Things To See

• Beaches: Hilton Head Island boasts 12 miles of beautiful wide sandy beach offer an immaculate glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean. Hilton Head beaches offer many access points through the beautiful foliage and dunes. Hilton Head beaches are spacious, providing plenty of room between beachgoers. Some popular beaches are Coligny Beach Park, Islanders Beach Park, Folly Field Beach, and Driessen Beach Park. These a great place for children as they offer lifeguards. Since Hilton Head is a bikers paradise, beach biking is encouraged, and the spot for that is Burke’s Beach. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, look no further than the tree lined Mitchelville Beach. Some of my favorite private beaches are Tower Beach in Sea Pines and a Pine Island Beach in Hilton Head Plantation, which provides incredible views of the sound. Make sure to check with where you are staying as most communities and resorts offer special beach access that include beach clubs.
• Biking: With 117 miles of walking/biking pathways, countless bike lanes, 6 miles of biking only paths, and beach biking encouraged, Hilton Head is a biker’s paradise. Didn’t bring your bike to Hilton Head, not a problem! The island has many bike rental companies for you to choose from.
• Nature & Wildlife: Besides the golf, my favorite part about Hilton Head is the wildlife. Gators, ospreys, and lizards are amongst some of the few species that call Hilton Head home. Wildlife is abundant on the island and can be seen all over. Walk by a lagoon and you are likely to see a gator hanging out in the sun. The island also boasts numerous nature preserves. The popular preserves are Sea Pines Forest Preserve, Jarvis Creek Park, and Audubon Newhall Preserve. Just outside of Hilton Head is Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is made up of 1,200 acres and open to the public. Another must stop for nature lovers is the Coastal Discovery Museum. Set on 68 acres of land, the Costal Discovery Museum is home to many different species of trees, specifically a 500 year old southern red cedar, as well as many species of birds.
• Coligny Plaza: Coligny Plaza is the epicenter of Hilton Head Island. Filled with shops, food, and fun for all, Coligny Plaza is a great place to be. Coligny has some great restaurants which will be touched on later. Coligny brings shoppers, offering boutiques, souvenir stores, toy stores, and other niche stores that catch the shoppers eye. Want to catch a movie, head to Coligny Theater. Coligny is also a great place to grab a drink. Check out the Frosty Frog Café which has its own daiquiri bar, the Earl of Sandwich Pub, or The Sandbar for some live music. Coligny is a must visit when in Hilton Head.
• Harbour Town: While home to the famous golf course, Harbour Town is a must visit spot on the island. Harbour Town has many great activities, restaurants, shops, jewelry stores, home furnishing stores, and a surf shop. Harbour Town offers a plethora of water activities. Check out one of the countless cruises offered by Vagabond Cruises. Highly recommend sailing on the Calibogue Sound on a famous winning boat at the America’s Cup, The Stars & Stripes, a dinner cruise on the Spirit of Harbourtown, or taking a Historic Savannah Cruise. Harbour Town has no shortage of watersports, including kayaking, parasailing, paddleboarding, water skiing, tubing, and waverunner rentals, all provided through H2O Sports. Need to grab a bite before an activity, check out Harbourside Burger’s and Brews, the Crazy Crab or the Harbourtown Bakery & Café. Looking for some high end clothing, you will find it in the boutiques in Harbour Town. Take a stroll around the marina and you will find some beautiful and massive yachts of the Hilton Head elites. Harbour Town is famous for the iconic red and white striped lighthouse. The lighthouse is a museum, offering insight its history as you climb towards the viewing platform. The platform is the best view on the island. You can see most of Hilton Head, Daufuskie Island, and even Tybee Island!
• Discover Daufuskie Island: Just off the coast of Hilton Head is a smaller Island that can only be reached by boat. With no cars on the island, make sure to arrange for a golf cart before you arrive. Tour Daufuskie is a great place to arrange a golf cart and show you all the highlights Daufuskie has to offer. Daufuskie is famous for it’s 3 miles of beautiful beaches. There are two lighthouses on the island and are both worth the visit, one at Bloody Point and the other at Haig Point. It is also recommended to visit the First Union African Baptist Church, which offers phenomenal insight of those sold into slavery. It is a reminder of the darkest moments in our Nation’s history.
• Wine Tasting At Rollers: Rollers is the top place to pick up wine, beer and spirits in Hilton Head. With a wide selection, outstanding customer service and a fun atmosphere, Rollers is a must stop while on the island. Part of this fun atmosphere is the wine tasting Rollers offers every Tuesday. The tasting lasts around an hour and comprises of 6 wines with a price of $20 per person, which is very reasonable. Tasters can relax outside or mingle at the bar inside. The tasting offers great finger food options to order separately that perfectly supplement the wine. I highly recommend the charcuterie board as this is one of the best I’ve ever had. A wine tasting at Rollers is perfect for a date, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and a mid-week night out with friends.
• Take a Dolphin Tour: Hilton Head Island is a great place to see our favorite marine animals, dolphins. Hilton Head is home to one of the largest populations of dolphins. These friendly creatures love to swim up next to the boat and greet you. With the dolphin tours you also get an excellent guide who offers insight into the local ecosystem and wildlife as well as provide a great history lesson about the island and the surrounding area. There are many dolphin tour companies on the island. My favorite is One HHI, who offers excellent dolphin tours for a very reasonable price. Their guides are very knowledgeable not just about dolphins and other marine life but also the history of Hilton Head. Also, if you have the desire to rent a pontoon boat or some watersports equipment like jet skis, creek cats, kayaks, paddleboards, etc., One HHI is your place!
• Day Trip to Savannah, GA: A trip to Hilton Head Island is not complete without venturing over to Savannah, GA. Located less than an hour away from Hilton Head, Savannah is a must see city with plenty to do, providing for a pleasant escape from paradise. Savannah is full of history, great restaurants, nightlife and rooftop bars. Visitors can sightsee on land or water. Catch a hop-on hop-off trolley tour or a river cruise and learn about the unique history of Savannah. Visitors can get their tourist fix on with a quick walk along River Street. Savannah has no shortage of great cuisine. Looking for a great brunch, check out Belford’s Seafood and Steaks, who also offers a great dinner option. Two must eats in Savannah are Cha Bella and Madame Butterfly, with the later being some of my favorite restaurants anywhere. Savannah provides plenty of nightlife options as well. For a relaxing night out check out the rooftop at The Rocks on the River and watch the massive ships ride by. If you are looking for a louder atmosphere, look no further than Pour Larry’s. Pour Larry’s has a massive bar and plenty of games to play while drinking.

• The Barmuda Triangle: Whatever you are looking for in regards to nightlife, you can find it at the Barmuda Triangle. The Triangle is made up of six different bars all offering something different, with one single cover charge that allows you access to each bar. One Hot Mama’s has a club atmosphere playing a mix of rap, edm, and pop tunes for patrons to dance too. Brother Shuckers and The Boardroom are two places patrons go for live music. Want to step away and grab a bite while drinking and play table games, look no further than The Lodge. If you want to catch a game, Reilley’s Pub is the place to be with great food, drinks, and plenty of HDTV’s. Lastly, Hilton Head Brewing Co or locally known as The Brew Pub, offers house brewed beers and a large dancefloor. The Barmuda Triangle is Xfinity Live (Philly) or LA Live (Los Angeles) at the beach, and one of the more fun nightlife spots I have been to in the United States.
• Poseidon: While also a great restaurant and listed below, Poseidon also offers great nightlife at their rooftop bar. With each night providing for a different theme, Poseidon’s provides a great nightlife with variety. Their best night is the Dueling Pianos on Thursdays, which is an absolute blast!

• Nunzio Restaurant & Bar: By far the best restaurant on Hilton Head Island. With the original location in Collingswood, NJ, you know you are going to get premium Italian food when dining at Nunzio’s. Being from South Jersey, I have been going to Nunzio’s for years. When I made Hilton Head my part time residents I was ecstatic to know one of my favorite Italian restaurants was down there also! I would like to tell you what is best on the menu, but that would be too difficult. It is impossible to get a bad meal at Nunzios. The calamari is the best I’ve had outside of Italy. The seafood is very fresh, the pasta home made, and the deserts are to die for. The bar area is upscale with lots of top shelf options. Not only is the general manager welcoming and attentive, the owner is also the nicest guy who is always willing to step outside the kitchen and greet his customers. The outside area is a cute little court yard that is very peaceful and relaxing as you take in your meal. Nunzio’s is your place for fine Italian dining and perfect for a dinner party, rehearsal dinner, etc.
• Old Oyster Factory: If you want dinning with a view, Old Oyster Factory is the place! Situated on Broad Creek, the Old Oyster Factory offers incredible views that provides an incredible setting with a delicious meal. My personal favorite for seafood on the island, OOF offers traditional seafood dishes and low-country favorites. If you want some romance, make sure to book a table outside during the sunset, as the views are some of the prettiest I have ever seen.
• The Salty Dog Cafe: Most popular tourist food spots fall short on the food part, but not the Salty Dog Cafe. With a laid back atmosphere on South Beach Marina, the salty dog offers great drinks and food. With a big bar in the middle of the dock, the drinks will definitely be flowing. I recommend the frozen drinks they are always on point. The food is always great and consistent. The Salty Dog offers a mix of seafood, Americana favorites, southern tastes, and low-country specialties. The hush puppies are a must have and by far the best hush puppies I’ve ever had. After your meal walk right next door to pick up their famous t-shirts. A trip to Hilton Head Island is not complete unless you make a stop at the Salty Dog Cafe.
• Catch 22: Another one of my favorites, Catch 22 offers a great fine dining option on the island. With a name like Catch 22, one would think they have only Seafood. While the seafood is to die for, the short ribs may be the best item on the menu. If you want some variety, try out the mixed grill (lobster, short rib, duck). The service is some of the best I’ve had on the island. Catch 22 is a great place for a date night or a group dinner with some friends.
• Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks: One of the most famous seafood spots on the island, this is a must go and a check off the Hilton Head foody list.
• The Sandbar: The place to go for great drinks, top end Americana cuisine, and awesome live music.
• Links, An American Grill: Stop by after your round at Harbour Town Golf Links for a great lunch or dinner. The food matches the quality of the golf course!
• The Jazz Corner
• Poseidon
• Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana
• Delisheeyo
• Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte
• Chez Georges Bistro & Bar
• Jane Bistro & Bar
• Vine
• WiseGuys
• Sage Room Restaurant Bar
• Pomodori