Curator’s statement
After I graduated from college, I moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina with no friends and all of my worldly possessions, which fit into my small Honda Accord. During my eight years there, I learned a lot about island life and made lifelong friends, including my husband — now married for over 20 years. While many people think of Hilton Head as primarily a family vacation or a golf trip destination, I would like to take the time to showcase all of the island’s kid- and golf-free activities.
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Things to do on Hilton Head Island
Beach day: Rent chairs and an umbrella at the Tiki Hut and enjoy!
Pool Bar Jim's: Just down the beach from the Tiki Hut, and across from Coligny Plaza. The island's best frozen drinks!
Coligny Plaza: A great place to stroll around after the beach. Tons of cute shops and restaurants, plus the Piggly Wiggly that hasn't changed in decades!
Bike rides: Rent bikes and cruise down Pope Ave, Hwy 278 or even Sea Pines. There are several bike rental shops along Pope Ave on the way to the beach.
Shopping in Bluffton: Take a day trip out to Bluffton and visit the two separate outlet malls and my favorite local boutique called The Haven in Old Town.
Harbour Town: Home of the iconic lighthouse and The Salty Dog, it's worth a trip to the end of Sea Pines for a drink or a bite to eat.
Fishing Charter: Book a fishing trip with Outcast Fishing. Meet Captain Chip Michelove, and be warned: you might just catch a shark! (Don't worry, sharks are tagged and let go!)
Places to eat & drink on Hilton Head Island
Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe: A local favorite for breakfast and lunch. Always fantastic!
Watusi Cafe: Another delicious breakfast spot on Pope Ave.
Amigos Cafe and Cantina: Always our first stop for the best BBQ chicken salad on the planet! Great for lunch after the beach.
Gruby's New York Deli: Another really good lunch spot.
The Bank: Located right on Pope Ave, this spot has a little bit of everything. Sit outside and enjoy locally-brewed beer, live music and the game on the big screen.
Santa Fe Cafe: Delicious Southwestern cuisine in a beautiful setting. Open for dinner.
Hudson's Seafood House: Local favorite for seafood. Indoor and outdoor dining on Port Royal Sound.
Alexander's Restaurant and Wine Bar: Located in Palmetto Dunes, a favorite for both locals and tourists for seafood.
Scott's Fish Market: Casual seafood restaurant in Shelter Cove. Located right on the marina, beautiful sunset views. Remember that there is a fireworks show every Tuesday night — during the summer — in Shelter Cove, so expect large crowds.
Bowdie's Chophouse: Delicious steaks and great service.
Nunzio: If you've had your fill of seafood, try Nunzio Restaurant and Bar for wonderful Italian fare.
Burnt Church Distillery: Off-island in Bluffton, a gorgeous space for drinks and light bites, just steps away from the May River.
Hilton Head Ice Cream: There are tons of places to get ice cream on the island, but this one is the best!
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Travel Advisor
Julia Booher
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to South Carolina. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Where to Eat, Drink and Explore in Málaga, Spain.