It’s never too early to start planning a summer vacation and it gives the family something wonderful to look forward to all winter! Hilton Head Island is a dream-worthy vacation destination with warm South Carolina sunshine, endless stretches of sandy beaches, tranquil waterways and nature preserves abounding in wildlife, and beautiful beach rentals to call home for a quick weekend getaway or the whole summer season.
Start planning your summer vacation on Hilton Head Island today with Sunset Rentals. Locally serving visitors to the island since 1993, we know the best places to stay and play on Hilton Head Island.
Hilton Head Island Activities
Wherever you choose to stay on Hilton Head Island you’re never far from the ocean and the endless activities and attractions on offer. During peak summer seasons the tours, activities, and attractions on Hilton Head are in high demand, so get the most out of your trip by planning ahead.
Many of our Hilton Head Island vacation rentals include complimentary bike and beach gear credit from Vayk Gear up to the value of $350! This program gives you credit on top-quality gear delivered on arrival and picked up on departure. Planning your Hilton Head Island activities is hassle-free when you vacation with Sunset Rentals.
1. Beach Days
Hilton Head Island boasts 12 miles of picture-perfect Atlantic beaches with golden sands, gentle waters, and great amenities for a family beach day. From the hustle and bustle of Coligny Beach to the quieter shorelines of Port Royal, there is a stretch of sand and oceanfront rental for every beach lover (and your pooch!)
2. Bike Rides
With 60 miles of paved bike trails (and heavy summer traffic!) biking is the best way to get around Hilton Head Island – book your Vayk bike rentals in advance. Plan for lots of family bike rides to and on the beach, around the resort areas, and exploring the natural beauty of the island off the beaten path.
3. Golf & Tennis
Hilton Head Island is one of the premier tennis and golf destinations in the US so be sure to book your tee times and courts well in advance for the summer season. Boasting two dozen golf courses, including the internationally renowned Harbour Town Golf Links, more than 500 tennis courts, and luxury rentals just steps away, Hilton Head is a haven for sports enthusiasts.
4. Horse Trail Rides
The Sea Pines Forest Preserve is a 600+ acre wildlife habitat and our favorite place to get lost in nature on Hilton Head Island. Tranquil trails and boardwalks wind through the forest with lagoons for fishing, eco-adventures of all kinds, and Shetland pony and horse trail rides with Lawton Stables. It’s a wonderful way to experience nature, view wildlife, and reconnect with nature.
5. Ziplining
The Zipline Hilton Head and Aerial Adventure Hilton Head tours over Broad Creek are rated among the best things to do in Hilton Head. The two-hour canopy tours feature 8 interconnected ziplines through the forests and 6 different ability courses with 50 challenge activities – a fun day out for the whole family (ages 5 and up).
6. Coastal Discovery Museum
The Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn is a must-do on Hilton Head Island for every visitor. The breathtaking grounds feature historical buildings, butterfly gardens, trails through live oaks, and things to do for every age group. The museum depicts the rich Gullah heritage of Hilton Head and offers guided tours of every kind on water and land allowing visitors to experience the history, wildlife, and natural beauty of Hilton Head Island.
7. Water Activities
Whether you prefer to take a guided tour or reserve your Vayk gear and adventure the ocean and waterways alone, the ultimate summer vacation on HHI requires getting on the water. From paddle tours and dolphin discoveries to parasailing, party fishing boats, and pirate cruises, there are water activities of every kind on Hilton Head Island – but don’t leave your plans to the last minute!
8. Kids Camps
Summer on Hilton Head Island is a perfect paradise for kids! Endless playtime on safe lifeguarded beaches, family activities galore at Shelter Cove, Harbour Town, and Coligny Plaza, and epic adventure camps to learn new skills, make new friends, and give mom and dad quiet time. Outside Hilton Head is the top activity provider on the island with summer day camps for kids and teens, and guided activities for the whole family.
9. Rainy Day Activities
It’s always smart to plan for the possibility of a rainy summer day! Our private Hilton Head vacation homes feature all the home comforts for a rainy day and there’s plenty of things to do indoors on Hilton Head Island – the Sandbox Museum, The Art Café, Adventure Cove Arcade, Coastal Discovery Museum, shopping malls, movie theaters, and luxurious spas to relax and unwind.
10. Lowcountry Day Trips
Hilton Head Island is situated in close proximity to some of the most exciting and beautiful destinations in South Carolina. Schedule time in your vacation itinerary for a Lowcountry day trip to explore the nearby towns and islands full of southern charm and culture, quaint historic districts, and miles of coastal beaches.
11. Dining, Drinking & Dancing
With a choice of over 250 bars and restaurants, classic Lowcountry farmers markets, and amazing culinary events, you’ll have loads of fun planning your dining, drinking, and dancing on Hilton Head. Savor the freshest local seafood on the docks, spoil your loved one with a sunset alfresco dinner cruise on the Spirit of Harbour Town, dance with the kids under the Liberty Oak, or dance the night away at an oceanfront tiki bar.
Where to Stay on Hilton Head Island?
One of the first steps to planning the ultimate summer vacation is deciding where to stay on Hilton Head. Hilton Head Island is divided into unique resort communities each with its own lifestyle, tourist attractions, outdoor activities, and fully-equipped summer vacation rentals for every style, size, and budget.
- Forest Beach Attractions: Hilton Head’s downtown area, Coligny Plaza, Coligny Beach Park, Adventure Playground, more than 100 shops & restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and miles of award-winning beaches.
- Shipyard Attractions: Private beach access at Shipyard Beach Club, Sonesta Resort, Shipyard Golf Club, Van der Meer Tennis Complex, close to Coligny Plaza & Beach Park.
- Sea Pines Attractions: Harbour Town Lighthouse & Marina, South Beach Village & Marina, Sea Pines Forest Preserve, Harbour Town Golf Links, Heron Point Golf Course, Atlantic Dunes Golf Course, Sea Pines Racquet Club, Lawton Stables, 5 miles of beaches.
- Palmetto Dunes Attractions: Dunes House, George Fazio Golf Course, Arthur Hills Golf Course, Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course, Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center, near Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, 3 miles of beachfront, 11-mile lagoon system.
- Port Royal Attractions: Away from the crowds, beach access at Islander Beach Park, Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club, Port Royal Arboretum, and miles of scenic trails.
Summer Homes from Sunset Rentals
Summer rentals on Hilton Head Island sell out fast! Get ahead of the curve and find the ultimate summer vacation rental with Sunset Rentals. Our Sunset Package offers a 48-hour worry-free guarantee and flexible cancellation policy allowing you to book your Hilton Head summer vacation early with confidence and ease. Browse our Hilton Head Island rentals online or call our on-island team at 843-785-6767.
