Top TEN Things to Do - Hilton Head Island

THINGS TO DO
HILTON HEAD ISLAND

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TOP 10 THINGS TO DO ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND

Visit Coastal Discovery Museum
Make this a first stop to learn and discover more things to do on the island. The museum is located on the North end of the island just one mile on the right after going over the island bridge. The Museum is a place for hands on discovery of island history, wildife and heritage. Learn about the Gullah culture or sign up for a kayak tour. Visit the museum store and learn about other tours, cruises, and educational programs. The Island Chamber of Commerce is also located in this building. Start here first!
Coastal Discovery Museum Website | Hilton Head Island Chamber of Commerce

Experience GOLF on Hilton Head Island
GOLF DIGEST ranks Hilton Head Island golf #10 among the world's best golf resorts. We're not golfers, but, we hear that Harbour Town Golf Links, Golden Bear Golf Club, Robert Trent Jones Golf Course and Old South Golf Links are among the very fine places to play. There are 18 golf courses on the island and more just off the island.
Golf.com | WorldGolf.com | Island Courses

Experience Nature at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Encompassing four islands and 4,000 acres, the refuge aims to preserve and protect endangered natural habitats and species. At 1,200 acres, Pinckney is the largest of the refuge's islands and the only one open to the public. Enjoy over 14 miles of trails on foot or bicycle (take your own) and enjoy extensive birdlife and wildlife and maybe see an alligator. Located 1/2 mile west of Hilton Head Island on U.S. Highway 278.
Pinckney Island Website

Enjoy Hilton Head Island Dining
We enjoy dining on Hilton Head Island... especially seafood! Our favorites and favorites of those staying in our condo:

Captain's Seafood - located in Beach Market at Coligny Beach and across from Coligny Plaza.
Old Fort Pub - On the Intracoastal Waterway and Skull Creek Drive in Hilton Head Plantation.
Kingfisher Seafood - Dining on the water overlooking Shelter Cove Harbour and Broad Creek.
Hilton Head Boathouse - 405 Squire Pope Road
Sea Shack - like a shack and hidden away. Very popular with locals. 6 Executive Park Road
Mi Tierra - 160 Fairfield Square - A "locals" place for Mexican
Giuseppi's Pizza & Pasta - Shelter Cove
Wild Wing Cafe - 72 Pope Avenue - Great Wings!
Click here for more Hilton Head Island restaurant reviews at TripAdvisor!

Fun & Sun on Hilton Head Island BEACHES!
Hilton Head Island has 12 miles of wide sandy beaches. Recent accolades include:

Travel Channel - Best Beaches for Families & Best Beaches Southern Coast
USA Today - Best Beaches for Familes
Where to Retire Magazine - One of America's Best Beach Towns

All of Hilton Head Island's beach is public, from the ocean to the high water mark. However, access to the beach in many places may be private (such as private communities or plantations). The Town of Hilton Head Island provides public access at 7 different locations. We have ridden bicycles on island beaches many times for fun and exercise! The overall average year-round ocean temperature on the island's beaches is 69 degrees (summertime is about 84 degrees). For public access, Coligny Beach is a wonderful beach and adjacent to shopping and dining at Coligny Plaza.
Hilton Head Island Beach Regulations * Beach Parks & Amenities * Coastal Water Temperature Guide (use Savannah Beach)

BIKE Island Bicycle Pathways
The Town of Hilton Head Island provides nearly 50 miles of public pathways and nature trails on which pedestrians and cyclists may walk and bike. The 12 miles of wide beaches are also fun for bicycling (easy with the wind at your back and more challenging with the wind in your face). At low tide, it is the ideal opportunity to enjoy the coastline on your bicycle. There are numerous shops on the island offering bike rentals. Get your bike and start riding!
Bike Pathways Map | Brochure | Bicycle Rentals

Go to the Top of the Harbour Town Lighthouse
Visit the Harbour Town section of Sea Pines Resort for gawking at the big boats and nice shopping opportunities. You will also see the Harbour Town Lighthouse. The lighthouse, built in 1969, measures 93 feet in height and has red and white stripes encirling it for a very striking appearance. Be sure to climb the 110 steps to the top of Harbour Town Light House. There, a walkway offers a panoramic view of the marina, the Calibogue Sound, nearby Daufuskie Island and the 18th green of the Harbour Town Golf Links, one of the finest golf courses in the world. The Top of the Lighthouse Shoppe offers souvenirs and collectibles. While in Sea Pines Plantaion, be sure to also visit South Beach Marina.

There is a small admission fee and Visitors staying outside of Sea Pines are required to pay a $5 admission fee (per vehicle) to enter the resort.
Harbour Town Lighthouse website | More Lighthouse info

Shop. Shop. Shop.
You're in Shopping Heaven on and off Hilton Head Island. There is one shopping mall, numerous shopping centers and villages and other unique stores all over the island. You will find The Mall at Shelter Cove located mid-island at Mile Marker 8. Other primary shopping villages on the island include: Harbour Town Shoppes at Sea Pines ; Pineland Station; Shops at Shelter Cove; Coligny at the Beach. Tanger Outlets I and II are located off-island one and two miles respectively from the Hilton Head Island bridge. This Tanger location offers over 80 brand name outlet stores.

Shannon Tanner

Enjoy Local Entertainment
There are many options for local entertainment at shopping places, restaurants, bars, cafes, and resorts. For great family fun, check out Shannon Tanner (usually early April through Labor Day) at Shelter Cove Harbour. Tanner has been a fixture at Shelter Cove since 1991. His shows are a mixture of ‘60s standards and sing-a-longs, original ballads with lots of kids’ favorites and opportunities for the youngsters to come up and share the stage. Check out the entertainment schedule for the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. Also check out "local guides" when you arrive on the island for the most up-to-date information.
Read Island Events Magazine Online Version

Take a DAY TRIP
Visit Savannah, only 35 miles and 50 minutes from Hilton Head Island, has welcomed guests since 1733. Experience Southern hospitality, amazing architecture, spooky cemeteries and rich history.
Or, visit Beaufort, only 35 miles and 45 minutes from Hilton Head Island. Beaufort offers more Southern hospitality, festivals, history, interesting shops and The Shrimp Festival! Nearby is Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot.
Or, visit Daufuskie Island. Daufuskie, a sea island between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, is accessible only by public ferry services between Hilton Head Island (Salty Fare Emabarkation Center) and the Melrose Landing on Daufuskie. We took the transportation from the ferry to Daufuskie Island Resort & Spa and then rented bikes there to ride around the island and take a 3 mile or so bike ride to dinner at Marshside Mama's Cafe. If you do this bike ride (or rent a golf cart), make sure you can return during daylight hours, or take a van or bus there. We also saw the school where author Pat Conroy taught for one year and the Historic First Union African Baptist Church.
Savannah | Beaufort | South Carolina's Treasured Coast | Daufuskie Island Resort | Yahoo Maps

I've included a Hilton Head Island weather forecast to assist you with planning outdoor activities.

Weather Forecast | Weather Maps | Weather Radar

* Top Ten Hilton Head Island To DO List compiled by Mel Coker. My wife and I own a rental condo on Hilton Head Island. Information is provided as a public service and information is not guaranteed. Check websites (provided) for current information.

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A Hilton Head Island information site provided as a public service by Mel Coker, Columbia (SC) Realtor.
e-mail: Mel Coker

Top Ten Things to Do on Hilton Head Island * Things to Do - Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island Activities * Hilton Head Island Guide * Best Hilton Head Island Activities