The Ultimate Hilton Head Hit List

Considering a move or a sunny escape to the Lowcountry? Let’s just say Hilton Head Island is the kind of place where flip-flops count as formalwear and stress melts faster than ice cream on an August boardwalk. If your idea of vacation bliss includes sugar-white beaches, dolphin-spotted harbors, bike rides under Spanish moss tunnels, and plates full of fresh shrimp, you’re in the right place.

This charming South Carolina island isn't just a vacation spot. It’s a lifestyle destination. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, scouting a relocation, or already booking your movers, knowing the best things to do in Hilton Head, SC, will help you live like a local. So grab your sunglasses and get ready to explore the best things to do in Hilton Head Island.

Beach Bliss With Lowcountry Beauty

If you're searching for the best things to do in Hilton Head Island, beach time is non-negotiable. With 12 miles of pristine shoreline, this island offers a variety of sandy escapes suited for every mood.

Coligny Beach Park is the island’s unofficial social hub. It is lively, family-friendly, and peppered with eateries and shops nearby. Meanwhile, Burkes Beach is quieter, perfect for a peaceful morning stroll or catching a postcard-worthy sunrise. The soft Atlantic waves make swimming enjoyable and safe, especially for families.

For nature lovers, plan a visit to Mitchelville Beach, a less-developed gem ideal for wildlife spotting, shell collecting, and breezy solitude. Whether you're sunbathing, paddleboarding, or simply walking the shoreline, beach days are among the best things to do while in Hilton Head.

Explore Hilton Head on Two Wheels

Biking is practically a sport (well, okay, a lifestyle) on Hilton Head Island. With more than 60 miles of paved paths and hard-packed beach sand ideal for cycling, biking is one of the most popular and fun things to do in Hilton Head.

Rent a cruiser, or bring your own and set out on the Hilton Head Island Bike Trails. Wander beneath swaying moss-draped oaks, glide past marsh views, and discover tucked-away parks and quiet neighborhoods. For bonus adventure points, take your wheels directly onto the sand at low tide. Few places offer such a scenic ride.

Insider tip: Sunrise bike rides are magic. The early-morning glow, the salty breeze, and an empty beach all to yourself? Pure bliss.

Wildlife Adventures and Waterfront Wonders

If nature calls your name louder than a seagull eyeing a french fry, Hilton Head delivers. Dolphin tours are a signature island experience, and they are undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Hilton Head, South Carolina. These playful locals love showing off, and you’ll spot them dancing alongside boats near Broad Creek Marina or around Harbour Town.

Want to stay on land? Visit Sea Pines Forest Preserve, where boardwalks stretch over wetlands, ancient oaks stand guard, and alligators occasionally sunbathe near the water’s edge. Enjoy this from a safe distance. Just trust us. Kayaking through calm tidal creeks is another top pick, offering the chance to spot birds, turtles, and quiet coves you can’t reach by foot.

Tee Time in Golf Paradise

Did you really step foot on Hilton Head if you didn’t witness at least one golf cart parade? The island is home to dozens of stunning, world-class golf courses. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or someone who appreciates a well-manicured lawn, a tee time is among the best things to do in Hilton Head.

Harbour Town Golf Links is the celebrity of the bunch. A PGA Tour stop known for its iconic red-and-white lighthouse backdrop. Meanwhile, courses like Palmetto Dunes and Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course offer unforgettable views and challenging greens.

Even if golf isn’t your thing, watching the sunset over the fairways while sipping a sweet tea is its own kind of vacation magic.

Enjoy the Best Food and Drinks in Hilton Head

Food on Hilton Head is more than a meal. It’s an experience. From Lowcountry classics like shrimp and grits to fresh oysters and craft cocktails with waterfront views, dining here is one of the best things to do in Hilton Head, SC, and beyond.

Stop by Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks for the freshest catch served over sparkling water. Head to The Salty Dog Cafe in South Beach Marina Village for casual bites and live entertainment. And for a date-night treat, The Jazz Corner blends world-class music with upscale Southern plates.

Don’t forget dessert. Pecan pie and ice-cold sweet tea are basically mandatory.

Family Fun and Rainy-Day Favorites

From mini-golf to pirate boat adventures, there’s no shortage of things to do in Hilton Head when traveling with kids. Adventure Cove offers arcade games and mini-golf, while Coastal Discovery Museum gives little explorers hands-on learning about local wildlife and history.

A rainy afternoon? Swap your beach towel for bowling lanes at Station 300, or catch a show at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.

Get Ready to Move and Explore Hilton Head!

Whether you're relocating for the beaches, the golf, the food, or simply the relaxed pace of island life, Hilton Head has a way of stealing hearts one sunrise at a time. It’s no wonder so many visitors start by looking for the best things to do in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and end up searching for moving boxes next.

If you're ready to turn your vacation vibes into everyday living, our moving team is here to make your transition smooth and stress-free. Reach out today, and let’s get you settled into paradise.

Ready to move to Hilton Head Island? Contact us today to schedule your move and start living the Lowcountry dream.