Go Dolphin Watching
Various Marinas (e.g., Harbour Town, Shelter Cove) 2.5 hrs
Embark on a boat tour to spot playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
Where to stay
Hotels in Hilton Head Island
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At a glance
Climate
Humid subtropical
Languages
English
Local currency
USD
(USD)
Local time
(GMT-4)
Ideal trip length
3–7 days
Cost level
4 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Sea Pines
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
15-20% for service
What this place is for
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
95 · Outstanding
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Shrimp and Grits
Lowcountry Boil
Oysters
She-Crab Soup
When to visit Hilton Head Island
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: June, July
Busiest: May-Aug
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Jan40
Cool, quiet, mild
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Feb45
Cool, quiet, mild
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Mar70
Mild, pleasant, blooming
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Apr85
Warm, sunny, busy
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May90
Warm, humid, popular
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Jun95
Hot, humid, peak
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Jul95
Hot, humid, peak
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Aug90
Hot, humid, peak
-
Sept80
Warm, less crowded
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Oct85
Mild, pleasant, sunny
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Nov60
Cooler, quiet, crisp
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Dec50
Cool, festive, mild
Things to do in Hilton Head Island
7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 7 of 7 places ·
Best in the morning
5 places
Bike the Island's Extensive Trails
Island-wide 3 hrs
Explore over 60 miles of scenic pathways, including beach access and nature preserves.
Explore Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge
Bluffton (just off island) 3 hrs
Discover diverse wildlife, including alligators and migratory birds, on this serene preserve.
Play a Round of Golf
Island-wide (e.g., Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes) 4.5 hrs
Tee off on one of Hilton Head's world-class golf courses, known for stunning Lowcountry scenery.
Kayak or Paddleboard the Marshes
Shelter Cove, Broad Creek 2 hrs
Paddle through calm tidal creeks and salt marshes, observing local wildlife up close.
Any time of day
2 places
Climb Harbour Town Lighthouse
Sea Pines 1.5 hrs
Ascend the iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse for panoramic views of the Calibogue Sound.
Relax at Coligny Beach Park
South Forest Beach 4 hrs
Enjoy the island's most popular public beach with amenities, shops, and restaurants nearby.
Things to book
Tours and activities in Hilton Head Island
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Unstructured tour
1 Hour Private Tubing Trip
Free cancellationFind deals
Unstructured tour
Hilton Head Luxury Pontoon Rental for 2 to 8 hours
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Ticket/Civil War Era on Hilton Head Island Talk
Free cancellationFind deals
Unstructured tour
Daufuskie Island Daily Round Trip Ferry Tickets
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Private Hilton Head Sunset Sailing Tour with Dolphin Watching
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
History and Movie Tour of Beaufort by Golf Cart
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Hilton Head Shrimp Trawling Boat Cruise
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Guided Liquor and Beer Tasting Tour in Beaufort
Free cancellationFind deals
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Practical ratings
Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.
Near Hilton Head Island
Straight-line distance from the centre of Hilton Head Island.
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