palmetto Dunes and the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse in Sea Pines Plantation, built by Charles Fraser as a fun and memorable landmark and museum dedicated to the history of Hilton Head Island. The 90-ft lighthouse features ten levels of fascinating photos and artifacts, a Coast Guard Exhibit, a one-of-a-kind gift shop and views all the way to Tybee Island!

Coastal Discovery Museum

The Coastal Discovery Museum is situated on the historic Honey Horn plantation, dating back to before the Civil War. The museum is home to nine historical buildings, the Santa Elena Center highlighting the history of 16th century Hilton Head, and 68 acres of beautiful grounds with nature trails, butterfly gardens, and an ancient 500-year old Southern Red Cedar. The Coastal Discovery Museum offers guided history tours of Hilton Head Island, the Forts of Port Royal and the habitats and history of Pinckney Island.

Venture beyond Hilton Head Island to learn more about the history of the Gullah culture on a boat tour of Daufuskie Island or take a cruise of Savannah’s historic port and riverfront.

Local Tip: For traditional Gullah-Geechee cuisine, soulful blues, and warm southern hospitality, stop by Ruby Lee’s situated just across William Hilton Parkway!

Port Royal Golf Club

Tee off for a round of golf at the Robber’s Row Course set atop former civil war grounds with interpretive markers on several holes describing the historic events that took place at Port Royal.

Gullah Heritage Tours

Travel through the communities of Hilton Head Island on a two-hour narrated bus tour with native Gullah residents. The tour is fun, interactive and covers the top historic Gullah attractions on the island including the Gullah Museum, a tiny museum dedicated to preserving the Gullah-Geechee heritage and culture. 

Locally serving Hilton Head since 1993, Sunset Rentals are one of the most experienced vacation rental companies on Hilton Head Island. Our portfolio of 220+ vacation homes and villas are situated in the top resort areas of Hilton Head Island with luxury vacation amenities and a 24/7 guest concierge from our local team. 

Take a tour of the resort areas of Hilton Head Island, browse our collection of luxury rentals (many including bike & beach gear credit valued up to $350!), and book your vacation with confidence and ease with Sunset Rentals.

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10 Adventure Ideas For Spring On Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is the #1 island in the continental US and America’s favorite island, far from an under the radar or off the beaten path destination. Hilton Head Island is one of the most popular vacation destinations in South Carolina,- yet there are plenty of off the beaten path adventures that await during springtime! 

Spending a vacation on Hilton Head Island delivers the best of both worlds for travelers – 12-miles of sandy beaches, award-winning sports, activities galore at Harbour Town, Shelter Cove and Coligny Plaza, and quiet off the beaten path adventures away from the touristy spots of Hilton Head.

1. Unwind with a Quiet Beach Day

It is possible to have a quiet beach day without the crowds on Hilton Head Island. The north end of the island does not attract as many tourists and offers a quieter beach life. Mitchelville Beach Park is the most secluded, natural beach on Hilton Head for sunbathing or a quiet beach stroll – but is not lifeguarded, or great for ocean swimming.

One of the island’s best kept secrets is Burke’s Beach, located mid-island near Chaplin Community Park and accessed on a short walk (or bike ride) around the protected dunes. There are no major resorts or restaurants nearby so pack a picnic and enjoy miles of sandy shoreline, shallow lifeguarded water for the kids, crabbing adventures, and a fenced in dog park for your furry four-legged family member. 

Coligny Beach is where you’ll find the crowds but, if you head slightly south, Alder Lane Beach Park is one of the most peaceful beaches on the island and is both pet-friendly and lifeguarded for a quiet family beach day. Wherever you choose to spend a beach day on Hilton Head, bottlenose dolphin sightings and nesting sea turtles (May-Oct) are common sightings.

2. Get Out on the Water

Getting out on the water is what Hilton Head Island is all about! Hilton Head is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway with Broad Creek winding through the center of the island. Aside from fellow paddlers, the waterways are secluded with hidden coves and creeks abounding with dolphins and wildlife, and constantly changing with the tides. Book a guided kayaking, stand up paddleboarding or boating adventure with Outside Hilton Head, or consider a full moon tour to completely escape the crowds. Gear rentals are readily available to paddle the waterways alone. 

A private Hilton Head fishing charter will take you far away from the crowds into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Hilton Head Island is a top destination for all kinds of fishing with inshore, offshore, lagoon and sharking fishing tours in the high seas and on the Intracoastal Waterway.  

3. HorseBACK Ride in Sea Pines Forest Preserve

Sea Pines Forest Preserve is a lush 605-acre wildlife habitat with tranquil nature trails, boardwalks and bridges, fishing docks, and endless outdoor exploration. Escape the crowds (and the heat) on a horseback ride along the shaded trails in Sea Pines Forest Preserve with Lawton Stables, or alternatively opt for a boat tour, eco-adventure or fun hay wagon ride with the kids.

4. Picnic at Audubon Nature Preserve

Pack a picnic (and the binoculars) and head to Audubon Nature Preserve near Sea Pines. This small, 50-acre protected nature reserve is pure paradise with a small network of trails and boardwalks winding through five unique ecosystems, birds, butterflies and wildlife, and a tranquil pond perfect for a picnic. The Audubon Nature Preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset and also offers guided tours with a naturalist.

5. Bike the Trails

Hilton Head Island is one of the most bike-friendly destinations in the US with over 60 miles of interconnected bike paths and trails across the island to either loop round the island with fellow cyclists or venture off and explore the island at your own pace. Sunset Rentals partners with Vayk Gear to provide compliment bike and beach gear credit at select Sunset Rentals properties, making it easy to bike the island trails, for free!

6. Visit Pinckney Island National Wildlife Preserve

Visiting Pinckney Island National Wildlife Preserve takes you right off the beaten path into 4,000 acres of pristine wilderness for hiking, biking, fishing, birding and wildlife viewing. Once an island lookout during the Civil War, this historic wildlife refuge features 14 miles of hiking and biking trails, salt marshes and ponds for fishing, and historical markers outlining the history of Hilton Head during the Civil War. The preserve is open Wednesday through Sunday 9AM to 5PM.

7. Explore the Coastal Discovery Museum

The Coastal Discovery Museum is rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage and is truly one of the most beautiful places to visit on Hilton Head Island. Guided tours and activities are available (with options to escape the crowds) but the 68-acre grounds are also perfect to quietly explore alone with centuries old buildings, interpretive trails, giant oaks and lagoons, and wildlife encounters around every corner.

8. Tour the Gullah-Geechee Neighborhoods

Soak up the history and heritage of Hilton Head Island on a Gullah Heritage Trail tour through the original Gullah-Geechee Neighborhoods of Hilton Head. Led by local Gullah descendants, this tour trails away from the island’s top tourist attractions through the historic and cultural sites in Mitchelville Freedom Park, the Gullah Museum, and the local Gullah neighborhoods on the island.

9. Plan a Day Trip to Daufuskie Island

You don’t get more off the beaten path than Daufuskie Island, a small and serene barrier island nestled between Hilton Head and mainland Savannah and accessible only by boat, ferry, or kayak! Take a private tour of Daufuskie Island without the tourists or rent a bike or golf cart to adventure along the trails and dirt roads alone. Find your sandy space on 3-miles of secluded shoreline, book a horseback ride on the beach with Daufuskie Trail Rides, visit historic lighthouses, and dine on Daufuskie Deviled Crab and Lowcountry cuisine overlooking the marina. Daufuskie Island is one for the bucket-list!

10 Stay Off the Beaten Path with Sunset Rentals

Escape the hustle and bustle of Hilton Head Island and stay off the beaten path with Sunset Rentals. With one of the largest collections of vacation rentals on Hilton Head, you can choose to stay oceanfront near Coligny Plaza or enjoy the peace and tranquility of your own private pool home in the islands top resort areas – surrounded by only luxurious comforts, the sounds of nature, peaceful views and a tropical island ambiance.

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7 Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants On Hilton Head Island

One of the top questions on our guests’ minds when planning a vacation with their furry family members is where to find cafés, restaurants, and bars on Hilton Head Island that allow dogs. 

Hilton Head Island is one of the best dog-friendly vacation destinations on the East Coast with wide beaches that welcome your pup, off-leash dog parks, endless trails, and even eco-tours and water activities for Fido to tag along. When it comes to dining out with your doggo – nearly every outdoor café and patio on Hilton Head is pet-friendly (for well-behaved pups!) and some even go as far as to offer exclusive dog menus, water bowls, and tasty treats. 

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 waterfront restaurants on Hilton Head’s Lowcountry Creeks. 

DOG FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS ON SKULL CREEK & BROAD CREEK 

Enjoy waterfront dining with fresh seafood straight from the docks, tranquil marsh views, and the most spectacular sunset views on Hilton Head Island. Our dog-friendly waterfront restaurants on Skull Creek and Broad Creek have it all – watch the boats cruise in, listen to live music, socialize over a cold craft beer or cocktail with friends (old, new, and furry!), and indulge in the most delectable Lowcountry cuisine you’ve ever tasted!  

1. Black Marlin Bayside Grill

Palmetto Bay Marina, 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 

Phone: (843) 785-4950

Monday – Friday | 11 AM to 10 PM
Saturday & Sunday | 10 AM to 10 PM
Daily Happy Hour | 4 PM to 7 PM
*First Come, First Serve for Outdoor Dining

Food & Drink Menu | Happy Hour Menu | Online Ordering

Situated at Palmetto Bay Marina on the south end of the island, Black Marlin Bayside Grill is home to “the best shrimp and grits on Hilton Head”, “the best shrimp burger ever” and signature sushi nachos sure to satisfy your seafood cravings. Stop by for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch on the outdoor patio, or hit happy hour with friends at the waterside Hurricane bar with seasonal live music, summertime parties, and Lowcountry oyster roasts on the pet-friendly patio.

2. Fishcamp on Broad Creek 

11 Simmons Road, Hilton Head Island, SC

Phone: (843) 842-2267

Open Daily | 11 AM PM to 10 PM 
Daily Happy Hour | 4 PM to 6 PM
Sunday Brunch | 11 AM to 3 PM  
*First Come, First Serve for Outdoor Dining

Fishcamp Food & Drink Menus

Fishcamp on Broad Creek is located across the Coligny Beach Bridge in a scenic waterfront setting at Broad Creek Marina. The expansive waterfront outdoor area is perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner with the kiddos and furbabies – indulge in craft cocktails, local beers, southern-style seafood and hand-cut steaks, play bocce and cornhole on the lawn, listen to live local music around the firepit, and savor the lifestyle you’ll soon come to love on Hilton Head Island.

3. Up the Creek Pub & Grill 

Broad Creek Marina, 18 Simmons Road, Hilton Head Island, SC

Phone: (843) 681-3625 

Sunday – Wednesday | 11 AM to 9 PM
Thursday – Saturday | 11 AM to 9:30 PM
Daily Happy Hour | 4 PM to 7 PM
*First Come, First Serve

UP! Menu | Happy Hour Menu | Kids Menu

Located next door to Fishcamp and Adventure Hilton Head, Up the Creek Pub & Grill is Hilton Head’s favorite hideaway for casual and affordable waterfront dining, with a full bar and buckets of beer! The waterfront deck and pet-friendly patio offer breathtaking Lowcountry views and they’re rumored to have the island’s best burgers and smoked wings! It’s a great spot to relax after aerial adventures, dolphin tours, or water activities from Broad Creek Marina.  

4. Old Oyster Factory 

101 Marshland Road, Hilton Head Island, SC

Phone: (843) 681-6040

Open Daily | 11 AM to 9 PM 
Sunday Brunch | 11 AM to 2 PM
Daily Happy Hour | 4 PM to 6 PM
*First Come, First Serve for Outdoor Dining

Old Oyster Factory Menus

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Old Oyster Factory dates back to the early 1800s and is an iconic Hilton Head landmark and popular island destination for seafood with a view! The Old Oyster Factory is voted one of the “Top 100 Scenic View Restaurants” and “Top 50 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in America” and will gladly welcome your pup to join you for wine, beer, bonfires, and waterfront dining on the outside deck over Broad Creek.   

5. The Crazy Crab on Jarvis Creek

104 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island, SC  

Phone: (843) 681-5021

Open Daily | 11 AM to 9 PM
Daily Happy Hour | 4 PM to 6 PM
Sunday Brunch | 11 AM to 2 PM  
*Reservations Recommended

Jarvis Creek Menu | Online Ordering

The Crazy Crab has two dog friendly waterfront restaurants on Hilton Head – one at Harbour Town Marina in Sea Pines (open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM) and one on the banks of beautiful Jarvis Creek. The Lowcountry setting is sublime with a pet-friendly waterfront deck to snack on award-winning Snow Crab, sip Lowcountry Long Islands, and listen to local live music while the kids stay entertained with the largest saltwater fish tank on Hilton Head, crab races, and an onsite playground. A spectacular waterfront dining experience for you and your pup!

6. Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks 

1 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island, SC  

Phone: (843) 681-2772

Open Daily | 11 AM to 9 PM 
Sunday Brunch | 10 AM to 4 PM
*First Come, First Serve

Brunch | Lunch | Dinner | Kids | Drinks

Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks has been a Hilton Head Island tradition for over 50 years! Built as an oyster factory in 1912 and then converted from a seafood processing plant in 1967, Hudson’s seafood comes fresh from the local boats to Hudson’s world-famous docks daily, served with traditional southern hospitality as you relax, watch the boats cruise along Skull Creek, and savor the freshest seafood and best Lowcountry views on Hilton Head, with Fido by your side. 

7. Skull Creek Boathouse 

397 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island, SC  

Phone: (843) 681-3663

Open Daily | 11 AM to 10 PM 
Sunday Brunch | 10 AM 
Daily Happy Hour | 4 PM to 6 PM
*First Come, First Serve

Skull Creek Boathouse Menu

Featured in National Geographic’s “The Dog Lover’s Guide to Travel”, Skull Creek Boathouse is Hilton Head’s landmark waterfront restaurant and a must-do for dining with your dog. The Boathouse overlooks the creek and marina with a stunning pet-friendly patio beneath the live oaks, a waterfront pavilion, and the open-air Buoy Bar, named one of the Top 30 Outdoor Bars in America. Be sure to check out their events schedule for seasonal nightly music, starting April 1st!

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

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 pet friendly rentals in the top neighborhoods of Hilton Head Island. Start browsing online or call our team at (843) 785-6767 to find a private paradise for you and your pet on Hilton Head.   

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.

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Sunset Rentals
21 New Orleans Rd
Hilton Head, SC 29928
info@sunsetrentals.com 800-276-8991 843-785-6767

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