I recently returned from a quick weekend getaway to South Carolina and had a blast checking out all the fun things to do in Hilton Head Island! While Hilton Head is a popular summer destination, I thoroughly enjoyed visiting during spring. The weather was mild (even a bit chilly at times) and there were minimal crowds, making it easy to unwind and explore. Here are some of the best Hilton Head things to do, regardless of when you visit.

Top 6 Things to Do in Hilton Head Island, SC

1. Bike Around

If you love riding bikes, Hilton Head Island is the vacation spot for you. The island is very pedestrian-friendly and biking is a common way to get around. On our Hilton Head trip, my friend and I ended up biking upwards of 18 miles in one day! There are many paths connecting the different shopping and dining complexes around the island and plenty of scenic trails through protected nature areas. You can even bike on the beach—it’s easiest at low tide when the sand is hard and packed down.

2. Enjoy the Local Eats + Drinks

I hope you’re hungry, because Hilton Head is jam-packed with delicious eateries. Of course, trying the fresh, local seafood is a must during your stay. I enjoyed some of the best oysters of my life there, as well as some tasty salmon, calamari, and grilled octopus. Even if you aren’t a seafood-lover, there are many options for even the pickiest eaters. Here’s a rundown of where we ate during our Hilton Head Island vacation:

Breakfast

Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe – laid-back, unfussy spot with regionally-inspired twists on familiar favorites, like ahi tuna eggs Benedict.

Hilton Head Diner – old-school vibes with a large menu of typical diner fare. Our service was quite slow here, so skip it if you’re in a rush.

Lunch

The Bank – spacious beer garden with bar food classics. I only got a beer and chips with guac here, but both were delicious.

Dinner

The Sandbar Beach Eats – fun, popular spot with lots of seafood offerings and yummy-looking cocktails.

Quarterdeck – upscale and definitely a splurge, beautiful ambiance and incredible food. This was another spot with slow service, but I’d go back to give it another shot since everything else was wonderful.

Snacks + Treats

Sweet Al’s – quaint coffeeshop with lots of outdoor seating—my soy blueberry latte was delicious.

Sharky’s Sno-Balls – cute little trailer serving shaved ice and soft serve. My friend said the ice cream was just okay but the passionfruit, orange, and guava shaved ice was super tasty.

3. Golf

Golf is actually why we planned a trip to Hilton Head Island in the first place. My husband and a friend of ours went to Shipyard Golf Club and said they had a lot of fun. The next day, we also played a round at Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf—I even managed to get a hole-in-one! There are many golf courses (both mini and full-size) throughout Hilton Head, so it’s easy to find one that fits your budget.

4. Admire the Local Wildlife

It’s virtually impossible to visit Hilton Head without spotting some local wildlife. The island is home to alligators, turtles, lizards, egrets, and more. At certain times of the year, you can also watch sea turtles hatching on the beach and spot dolphins off the coast.

5. Explore Harbour Town

Harbour Town is a must-visit during any Hilton Head Island vacation. This chic shopping and dining area is located in the private Sea Pines Resort community, so cars must pay a fee to enter. Thankfully, biking there is free and takes you through some beautiful forested areas. Harbour Town has lots of boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and a marina with a lighthouse. It’s incredibly picturesque, making it perfect for finding local souvenirs and snapping photos to remember your trip.

6. Visit the Beach

You can’t go to Hilton Head Island without seeing the ocean! There are around 12 miles of public beaches featuring soft, white sand. While it was a bit too cold for my liking to swim on our most recent visit, the waters are usually calm and warm during summer. Don’t forget to bring your bike along, too, if you’re up for the challenge.

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What are your favorite things to do in Hilton Head Island? Let me know so I can add it to my list for next time!