Hilton Head Island Travel Guide

Tourist 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

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 Shelter Cove Harbour and Singleton Beach.

Mid Island
Hilton Head which includes 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
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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

If you're spending some time in North Forest Beach, Coligny Plaza and Coligny Beach are top sights worth seeing.

North Forest Beach
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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
The price is NZ$561 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
NZ$561
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & 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! (1,005 reviews)
"Lovely property with lots of amenities, nice pool and beach. Loved all the turtles and that it was dog friendly :)"

Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2025

Sonesta Resort 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
The price is NZ$499 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$499
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (706 reviews)
"Great location so close to the beach!"

Reviewed on 14 Jul. 2025

Beach House Resort Hilton Head
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
The price is NZ$516 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$516
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & 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! (1,334 reviews)
"The staff was wonderful the food Bar and Pool was great. Easy access to the beach. I had and oceanfront room with a spectacular view of the ocean and outdoor pool. This property also features a i door pool. I would stay here again"

Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2025

Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Hilton Head Island
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! (783 reviews)
"I liked the size of the condo we rented. Three nice size bedrooms and two bathrooms with a full kitchen was wonderful. The proximity to restaurants, walking and bike paths, CVS, coffee and grocery store were convenient. Also, we only had to walk across the parking lot to the pool area. I did not ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jul. 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! (307 reviews)
Great place
"Great place that was 5 mins to the beach."

Reviewed on 14 Jul. 2025

Island Links Resort by Palmera
Lagoon-Front Retreat w/ Pool, Spa, Game Room & Private Dock Short Walk to Beach

Lagoon-Front Retreat w/ Pool, Spa, Game Room & Private Dock Short Walk to Beach

Hilton Head Island
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Palmetto Dunes Club ...
10/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
Amazing amenities!
"We stayed as a family and this house was in a great location and came loaded with extras like bikes, beach gear, pool floats, etc!"

Reviewed on 28 Jun. 2025

Lagoon-Front Retreat w/ Pool, Spa, Game Room & Private Dock Short Walk to Beach
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities