Why is it that Hilton Head Island is such a vacation hub? 

Could it be all the natural beauty? The island is home to nearly 12 miles of continuous beaches, where you can relax in the waves, spot sea turtles nesting, or just enjoy the ocean breezes. But beyond the shores, you’ll find miles of multi-use trails, allowing you to go horseback riding or biking around wildlife-filled areas. 

Is it all the culture? Hilton Head is home to diverse groups of residents, each with its own unique history. Learn about how Hilton Head played an important role in the Civil War, how the Gullah culture influenced the area, and how it embraces the connections between residents and visitors.

What about all the Hilton Head activities? This city is one of the best golf destinations in the US, home to performing arts theaters with incredible shows, and host of a summer festival that’s a local favorite not to be missed.

With so much to do and see in Hilton Head, it can be hard to know just where to start. So, we’ve compiled our list of the absolute must-do things in Hilton Head for you – from fireworks cruises to ways to be at one with nature. Add these awesome attractions to your Hilton Head bucket list, and you’re bound to have an incredible time exploring this unique island city!

15 Fun and Unique Things to do in Hilton Head, SC

1. Play around Adventure Cove

Visiting with family? Then, Adventure Cove is one of the best things to do in Hilton Head. This family fun center is a great way to spend an afternoon! 

What’s there to do at this entertainment complex? First, you can head to the arcade, where you can challenge your family to a litany of games and aim for massive prizes, like Xboxes. Shoot hoops, play skeeball, and collect your tickets while you play as a family.

Then, head out to the two mini golf courses for even more friendly competition. These two 18-hole courses are themed to look like green wonderlands. Play a round on Paradise Falls, or get lost in the Lost Lagoon. If you’re going on a Hilton Head vacation with kids, this is a perfect place to have some family fun.  

2. Go on a Trail Ride Through Sea Pines Forest Preserve

With over 600 acres to explore, the Sea Pines Forest Preserve is a national wonderland in the heart of Hilton Head Island. And there are plenty of ways to explore. Go on a guided boat tour, take a fishing trip, or just simply walk along the many trails. 

But the best way to explore is by visiting Lawton Stables. Taking a trail ride with Lawton Stables is one of the most unique things to do in Hilton Head. 

You’ll hop on a horse for a one-hour guided tour that will allow you to see all the beauty of Sea Pines Forest Preserve. You’ll learn more about Hilton Head as you enjoy the canopy of palmetto trees and oaks, providing for a tranquil but knowledgeable tour.

Visiting with younger children? They’ll love taking a pony ride with the friendly Shetland ponies. Or they can head over to the animal farm to see goats, miniature donkeys, miniature cows, pot-bellied pigs, and more. They can even feed the animals with feed provided by the stables! 

3. Look for Animals in the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best Hilton Head attractions. And with over 4,000 acres to explore, there’s a lot of Hilton Head sightseeing to do here.

Situated between Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, this park is a perfect place to visit to see animals of all kinds, especially when it comes to bird-watching. It attracts thousands of migratory birds every year and provides a critical nesting habitat, or rookery, for colonial-wading birds. Be on the lookout for egrets, herons, and much more. 

The refuge bird list contains over 250 species, so you never quite know what you’ll see here. Aside from birds, you may see deer, red foxes, bobcats, and alligators.

Explore over 14 miles of hiking and biking trails as you take in the great outdoors and enjoy the refuge’s natural beauty. You can also go saltwater fishing in the waters around the refuge, provided you have a South Carolina saltwater fishing license.

4. Take a Bike Tour

If you love biking, Hilton Head Island will soon be your favorite place to vacation! With more than 60 miles of multi-use trails, biking can take you nearly everywhere you want to be, from wildlife preserves to pristine beaches. And with nearly 30 bicycle rental shops, you can easily rent a bike to take you around town during your Hilton Head vacation. 

One such place is Outside Hilton Head, which allows you to rent online and pick up your bike at multiple locations around town. Rent adult bikes and bikes for children. You can also rent tandem bikes or adult bikes with kid seat attachments. 

But this shop goes further by offering you guided tours as well. Hop on an e-bike for two tour options that will take you around Hilton Head. The History and Nature Tour takes you on a tour with a professional guide who will dive into the rich history of the area as you explore the natural beauty Hilton Head has to offer.

With a private tour, you’ll get a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore Hilton Head with a knowledgeable guide who can show you all the things you want to see about the area, plus locations you didn’t know you wanted to see.

5. See a Show at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina allows you to enjoy Broadway-caliber shows in the heart of Hilton Head. Seeing a show here is one of the best Hilton Head activities and an excellent way to end a day of exploring the region. 

But it’s more than an entertainment venue. The arts center is dedicated to performing and visual arts, with a focus on cultural festivals and educational outreach so that all can enjoy the arts.

See live performances of your favorite bands and their tribute bands, listen to music from all over the world, and see musicals and plays you would have thought you could only see in New York City. 

Visiting for the summer? Sign your little artist up for a summer camp. There are many to choose from. Kids can learn to put on a show during the Take the Stage Camp and Theater Camp. 

Or they can fill up their portfolio passport by journeying through Art Around the World. And for even more hands-on learning about art, they can learn the techniques of building with clay in Kids N’ Clay.

6. Eat and Drink Your Way Through the Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival

The Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival has been inviting the public to celebrate the food and drink of the Lowcountry for over three decades. It’s also been a great way to give back to the region, as the wine auctions from the Grand Tasting and Public Tasting events benefit the John F. & Valerie Currie Educational Scholarship Fund for college students pursuing degrees in hospitality and tourism. 

The festival has raised hundreds of thousands to date. Attending this event is both one of the best things to do in Hilton Head and a wonderful way to contribute to the growth and preservation of this beautiful region..

Attend tastings with over 250 world-class wines from around the world, drink beers from the local Craft Beer Garden, walk around the Sip & Stroll to meet local artisans and drink wines from vendors from all over, and much more. New events are popping up each year, and with six days to celebrate the local cuisines and world-famous wines, there’s something exciting to do each night of the festival.

7. Go Golfing 

We already know that Hilton Head Island is a biker’s paradise, but did you know it’s also a golfer’s favorite place to be? Hilton Head is home to more than 23 championship golf courses, both public and private. 

And golf fans will be excited to know that many of the courses were designed by famous golfers and golf architects like Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus. It’s no wonder Hilton Head is consistently ranked one of the best golf destinations in the world.

Which golf courses should you play at? One of the most legendary courses is the Harbour Town Golf Links course, designed by Pete Dye. You’ll be playing in the footsteps of golf legends, as this course is home to the RBC Heritage, South Carolina’s only PGA Tour event.

Another favorite Pete Dye course is Heron Point, considered one of the most exciting courses in the Lowcountry. And over in Palmetto Dunes, you’ll find the Robert Trent Jones Course, where you’ll enjoy the ocean breezes on every hole.

8. Have Family-Friendly Fun During HarbourFest

HarbourFest is one of the must-do things in Hilton Head if you’re visiting over the summer. This family-friendly event is located at Shelter Cove Harbour and takes place all summer long. 

Each year, you can expect live music and entertainment that’s fun for the whole family. Kids can have fun with arts and crafts, while everyone can compete in the carnival games. And kids throughout generations have long loved the live shows by fan-favorite Cappy the Clown, who also does face-painting. 

Because of its fantastic location, you’ll be able to enjoy all that Shelter Cove has to offer, from waterfront dining to boutique shopping. Be sure to come to this event on Tuesdays throughout the summer, as each Tuesday brings about a new fireworks show over the water when the sky darkens.

9. Take in the Fireworks from the Water on a Guided Kayak Tour

But there’s an even better way to take in the fireworks. Outside Hilton Head offers a kayaking tour like no other. When you book a Fireworks Paddle, you’ll get a two-hour guided tour followed by an incredible view of the fireworks after an already-amazing experience watching the sun set over the water.

Not visiting over the summer, or can’t book a tour on a Tuesday? No problem! Outside Hilton Head offers a number of different kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding tours.

You can go on the same guided tour you would with the Fireworks Paddle, minus the fireworks, with the Guided Kayak Nature Tour. And if the full moon is out, you can go on a nocturnal tour with the Full Moon Kayak Tour.

If you’d rather paddleboard, you can learn how to do it with the Intro to Stand-Up Paddleboarding class or really challenge yourself with the SUP Yoga class, in which you’ll get out on the board and test your yoga skills. You can also tour a salt marsh from your stand-up paddleboard. 

Hilton Head Small-Group Kayak Tour

10. Have a Day of Play at The Sandbox Children’s Museum

Got a little one who loves seeing the world and learning new things? Then, The Sandbox Children’s Museum is another one of the best things to do in Hilton Head for your family of travelers. This interactive museum encourages play that teaches children to embrace their imagination and discover the world around them.

This museum has over 15 hands-on exhibits, each with its own theming. Discover how the world interacts in S.T.E.M. Alley, learn how to care for animals at the Beaches Vet Clinic, create balanced meals at the Charles Petite E’Toile Verte Cafe, climb into the pilot’s seat at the Flight Deck, and much more. There’s even an area dedicated to infants and toddlers, allowing kids of all ages to get in on the fun.

Throughout the week, the museum offers a bevy of programs to encourage childhood play. You can sign your child up for camps, or you can pop in for programs on specific days of the week, like Toddler Time on Mondays or Imagination Hour on Thursdays.

You can also join the museum for specific event days, like Free Family Fun Night on the first Friday of each month, Sensory Inclusive Days for children with sensory-friendly needs, or the yearly Cardboard Challenge, which asks kids to create their most imaginative structure with just cardboard.

11. Spend a Day in the Sand

Hilton Head Island is recognized as one of the best family beach destinations in the US, so a beach day belongs on your Hilton Head bucket list. 

Coligny Beach is a lively spot within a short distance from top restaurants, shopping, and attractions, like Lowcountry Celebration Park. Relax on a porch swing as you take in the ocean breezes at this popular, family-friendly beach. 

Islanders Beach is more of a local spot, so you’ll find more space at this Hilton Head favorite. It’s best reached by bike, and it’s an excellent place for a picnic.

Singleton Beach is a colorful beach where you’ll find plenty of sand, even at high tide. You’re bound to spot plenty of bright coral and wildlife, including pelicans, snowy egrets, and dolphins.

Keep an eye out for the sea turtles, who visit the beaches here to begin their nesting season between May and October each year. While you should be respectful of these fragile nests, they’re one of the best sights in Hilton Head!

12. Explore the Coastal Discovery Museum

The Coastal Discovery Museum is more than a museum. It’s a place to be at one with nature and one of the coolest things to do in Hilton Head. This museum sits on 68 coastal acres, providing you with incredible views and ways to experience the beauty and history of Hilton Head.

What is there to see at the Coastal Discovery Museum? Inside the Discovery House, you’ll learn about the real history of Hilton Head. Though it’s a beautiful tourist destination now, it played a vital role in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and Reconstruction Era. 

You’ll walk through the past in this museum. Then, you’ll venture outside to walk along a two-mile trail that takes you over the salt marsh, through meticulously-maintained gardens, and past stunning outdoor sculptures and historical buildings.

There’s always something new to learn at this unique museum. Experts provide in-person presentations that showcase nature, history, and local culture. Learn about how the soldiers lived during the Civil War or how sea turtles nest. 

For even more hands-on learning, the museum offers programs for adults and children alike, allowing you to try your hand at things like making a sweetgrass basket or dying with indigo. And with the museum’s lecture series, you can really dive deep into a topic that interests you.

Although you could explore the museum on your own, it offers tours that allow you to really embrace the history and natural beauty of Hilton Head. Join a naturalist while you explore the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Or get out on the water and take a boat cruise from Hilton Head to Daufuskie Island or hop in a kayak to explore Javis Creek. 

13. Learn about Gullah Culture at the Gullah Celebration

Gullah refers to the group of enslaved African-Americans and their descendants who live in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina and other southern states. The word also refers to the Creole dialect that was uniquely theirs.

Though their culture wasn’t always celebrated in the region, the Gullah Celebration is just one way in which the area is embracing its people. Going to this one-of-a-kind festival is one of the best things to do in Hilton Head if you’re a history lover and enjoy experiencing local cultures.

The festival, which has been held every February since 1996, seeks to showcase the rich history and heritage of the Gullah people. From traditional music to art from local artists that shines a light on the world of the Gullah people to food that’s been in the Gullah history for generations, you’ll find plenty to love about this event.

You’ll also hear from scholars and featured authors about the history of the Gullah people, allowing you to step back in time and learn about the struggles and perseverance of these proud people. You can also support the community by buying wares from local artisans. 

14. Enjoy the Music of The Jazz Corner

Looking for something off the beaten path and a unique thing to do in Hilton Head? Spending an evening at The Jazz Corner should be on your Hilton Head bucket list if you’re a music lover. This historical landmark has been ranked as one of the greatest jazz rooms in the world.

Located on the corner of The Village at Wexford, The Jazz Corner is both a jazz club, one of the few remaining ones, and a top-notch restaurant with gourmet cuisine. This intimate club provides an evening of world-class entertainment each night.

Each night, an incredible act will take the stage. Both local musicians and world-famous talents have graced this legendary stage.

Just like these acts are must-see performances, you can’t miss dining on this eclectic menu. From bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin to sesame ahi tuna, the dishes here take inspiration from all over the world. You’ll love savoring each bite as you take in the music.

15. Dine around the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival

If you’re visiting in February, the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival is a must. This massive event invites you to spend seven days celebrating the South’s food culture. You’ll explore the coast’s fishing heritage while you dine on fresh catch specials, oysters, and more. You may even learn how to fish yourself! 

Throughout the festival, you’ll enjoy dinners cooked by celebrity chefs and the best of the best Southern pitmasters. Master mixologists will be fixing you drinks that perfectly pair with each dish. You’ll learn how to cook the meals yourself through cooking demos while scholars teach you about local wildlife, sustainable fishing, and Southern cuisine.

This festival is as much about food as it is about appreciating the culture of the area you’re standing in. Expect to revel in the beauty and history of Hilton Head while you dine on each delicious course.

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Hilton Head. What’s your favorite thing to do in Hilton Head? Let us know in the comments!

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