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Tag: Hilton Head Vacation Rental

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Why Spend Labor Day Weekend On Hilton Head?

Soak in those last few days of summer and enjoy local events on Hilton Head Island over Labor Day Weekend. There’s no better way to celebrate than supporting local establishments, relaxing on the beach, and taking a trip to one of America’s top vacation destinations – Hilton Head Island!

As summer comes to an end and temperatures simmer to the mid 80s on Hilton Head Island, Labor Day Weekend is the perfect last minute trip to end the season. Read on to learn about the various events taking place around town for the whole family to enjoy.

Harbourfest at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina

SHELTER COVE HARBOURFEST FIREWORKS SCHEDULE

2024 Fireworks
Schedule
Tuesdays: June 4, 11, 18 & 25
Thursday, July 4th
Tuesdays: July 9, 16, 23 & 30
Tuesdays: August 6, 13 & 20

*All fireworks shows start when the sky is dark. No drones allowed during fireworks shows.

LIVE HARBOURFEST PERFORMANCES

SHANNON TANNER
Two shows: 6:30 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Memorial Day Weekend: Saturday, May 25 & Sunday, May 26
Mon – Thurs from May 27 – June 7
Thursday, July 4
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday from June 10 – August 21

**No shows August 23 – August 30

CAPPY THE CLOWN
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Memorial Day Weekend: Saturday, May 25 & Sunday, May 26
Monday – Friday from May 27 – Sept 1
Labor Day Weekend: Saturday, August 31 & Sunday, Sept 1 

PARROT PALOOZA
with Shannon Tanner & The Oyster Reefers
Thursdays: June 13 – August 22 (family show week of July 4)
Labor Day Weekend: Saturday, August 31 & Sunday, Sept 1 

Lowcountry Jazz Festival

August 30th – September 1st, 2024

Gaillard Center in Charleston, SC

Take a scenic 2-hour trip to Charleston for South Carolina’s premier annual Smooth Jazz event continues its Labor Day weekend tradition, kicking off the weekend with a stellar lineup.

See the line-up HERE!

Edisto Beach Shag Festival

August 31st – September 1st, 2024

Bay Creek Park in Edisto Beach, SC

Take a 2-hour trip over to Edisto Island to dance the night away to favorite coastal shag hits or enjoy food, drinks, arts & crafts, and more fun for the whole family.

Labor Day Beach Bash

August 31st – September 2nd, 2024

Tybee Island Pier in Tybee Island, GA

Take a short trip to Tybee Island for a one-of-a-kind free outdoor concert on the beach, featuring live music and food & drink vendors.

Stay with Sunset Rentals this Labor Day Weekend!

View All Hilton Head Rentals
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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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6 Reasons To Explore Hilton Head This Fall

Whether you’re seeking a quieter (and more affordable!) shoulder season escape or a second summer on secluded beaches, head to Hilton Head Island this fall for a vacation on America’s favorite island, without the crowds! 

Nestled on the southern tip of the South Carolina coastline, Hilton Head Island is a small coastal town with world-famous golf courses, miles of beautiful beaches, upscale shopping and dining, four seasons of adventure for all ages, and luxurious oceanfront and oceanside vacation rental retreats to call home. 

Hilton Head Island is the #1 Island in Continental US and is wonderful in the fall season. The weather is balmy, breezy and fabulous with warm sunny days, comfortably cool evenings, and very little rainfall. The crowds of beachgoers have dwindled, the chaos of the holiday season is over, the pace is slower, and you get to stay in your dream home at reduced rates! 

If the lure of a slower pace of life, family bike rides on uncrowded trails, lazy beach days on empty beaches, long lunches with oceanfront views, and relaxing downtime with family and friends in a tranquil and luxurious setting appeals to you – the fall season on Hilton Head Island beckons.

1. Enjoy a Second Summer on the Beach

Southern Living ranks Hilton Head Island “The South’s Best Beach Town” for 2022 and it’s the perfect destination for a second summer on the beach! Hilton Head’s 12-miles of pristine beaches are among the widest and flattest beaches in the US with calm waters, loads of natural tidal pools, hard-packed sand for bike riding and beach walks, and plenty vitamin sea! Hilton Head Island is a top destination for dog lovers and from October to February the canine restrictions lift – you can play frisbee with your dog on the beach all day long!

CHECK OUT – Best Spots To Watch The Sunset On Hilton Head

2. Go Wildlife Viewing in Nature

With the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Calibogue Sound to the west, and the inland waterways on Broad Creek, Hilton Head Island is one big nature preserve abounding with protected wildlife habitats, natural beauty, and endless opportunities for fall wildlife viewing. Zipline through the trees, cruise the shaded island trails, birdwatch at Audubon Newhall Preserve, horseback ride in Sea Pines Forest Preserve, or get out on the water! Pick up a kayak, SUP, or boat rental from one of Hilton Head’s several marinas or plan a classic Lowcountry tour of Hilton Head Island. From kayaking and SUP tours, fishing charters, and dolphin cruises to day trips to Daufuskie Island, there’s a fall adventure for every wildlife lover on Hilton Head.

CHECK OUT – 7 Tips for Responsible Wildlife Watching on Hilton Head

3. Book a Round of Oceanfront Golf

Hilton Head Island is ranked one of the “World’s Top 10 Golf Islands” and is home to some of the best public golf courses in the US. Fall is the perfect season to get a tee-time at the world-famous Harbour Town Golf Links, play a breezy round of oceanfront golf in Palmetto Dunes, or take your pick of three award-winning courses (and 81 holes of play) at Hilton Head’s Heritage Golf Collection. If you’re visiting Hilton Head Island with kids, the Hilton Head National Golf Club is a favorite for family golf with junior rates and affordable family packages. Prefer a cool day on the courts? No worries, Hilton Head boasts more than 300 courts for tennis and pickleball – the latest trend on Hilton Head Island!

CHECK OUT – Best Golf Courses On Hilton Head Island

4. Dine Al fresco on the Waterfront

You can skip the long summer wait lines for outdoor patios and get the best seat in the house in Hilton Head Island’s top alfresco dining spots when you visit in fall. Hilton Head boasts over 30+ waterfront restaurants with raw bars for freshly shucked oysters, oceanfront patios for fine dining, iconic Tiki Huts, and rooftop bars with DJs, live music and line dancing for late night fun. Whether you’re watching the waves roll in from the Atlantic or the sunset over Skull Creek, fall is a fine time for alfresco dining on Hilton Head Island.

CHECK OUT – The 5 Best Seafood Restaurants On Hilton Head Island

5. Entertain & Educate the Kids

There’s so much fun for kids on Hilton Head Island so entertain, educate and delight your kids with experiences they won’t find in a classroom. Climb to the top of the candy-cane Harbour Town Lighthouse, explore Adventure Playground and Sandbox Children’s Museum, burn off steam ziplining, go karting or golfing, and teach your kids the joy of spending time in nature. The fall weather is ideal for cool nature activities at the Coastal Discovery Museum or find an eco-adventure perfect for the whole family with Outside Hilton Head.

CHECK OUT – 4 Rainy Day Activities On Hilton Head Island

6. Attend a Fall Festival

From Lowcountry culinary experiences and all you can eat oyster extravaganzas to pumpkin patches and unique Gullah festivals celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Lowcountry, Hilton Head Island is known for its fabulous fall festivals!

CHECK OUT – The Hilton Head Autumn Events Calendar

BOOK A HOME RENTAL ON HILTON HEAD


Getting to Hilton Head Island is easy! Many major airlines fly into Hilton Head Island Airport with non-stop flights and easy connections, and the flights are less frantic in the off-season! If you’re planning a scenic fall road trip through the Lowcountry, Hilton Head Island is only a 45-minute drive from Savannah and a 2.5 hour drive from Charleston. 

Experience coastal living at its finest this fall and start planning your getaway to Hilton Head Island with confidence and ease with the Sunset Package. Our selection of luxury Hilton Head vacation rentals are situated in the top HHI resort areas and range from cozy condos for two to multi-bedroom beachfront homes for family reunions, large group gatherings, or a golf buddies getaway to Hilton Head. If you’re looking to escape the cold and linger longer on Hilton Head, our monthly vacation rentals are available from October 1st to April 1st for a snowbird escape or extended stay on the island. 

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8 Best Day Trips From Hilton Head Island

If you’re looking for adventures beyond Hilton Head Island, look no further than this handy list of our favorite easy lowcountry day trips. The Lowcountry lands of South Carolina and Georgia are full of beautiful beaches, serene marshes, and gorgeous mossy oaks to guide you along your vacation throughout the region.

Hilton Head Island is the perfect midpoint to tour the surrounding area, with some of the most beautiful cities in the country only a day trip away. You can enjoy the paradise of Hilton Head Island, the charm of Georgia, and the historical city of Charleston all in one vacation. Read on to learn more about the surrounding areas, and everything that is possible when staying with Sunset Rentals!

1. Charleston

About a 2-hour drive from Hilton Head Island, you can find the beloved city of Charleston, the oldest and largest city in South Carolina. With traditional cobblestone roads, sandy beaches, historical architecture and southern charm, Charleston is well worth the drive.


Visit the Charleston Farmers Market for local vendors and lowcountry cuisine, the South Carolina Aquarium for educational tours and wildlife, and walk the historical streets of downtown Charleston to visit some of the most famous Charleston landmarks, like the Battery and Rainbow Row.

2. isle of palms

Only 20 minutes from Charleston and a 2.5-hour trip from Hilton Head Island, you’ll find Isle of Palms, a long stretch of sandy white beach. Known for world-class golf courses, spas, fine dining, and resorts, Isle of Palms is a favorite amongst Charleston locals.


Head over to Isle of Palms County Park for picnics, walks, and trails, or Isle of Palms Fishing Charters for fantastic views, waterway tours, and an unbeatable fishing experience.

3. kiawah island

Another South Carolina Lowcountry favorite is Kiawah Island, only about a 2-hour drive from Hilton Head Island. Kiawah Island is a top destination for luxury resorts living in harmony with nature. It features 10 miles of pristine beaches, maritime forests, sand dunes, and marshes. 


Freshfields Village is the perfect spot for lowcountry fine dining and luxury shopping. Beachwalker Park has plenty of wildlife sightings with beautiful views; and Bohicket Marina has action-packed adventures and watersports for the whole family.

4. Savannah

On the other side of Hilton Head Island, you’ll find Savannah, GA, just an hour’s drive away. Known for the Savannah Historic District and the Savannah River Front, there are plenty of places to explore.


Take a trolley through the Historic District full of live oaks and educational tours, wander through the shops and museums of Riverfront, or dine-in at some of the most famous local restaurants, like Vic’s on the River or Olde Pink House.

5. Daufuskie Island

Located just between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, sits Daufuskie Island. Although the island is only accessible by ferry, it is well worth the scenic trip. Locals love to travel over to Daufuskie for hiking, biking, fishing, or just exploring the pristine shoreline.


The Daufuskie Island Ferry transports you to and from the island, and while you’re there, be sure to visit Tour Daufuskie for water taxis, island tours, and rentals.

6. Beaufort

The town of historic sea islands, Beaufort, SC, is only a one-hour drive away. You’ll find coastal beaches, maritime forests, and scenic wetlands ready to be explored.


Hunting Island Beach is the best swimming spot with white sand and shady trees, while the rest of Beaufort is known for its classic southern charm in its museums, tours, and historical sites.

7. Jekyll island

Although a less popular vacation spot, Jekyll Island is full of adventure and beautiful sights to see. It’s a scenic 2-hour drive away, through the oak trees and over marshes. Jekyll Island is home to Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Summer Waves Water Park, sports centers, bike trails, and more.


Visit Summer Waves Water Park for water slides, pools, and fun for the whole family, then head over to Jekyll Island State Park to wind down the day with a bike ride and wildlife viewing.

8. tybee island

Only a 1.5-hour drive away, Tybee Island, GA is a small coastal community and one of the top-rated beaches in the US. Tybee Island is popular for all families, whether traveling with pets, children, or even couples.

There are plenty of small-town local shops like Seaside Sisters, ocean adventures, and classic lowcountry dining at Sundae Cafe or A-J’s Dockside.

Where To Stay?

Whether you’re looking for exciting outdoor activities, small town southern charm, or beautiful landscapes, adventure is only a short day trip away! Visit Hilton Head Island and find the perfect vacation rental from which to tour all that the Lowcountry has to offer with Sunset Rentals!

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Lowcountry Cuisine: Enjoy the Flavors of the Lowcountry

One of the ways the diversity of the U.S. is best experienced is through food. Different regions utilize different techniques and flavors in their cuisine. In the South, you’ll experience “Lowcountry cooking,” a unique and delicious style of food.

You’re probably wondering what exactly Lowcountry food is. To help you wrap your head around this regional cooking style, the team at Sunset Rentals has prepared a guide for you all about Lowcountry cuisine.

What is Lowcountry?

Before we dive into the specifics of Lowcountry cooking, it’s important to define the area we’re talking about where the Lowcountry is. Many represent the Lowcountry as the southern region of South Carolina’s coast. By most definitions, it includes Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper Counties. However, depending on who you’re talking to, this area could be well expanded, even reaching as far as Georgia. 

What is Lowcountry Cooking?

Lowcountry cooking incorporates many of the different ingredients commonly found in the Lowcountry. That means dishes typically center around seafood, vegetables, and rice. It might not sound like much on paper, but with fresh ingredients and a great recipe, your mouth will be watering.  Perhaps the most famous example of Lowcountry cuisine is shrimp and grits. This traditional dish is commonly eaten for breakfast, but it’s just as good for lunch or supper.  Lowcountry boil, also known as Frogmore or Beaufort stew, is another classic Lowcountry dish. This boil, which features shellfish, corn, potatoes, and other vegetables, is common at gatherings or community events.  Soups and stews are other Lowcountry cooking staples. Gumbo is a great example of this. Gumbo consists of stock, meat or shellfish, celery, bell peppers, onions, and usually some additional spice.

Where to Try Lowcountry Cooking in Hilton Head Island

If you’re interested in getting a taste of Lowcountry cooking, you’re in luck; there are several outstanding restaurants on Hilton Head Island serving up these tasty dishes. Here’s a list of some of our favorites:

Experience Lowcountry Food at a Vacation Rental in Hilton Head

You can delight in the fabulous flavors of Lowcountry cooking when you stay in Hilton Head Island. At Sunset Rentals, we have a variety of excellent vacation rentals that would be the perfect place to call home on your next getaway to Hilton Head Island. To stay with us, book direct or call our team at 843-785-6767.

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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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