Guidebook for Hilton Head Island
Shopping
Tanger Outlets Hilton Head
1414 Fording Island RdShelter Cove Marina
1 Shelter Cove Ln
Harbour Town
Download the Harris Teeter app. Shop for your groceries while enroute to Hilton Head and they will have everything ready for you to pick up when you arrive!
52 locals recommend
Harris Teeter
33 Office Park RoadDownload the Harris Teeter app. Shop for your groceries while enroute to Hilton Head and they will have everything ready for you to pick up when you arrive!
If you prefer Publix over Harris Teeter, no problem - they are both owned by the same company.
31 locals recommend
Publix Super Market at Island Crossing SC
11 Palmetto Bay RdIf you prefer Publix over Harris Teeter, no problem - they are both owned by the same company.
Kroger
42 Shelter Cove LnYou've gotta see it to believe it! Probably the biggest Kroger in the U.S.
Don't be fooled by the decades old decor. This place has connections for the best local seafood on the island. Call them ahead of time, ask them to steam your shrimp. Then grab your favorite beverage and head to the beach to watch the sunset.
58 locals recommend
Piggly Wiggly Hilton Head
1 N Forest Beach DrDon't be fooled by the decades old decor. This place has connections for the best local seafood on the island. Call them ahead of time, ask them to steam your shrimp. Then grab your favorite beverage and head to the beach to watch the sunset.
I know, the picture shows a clothing store, but right next door is where you can pick up any essentials you might have forgotten. You might pay a premium, but you be glad you only had to walk there - especially if it's something like a toothbrush.
South Beach General Store
232 S Sea Pines DrI know, the picture shows a clothing store, but right next door is where you can pick up any essentials you might have forgotten. You might pay a premium, but you be glad you only had to walk there - especially if it's something like a toothbrush.
I don't know what it is about women and purses, but women love this store. Enough said.
Spartina 449 Hilton Head Island
28 Shelter Cove LnI don't know what it is about women and purses, but women love this store. Enough said.
The Shops at Sea Pines Center
71 Lighthouse RdBe sure to check out the Farmer's Market.
Restaurants and Lounges
This list includes most all of my favorite haunts on the island - restaurants, bars and coffee shops.
Great waterside views of Broad Creek and the Bridge. Indoor and outdoor seating.
56 locals recommend
The Black Marlin Bayside Grill
86 Helmsman WayGreat waterside views of Broad Creek and the Bridge. Indoor and outdoor seating.
Great ambiance. Great food. Limited seating, so plan ahead.
26 locals recommend
Charlie's L'Etoile Verte
8 New Orleans RdGreat ambiance. Great food. Limited seating, so plan ahead.
One of the best al fresco dining spots you will ever find. Operated by the Sea Pines Resort. Right on the ocean.
27 locals recommend
Coast, Oceanfront Dining
87 N Sea Pines DrOne of the best al fresco dining spots you will ever find. Operated by the Sea Pines Resort. Right on the ocean.
Here is SERG's description:
Located just steps from the water in Hilton Head, South Carolina, its covered patio and outdoor bar brings diners a breathtaking view of Skull Creek. From the views, to the staff, to the fresh and elegant cuisine, you will not want to leave.
I will leave it at that! This is, without a doubt, one of my all-time favorites.
48 locals recommend
Skull Creek Dockside
2 Hudson RdHere is SERG's description:
Located just steps from the water in Hilton Head, South Carolina, its covered patio and outdoor bar brings diners a breathtaking view of Skull Creek. From the views, to the staff, to the fresh and elegant cuisine, you will not want to leave.
I will leave it at that! This is, without a doubt, one of my all-time favorites.
This is another all-time favorite. The ambiance is to die for, the food is excellent and so is the staff - it's all about management!
87 locals recommend
Fishcamp on Broad Creek
11 Simmons RdThis is another all-time favorite. The ambiance is to die for, the food is excellent and so is the staff - it's all about management!
When you dine at a SERG restaurant, you know what you are getting. Quality food and service at a value price point. It's hard to find any product these days, let alone a restaurant chain that can deliver on this day in and day out, but SERG does.
54 locals recommend
Frankie Bones
200 Merchant StWhen you dine at a SERG restaurant, you know what you are getting. Quality food and service at a value price point. It's hard to find any product these days, let alone a restaurant chain that can deliver on this day in and day out, but SERG does.
Ok. Get ready. I don't want to post a spoiler so here goes. This is a must. It's a once in a lifetime. It's a story you will tell over cocktails forever. It's a breakfast haven or maybe a heavenly breakfast? Be prepared - they don't offer valet parking.
27 locals recommend
Harold's Diner
641 William Hilton PkwyOk. Get ready. I don't want to post a spoiler so here goes. This is a must. It's a once in a lifetime. It's a story you will tell over cocktails forever. It's a breakfast haven or maybe a heavenly breakfast? Be prepared - they don't offer valet parking.
This is a must. No need to seek out any other place for Ice Cream. Just go here.
29 locals recommend
Hilton Head Escape Room
10 Executive Park RdThis is a must. No need to seek out any other place for Ice Cream. Just go here.
If you ask most people who have ever been to Hilton Head - "Where did you eat?" - This has go to be one of the first restaurants they mention. Don't worry - this is not a tourist trap - it is simply one of the most iconic restaurants on Hilton Head and you would be remiss not to dine there one night.
183 locals recommend
Hudson's Seafood House On The Docks
1 Hudson RdIf you ask most people who have ever been to Hilton Head - "Where did you eat?" - This has go to be one of the first restaurants they mention. Don't worry - this is not a tourist trap - it is simply one of the most iconic restaurants on Hilton Head and you would be remiss not to dine there one night.
If you want authentic Italian cuisine, then you must seek out Il Capraccio. Simply the best Italian food on the island. If the owner/somellier/host is there, I will give you a $5 credit on your invoice if you can make him smile.
7 locals recommend
Il Carpaccio Ristorante
200A Museum StIf you want authentic Italian cuisine, then you must seek out Il Capraccio. Simply the best Italian food on the island. If the owner/somellier/host is there, I will give you a $5 credit on your invoice if you can make him smile.
OK, so I went to Michigan State. Good thing the owner of this Ohio State mecca doesn't recognize me or I might never make it through the door. I would have to explain that I actually grew up in Ohio. So if you are from Ohio, or even if you aren't, this is a great sports bar with good food and good prices. They even have a University of Michigan decal in the urinal...oops.
6 locals recommend
Mangiamo
2000 Main StOK, so I went to Michigan State. Good thing the owner of this Ohio State mecca doesn't recognize me or I might never make it through the door. I would have to explain that I actually grew up in Ohio. So if you are from Ohio, or even if you aren't, this is a great sports bar with good food and good prices. They even have a University of Michigan decal in the urinal...oops.
Marleys Shrimp & Burger Shack
35 Office Park RdWant an extraordinary rooftop bar experience? Then this is it. The Ocean Lounge at the Sea Pines Beach Club is a well-kept secret. Get there a little before sunset. Take the elevator upstairs. Enter Nirvana.
35 locals recommend
Sea Pines Beach Club
87 N Sea Pines DrWant an extraordinary rooftop bar experience? Then this is it. The Ocean Lounge at the Sea Pines Beach Club is a well-kept secret. Get there a little before sunset. Take the elevator upstairs. Enter Nirvana.
One of many restaurants in what is called "The Triangle" just outside the Sea Pines gate. Great comfort food menu - think family dining. Again, another SERG restaurant. Can't go wrong with SERG.
72 locals recommend
One Hot Mama's American Grill
1 Greenwood DrOne of many restaurants in what is called "The Triangle" just outside the Sea Pines gate. Great comfort food menu - think family dining. Again, another SERG restaurant. Can't go wrong with SERG.
This is the go-to place for breakfast on the island. Enjoy!
43 locals recommend
Palmetto Bay SunRise Cafe
86 Helmsman WayThis is the go-to place for breakfast on the island. Enjoy!
Ok, so there may not be another place like this in the world. I kid you not. Jim has traveled the world for the best bar recipes and brought them to a beach side bar on Hilton Head. His stories begin long ago with the Hilton Head Inn, now replaced by Marriott's Grand Ocean Resort. Just so you know, this bar has a gazillion types of fresh fruit drinks - with and without alcohol.
35 locals recommend
Pool Bar Jim's
10 N Forest Beach DrOk, so there may not be another place like this in the world. I kid you not. Jim has traveled the world for the best bar recipes and brought them to a beach side bar on Hilton Head. His stories begin long ago with the Hilton Head Inn, now replaced by Marriott's Grand Ocean Resort. Just so you know, this bar has a gazillion types of fresh fruit drinks - with and without alcohol.
Another SERG restaurant. Need I say more? This is one of my favorite places to go for a Sunday buffet - or checkout the entertainment line-up for the bar upstairs. Day or night, this is a winner to add to your vacation itinerary.
135 locals recommend
Poseidon Coastal Cuisine
38 Shelter Cove LnAnother SERG restaurant. Need I say more? This is one of my favorite places to go for a Sunday buffet - or checkout the entertainment line-up for the bar upstairs. Day or night, this is a winner to add to your vacation itinerary.
When someone asks me about a place to go for a special occasion, the Sage Room is my answer. Call ahead for reservations and if you want to take in the whole experience, request a seat at the Chef's Table - better known as the bar. You will enjoy a lineup of top flight chef's preparing top flight meals. When you follow your iphone map to get there, you might think you're lost. Don't worry, you're not.
41 locals recommend
Sage Room
75 Pope AveWhen someone asks me about a place to go for a special occasion, the Sage Room is my answer. Call ahead for reservations and if you want to take in the whole experience, request a seat at the Chef's Table - better known as the bar. You will enjoy a lineup of top flight chef's preparing top flight meals. When you follow your iphone map to get there, you might think you're lost. Don't worry, you're not.
Do you want to delve into the delectable? This is where I go for birthday cakes! And sometimes even for breakfast. Signe's has been around since the beginning of time and still delivering great food and service - especially baked goods!
16 locals recommend
Signe's Heaven Bound Bakery & Cafe
93 Arrow RdDo you want to delve into the delectable? This is where I go for birthday cakes! And sometimes even for breakfast. Signe's has been around since the beginning of time and still delivering great food and service - especially baked goods!
As SERG puts it, "A landmark waterfront restaurant". Yes, that about sums it up. This is another one you have to put on your list. Plan ahead and get there in plenty of time to see the sunset and enjoy some delicious food.
164 locals recommend
Skull Creek Boathouse
397 Squire Pope RdAs SERG puts it, "A landmark waterfront restaurant". Yes, that about sums it up. This is another one you have to put on your list. Plan ahead and get there in plenty of time to see the sunset and enjoy some delicious food.
Another hidden island treasure. Great vibes, elegant atmosphere. Make a reservation and enjoy a premiere jazz experience. If you love good music, this is a great place. If you love jazz, this is Nirvanna.
74 locals recommend
The Jazz Corner
1000 William Hilton PkwyAnother hidden island treasure. Great vibes, elegant atmosphere. Make a reservation and enjoy a premiere jazz experience. If you love good music, this is a great place. If you love jazz, this is Nirvanna.
You're so lucky! This iconic Hilton Head restaurant is right next door! There are so many options as to where to hang out around the marina. And plenty of things to do even if there is a wait. Be sure to ask for the Jakester - even if you don't know what it is, you will be glad you asked because then you will know what I eat when I'm hungry at the Dog.
120 locals recommend
The Salty Dog Cafe
232 S Sea Pines DrYou're so lucky! This iconic Hilton Head restaurant is right next door! There are so many options as to where to hang out around the marina. And plenty of things to do even if there is a wait. Be sure to ask for the Jakester - even if you don't know what it is, you will be glad you asked because then you will know what I eat when I'm hungry at the Dog.
Just had to include this one on my list of favorite haunts because a) it's got great live music, b) this is thee beach volleyball hangout and it makes me feel young, and c) it's an easy (that's relative) bike ride up the beach.
87 locals recommend
Tiki Hut
1 S Forest Beach DrJust had to include this one on my list of favorite haunts because a) it's got great live music, b) this is thee beach volleyball hangout and it makes me feel young, and c) it's an easy (that's relative) bike ride up the beach.
Truffles is a stalwart island restaurant. It's easy to get to and you can count on good food. The Trolley stops here, too.
26 locals recommend
Truffles Cafe
71 Lighthouse RdTruffles is a stalwart island restaurant. It's easy to get to and you can count on good food. The Trolley stops here, too.
I don't want to give away all my secret haunts, but if you are reading this, have at it! My favorite table is upstairs on the outdoor deck overlooking the South Beach Marina. Maybe they should put my name on a brass plaque. But even if you are inside, this is a great place to wander over to in your flip flops and feel the honky-tonk vibe of a fishing village setback along the Calibogue Sound.
Wreck of the Salty Dog
232 S Sea Pines DrI don't want to give away all my secret haunts, but if you are reading this, have at it! My favorite table is upstairs on the outdoor deck overlooking the South Beach Marina. Maybe they should put my name on a brass plaque. But even if you are inside, this is a great place to wander over to in your flip flops and feel the honky-tonk vibe of a fishing village setback along the Calibogue Sound.
Take some time to see the Plantation Club. Contrary to what people think - oh it's a country club - well, it is and it isn't - it's designed to make John Q. Public feel like they can enjoy the club without the membership. Honestly, this a very reasonable dining experience that allows you to take in a beautiful vista of two of Sea Pines Resorts' most special golf courses - Atlantic Dunes and Heron Point.
Fraser's Tavern
100 N Sea Pines DrTake some time to see the Plantation Club. Contrary to what people think - oh it's a country club - well, it is and it isn't - it's designed to make John Q. Public feel like they can enjoy the club without the membership. Honestly, this a very reasonable dining experience that allows you to take in a beautiful vista of two of Sea Pines Resorts' most special golf courses - Atlantic Dunes and Heron Point.
Attractions
My personal list of the "must see" attractions on Hilton Head Island.
Coastal Discovery Museum
70 Honey Horn DrRainy day or any day. You gotta do this.
This is a great day trip. Honestly, when you get there, you will think you are entering Jurassic Park.
73 locals recommend
Daufuskie Island
This is a great day trip. Honestly, when you get there, you will think you are entering Jurassic Park.
Lots of historical treasures hidden in this preserve. From the 4,000-year old Indian shell ring to current day hurricane devastation. Abundant wildlife. A great place to appreciate an unadulterated environment. Please support our Forest Preserve.
61 locals recommend
Sea Pines Forest Preserve
Lots of historical treasures hidden in this preserve. From the 4,000-year old Indian shell ring to current day hurricane devastation. Abundant wildlife. A great place to appreciate an unadulterated environment. Please support our Forest Preserve.
Yes, you can actually walk to the top of the lighthouse! And you won't be out of breath before you reach the top because it's a museum inside and you can take your time before you reach the top. Then the view will take your breath away.
124 locals recommend
Harbour Town Lighthouse & Museum
149 Lighthouse RdYes, you can actually walk to the top of the lighthouse! And you won't be out of breath before you reach the top because it's a museum inside and you can take your time before you reach the top. Then the view will take your breath away.
A fascinating what to spend a few hours. Be sure to time the end of your tour with the start of Happy Hour.
22 locals recommend
Hilton Head Distillery
14 Cardinal RdA fascinating what to spend a few hours. Be sure to time the end of your tour with the start of Happy Hour.
Jiva Yoga Center
1032 William Hilton PkwyIf you need to get your Yoga fix while on vacation, try the Jiva Yoga Center.
Don't just drive by this beautiful Sea Pines landmark, stop in! Bring some carrots so you can feed the horses. And it's not just horses, there is a whole petting zoo full of deer, sheep, pigs, goats and more. A great spot for selfies.
57 locals recommend
Lawton Stables
190 Greenwood DrDon't just drive by this beautiful Sea Pines landmark, stop in! Bring some carrots so you can feed the horses. And it's not just horses, there is a whole petting zoo full of deer, sheep, pigs, goats and more. A great spot for selfies.
Great place to see a movie! The couple that owns this place put it over the top. Thee most comfortable seats and sound system on the planet.
39 locals recommend
Park Plaza Cinema
33 Office Park RdGreat place to see a movie! The couple that owns this place put it over the top. Thee most comfortable seats and sound system on the planet.
Shannon Tanner's Most Excellent Pirate Expedition
13 Harbourside LnPlain old good kid-friendly fun.
Easy to get to by bike. Walk around and imagine what one of the first plantations on Hilton Head used to look like.
16 locals recommend
Stoney Baynard Ruins
Plantation DriveEasy to get to by bike. Walk around and imagine what one of the first plantations on Hilton Head used to look like.
USA Today named The Heritage Library one of the top 10 places in the world to research your roots. The Heritage Library is a non-profit library offering research assistance on ancestry in addition to classes and tours focused on Hilton Head Island’s history from prehistory to the modern era.
The Heritage Library
2 Corpus Christi PlaceUSA Today named The Heritage Library one of the top 10 places in the world to research your roots. The Heritage Library is a non-profit library offering research assistance on ancestry in addition to classes and tours focused on Hilton Head Island’s history from prehistory to the modern era.
Vagabond Cruise
149 Lighthouse RdTake a few hours and enjoy a boat cruise in Calibogue Sound.
ZipLine Hilton Head
33 Broad Creek Marina WayTake-in the family-friendly Greg Russell concerts under the legendary Liberty Oak at Harbor Town. See the website for concert schedule.
7 locals recommend
Greg Russell Concerts
Harbortown Club VillasTake-in the family-friendly Greg Russell concerts under the legendary Liberty Oak at Harbor Town. See the website for concert schedule.
Beaches
All about Sea Pines beaches.
South Beach is at the southern tip of the island often identified by the Salty Dog Cafe and the South Beach Marina Village. The beach itself is a calm, private stretch of sand that runs along the Calibogue Sound from beach marker 0 to where it meets the Ocean and continues on past Tower Beach. There is no beach parking, so the sands are almost entirely exclusive to residents and guests staying in the area.
14 locals recommend
South Beach
South Beach is at the southern tip of the island often identified by the Salty Dog Cafe and the South Beach Marina Village. The beach itself is a calm, private stretch of sand that runs along the Calibogue Sound from beach marker 0 to where it meets the Ocean and continues on past Tower Beach. There is no beach parking, so the sands are almost entirely exclusive to residents and guests staying in the area.
The Sea Pines Beach Club is accessible to anyone visiting Sea Pines; however from 9:00 - 5:00, March 23rd through Labor Day, only residents and guests of the Resort can park there. All other guests must park in a designated lot and take the trolley. But you can always bike to the beach club! Insider Tip - This is one of the few places on the beach where you can access public restrooms!
35 locals recommend
Sea Pines Beach Club
87 N Sea Pines DrThe Sea Pines Beach Club is accessible to anyone visiting Sea Pines; however from 9:00 - 5:00, March 23rd through Labor Day, only residents and guests of the Resort can park there. All other guests must park in a designated lot and take the trolley. But you can always bike to the beach club! Insider Tip - This is one of the few places on the beach where you can access public restrooms!
Golf Courses
Links to the best public links on or near the island.
Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III is a complete reconstruction of The Sea Pines Resort's historic Ocean Course, the first course built on Hilton Head. Featuring a pronounced seaside ambience and Lowcountry feel accented by coquina shells and seaside grass, it incorporates elements of the surrounding beachfront along with the area's bounty of native pines and oaks lining the fairways.
6 locals recommend
Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III
100 N Sea Pines DrAtlantic Dunes by Davis Love III is a complete reconstruction of The Sea Pines Resort's historic Ocean Course, the first course built on Hilton Head. Featuring a pronounced seaside ambience and Lowcountry feel accented by coquina shells and seaside grass, it incorporates elements of the surrounding beachfront along with the area's bounty of native pines and oaks lining the fairways.
Golden Bear Golf Club at Indigo Run
72 Golden Bear WayHarbour Town Golf Links
11 Lighthouse LnHome of the PGA Heritage.
Heron Point by Pete Dye
100 N Sea Pines DrHilton Head National Golf Club
60 Hilton Head National DrBloody Point Golf Club & Resort
56 Fuskie LnOyster Reef Golf Club
155 High Bluff RdShipyard Golf Club
45 Shipyard DrGeorge Fazio Golf Course
7 Carnoustie RdRobert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course
7 Trent Jones LnArthur Hills Golf Course
2 Leamington Ln