Hilton Head South Carolina

Hilton Head has become one of those places I can’t help but go back to.

I’ve visited twice now, once on a girls’ trip in 2022 and again in 2024 with my husband. Both trips were completely different but equally fun.

So, if you notice the photos looking a little mixed, that’s why! I pulled from both visits to put this guide together.

Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach vacation, searching for good food, or just want a few must see spots, I’m sharing all the things we loved.

Hilton Head is such an easy, charming getaway, and I hope this helps you plan your own trip.

Take a Day Trip to SeaPines (or what to do if you’re staying IN SeaPines)

If you’re not staying directly in SeaPines (I did once, and did not another time) definitely still plan a day trip.

You pay for entrance if you’re not lodging there, (it’s not much at all) but still make the most of it, just pay once and do everything you want in SeaPines in one day!

1. South Beach Bike Rentals

If you’re staying in SeaPines several days, rent bikes for the duration of your stay. You’ll love them.

But, if you’re just making it a day trip to the SeaPines area of Hilton Head, you can rent bikes for 4 hours at a very reasonable price. That’s what we did!

We rented from South Beach Bike Rental. It’s right near Salty Dog restaurant. It was easy to pick up, ride bikes around the island, then return the bikes.

You can park the bikes outside restaurants, on the beach, etc. throughout the 4 hours (or however long you rent them).

2. Visit the Stoney-Baynard Plantation Ruins

The Stoney-Baynard Plantation Ruins are such an interesting stop.

My husband really geeked out over the history and it’s educational for kids, too! This is a spot you can ride the bikes you rented to.

You get to see the remains of an old 18th-century plantation home tucked right into Sea Pines. It’s peaceful, shady, and feels a little bit like stepping back in time.

It’s one of those spots that doesn’t take long to explore but adds a fun bit of history to your Hilton Head trip.

3. Visit the Beach – Duh!

The beaches in Hilton Head honestly surprised me in the best way. You see dolphins constantly. I spotted them on both trips!

If you love shell hunting, Hilton Head is such a treat. You can actually find pretty shells, starfish, and more. Here are a few of the cute little things I found!

I think because there aren’t big hotels lining the shore, the beaches feel less picked over and way more natural than places like Myrtle Beach.

It makes the whole experience so peaceful and special.

Be Sure to Stop at Harbour Town!

Harbour Town is a cute little village of shops, a pier, restaurants and more in SeaPines.

We biked there on our bikes and actually later drove back to go out to dinner.

We liked walking around, looking at the boats, and just taking our time.

It’s an easy stop if you’re already in Sea Pines.

We did the lighthouse tour while we were in Harbour Town, and honestly, it’s not the most exciting thing ever, but it’s cheap and the view at the top makes it worth it.

You can see everything from up there, and it’s fun to get a different look at the area.

It’s a quick, easy activity, and one of those little things you’re glad you did at least once.

Restaurants – Where we Actually Ate & Loved!

The Quarterdeck

Quarterdeck is such a nice dinner spot in Harbour Town.

It’s definitely more of a date night place than a family restaurant.

My husband and I went here to celebrate our 1-year anniversary, and it was perfect.

This was a selfie we took right outside of it!

The views over the water are beautiful and it feels a little more special than your typical vacation dinner. It’s a great choice.

Check out their menu HERE.

Fraser’s Tavern

This restaurant was on a golf course with a country club vibe, but anyone can eat at the restaurant!

Here we are outside. We sat on the tables you see behind us overlooking the golf course.

The food was so delish! You can see their menu HERE.

The Salty Dog Cafe

I can’t believe I forgot to take a picture here, because Salty Dog Café is such an iconic Hilton Head spot.

It’s one of those places everyone tells you to go, and honestly, it really is worth it. I made sure to go on BOTH of my visits.

The atmosphere is fun and super laid back, and it works for both a date night or an easy family dinner.

It’s just a classic Hilton Head experience, and one of those stops you kind of have to check off your list.

Now Salty Dog also had an ice cream stand which we definitely hit up after dinner and I DID get a picture of that, lol! So good.

C’est Bon for Morning Coffee & Treats

We got lattes from C’est Bon every single morning and it became one of our favorite little routines.

It’s in a cute shopping center with small local stores, so it’s fun to walk around after you grab your coffee.

We rode our bikes there each day which made it even better. It’s the perfect spot for a simple breakfast treat before heading to the beach.

Skull Creek Boathouse

This was a great lunch! Fun for date night or families, great food, we loved it. Wish I had taken a picture!

Hilton Head Social Bakery

We hit this bakery up one night for a post-dinner treat. HIGHLY recommend. So good!

Tanger Outlets

The outlets are just a short 15 minute drive and we all LOVE Tanger outlet shopping at the beach, right? Put this on your list of to-do’s!

Conclusion

Hilton Head is such an easy, relaxing getaway with so much to see and do.

From the beaches and historic spots to great restaurants and cute little shops, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re going with friends, family, or for a romantic trip, it’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again.