Hilton Head Island, SC

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau

This South Carolina barrier island attracts visitors for its laid-back atmosphere and activities, including beachcombing, golf, nature hikes and fine dining.

Hilton Head, or Hilton Head Island, is a barrier island resort on the Atlantic coast of the USA. The island’s sandy beaches cover over 12 miles (19 kilometers). Many say these are among the most attractive resort beaches in the country. Sports are a big part of life in Hilton Head and there is wildlife to be seen too, including dolphins and alligators. Rent a bike and travel between the beaches and other attractions by making use of the 50 miles (80 kilometers) of bicycle trails.Golfers will appreciate the resort’s large number of courses. George Fazio Course at Palmetto Dunes Resort is a championship course open to the public. You’ll find numerous tennis clubs, as well. The Sea Pines Racquet Club at the Sea Pines Resort is managed by former U.S. Open and Wimbledon champion Stan Smith. Go to Audubon Newhall Preserve to see snowy egrets, ospreys and other birdlife. Cross over to Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge between the north shore and the mainland. While here, look for the white-tailed deer and alligators. Go horseback riding through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, or join a bottlenose dolphin cruise from the marina. Hilton Head has an interesting cultural history, which you can explore at the Coastal Discovery Museum. This site has some of the island’s oldest buildings and a Southern red cedar tree dated from 1595. Find work by local artists and photographers in the Greer Gallery at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. Don’t miss out on a night of live music. Hear the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra at the First Presbyterian Church, or head to the Jazz Corner, a venue that has hosted well-known musicians, including Freddy Cole and the George Shearing Quintet.Locally caught seafood is a specialty of Hilton Head’s culinary scene, which includes more than 250 dining establishments. Sample traditional dishes, including shrimp gumbo and sweet creek shrimp cooked in beer. The love of food and drink is celebrated at the Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival and annual Chili Cookoff.

Where to stay in Hilton Head Island

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Sea Pines

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

While visiting Sea Pines, you might make a stop by sights like Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III and Harbour Town Golf Links.

Sea Pines
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Mid Island

While visiting Mid Island, you might make a stop by sights like Robert Trent Jones Golf Course and Shelter Cove Harbour.

Mid Island
Hilton Head featuring heritage architecture

South End

If you're spending some time in South End, Sea Pines Forest Preserve and Coligny Plaza are top sights worth seeing.

South End
Beautiful sunrise with a dolphin popping up to say hi.

South Forest Beach

If you're spending some time in South Forest Beach, Sea Pines Forest Preserve and Coligny Beach are top sights worth seeing.

South Forest Beach
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North Forest Beach

5/5(4 area reviews)

While visiting North Forest Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Coligny Plaza and Coligny Beach.

North Forest Beach
Pathway to the beach. 😎

Oceanside

If you're spending some time in Oceanside, Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III and South Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Oceanside
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island

4 out of 5
130 Shipyard Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$212 nightly
The price is $233 total per night from Sep 15 to Sep 16
$233 total
Sep 15 - Sep 16
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy a full-service spa, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,014 reviews)
"Loved the pool, bar and restaurant. Beautifully decorated."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Hilton Head Island

Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Hilton Head Island

4.5 out of 5
1 Hotel Circle, Hilton Head Island, SC
$195 nightly
The price is $215 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$215 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,304 reviews)
"The room was real nice and a big balcony over looking the ocean!!! People were very nice and helpful!!! The cleaning ladies did a excellent job keeping the room clean and stocked. Would definitely stay there again!!"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Hilton Head Island
Beach House Resort Hilton Head

Beach House Resort Hilton Head

4 out of 5
1 South Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC
$191 nightly
The price is $211 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$211 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (798 reviews)
"Rooms are comfortable. Best location to beach. Tiki hut has excellent food. Rooms need a bigger fridge and need a microwave oven not a safe"

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

Beach House Resort Hilton Head
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Coral Sands Resorts by Palmera

Coral Sands Resorts by Palmera

3.5 out of 5
66 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC
Stay at this 3.5-star golf aparthotel in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (811 reviews)
"Traveled with my family. The rooms are spacious and the location is excellent!"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Coral Sands Resorts by Palmera
Island Links Resort by Palmera

Island Links Resort by Palmera

3 out of 5
1 Coggins Point Road, Hilton Head Island, SC
Stay at this 3-star golf aparthotel in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (316 reviews)
"Spacious condo. Had one minor issue with an outlet in the kitchen and maintenance was there within 30 minutes to fix the problem. Great pool and hot tub. Very enjoyable stay. Would definitely recommend."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Island Links Resort by Palmera
Marriott's Barony Beach Club

Marriott's Barony Beach Club

3.5 out of 5
5 Grasslawn Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Coligny Beach and Barony ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (238 reviews)
"Great place for vacation on the beach, nice, clean and quiet areas"

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Marriott's Barony Beach Club
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Hilton Head Island

There isn’t much in the way of public transportation on Hilton Head Island; however, a handful of private bus companies connect the island to Bluffton, Beaufort and other towns nearby. Do as the locals do and jump on a bike. The island’s coastline is very scenic and small enough that it’s easy to cycle around. Find cycle paths and bike rental companies across the island. Visit the Charleston Area Regional Transportation AuthorityOpens in a new window website.Browse Hilton Head Island rental cars.

Best time to visit

For the perfect combination of blossoming trees, warm weather and reasonable hotel rates, visit Hilton Head in the spring, when you can be sure of a spot on the island’s beautiful white-sand beaches. Summer is more crowded and expensive and can get very hot, while fall is another great season to visit, with many festivals to enjoy. Winter is cheaper, but many hotels and restaurants close at this time of year.

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