Top 3 outdoor restaurants in Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head, SC, is a fantastic destination for outdoor dining, offering some of the best restaurants that are both tourist-friendly and genuinely excellent. The top 3 outdoor restaurants in Hilton Head Island feature a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, with the outdoor spaces truly stealing the show. Fresh seafood dominates the menus, and the service is consistently top-notch. Many of these venues cater to families, providing activities or drinks to enjoy while you wait. Additionally, several major dining hotspots on Hilton Head Island regularly host live concerts.
We recommend taking a short beach break during your Hilton Head Island vacation to have dinner out and experience these restaurants, which are a big part of what makes the island so memorable for families and groups. The choices are ranked in this article, to ease your decision-making!
Find out where to stay in the Effortless Hilton Head Island guide.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and end up booking. That said, we would never recommend something we don’t stand behind 100%.
Touristy restaurants on Hilton Head Island are actually good
When you think of touristy spots, you might imagine long lines, high prices, and mediocre food. The outdoor restaurants in Hilton Head Island outperform these stereotypes. They offer delicious meals, stunning views, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day on the beach, hiking, or hanging out. Let’s dive into the top three outdoor restaurants for a memorable dining experience without stress.
Ranking: Top 3 outdoor restaurants on Hilton Head Island
- Scull Creek Boathouse
- Fishcamp
- Salty Dog
Review: Skull Creek Boathouse
Located on Skull Creek, Skull Creek Boathouse is our highest-recommended restaurant for outdoor dining on Hilton Head Island. Don’t confuse it with Skull Creek Dockside, though! If you can’t get a table at the Scull Creek Boathouse and have already parked (they essentially share a parking lot), then Scull Creek Dockside is a great backup option.
Scull Creek Boathouse features a separate bar structure where you can grab drinks, and it offers plenty of outdoor seating along with some indoor options. The menu is filled with fresh seafood, and their hush puppies are amazing. Live music adds to the atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed and entertaining meal.
Keep in mind that Skull Creek Boathouse does not take reservations, so it’s best to arrive early. They’ll take your cell phone number and ping you when your table is ready. While you wait, there’s a good-sized kids’ playground, multiple ping-pong tables, and a few photo spots with dock views to keep everyone entertained.
Review: Fishcamp
Fishcamp on Broad Creek is a top pick for outdoor dining on Hilton Head Island. Located along Broad Creek, this restaurant is perfect for a relaxed meal. Make reservations early, especially in the summer, as it gets busy.
The outdoor patio is casual and fun, with cornhole games, a boat for photos, and live music. You can relax in the open seating or at the bar while waiting for your table. The indoor area is small but cozy.
Fishcamp’s menu has a variety of options, from fresh seafood to Southern favorites, with shrimp and grits being a standout. Reservations are accepted, so book in advance to enjoy this great dining spot on Broad Creek.
Review: Salty Dog
Located in South Beach Marina, the Salty Dog Cafe is more than just a memorable restaurant in Hilton Head—it’s a tourist attraction. Plan for at least an hour wait, especially around 5:30 pm. Fortunately, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Grab a drink at the bar, explore the nearby shops, let the kids enjoy the small playground, or check out the dock. The wait will pass quickly with so much to do.
While there is indoor seating, we recommend dining outside to soak up the ambiance and enjoy the live music. The outdoor seating area offers amazing sunset views and beautiful dockside lighting. It’s perfect for taking memorable photos during your meal or planning your visit to capture the sunset.
Don’t miss the Salty Dog webcam location for a fun, live cam group picture. And while you wait or after your meal, shop for Salty Dog apparel, a classic Hilton Head souvenir.
Not sure of driving distances or the closest airport to Hilton Head?
Skullcreek Boathouse vs. Salty Dog?
When it comes to choosing between Skull Creek Boathouse and Salty Dog Cafe, it depends on what you’re looking for. Both locations provide cell phone alerts when your table is ready and have things to do and see while you wait. Skull Creek offers a more serene, scenic dining experience with fresh seafood and a laid-back vibe. On the other hand, Salty Dog is all about fun and festivity, with live music and a bustling atmosphere that’s perfect for families and groups.
Insider tip: Salty Dog Cafe is within the Sea Pines Resort. You will need a day pass for the area if you’re not already staying in Sea Pines (our favorite!). Plan this restaurant on a day when you’re also visiting Harbour Town and the iconic lighthouse. Find a hotel or accommodation within Sea Pines here.
Restaurants with live music
Live music is almost a given when dining on Hilton Head Island. For a true dining experience with vibes, you’ll want to enjoy a meal accompanied by some great tunes. Most restaurants offer live music at specific times, so check the schedule when you make your reservation. Generally, 6 pm is the most popular time for live performances to start at the top outdoor restaurants in Hilton Head.
Here’s a breakdown of when and where you can catch live music throughout the day:
- Daytime: Tiki Hut, Big Bamboo
- Late Afternoon: Tiki Hut, Quarterdeck, Coast, Hilton Head Brewing
- Evening: Skull Creek Boathouse, Harbourside, Frosty Frog, Fish, San Miguel’s, Salty Dog, Crazy Crab Jarvis, Big Bamboo, Fishcamp on Broad Creek, Lowcountry Backyard, Tiki Hut, The Boardroom
Check this resource for the most up-to-date live music schedules on what’s playing during your visit. Enjoying live music with your meal adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your dining experience on Hilton Head Island.
Best restaurant options near Coligny Beach
Coligny Beach is a popular spot for visitors and features several excellent dining options, in addition to a plethora of ice cream and touristy shops. Cafe Al Dente of New York is a great spot for Italian food or hit up The Sandbar if you’re coming off the beach and want to be in a more open-air, casual restaurant.
Don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Tennis and Pickleball on Hilton Head Island.
Takeaways: Top 3 outdoor restaurants on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island’s touristy restaurants are more than just convenient dining options—they’re culinary destinations in their own right. From the stunning waterfront views at Skull Creek Boathouse to the lively atmosphere at Salty Dog Cafe, these top picks promise a stress-free and enjoyable dining experience for any casual traveler. So, next time you’re planning a meal out in Hilton Head, rest assured that these tourist-friendly spots will not disappoint. If in doubt, start with #1 ranking Skull Creek Boathouse.
Choose one of all of these restaurants in combination with the Effortless Hilton Head guide for the ultimate Hilton Head Island vacation.
See all of our Hilton Head Island guides for more travel planning simplicity and happy, breezy travels!
