Last Updated on June 12, 2025
Hilton Head, South Carolina, is a picturesque island known for its pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Located along the Atlantic coast, it’s a popular vacation destination that offers a mix of natural beauty and upscale amenities. The island features over 100 miles of bike trails, making it easy to explore its lush landscapes and charming neighborhoods. Visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking, dolphin watching, and visiting the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse. Hilton Head also has a strong focus on preserving its environment, with carefully planned development that blends with the natural surroundings. Its combination of outdoor recreation, scenic beauty, and Southern hospitality makes it a beloved spot for both tourists and residents.
Get lost in the music at the Jazz Corner
Voted one of the top 12 music venues in the country, The Jazz Corner is widely respected as one of the best jazz clubs on the east coast. The Jazz Corner highlights regional artists Sunday through Thursday and brings in international artists every Friday and Saturday. Complete with a world-class menu featuring everything from small plates to main entrees and an impressive cocktail list, attending a show at The Jazz Corner makes for a highly memorable event.
Rent bikes
Fun fact about Hilton Head: The island is only 5 miles wide and 12 miles long but boasts more than 100 miles of bicycle trails. You can’t come to Hilton Head without getting out on the open road on two wheels. Check out the Hilton Head Bicycle Company, a brand that’s been around the island for more than 30 years.
Put your toes in the sand
This toe-shaped island features 12 miles of pristine beaches, all open to the public.
Take a tee time at any of the championship courses
Hilton Head is world famous for their golf courses. When you visit Hilton Head, you can tee off from any of their 26 championship courses, designed by some of the best, like Robert Trent Jones, Jack Nicklaus, and Pete Dye.
Visit the Harbour Town Lighthouse
One of the most iconic symbols on Hilton Head Island, the Harbour Town Lighthouse serves as a beacon to the ships in Yacht Basin as well as a destination for travelers. Open every day from 10 am until sundown, visitors can make their way up 114 steps towards the top to take in the breathtaking views of the island.
See dolphins up close
What better way to get acquainted with the marine life than to take a boat or kayak tour through the waters around the island? Kayak Hilton Head takes kayakers through the Broad Creek Estuary, where dolphins and manatees can be seen. The estuary is a protected body of water, and as a result, the waters are very calm, making this an ideal spot for beginners and families.
Take a day trip to visit Daufuskie Island
Located between Hilton Head and Savannah, Daufuskie Island is only inhabited by boat. With just 400 full-time residents, this island is full of charm and often a respite for those looking to fully unplug. while you’re there, make sure to visit the historic district, where you’ll find Gullah-constructed homes, churches and schools. A mix of paved and dirt roads weave through the island and most visitors get around via golf-carts that are able to be rented for half or full day visits.
Stop in at Hilton Head Distillery
Offering daily tours, cocktail classes, and a tasting bar, Hilton Head Distillery is the island’s only distillery and a great way to spend an afternoon.
Get lost in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve
Sea Pines Forest is a protected wildlife habitat sprawling over 600 acres. Relax and unwind as you take in the beautiful scenery and visitors can get around via guided boat tours, horseback rides, wagon tours or take a hike on one of the many trails throughout the area.
Have dinner at Quarter Deck
Looking for dinner wtih a view? Grab a seat at Quarter Deck! Featuring a 270-degree sunset view overlooking Harbour Town Yacht Basin, Calibogue Sound and the Harbour Town Golf Links, it’s hard to find a more picturesque dining spot.
If Hilton Head, South Carolina sounds like a place you’d love to be, let the experts at Howard Hanna find the right home for you.
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Allen Tate is the Carolinas’ largest real estate company based on closed sales volume, with more than 70 offices and 1,800 Realtors in the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle, High Country, Highland/Cashiers and Asheville/Mountain regions of North Carolina and the Upstate and Low Country regions of South Carolina. Allen Tate is a partner of Howard Hanna Real Estate, the largest privately held real estate broker in the United States. The full-service real estate company has 480 real estate, mortgage, insurance, title, and escrow service offices and more than 15,000 sales associates and staff across 13 states. For more information, visit www.allentate.com and www.howardhanna.com.
