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 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
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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
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 £238 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£238
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,310 reviews)
"The service was amazing!! Joe from food and beverage was awesome and Sarah from blue restaurant her service was amazing! Thank you for the added touch for our anniversary trip!!"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 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
The price is £233 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£233
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (671 reviews)
"great location"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Beach House Resort Hilton Head
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
4 out of 5
130 Shipyard Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC
The price is £276 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
£276
8 Jul - 9 Jul
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! (1,014 reviews)
"This resort is really a sight to see. Beautiful family friendly paradise. My 2 and 3 year old thoroughly enjoyed themselves."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Sonesta Resort 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (774 reviews)
Vacation 2025
"We had a great time at Coral Sands Resort. Great location and friendly staff. Walking distance to stores, beach, and restaurants. Great activities on location."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (298 reviews)
"Love the pool and proximity to beach. Our unit was nice and clean."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Island Links Resort by Palmera
Heated Pool, Elevator,Pinball,Arcade, Nursery, Sauna- Avail Jul 6th & 20th weeks
Heated Pool, Elevator,Pinball,Arcade, Nursery, Sauna- Avail Jul 6th & 20th weeks
Hilton Head Island, SC
Stay at this golf holiday home in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a garden. Popular attractions Palmetto Dunes Club and Coligny Beach ...
10/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
Tempted to leave a bad review
"Made y'all look at our review! :) We don't want too many people knowing about this place so we can continue booking it for years to come! We've been coming to Hilton Head for 40 years and as our family as expanded, so has the need for our lodging to increase in size. This house was absolutely PERFECT ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Heated Pool, Elevator,Pinball,Arcade, Nursery, Sauna- Avail Jul 6th & 20th weeks
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

Things to do