A Family Fun Guide to Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is a gem of a destination for family vacations. With its expansive beaches, lush landscape and a plethora of family-friendly activities, it offers something for everyone.
George and I are used to the fluffy sand and crystal clear waters of 30A, so I polled my audience to compare the two! Many of the responses highlighted how Hilton Head was very walkable (confirmed!), not quite as hot (you’re always hot at the beach but sometimes 30A feels like you’re a pork roast just COOKIN’ on the middle rack of the oven) and a smidge more affordable.
We recently traveled to the South Carolina island with George’s family where we had five kiddos under four years old. Chaos. Absolute chaos. But all so fun! Addy was endlessly entertained the entire week by her older cousins. Our trip was a delightfully chaotic mix of beach fun, relaxation, and family time. I wanted to share some highlights from our trip and include a few additional recommendations from friends who also frequest Hilton Head.
hilton head Activities
1. Beach Time at Coligny Beach Park Coligny Beach Park is a must-visit spot on Hilton Head Island. We had a private beach access, but were just a quick walk down from Coligny. One perk of the Atlantic coast is the massive amount of beach space you get when the tide goes out. The littles in our group loved splashing around in the tide pools! The nearby Coligny Plaza offers shopping and dining options, making it easy to spend a full day here.
2. Lowcountry Celebration Park. This park caught our eye on the drive in. This park features a large, ship-themed playground, complete with a splash pad. If you’re looking for an activity other than the beach, this is a great option! The park also hosts various events and concerts, making it a lively spot to visit.
3. Bike Riding on Hilton Head’s Extensive Trails. Hilton Head Island is known for its extensive network of bike trails. We had friends rent bikes and a little baby seat (a tagalong) on the island! They biked to meet us and mentioned loving having access to some wheels. Biking while at the beach is always fun, and it’s a wonderful way to see the island’s lush landscapes and charming neighborhoods. Check out Hilton Head Bikes HERE.
4. Harbour Town Lighthouse. No trip to Hilton Head is complete without visiting Harbour Town. You will have to drive and the gate fee is $9 for the day. The iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse offers a fab photo op, and you also have the option to climb to the top! Purchase tickets HERE. There are a number of shops and restaurants (our friends recommended Quarterdeck!). There is also a nearby playground for the kiddos to enjoy. Personally, I love strolling around the marina and enjoying some sunset views along the Harbor Town golf course.
coffee & Dining Options
1. Tiki Hut. For a fun and laid-back dining experience, Tiki Hut is the place to be. Located right on the beach, this vibrant spot offers live music, delicious food, and refreshing drinks (this is where we took our family photo - see below). They have live music, which is always a win in my book. The lively atmosphere and beachfront views made it a memorable moment!
2. Pool Bar Jim’s. If you’re in the mood for the best mojitos on the island, head to Pool Bar Jim’s. Nestled by the poolside, this spot is perfect for a refreshing drink after a day in the sun. The mojitos are a must-try, and they also offer a great selection of frozen drinks and food.
3. The Banks. For a wide variety of dining options, The Banks is a fantastic choice. With multiple restaurants under one roof, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The casual atmosphere and diverse menu made it easy to please the whole family.
4. Sweet Al’s at Coligny Plaza. Start your day with a visit to Sweet Al’s in Coligny Plaza. This charming coffee shop offers a range of delicious pastries, coffee, and light breakfast options. Their pastries are made in house (you can see the racks of them when ordering your caff pow). I loved their “Sea Turtle” latte!
5. Dough Boys Pizza. We ordered pizza on Saturday, after we had all arrived and unpacked. Everyone gave it a thumbs up! Would expect a wait, though.
6. Private Chef Experience. Because getting out of the house with multiple babies is basically impossible, we opted to hire a private chef for an evening. It was a blast! You can craft your experience to your culinary palate, so we opted for a four course meal complete with a charcuterie board, salad, mahi mahi & tenderloin and a pear dessert (after babies had been put to sleep). Check out Food + Fire + Knives!
7. Java Burrito Company. My one regret of our trip was not visiting for a breakfast burrito and espresso milkshake. Check out their IG for some jaw-dropping food videos.
baby beach gear
Baby Pop Up Chair. This baby chair comes with a food tray and folds up nicely, making it the perfect travel chair! A great option for packing a baby beach chair and also needing a high chair for meals.
Beach Mat. Our family used this beach mat as a spot for the babies to sit & crawl around on (a good alternative to sitting in the sand). The stakes were a great addition, because it does get pretty breezy.
Tailgate Tent w/ Sand Bags. We popped a tailgate tent each morning to provide a little bit of shade for the family. The sand bags were NECESSARY, because of the wind.
Beach Wagon. There is SO much stuff to haul to the beach. Now. Add in a baby. And double the amount of stuff. George’s brother + sister-in-law have one of these beach wagons with a canopy and it is FANCY. I was jealous. Find another price point option HERE!
Hilton Head Island is a fantastic destination for families, offering a blend of relaxing beach days, a healthy amount of activities, and diverse amount of dining experiences. Whether you’re building sandcastles at Coligny Beach, biking through scenic trails, or savoring a mojito at Pool Bar Jim’s, there’s no shortage of fun and memorable moments to be had. Our family trip to Hilton Head was everything we hoped for, and we can’t wait to return for another island adventure!
