Hilton Head Island is a charming escape in South Carolina. Known as a go-to vacation destination, Hilton Head offers 12 miles of beautiful beaches, golf courses, and of course many outdoor wildlife activities. Upon arrival, you will experience the best of southern hospitality with a relaxing, positive vibe. Just be warned: many who experience this low country lifestyle end up never wanting to leave.
Where to stay
During your trip to Hilton Head I highly recommend staying at a beachfront property such as the stunning Sonesta Resort. It is the perfect place to unwind. Whether you want to rent bikes to explore the town, take a dip in the hotel pool, relax on one of the resort hammocks, or curl up in front of the fire pit at night, there is plenty to do! This is also a great hotel to keep in mind if you are planning any sort of function or event. The Sonesta offers a spacious outdoor area with a bar by the beach that can easily convert to an indoor space for bad weather.
Where to Eat
The truth is, you can’t go wrong with dining in Hilton Head! However, below I’m sharing two of my favorite places that you can’t miss while in town.
Hilton Head Social Bakery
This bakery is a MUST while you are in town!!! Not only do the pastries look amazing, but they actually taste better than they look. (I should know, we sampled almost all of them.) And the best part, you can enjoy your treat with a relaxing view of the harbor.
Hudson on the Docks
If you have a thing for seafood, this restaurant is for you! Hudson’s is an extremely popular dinner spot and for a good reason. This was by far one of the best meals I had on the island because not only was the food amazing but the is something special about being able to watch sunset over the water. Also, they make an incredible vegetarian dish upon request!
Things to Do
Visit the Spa
During your vacation, indulge yourself with a trip to Hilton Head Health. Take a workout class in the fitness center or treat yourself to a Thai massage at their spa. You won’t regret it!
Explore the Wildlife with Outside Hilton Head
One of my favorite experiences during our trip was a kayak tour with Outside Hilton Head. The knowledgeable guides take you on a guided tour to show you the local wildlife. If your lucky, you may even see a few dolphins!
Explore the Town on Bike
One of the best ways to explore the area is via bike. At the Sonesta, you can rent a bicycle right on the property and follow the paths to explore more of the vacation destination.
Did you find this post helpful? Then be sure to check out our other beach destination guides! Currently featuring itineraries to Asheville, Miami, and Nashville.