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.

UPDATED 2026!

We just got back from another weekend in Hilton Head, and this time I had my toddler and five month old with me while my husband was working most of the trip. Even with my hands full, we managed to pack so much into the weekend! I also added some new restaurants, fun things to do, and a few new coffee spots throughout this post, so if you’re planning a trip, I hope it gives you some fresh ideas!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 event 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 the hotel 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.

Nectar Farm Kitchen

healthy restaurants options in Hilton Head:

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.

Where to stay in Hilton Head – Kid-Friendly

The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa

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:

The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa is one of our favorite places to stay with kids. The rooms are spacious, many have balconies, and the beach is just steps away. There are several pools, yard games, kid events, pool toys available, restaurants, a fitness center, and a spa, so there’s something for everyone.

We loved the farm to table restaurant during our last visit, but this trip we stuck with more casual dining since we had both boys with us. The resort is in a great location for exploring Hilton Head, and it’s such an easy place to relax after a day at the beach. If you’re looking for a family friendly resort with plenty to do, this is a great choice.

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 & Deli

The Best Brunch Spot in Hilton Head, SC

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. 

Gregg Russell Harbour Town Playground

Kid-Friendly Finds in Hilton Head

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!

Two years later and my son still loved the playground.

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.

Ice Cream at Quarterdeck Market – Sea Pines

The Best Ice Cream in Hilton Head

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!

Pirates of Hilton Head

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!

2026 update: go to bottom of post, we did it!!!

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.

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

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!

Harbour Town Bakery & Cafe

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. 
Harbour Town Bakery & Cafe

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!

Harbour Town Shops

After breakfast, we walked around the Harbour Town shops and watched the boats. He loved running out on the pier! Vacations with a toddler can definitely be challenging, but these are the moments I wish I could bottle up forever. Watching him experience new places and seeing the world through his eyes is one of my favorite parts of being a parent. This trip gave me the confidence to book more little weekend getaways as a family. He completely surprised me with how well he adapted to a new routine, and it made me realize we’re ready for even more adventures together.

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!

Lawton Stables – Hilton Head

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! 

Carolina Coffee & Crumbs

Just another coffee spot to absolutely add to your list! I ordered an iced Americano with half and half, and it was so good.

Lunch at Quarterdeck in Seapines

Quarterdeck is one of my favorite spots in Hilton Head. It just screams East Coast summer, and I’m always a sucker for a restaurant with a view. I ordered the fettuccine Alfredo with chicken, and we shared the hush puppies and grilled Caesar salad. Everything was so good, and it’s definitely a place I look forward to visiting every trip.

You have to finish lunch with an ice cream downstairs at the Quarterdeck Deli. It’s the perfect way to end a meal, especially after spending the afternoon by the water.

Hilton Head Farmer’s Market

Before leaving Hilton Head, I always make one last stop at the farmers market to stock up on fresh produce and browse all the handmade souvenirs from local vendors. It’s one of my favorite ways to end the trip and bring a little piece of Hilton Head home with us. And we always go see the horses on the way in.

Where to Shop – Hilton Head

Coligny Plaza for boutiques, beach shops, gifts, and local restaurants
Shelter Cove Towne Centre for shopping, dining, and family friendly events
Harbour Town Shops for coastal boutiques, souvenirs, and waterfront views
The Village at Wexford for locally owned boutiques, home decor, and specialty stores
Main Street Village for local shops, cafés, and seasonal events
Tanger Outlets Hilton Head (just before the island in Bluffton) for outlet shopping, including Nike, J.Crew, Gap, Coach, and more
Fresh Market Shops at Coligny for beachwear, gifts, candy, and local finds
Sea Pines Center for a quieter shopping experience with boutiques, art galleries, and cafés

SO 2026 Hilton Head was a blast!

This was our fourth year visiting Hilton Head, and I have to say… even though Kyle was working most of the trip and juggling two kids on my own was a lot more work, it was so special having both boys there with me. Seeing Hilton Head through their eyes made this trip one I’ll never forget, and it reminded me that even the busiest vacations can end up being the most meaningful.

We spent the early morning on the beach before the heat really set in. The baby took a nap in my arms for about an hour while my older son happily built sandcastles in the sand. Those quiet mornings by the ocean ended up being some of my favorite moments of the trip.

One of my favorite things about staying at The Westin is that you can reserve beach chairs and umbrellas, so you don’t have to haul everything down to the beach. They even have beach toys for the kids, which is such a nice bonus. If you’re an early riser, don’t miss the sunrise. It’s absolutely beautiful, and there’s a good chance you’ll spot dolphins swimming along the shoreline.

Java Burrito Company

I had so many people recommend Java Burrito Co., so we decided to stop there on our way into Hilton Head before check in. It was the perfect lunch stop because they have both great food and coffee drinks. Kyle and I always hit our afternoon coffee slump around 1 p.m., so it was exactly what we needed before kicking off the weekend.

The food was so fresh! We both ordered bowls, and mine was loaded with grilled chicken and fresh peach salsa. I honestly could have eaten there over and over again. It was so good! We both ordered Americanos, and they were strong and delicious, just what we needed after the drive. My son ordered a crunchy taco and loved it too, which is always a win.

We got to the hotel around 3 p.m., checked in, and headed straight to the pool before our 6 p.m. dinner reservation. I loved that The Westin has a covered pool area because my older son was able to swim his little heart out while the baby napped in my arms, and we all stayed nice and cool. Even better, the pool water was actually cold, which felt amazing in the summer heat!

When I asked for Hilton Head restaurant recommendations, so many people told me to try Benny’s Coastal Kitchen, and it definitely lived up to the hype! They have a huge outdoor seating area with swings and games for kids, which made it such a fun spot for families.

Benny’s Coastal Kitchen

We made a reservation before our trip because getting into restaurants in Hilton Head can be hit or miss depending on the time of year, and I’m so glad we did.

We started with the hush puppies, and I could have eaten an entire basket myself! They came with a whipped chili honey butter that was so good.

For dinner, we ordered the skillet shrimp with black garlic butter, parsley, sherry, and toasted bread, the chili glazed chicken with crispy panko coating, broccolini, and pearled couscous, and the hearty greens salad with Napa cabbage, baby kale, carrots, tomatoes, chèvre, roasted poblano goddess dressing, and crostini. My son ordered the chicken fingers and fries.

Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. We left completely full and already talking about coming back the next time we’re in Hilton Head.

Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe

After our first morning at the beach, we cleaned up and headed to Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe for breakfast. I took both boys while Kyle worked, and it was the perfect start to our day.

I would definitely add this spot to your breakfast plans! It was busy when we arrived, but we didn’t have to wait at all. The service was incredible, my coffee cup was always full, and everyone was so friendly. The coffee was so good too.

We ordered fresh fruit, coffee, French toast with bacon, and eggs with hash browns. Everything was delicious, but the biggest surprise was my toddler. He cleaned his entire plate and then finished half of mine too! Safe to say this breakfast was a hit.

After breakfast, we spent the rest of the day at the pool!

We spent the afternoon hopping between all of the pools. By late afternoon, my son was already hungry again, which was pretty shocking after such a big breakfast! But I’m all for him eating a big meal, especially after spending the entire day swimming and burning off so much energy.

Poolside service? Yes, please!

I ordered the grilled chicken Caesar salad, and my son got the kids burger and fries. Everything was so good, and I loved not having to pack everyone up just to grab lunch. It made our pool day so much more relaxing.

Lunch at the Westin in Hilton Head

That evening, we headed to Sea Pines for a surprise we had planned for our son. We signed him up for the Pirates of Hilton Head cruise, and I honestly can’t recommend it enough! It ended up being one of the highlights of our trip and was such a fun experience for kids.

Pirates of Hilton Head

When we got there, we checked in, got dressed in pirate gear, got tattoos, met the pirates, and then headed down to the boat. I could have gone along with the baby, but I decided to hang back and let my husband and son enjoy the adventure together.

They had the best time! They blasted water cannons at rival pirates, searched for treasure, sang pirate songs, and fully embraced the experience from start to finish. It was such a fun memory for both of them.

If you’re planning to do the Pirates of Hilton Head cruise, I definitely recommend booking in advance and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Tin & Tallow

After the pirate cruise, we headed to Tin and Tallow for dinner. My son had been asking for a chicken sandwich, and I had heard theirs was one of the best. It lived up to the hype! It’s an order at the counter and grab a seat kind of place, which made it super easy with kids. We loved the outdoor seating, and the live music made it such a fun spot to end the day.

I love that everything is cooked in beef tallow! The food tasted so fresh. My husband ordered the smash burger in a lettuce wrap, and it was so good. And the waffle fries… wow. They were perfectly crispy and absolutely delicious.

Another morning spent at the beach and by the pool! I loved getting out there around 6:30 before it got too hot. It was the perfect time to let my toddler run around, swim, and burn off some energy before breakfast. He was always nice and hungry afterward, which made breakfast even easier.

The sweetest moments…

We’re heading to Kiawah Island later this month for a week, and we can’t wait! I’m already looking forward to our slow mornings on the beach. This time, my husband won’t be working, so I’ll actually get to join in on all the beach fun instead of watching from the sidelines with the baby. I have a feeling it’s going to be a really special trip.

Plantation Cafe & Deli

Breakfast at Plantation Cafe & Deli was just okay. I’d probably recommend trying some of the other breakfast spots in this guide first. The food came out in about five minutes, and there wasn’t a wait, which was great. My son loved his breakfast, but overall I found the food a little bland, and the service wasn’t the best. Next time, I think we’ll try GT International Cafe or Watusi Cafe instead.

Okay… so I think I found the best coffee in Hilton Head.

Barnacle Brew Coffee

It’s a cute little outdoor coffee truck, and in the mornings the line is usually really long. We stopped around noon, and there wasn’t a line at all.

I ordered an iced latte, and it was incredible. I don’t know if they sell their coffee beans, but I definitely regret not checking because I would have brought some home with me!

It’s absolutely worth the wait if you happen to catch a busy morning, and the location is so cute. This one is definitely a must visit if you’re a coffee lover.

I’ve been pretty strict about cutting back on sugar, but you can’t do a beach trip without stopping for a scoop of ice cream! My son definitely takes after me because his favorite flavors are mint and pistachio. Before we headed to the park, he picked out a scoop of mint chocolate chip from the Quarterdeck Market, and it was the perfect little vacation treat.

We spent about an hour at the Gregg Russell Harbour Town Playground in SeaPines, and it was such a great stop. I love that most of the playground is shaded, which makes a huge difference on those hot summer afternoons. It was the perfect place for my son to run around and burn off some energy before we headed back.

Before heading home, I picked up lunch from Gruby’s New York Deli, and it ended up being such a great idea. We made it all the way home without having to stop once, and shockingly, my son ate half of a sub!

Gruby’s New York Deli

We ordered The Godfather, loaded with prosciutto, Genoa salami, mortadella, provolone, roasted red peppers, lettuce, and Italian dressing, and The Herald Square, made with turkey, cranberry sauce, bacon, melted brie, and cucumber. We also grabbed a container of their chili for later. Everything was delicious, and it made the drive home so much easier.

I’d LOVE to know where you’re traveling / have traveled this summer!

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