The Best Hilton Head Island Travel Guide | South Carolina
Discover the best family-friendly activities, dining spots, and accommodations on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Join us for beach fun, delicious farm-to-table meals, ice cream spots, coffee shops, and memorable adventures at this charming destination.
Hilton Head, South Carolina Travel Guide – Sharing the best things to do in Hilton Head! Explore charming local shops, delicious food from popular restaurants, and visit the coziest coffee spots on the island! Sharing where to stay, must-visit attractions, and fun family-friendly activities for the perfect Lowcountry getaway.
Traveling to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Family Travel Guide to See, Do, Eat, and Explore!
Last week, we loaded up the car and hit the road to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. My husband had a work seminar there, and my son and I decided to tag along for a few days. I was excited to spend some quality beach time with my son and set out on fun little adventures just the two of us while my husband was busy with the seminar during the day. I captured some photos from the week to share our mini two-day Hilton Head guide with you all! We plan to visit again soon, so if you’ve been to Hilton Head and have must-see spots or restaurants, leave your recommendations in the comments!
When we arrived at thehotel in Hilton Head, we had a few hours to spare before our room was ready. We loaded all our belongings onto the bellhop and headed down the path to the beach. I’ve never seen a happier little boy than when he first stepped onto the sand. He was excited all week after we told him where we were going. We brought many different beach toys with us, and he also picked some out from the communal sandbox. I probably should have thought ahead and put his swimsuit on, but I guess wet clothing made no difference. He was having the time of his life.
We received a text that our room was ready, so we headed up, cleaned him off, and grabbed a salad from the cafe downstairs. After eating, we relaxed a bit before dinner. The surprise box I made for his hotel entertainment was such a hit!
We headed to Nectar Farm Kitchen for an early dinner. Kyle and I had dined there the last time we were in Hilton Head and remembered it being so good, so we decided to go again. It was pretty early in the evening, so we didn’t need a reservation, but Hilton Head is super crowded this time of year. If you want to try a place for dinner, I highly recommend making reservations at least a week or a few nights in advance.
I ordered the Farm Stand Bowl with sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, ancient grains, herbed salad, kale, and tomato vinaigrette. I had them substitute the shiitake mushrooms for avocado slices.
My son had the kid’s fries and chicken fingers, which were a hit, and my husband had the Butcher’s Bowl, and he enjoyed it.
I had to resist the temptation to order the hummingbird cake we had last time we visited! I’m still on my health kick, but maybe I’ll try to figure out a healthier version to make at home.
I love looking for restaurants that focus on farm-to-table cuisine, and Nectar Farm Kitchen in Hilton Head was exactly what we were looking for!
We had a no-napper on our hands since we traveled and played on the beach most of the day. We purposely skipped his nap so he’d be tired enough to sleep in the bed with us. Since he doesn’t do well with travel cribs, letting him curl up with us was the best option, and he fell right to sleep. I woke him up early so he’d be ready for a nap in the afternoon and to ensure we had some early morning beach time together.
We were expecting on-and-off showers all day, but at the beach, it’s usually just a quick rainstorm followed by sunshine, and that’s exactly what happened for us. Before Kyle headed to the seminar, he brought me a hot coffee from the hotel cafe. I poured it into my mug (morning coffee is always better in a mug) and enjoyed watching the sunrise on the porch with my son. He was still completely captivated by the entertainment box I’d put together. The sky was beautiful and overcast on our morning walk to the beach. We brought our sand toys and picked a spot to start digging.
Best beachfront hotels in Hilton Head South, Carolina
We stayed at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa. Kyle and I stayed here last year, and I knew my son would love it. They have amazing pools, access to the beach, and restaurants for all occasions. It’s a family-friendly and nice hotel if you want a getaway for yourself.
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa is a fantastic spot for a family getaway. Here’s why it’s so special:
Accommodations: The rooms and suites are spacious and comfy, with some offering gorgeous ocean or garden views. Many come with private balconies, perfect for soaking up that coastal breeze with a hot cup of coffee.
Amenities: This place has it all—several outdoor pools, yard games, direct beach access, and a full-service spa. There’s also a well-equipped fitness center and a range of dining options for all occasions!
Dining: Multiple dining spots are on-site, from casual bites to more fancy restaurants. The restaurants often have stunning views of the ocean or gardens! They have a farm-to-table style restaurant we ate at last time, which was so good! We skipped it this time since it was a bit fancier, and we had the kiddo with us.
Family-Friendly: The Westin is great for families traveling with kids. It has a kids’ club and plenty of activities to entertain the little ones.
Location: On the beach, getting to the sand and sea is super easy. Plus, you’re close to all the fun Hilton Head Island adventures.
Spa and Wellness: Make a reservation at the Heavenly Spa by Westin, where you can relax with various treatments and incredible massage packages.
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa blends luxury with a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, making it a top pick for relaxation and adventure.
We hit the beach at 7 a.m. and were greeted by morning walkers, dogs playing fetch, and plenty of open space for building sandcastles and running around. I love getting to the beach early before it gets too hot and crowded.
I made an Amazon storefront list with a bunch of beach toys and supplies we brought!
We were blessed with the weather in the 70s that morning, and we stayed out there for a few hours before he hit his hungry/tired wall. I brought a bunch of colored jewels I bought off Amazon and buried them around our play area. He kept digging them up and getting so excited to put them in his little treasure box we brought. It’s moments like that when I wish we lived on the beach! He loved every minute of it.
We walked half a mile down the beach to chase birds and splash our feet in the water. Of course, he wanted to be carried back in true toddler fashion. I had picked up a book from the hotel’s book box and thought it would be fun to read since it was written quite a while ago. Somehow, I ended up reading almost all of it on the trip home.A few hours later, after we’d given all our energy to the beach, we returned to the room to clean up, get dressed, and set out for breakfast. I decided to check out Lowcountry Produce Market & Cafe, especially since I’m a big fan of their location in Beaufort (you can read about my Beaufort trip here!).
Lowcountry Produce Market and Cafe is located at the shops at Sea Pine Center on Harbour Island on the tip of Hilton Head. To get to Sea Pines, you do have to purchase a pass (it looks like a toll), but it is good for the whole day. The market is adorable, with fun gifts, artisan foods, and more.
It wasn’t too busy since it wasn’t the weekend, and we snagged a spot outside with a lovely view of a Spanish moss tree. I’ll never stop loving the way Spanish moss trees look, especially when glistening flakes of sunlight beam through them.
I started with a hot coffee and cream for breakfast, and my son requested orange juice. I ordered blueberry pancakes, bacon, and fresh fruit for him! I had the Lowcountry breakfast with bacon, eggs, fruit, and an English muffin. You can customize this selection with different breads, potatoes, breakfast meats, egg styles, and more! I remember their granola and fruit being so good the last time I ate in Beaufort. The menu is so large, and maybe next time, I’ll try the glazed donuts everyone talks about. I would have ordered one for my son, but we had ice cream plans later!
Two adorable wooden swings were nestled under the Spanish moss tree where we sat for breakfast. After finishing our meal, I pushed him on the swing until I finally convinced him to walk over to the park with me. My son could sit on a swing for hours and never wants to get off! He also loves being outside, no matter what we’re doing. I love the charm that Hilton Head has to offer with all of its little hidden gems.
The park featured fun tree forts, all kinds of stone statues of animals like frogs, birds, and gators, exciting tunnel slides, and so much more! This park was perfect for an outdoor-loving kid. It wasn’t too crowded, and it was so spacious that even if there were a lot of kids around, there was plenty of room for everyone to play safely. The park is right across from my favorite spot, the Harbour Town Bakery & Cafe. Hilton Head has so many fun things for kids to do!
With all that beach and playground play, the ice cream from Quarterdeck Market was well-earned! Last year, when I visited Hilton Head, I had one of the best ice cream cones I’ve ever had—it landed in my top five! I tried the strawberry, even though I’m usually a vanilla girl. Since my son’s favorite fruit is a strawberry, I got him a cone, too. I chose the java chip because I was curious to try it after overhearing a man take a bite and tell his wife she had to try it!
I love that the ice cream is made with all-natural ingredients since I don’t let him have fake dyes. Yes, I’m one of those moms. When he’s old enough to decide what he wants to eat, or if there’s a party at school with artificial dyes, I’ll let him enjoy it. But for now, when I’m the one choosing, I do my best to make sure it’s natural.
We had lunch at Quarterdeck during our last visit to Hilton Head. At the base of the famous Harbour Town Lighthouse, Quarterdeck offers stunning waterfront views of the Harbour Town Yacht Basin and Calibogue Sound. You can also tour the lighthouse! The food was amazing too. This is one of those spots where you’ll want to make a reservation in advance. The Market at Quarterdeck is a more casual grab-and-go spot with delicious deli sandwiches! We’re still a bit too young for the Pirate Ship Cruise, but it was so fun to watch! We’ll definitely be adding it to our list of things to do in Hilton Head with a toddler next year!
We watch a lot of Danny Go in our household; his favorite episode is the one with the pirates. He was so excited watching the ship come in with the pirates on it. This is the ultimate pirate adventure that you’ll want to sign your kids up for! I tried everything to get him to nap in the hotel, but since that didn’t work, I knew a stroller walk would do the trick. He usually falls asleep ten minutes into an afternoon stroller walk, and luckily, I was right! He snacked on his peanut butter cereal and then drifted off to sleep with the cup still in his hand.
We walked along the gorgeous Spanish moss-lined trails and even spotted some gators! I managed to get 6.2 miles in while he napped. Oh, how I miss having a flat trail like this! In my neighborhood, every other block is uphill or downhill, so it takes a lot more time to walk miles because of the steep inclines. I know it’s a better workout, but it was great to have some flat trails to walk for once. The trails were shaded, the weather was perfect, and it was exactly the workout I needed before we hit the beach after my husband was done with the seminar.The storm clouds cleared, so we decided to head down to the beach before dinner to run around and work up an appetite. I was excited to get a break and sit in the beach chair while they played on the beach.
I bought a matching swimsuit for Daddy and me from Tullabee! They have the cutest kids’ clothes, and I love shopping there when I’m at the mall. They also have the best sales, so I get a lot of my son’s clothing from them. I bought a few cans of the De Soi drinks while shopping for our Target trip. So far, I’m a big fan! They are the perfect non-alcoholic apéritifs with so much flavor! I had no idea that Katy Perry was a cofounder of the brand. I bought them because I’m a sucker for a cute canned drink, but they ended up being delicious! I bought the other flavors, too, and will be packing them for my camping trip with Becca next week! Nothing better than a little competitive family game of ping pong and cornhole! Does anyone else’s toddler just love stealing their sunglasses?For dinner last night, we headed to Cactus Street Cantina. We were originally going to Quarterdeck, but they were booked (and we didn’t make any reservations!) I called Cactus Street Cantina to see if they had availability, and they did. The staff couldn’t have been any friendlier! We sat down on the tables outside, picked out what we wanted to eat, ordered at the counter, and then they brought our food out to us.
Cactus Street Cantina had a really big menu of traditional Mexican cuisine with a twist of island flavor. The prices were super good! Hotel morning coffee and cartoons with my little wild one!
We woke up around 6 am, squeezed in a beach walk, and then returned to pack the car before heading out for breakfast on our way home. One lesson I learned is that next time, we’ll be planning for about two extra days because the trip was way too short, and we had so much fun that leaving was tough!I wanted to save this spot for last so Kyle could enjoy it with us. We returned to Harbour Town for breakfast at Harbour Town Bakery & Cafe! This iconic spot in Hilton Head is a must-visit on your travels here. The charming café is nestled under gorgeous oak trees draped in Spanish moss, with plenty of outdoor seating and a cozy front porch. It’s right across the street from the park. I recommend arriving early, as it gets crowded with vacationers.
I came here last time and sat under the oak tree enjoying my coffee, breakfast, and my book.
You’ll order at the counter when you head into the café, and then they’ll bring your food to your table. The coffee was extra delicious that morning! I played it safe by getting my son blueberry pancakes, fresh fruit, and extra crispy bacon, knowing he’d scarf it down and it would make the best road trip snack. Harbour Town Bakery & Cafe also has a large menu with plenty of options to satisfy just about anyone, and their dessert case is packed with a variety of pastries for grab-and-go options.
Last time, I ordered the avocado toast, and it was amazing! This time, I went for two over-medium eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and sourdough bread. Of course, my toddler devoured all his fruit and then went straight for mine. That kid can eat fruit like it’s his full-time job! After breakfast, we decided to stroll around the Harbour Town shops and watch the boats. He loved the pier! Vacations with a toddler can be tough, but these are the moments I want to bottle up forever. Watching him experience new things and seeing the world through the lens of a toddler is so special as a parent. This trip inspired me to book more little weekend getaways as a family. He shocked me with how well he adapted to a new routine, and I know we’ll be able to do more now.
Once he spotted the lighthouse, he associated it with ice cream cones. He kept asking for one; I probably would have given in if they were open. I believe there is no such thing as too much ice cream on a summer vacation! We had one last stop on our trip before heading home! I promised him we’d visit Lawton Stables to see the horses and walk through the petting zoo. We’d originally planned to go the day before, but rain forced us to skip it. When we pulled into the parking lot, and he saw the horses, he couldn’t contain himself. He kept waving and saying, “Hi, horse!” This boy loves animals!
The Lawton Stables are also located in Harbour Town. At Lawton Stables, you can enjoy pony rides, walk around the petting zoo to feed goats and alpacas, and even go horseback riding. The property is absolutely beautiful!
The petting zoo was adorable and just another perfect activity for kids in Hilton Head! I’ll have some more little snippets of the trip in my recap post later this week (things like snacks we packed for the road trip and more random travel stuff!)
Here are a few of my other favorite spots from my last trip!
Thanks for reading my little travel guide from our quick 48-hour Hilton Head, South Carolina trip!!
Questions for you!
Have you ever been to Hilton Head Island?
What is your ideal vacation? Beach or Mountains?
What is your favorite thing to do when visiting a beach town?
Hey, I’m Taralynn! I’m a lifestyle blogger, travel writer, recipe creator, and proud toddler mom. So glad you stopped by! I’ve been blogging for over 16 years and have a bunch of awesome posts for you to check out. Follow me on my socials to stay connected!
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Thanks for the travel guide! Your suggestions sound amazing!
1) I was there once while visiting the US (I’m from Germany) and loved it!
2) I prefer the beach but love a mountain vacation with lots of hiking as well. I also have a two-year-old and can’t wait for our trip to South Tyrol, Italy next month.
3) I love reading on the beach and getting coffee and good food at cute cafés/restaurants and just explore nature with my son. Pretty much what you did on Hilton Head Island. 😊
You mentioned in one of your last posts that your husband went on a work trip to Germany. Where did he go? Did he like it?
Ahhh what a fun trip you have planned with the family! We are heading to Italy in September! 🙂
Wurzburg,, Germany! He goes to Germany for work frequently throughout the year (in different locations), and he LOVES it! I’m so glad I’m going with him soon! I can’t wait to experience it all.
That’s cool! Würzburg is actually not far from where I live. It’s a beautiful city! How exciting you’re coming with him soon. Please let me know if you need any travel tips for Bavaria. 🙂
Ahh love that you found my blog 🙂 I’m super excited about visiting Würzburg for a few days! The photos I’ve seen/blogs I’ve read about it look stunning. You’re amazing for traveling with a 1 & 2 year old! But I’m sure it’s so worth it! 🙂
This looks like the perfect family friendly spot! If you had to choose between here or wild dune resorts, which would you choose? We are deciding between the two with our toddler!
That is so tough because they are a bit similar with a setup. Wild Dunes Resort is more toddler-centered, with splash pads, more restaurants, ice cream shops, bikes, and still on the beach. You have to drive a bit more to see the parks/ice cream spots when you’re at the Westin! I’d probably choose Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes!
How is it 2024 and eating cake is still being associated with being unhealthy? You can be on a “health kick” and choose to eat cake. Balance is as important for your body as your mind.
I didn’t say eating cake was unhealthy, but if you read some of my other blogs, you’ll see that I’m cutting back on sugar because I want to feel healthier. I’ve always practiced balance…hence the ice cream cone.
You are a great mother and a great wife. I am also a great mother and a great wife. I gave 100%to my kids, 100%to my husband, 100%to my friends, 100%to my job…because I understood what they expect from me (their needs) better than what I expected from them (my needs). I got bone deep tired and after a recovery understood that 80%is enough. Life is a marathon not a sprint and if I am supposed to do these jobs for decades, I can’t fill buckets of others better than mine. I salute you, one warrior to another and wish you all the happiness in the world.
Loved this blog post! I went to HHI with my family for 20+ years growing up and it is my favorite place in the world. Seeing this one made me smile! Next time you are there, you should go for a Gregg Russell show – it’s great for kids. I remember it vividly when growing up and we still go when we’re back for a little nostalgia!
Thanks for the travel guide! Your suggestions sound amazing!
1) I was there once while visiting the US (I’m from Germany) and loved it!
2) I prefer the beach but love a mountain vacation with lots of hiking as well. I also have a two-year-old and can’t wait for our trip to South Tyrol, Italy next month.
3) I love reading on the beach and getting coffee and good food at cute cafés/restaurants and just explore nature with my son. Pretty much what you did on Hilton Head Island. 😊
You mentioned in one of your last posts that your husband went on a work trip to Germany. Where did he go? Did he like it?
Thanks for stopping by to read, Julia!
Ahhh what a fun trip you have planned with the family! We are heading to Italy in September! 🙂
Wurzburg,, Germany! He goes to Germany for work frequently throughout the year (in different locations), and he LOVES it! I’m so glad I’m going with him soon! I can’t wait to experience it all.
That’s cool! Würzburg is actually not far from where I live. It’s a beautiful city! How exciting you’re coming with him soon. Please let me know if you need any travel tips for Bavaria. 🙂
Oh absolutely! I’ll be staying in Wurzburg for a few nights so would love some tips!!
I’m from Germany too! We live in Iowa though!
Würzburg is a beautiful city, you’ll love it. We were there last time we were in Germany (this June) with a 1 and 2 year old!
Love to read your blog. I stumbled over it, when I lived in South Carolina!
Hi, Lisa!
Ahh love that you found my blog 🙂 I’m super excited about visiting Würzburg for a few days! The photos I’ve seen/blogs I’ve read about it look stunning. You’re amazing for traveling with a 1 & 2 year old! But I’m sure it’s so worth it! 🙂
Crazy you live in Iowa!! What part!
We live in Iowa city! Before that, we lived in Greenville, SC.
Have a great time in Iowa!!!
This looks like the perfect family friendly spot! If you had to choose between here or wild dune resorts, which would you choose? We are deciding between the two with our toddler!
That is so tough because they are a bit similar with a setup. Wild Dunes Resort is more toddler-centered, with splash pads, more restaurants, ice cream shops, bikes, and still on the beach. You have to drive a bit more to see the parks/ice cream spots when you’re at the Westin! I’d probably choose Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes!
How is it 2024 and eating cake is still being associated with being unhealthy? You can be on a “health kick” and choose to eat cake. Balance is as important for your body as your mind.
I didn’t say eating cake was unhealthy, but if you read some of my other blogs, you’ll see that I’m cutting back on sugar because I want to feel healthier. I’ve always practiced balance…hence the ice cream cone.
You are a great mother and a great wife. I am also a great mother and a great wife. I gave 100%to my kids, 100%to my husband, 100%to my friends, 100%to my job…because I understood what they expect from me (their needs) better than what I expected from them (my needs). I got bone deep tired and after a recovery understood that 80%is enough. Life is a marathon not a sprint and if I am supposed to do these jobs for decades, I can’t fill buckets of others better than mine. I salute you, one warrior to another and wish you all the happiness in the world.
Loved this blog post! I went to HHI with my family for 20+ years growing up and it is my favorite place in the world. Seeing this one made me smile! Next time you are there, you should go for a Gregg Russell show – it’s great for kids. I remember it vividly when growing up and we still go when we’re back for a little nostalgia!
Hi, Hayley!
Ohhh I’ll have to check that out the next time we are down there!!
Can you please share where you get some of your super cute clothes and swimsuits? I’m a new mom and would love to look as cute and comfy as you do!
Awwww thank you!!!! I get a lot of my stuff at Target, Old Navy, H&M, Loft, Banana Republic, TJMaxx, and Versona!
Who takes all the candid photos of you and your son on trips like these where Dad is working? I’m jealous!
My husband took all the photos in this post when he was off work. We spent an extra day before heading back.
I want more travel guides for families from you this year! They motivate me to visit places with our kids.