Hilton Head Island, SC

What to do in Hilton Head Island, SC

Beaches

Hilton Head's 12 miles of beaches are among the most beautiful in the world. The white sand is firm enough for hiking, biking, and jogging. Luckily, all the beaches are public, though the land bordering the beaches is private property. North and South Forest Beach are the most popular spots, and beach chairs, umbrellas, and water-sport equipment are available for rent.

Golf

Golfers love the 22 top-rated courses, many of which are public. Some favorites include the 18-hole, par-70 George Fazio course; the Hilton Head National Gary Player Signature Course with 18 holes, 6,779 yards, par 72, a full-service pro shop, grill, and a driving range; and the island's first, the Ocean Course, with 18 holes, 6,933 yards, and a par 72.

Tennis

Hilton Head's tennis courts consistently land in Tennis Magazine's Top Fifty. Some 300 courts in all three grand slam surfaces - grass, clay, and Har-Tru - are scattered from one end of the Island to the other. If you're still perfecting your game, check out the clinics with lessons tailored especially for women, seniors, children, and players of every level, or pick up a few tips watching players in the many professional and amateur tournaments.

Nature Preserves

Audobon-Newhall is a 50-acre preserve that has marked trails and guided tours. Sea Pines is a 605-acre wilderness with marked trails. Native birds and animals abound, including alligators, egrets, herons, osprey and deer. The Visitor's Center has a picnic area and trail maps.

Horseback Riding

Another great way to see the maritime forests and nature preserves is on horseback. Most stables rent horses and offer guided tours through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Riding lessons and pony rides for kids are also available.

Bicycling

Cyclists ride through 25 miles of lush bicycle trails and right along the hard-packed sand beach. Most hotels and resorts rent bikes and there are also many bike shops.

Fishing

Numerous fishing opportunities are available on Hilton Head. No license is needed for saltwater fishing, though freshwater licenses are required for lakes and ponds. Vessels are available for rent for deep-sea fishing, where you'll catch king mackerel, sharks, amberjack, and barracuda. Crabbing is also popular.

Cruise Tours

Take a 3-hour cruise to nearby Daufuskie Island, with a guided safari on a "jungle bus." Some cruises take you dolphin-watching, and others serve an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Museum of Hilton Head Island

The museum has exhibits depicting Indian life and conducts beach walks on a regular basis. Tours of Native American sites, forts, and plantations are offered on a floating schedule.

Coastal Discovery Museum

There are aquariums and a seashell collection, as well as environmental and historical exhibits. The museum also sponsors nature walks and guided tours of the island, which go along the beaches and explore salt marshes. Some stop at Native American sites and the ruins of old forts and plantations.

Shopping

Hilton Head is a shopper's paradise. More than 30 shopping centers are scattered throughout the island, and offer everything from designer clothing to handmade crafts. The Pinelawn Mall has more than 30 shops, and bargains abound at the Low Country Factory Outlet Village. Crystal Gallery offers exquisite crystals, original art, handmade dolls, pottery, and sculptures. The Goldsmith Shop is known for its signature island charms, and Harbour Town Crafts offers gifts and decorative items, as well as handcrafted jewelry.