16 Free Things To Do On Hilton Head Island
Top 5 Hilton Head Water Sports
There’s never an offseason for Hilton Head Island water sports, especially for those with a penchant for aquatic thrills. With mid-June rapidly approaching and businesses gradually reopening, this summer aims to be yet another glorious chapter for you and your family. To ensure that your long-awaited island escape is nothing short of flawless, we’ve compiled five of the most popular Hilton Head water sports. There’s never been a more suitable time to motor deep at sea in search of true tranquility and perhaps a mid-day adventure.
1. Boating
While it’s not uncommon for our guests to arrive with their yacht hitched to their vehicle, it’s worth noting that several local companies offer affordable full-day boat rentals. The good folks at Sea Monkeys Watersports, for instance, have a small fleet of speed boats, one of which is bound have your name on it. Rates start at just $250, and fishing equipment is available for rental—a nice added perk for those hoping to hook a unique creature from below, such as sheepshead, whiting, or cobia.
2. Fishing
Speaking of colorful aquatic creatures from the deep: Fishing remains one of the most beloved Hilton Head water sports. Whether you plan to toss a line into the Atlantic from a local pier or a world-class fishing charter, there’s no doubt that you’ll hook your dinner if you’re patient. Captain Hook (no, not Peter Pan’s arch-nemesis) and Integrity Charters both have stellar reputations for chasing down sizable species, including barracuda, marlins, and even sharks.
3. Kayaking
By now, you likely know that kayaking ranks among the most peaceful Hilton Head water sports. Kayaking is an ideal mid-day activity for families who cherish the tranquility that comes with the island’s various saltmarshes and hidden creeks. While most tours don’t trek into the ocean per se, you will obtain faraway views of the big blue. The island’s many marshes and creeks play host to friendly bottlenose dolphins—and rentals are made readily available at nearly every watercraft outfitter at very reasonable prices!
4. Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding, much like kayaking, requires a lot of core stretch. But balance is the name of the game. We typically recommend H2O Sports for those who aim to learn how to board. Otherwise, the previously mentioned Sea Monkeys provides $40 all-day rentals for experienced paddlers. Paddling in the Lowcountry is a must for those who cherish natural beauty, wildlife, and a healthy dose of serenity.
5. Parasailing
Island Head and Sky Pirate both provide some of the most exhilarating Atlantic adventures on a daily basis, most notably those sky-high parasailing expeditions. Unlike most Hilton Head Island water sports, parasailing takes place high above the sea. In fact, many “flights” drift 800 feet above the azure Atlantic. It’s an experience, unlike any other.
A Well-Deserved South Carolina Family Vacation
Hilton Head Island remains one of the most beloved South Carolina vacation spots, particularly for those who revere the sand, the sea, and the sophistication of a stylish island vacation rental. Sunset Rentals has its finger on the pulse on the ever-changing travel industry. We know precisely what a family, group, or couple wants and needs in a vacation rental. That’s why most homes and condos include a pristine private pool, chef’s kitchen, high-speed internet, sleek architecture, and close proximity to the bike path, beaches, and countless restaurants that boast the freshest seafood in the county. With over 250 unique properties, you’re bound to find one that suits your family’s size, style, and budget perfectly!
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.
Hilton Head Guide For Bird Watching
The best part about birding in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is that it’s an inexpensive way to get outdoors, and it’s great for every age. Hilton Head is one of the best places to visit in South Carolina for birding as our town is quite environmentally friendly, and there are hundreds of species that frequent the area. Search for Red-Shouldered Hawk or be on the lookout for the Pileated Woodpecker along with a variety of seabirds. Keep reading as we’ll provide a South Carolina visitor’s guide to birding around Hilton Head Island.
Where to Go
Because birding is a popular pastime activity around the island, you’ll be happy to know there is a Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Birding Trail. All you have to do is use your cell phone and download the app to find information about the birds that frequent the area and birding sites where you can find them. Not only does the app act as a South Carolina visitor’s guide for birding, but it also provides understanding about the continued development of nature at each site that ultimately protects our feathered friends.
Tips for Bird Watching
When you’re looking for birds on your South Carolina family vacation, there are different ways that you can identify birds just by appearance. Looking for colors, shapes, movements, how they sing and noting the time of year are all ways you can be sure of your findings. Bring a notebook along on your daily treks around Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, as it will be easier to make a note of a bird before it flies away.
Popular Birds You’ll Find
While there are many birds in the area, there are several that you will more than likely see on your daily outings. Using the Hilton Head Birding Trail as a South Carolina visitor’s guide for birding will be the best way to identify the majority of them. We’ll go over a several that you can expect to see during your South Carolina family vacation.
- Great Blue Heron—Blue-gray color (though there is a white phase), black wide stripe over eye, thick bill, long legs and neck
- Great Egret—White feathers, long yellow bill, and black legs
- Bald Eagle—White head and tail, dark brown wings, yellow bill and legs
- Osprey—Dark brown on back and white on the belly, small head, grey legs, waterbirds
- Red-Shouldered Hawk—Checkered black and white wings, red on the breast, rounded wings, and fanned-out tail while flying
- Pileated Woodpecker—Smaller size, dark in color, pointed beak, and a red mohawk
- Brown Pelican—The only type of pelican around Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Versatile Vacation Homes All Sizes
Now that you have had a chance to review our South Carolina visitor’s guide for birding, you can have a fun day out spotting birds around the area. Whether you’re a family vacation, romantic getaway, or are heading to Sunset Rentals for a reunion, you’ll be in one of the best places to visit in South Carolina: Hilton Head Island. Our properties range from small one-bedroom rentals to vacation homes with up to 10 bedrooms for large groups. If you have any questions, please contact us at 1-800-276-8991.
