As Hilton Head Island locals, we’ve got all the best local tips up our sleeve! We know all the best places for your next adventure, hidden gems you’ll otherwise pass on by, tips to make the most out of your trip, and all the best places to stay across the island. Don’t just take our word for it, read this guide for the top locals tips you should take advantage of on your next vacation to Hilton Head Island!
1. Best Spots to Catch a Sunset or Sunrise
Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina is located on the Broad Creek, offering a stunning viewpoint with boats coming in and out of the harbor and stunning colors washing across the water. You can watch the sunset from one of the award-winning restaurants, community events throughout the summer, or standing by the marina.
The Harbour Town Yacht Basin is one of the most popular sunset spots on the island, whether from the Yacht Basin with a view of the dolphins, from the pier with a view of the lighthouse, or from the top of the Lighthouse Museum with a view of the whole resort area of Sea Pines.
If you’re looking for an adventure with a view, a sunset cruise is the way to go! There are plenty of companies across the island that offer an exhilarating boat ride through the waterways while you watch the sunset. Just pick the location, book your tour, grab your camera, and head out for the sunset. H2O Sports, Mermaid of Hilton Head, and Vagabond Cruises are just a few of the popular sunset tours.
2. Uncrowded Beaches Away from the Hustle & Bustle
Mid-island beaches away from the main resort areas are uncrowded oases with white sand, sparkling waves, and less crowds. These include Burkes Beach, Driessen Beach, and Folly Field Beach. These hidden gems are perfect for swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, beach picnics, and a scenic, fun-filled family day at the beach.
3. Must-Taste Dishes
With such a wide variety of delicious Lowcountry cuisine, it can be difficult to decide which dish you must try. But don’t worry, we have had plenty of time living here to put together our favorite meals for you to try.
The infamous Skull Creek Boathouse offers a Boathouse Sampler, perfect to test their delicious coconut almond shrimp, dill pickle chips, calamari, and hushpuppies for yourself- true Southern delicacies.
The Old Oyster Factory is best known for, you guessed it, their oysters! Enjoy panoramic water views with delicious fresh-caught local oysters that you’ll never forget. It’ll have you coming back to Hilton Head Island year after year, just for the cuisine.
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks is one of the only remaining local fishing fleets on the island with fresh-caught fish straight from the docks to your table. Their Atlantic Salmon is a must-try, fresh-caught salmon dish varying seasonally with expert-picked toppings.
4. Ditch the Car, Walk or Bike the Trails!
One of the best ways to explore the island is by walking or biking the trails. Ditch the car, grab your bike or walking shoes, and hit the trails for a one-of-a-kind adventure. On Hilton Head Island, you can walk between resort areas, to the beach, through shopping centers, and more!
Bike through the beach for stunning water views, cool breezes, and white sandy trails. Ride through Shelter Cove Community Park for live music and entertainment along the way. Or head to Fish Haul Creek Park’s 31 acre preserve away from crowds, through wetlands, beach, and forest.
5. Look for Wildlife
The island is teeming with wildlife from alligators hiding in the ponds to pelicans soaring over the waves, everywhere you look is an opportunity for wildlife viewing!
Sea Pines Forest Preserve features 605 acres of ponds and forests covered in Spanish moss, with the opportunity to see turtles, alligators, herons, eagles, snakes, and more on an exhilarating nature walk.
Dolphin tours are a popular favorite to see one of the most magnificent creatures to grace our island! Hilton Head Dolphin Tours, Dolphin Seafari, and Island Explorer are some of the best dolphin tours to encounter dolphins with a tour guide through the waterways guiding you where to look and when to grab the camera!
The beach is another popular exploration spot with plenty of viewing spots for dolphins, starfish, pelicans, sand dollars, jellyfish, crabs, and more!
6. Get out on the Water
Ditch the car, bike, and walking shoes for an even better adventure– one on the waterways! Whether by kayak, paddleboard, private boat, or fishing charter, there are endless opportunities to explore the water on Hilton Head Island.
Rent kayaks, paddleboards, skim boards, and more for the adventure of a lifetime with the whole family. Looking for more of a guided tour with a fishing guide or wildlife expert? You’re in luck! The island also offers plenty of guided tours with local experts to get you off the land and onto the water.
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The Best Places to Stay in Hilton Head Island
At Sunset Rentals, our vacation rentals are all based in Hilton Head, South Carolina. We have some fantastic properties fit for groups of all sizes. We offer luxurious vacation rentals to fit every family’s wants and needs to make their vacation a breeze. With unique accommodations and a wide range of convenient amenities, you’re sure to find something you’ll love. We offer private homes and villas across the island and first-class service to all of our guests.
