Ultimate List of Things To Do in Hilton Head

You will not be short of things to do when in Hilton Head. Most of your “things to do” can be flexible, outside of booked tours and restaurant reservations. Keep these lists handy on your trip for days when you need something to do.

Find out where to stay and more about the island in the Effortless Hilton Head Island guide.

Things to do in Hilton Head for free

If you’re staying on a budget or just want to have a day without high spending, there are a lot of free things to do on Hilton Head Island.

Hit the beach – This one is obvious, but it’s the ultimate free activity on Hilton Head.
Visit and stroll around Sea Pines (if you’re not staying in Sea Pines, there is a daily fee), and see the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse.
Pack a picnic and go for a hike – Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge or Audubon Newhall Preserve are great options.
Coastal Discovery Museum – Free admission, best if you are with kids.
See historical sites – Fort Howell, Fort Mitchel, or the Stoney Baynard Ruins. None of these are long stops.
Mitchelville Freedom Park – A historical park with a rich history and a charming path. This is right by Fort Howell, so you can group these stops.
Play tennis or pickleball on Hilton Head Island – find community courts for free play, like the Cordillo Tennis Courts

Things to do in Hilton Head with kids

Hilton Head Island is one of the most kid-friendly vacations you can plan, and the amenities match the hype.

Eat ice cream at Hilton Head Ice Cream
Go to the beach. The easiest beach is always the one closest to where you’re staying, or pick Coligny Beach Park for the quintessential Hilton Head Island public beach
Go horseback riding at Lawton Stables. Even if you don’t book a tour, it’s nice to drive by and see the horses!
Book a Pirate Ship experience. We did this tour and highly recommend it with kids. It’s about 1.5 hours, so it is not a full-day obligation either.
Visit a playground. Our favorite is Lowcountry Celebration Park, and bathrooms are on site. Go early in case it gets crowded.
Stand on a vanishing sandbar while dolphin-watching on a tour. This is a must-do.
Play mini-golf at Adventure Cove
The Coastal Discovery Museum is a memorable 1-2 hour stop with hiking and exploring.

Don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Tennis and Pickleball on Hilton Head Island.

Things to do in Hilton Head at night

Hilton Head Island offers an array of evening options that cater to romance or lively group outings. Enjoy your night out!

Poseidon Rooftop Bar: Stop here for live music and a wide selection of cocktails.
Tiki Hut Barefoot Beachfront: Positioned right on the beach, and also features live music, just with the touch of having your feet in the sand.
The Jazz Corner: Intimate setting and excellent live jazz performances.
Skull Creek Boathouse: Known for its waterfront dining, there is a lively bar scene, often featuring live music and local bands.
Lucky Rooster: Billed as “elevated Southern cuisine,” it offers a charming night out (despite sounding like a dive bar).

Things to do in Hilton Head in Sea Pines

Sea Pines (aka. Sea Pines Resort) provides an ongoing list of things to do. High season, the summer, there are a lot of planned activities. Remember, there is a daily fee to entering the Sea Pines Resort if you don’t have a pass. Plan to hit these stops the same day to avoid paying the fee on multiple days.

Sea Pines Daily Activities: Activities from crafts to aerobics
Harbour Town Lighthouse: Climb the steps for a small fee, open 10am-7:30pm, daily
Salty Dog Cafe: You’ve seen the iconic t-shirts, it’s a can’t miss stop if you head into Sea Pines!
Harbour Town Shops and Restaurants: The Harbour Town area can be an entire evening or afternoon. See the lighthouse, grab a bite to eat, let the kids play on the playground, and many nights in the summer there is live music.
Sea Pines Forest Reserve: Go for a hike
Stoney Baynard Ruins: Civil War plantation, worth a quick visit.
Golf!

Not sure of driving distances or the closest airport to Hilton Head?

Things to do in Hilton Head when it rains

It’s always a good idea to catch a movie on a nice rainy day.

Park Plaza Cinema: A locally owned theater in Hilton Head.
Cinemark Bluffton: Located nearby in Bluffton, this is a conventional theater option.

If you’re with kids, try these indoor options.

Kazoos Factory Tour: In Beaufort, less than an hour away. See how kazoos are made.
Station 300: Bowling option in Bluffton.
The Art Cafe: Make a craft at The Art Cafe. This is a great option at the beginning of your trip since it will take days before it’s ready to bring home. P.s. Prepare for a fee to make the item and then to ship the item. It would be a great memento though!
Adventure Cove Arcade
Sandbox Children’s Museum: You can make a reservation day of.

Other Hilton Head Island guides

With so many things to do in Hilton Head, you will not be short of memories. Use these lists in partnership with our Effortless Hilton Head guide or our tennis/pickleball on Hilton Head guide.

See all of our Hilton Head Island guides for more travel planning simplicity and happy, breezy travels!