Travel Guide: Hilton Head Island, SC
Hey, loves! I hope y’all are having a super blessed week so far!
I just came back home from a much needed family vacation down South at one of my favorite places in the whole world … Hilton Head Island! I’ve been going there almost every summer since I was born. I haven’t been there since I graduated high school, which was literally six years. It definitely felt so good to go back and experience it all over again, that’s for sure!
I’m not gonna lie to y’all, this summer has been ROUGH. I’ve been insanely busy with my two part-time jobs, along with moving out of my apartment in Kent and getting situated at home with my parents to save money tor a few months. As great as this summer has been, it’s also been somewhat exhausting and stressful if I’m being super honest. I felt like it hasn’t been as restful as I hoped it would’ve been. But after finally a having a whole week with a change of scenery (the beach and palm trees as a bonus) and relaxation, I feel so rejuvenated. No better way to close out summer with a Southbound beach getaway if you ask me!
Hilton Head Island is the perfect place to go if you need to recharge and simply have nothing on your agenda for once. It’s also very family-friendly, as it has clean areas and a lot of fun things to do for everyone of all ages. I actually avoided posting anything on my Instagram so that I could focus on being in the present and enjoy every moment of the trip, and it’s been super refreshing (don’t worry, I did post a highlight reel with a recap of the trip, as well as some Instagram posts!). HHI is most certainly a place where I can truly relax, so much so it feels like a second home. If you’re planning on visiting there and wanting some recommendations, I’m your girl! Here’s what I have for ya:
WHERE WE STAYED
Practically every vacation to the island took place in Sea Pines Resort, probably it’s most popular resort. There was only one or two years where we didn’t stay in Sea Pines. And even then, we still made trips over there to stop by the Salty Dog and Harbour Town. It’s such a beautiful area, especially with all the moss oak trees, ponds, and the famous South Beach Marina! This year we rented a condo in Lands End for the week, which we’ve also stayed at many times during past trips and we absolutely love it! It’s also the perfect place if you and your family want to rent bikes as it’s super fun and easy to explore. That’s why we did this past week, and we have no regrets at all and biked pretty much everyday!
WHERE TO DINE
BREAKFAST & COFFEE:
For all the many times I’ve visited Harbour Town during our family vacations, I never knew this existed until this year! My mom and I biked here one morning and got some coffee and breakfast, and we absolutely loved it. It’s so adorable with its cozy, old-world charm. It was actually originally located in Charleston many a very long time ago before moving over to Hilton Head!
Very good basic breakfast diner food, along with backyard seating. I’ve heard their lunch food is even better!
We actually never got to try this place because the line was so long and would’ve taken us 30 minutes to just get coffee to-go, but it looks super adorable and I’ve only heard good things. If any of y’all end up making your way over here, let me know how it is!
My family and I would come here quite a bit during many of our trips for breakfast and brunches. I haven’t been here in so many years, but I’m definite it’s still just as good!
LUNCH/DINNER/DRINKS:
My absolute favorite thing to do on the island besides going to the beach. I love the Salty Dog! I have so many great memories there as a kid and enjoy it even more as an adult. They have so many cool stores to shop at, but their outdoor restaurant might have to be my favorite thing about it. This past week we would go every night to grab drinks and listen to live music. I just love the atmosphere. Also be sure to get hushpuppies when or if you go, they taste SO good! I’m craving them right now just thinking about them lol 🤤
My dad made a reservation for us here one night and we absolutely loved it! Our waiter was incredibly kind, and the food and drinks tasted incredible as well. My sister and I both got the sweet peach sangria and split a filet and gnocchi. It’s also right across the street from Harbour Town, so it’s perfect to walk right over after dinner!
This is a great place to sit outside during the summertime. Lots of seafood, but they have other good options if you’re not a seafood person like I am!
Some of the best pizza and calzones you’ll ever have, I promise!
We biked here twice and stopped by for lunch and drinks, which after biking in 80 degree weather worth it 😂 It also has a great view of the iconic lighthouse!
Great outdoor seating and service. I highly recommend getting the fried calamari and fried pickles as an appetizer!
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks:
I haven’t been here since I was fourteen I think. Not really one of my favorite restaurants on the island as far as food goes, but the atmosphere is super fun and I have many good memories there!
We didn’t make it here during our trip, but my cousin and her boyfriend went a few months ago and mentioned that their drinks are really good!
Great place to go for cocktails and to dive into some yummy appetizers after spending a long time on the nearby beach!
We went here on our last night as a last minute decision because the other restaurant we were planning on going to had a super long wait, and thankfully this place was a short walk away! This place has a great variety of BBQ and traditional Southern meals, as well as regular bar food. I especially loved the atmosphere, and their strawberry margaritas are top-notch!
DESSERT:
One of my favorite memories from family vacations in HHI is coming here nighttime and eating ice cream! They’re right by the main restaurant, which is great for adults who want to drink and kids who want something for their sweet teeth.
As much as I love the Salty Dog’s ice cream, this cute little store located in Harbour Town is where I’m going if I’m craving it badly. They also have more flavors to choose from, as well as a gift shop full of lots of souvenirs!
WHAT TO DO
SHOPPING:
My second favorite thing in HHI after the Salty Dog! It’s where the famous red and white lighthouse is located and has a bunch of cute shops and places to eat, as well as a super fun playground for kids. During the summer and certain holidays, this locally famous singer named Gregg Russell performs every weeknight for kids and families under the big oak tree. My family and I having gone to many of his shows and has played a big part in our childhood. His songs are so fun and he always makes us laugh, and watching the kids who go up to sing songs are freaking adorable!
This is probably the cutest shopping plaza located on the island. Carolina Coffee & Crumbs and The Sandbar Beach Eats are both also located here!
If you’re looking for big name stores and restaurants like Lululemon, Francesca’s, Starbucks, Kroger, and so on, this is the place to go!
ACTIVITIES:
Dolphin Watching
There are so many dolphins that swim along the coast of the island, so doing this is a must for fun activities!
Parasailing
I remember being so nervous to do this for the first time as a teenager, and now it’s one of my favorite activities to do on vacation!
Golf & Putt Putt
Hilton Head is very well-known for the variety of golf courses they have, so much so that many PGA Tours take place there! Harbour Town Golf Links is where they take place at and is very popular. If you wanna keep it more simple and go putt putting, Pirate’s Island is super fun!
Zip-Lining
I freaking love zip-lining. I always tell people who wanna try it out to do it somewhere cool, and South Carolina is definitely one of those cool places! We went to this place called Adventure Hilton Head during past visits and had an absolute blast. Great family activities for older kids and adults who don’t have a problem with heights!
Horseback Riding
Lawton Stables is a great place for horse lovers and anyone who wants to go for a trail ride!
Has anyone visited Hilton Head Island before? Comment below and share your favorite things about it and what you love to do there!