Hilton Head Island is a beautiful coastal town in South Carolina with pristine beaches and endless picturesque greenery. From kayaking through salt marshes to playing golf on the championship course, there are a plethora of exciting outdoor activities residents and tourists can enjoy in the area.
Here are the best outdoor activities at Hilton Head Island you can do and make the most of your vacation.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding at Hilton Head
Hilton Head Island’s salt marsh habitat offers visitors ideal waterways to navigate. It is home to amazing wildlife, including the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, which makes guided kayaking tours no less than a life experience. You can appreciate the beauty of calm waters while exploring the marshes and broad creeks or enjoy a relaxing evening paddle boarding watching the beautiful sunset.
Kayak Hilton Head, Outside Hilton Head Activity Outpost, and Saltmarsh Paddle Tours are the most recommended tour services in the area.
Go Horseback Riding on Daufuskie Island
Just a ferry ride from Hilton Head is Daufuskie Island, a sea island in South Carolina. Here the visitors are encouraged to enjoy horseback riding through the maritime forest. The Hag Point and Freeport Equestrian Center offer horseback riding lessons along with well-guided trail rides for experienced riders.
Visitors can also enjoy horseback riding along the pristine beach of the Atlantic Ocean. The occasional spotting of dolphins and various birds will make your ride even more enjoyable. It is one of the top-recommended things to do in Hilton Head.
Play Golf at Hilton Head National
Located in the heart of Bluffton, the Hilton Head National Golf Club is a popular destination for golf lovers. This golfing gem is one of the top public courses in South Carolina, with 18 holes spread across 300 acres of lush Carolina Lowcountry. The course maintains a beautiful landscape, admirable water features, and excellent practice facilities. Moreover, visitors can ride the golf cart across the endless greens enjoying the great layout and squirrels.
Take a Bicycle Ride along the Island
Hilton Head Island offers its visitors an ideal opportunity to take a bicycle ride on the beach and along the island. You can easily rent an Island Life Bike at 36 South Forest Beach Drive. These well-maintained bikes range from beach cruisers and geared bikes to kid’s tricycles. They are highly affordable, so visitors don’t have to spend much for a memorable beach experience. The Hilton Head has over 60 miles of trails waiting for visitors to explore.
Dolphin Sighting on a Cruise
A trip to Hilton Head Island is incomplete without witnessing the famous Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in their natural habitat. Visitors are encouraged to take a well-guided tour to increase their chances of a dolphin sighting. Dolphin and Nature Tour, Hilton Head Dolphin Tour, and Hilton Head Dolphin Cruises offer the best-guided tours. Enjoy the beautiful Broad Creek with various shorebirds, pelicans, and bald eagles.
Hike on Pinckney Island
On Pinckney Island, near Hilton Head, a 6.6 kilometers long loop trail is a popular destination for hiking. It takes around one hour and thirty minutes to complete the trail. This easy route, surrounded by beautiful forest and lake views, is also ideal for birding and fishing. If you like to experience wildlife while hiking, this is the place for you.
Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival
Experience the delightful surprise of visiting Hilton Head Island in February for the prestigious Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival! This year, the festival will run from February 19-25, 2024. The annual Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival is unlike any other foodie gathering. It’s a week-long, multi-location extravaganza that celebrates the island’s rich history and vibrant culture. You’ll find master classes from well-known chefs, and big events that play tribute to the best kind of food in the Lowcountry!
Visit the Newhall Audubon Nature Preserve
Audubon Newhall Preserve is a natural preserve spanning over 50 acres on the south end of Hilton Head Island. It offers visitors beautiful interconnecting trails of at least one mile while the forest ecosystem makes it an ideal spot for recreational activities. There is an observation deck for wildlife sightseeing overlooking the pond. You can simply walk and connect with nature here.
Explore Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Without this, we cannot complete the Hilton Head SC things to do guide. The Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge near Hilton Head Island is an excellent destination to experience the beauty of nature. Once a plantation, it now features 14 miles of trails, salt marshes, and tidal creeks. The wildlife diversity includes shorebirds, bald eagles, wood storks, and raptors. You can also spot white-tailed deer and American alligators.
Go Parasailing
If you are an adventure seeker, you must not miss parasailing. Hilton Head is one of the top destinations for parasailing which is a must-experience to add that much-needed thrill to your vacation. You will get to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views over the sea. You can take your experience to another level; choose H20 Sports or Sky Pirate Parasail.
Go Zipline with ZipLine Hilton Head
For ultimate Hilton Head adventures, the Zipline Hilton Head is a must-try. These eight interconnected ziplines offer an exhilarating eco-adventure as visitors can enjoy flying through the canopies. The panoramic views of the stunning water and marshes will be worth admiring. Visitors can also spot incredible wildlife in their natural habitat. These two hours of aerial adventure can become a lifetime memory. It is one of the top things to do in Hilton Head with kids.
Coastal Discovery Museum
Visiting the Coastal Discovery Museum is ideal if you want a fun learning experience. It offers its visitors a chance to discover and explore the incredible wonders of the South Carolina Lowcountry. The museum spans over 68 acres and even features salt marshes on the boardwalks. Visitors can take a relaxing stroll and observe the splendid Spanish Moss hanging from the Oaks; this hidden gem can elevate any trip memory.
Have a Beach Day
Undoubtedly, Hilton Head Island is a beach paradise on the coast of South Carolina. It offers over 12 miles of sandy coastline, ideal for strolling along the calm waters. The night at the beach is equally admirable owing to the star-studded night skies. You can visit Folly Field Beach Park, Coligny Beach, Singleton Beach, Islanders Beach, and Driessen Beach to enjoy leisure and tranquility. The options are simply endless.
Charter a Fishing Boat
The beautiful waters of Hilton Head offer an ideal fishing experience. Visitors can choose from fishing charters like Head Fishing Charter, Off the Hook Fishing Tour, or Bulldog Fishing Charter. These well-guided tours will drive visitors to the best fishing grounds. A good fishing day usually ends with a good Redfish, Seatrout, or Flounder meal. Visitors can try shark fishing instead if they seek a far more thrilling experience.
Book a Guided Daufuskie Island History & Artisans Tour
If you desire to take a trip down the past, you must not miss the well-guided Daufuskie Island History & Artisans tour. This popular tour enriches the minds of the visitors with details of the rich Gullah, American Indian, and Civil War history. After acknowledging its rich history, you will know how this once rustic and underdeveloped island became so significant.
And while you are there, you should also visit the Billie Burn Historical Museum, where artifacts like arrowheads and pottery shards found on the island will amaze you.
Visit the Daufuskie Island Community Farm
Daufuskie Island Community Farm and Artisan Village are incredible examples of sustainable living. The farm allows you to learn the most eco-friendly food production methods. The farm animals, gardens, and orchards make it an ideal spot for family trips. Visitors can learn about sustainable and organic farming benefits while strolling through the picturesque farm.
Conclusion:
There are abundant things to do in Hilton Head, SC, for outdoor enthusiasts. Hilton Head is a breathtaking destination, open all year round with outdoor activities catering to all age groups. The island’s stunning ecosystem and diverse wildlife make it famous among adventure-seekers, nature enthusiasts, and families seeking a memorable experience. So, when you plan your trip to the Hilton Head, try the fun outdoor activities from our list.
