Hilton Head Island is one of the most popular resort towns in South Carolina and it’s not hard to understand why; there is so much to do and so much to see in this gorgeous coastal community! While planning a trip to a destination such as Hilton Head Island, it’s easy to get carried away with your budget, you can easily spend an arm and a leg during your stay. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can easily explore and enjoy all that Hilton Head Island has to offer without breaking the bank.
Here are 6 affordable options when it comes to traveling around Hilton Head Island!
1. Hit Up the Beach
With a coastal town such as Hilton Head Island, there are plenty of beach options to choose from! Hilton Head is made up of 12 miles of beautiful shoreline and plenty of public beach access. You could spend your entire visit to Hilton Head Island simply soaking up the sun and relaxing on the sandy shores.
There are plenty of free activities you can enjoy at the beach. Whether you prefer to be in the water swimming, surfing, or kayaking, or you enjoy remaining on dry land to enjoy biking, beach volleyball, or hunting down hermit crabs, there’s a little something for everyone on the beaches of Hilton Head Island.
The public access beaches you can explore in Hilton Head include:
- Alder Lane Beach
- Burkes Beach
- Chaplin Community Park
- Coligny Beach
- Driessen Beach Park
- Fish Haul Creek Beach
- Folly Field Beach Park
- Islanders Beach Club
- Mitchelville Beach
Museums for Young and Old Alike
If you’re looking to soak up as much culture as you can, you can check out some of Hilton Head Island’s fantastic, interactive museums for little to no cost.
The Coastal Discovery Museum is a 68-acre, historical property that highlights Hilton Head’s gorgeous natural environment. You’ll also learn all about the area’s history, culture, and local art scene. You can enjoy guided tours through the Karen Wertheimer Butterfly Enclosure, check out South Carolina’s largest Southern Red Cedar tree that dates back to 1595, explore the Salt Marsh Discovery Walk, and so much more!
When it comes to keeping the kiddos entertained in Hilton Head, the Sandbox Children’s Museum is the place to be! This interactive museum presents plenty of opportunities for hands-on experiences and family-oriented play areas, programs, and exhibits. Some of the more popular attractions include the No Fishing Aquarium, Charlie’s Perfect Playplace, the Rhythm and Hues Room, and the Learner’s Loft.
Rent a Bike
There’s no better way to explore a new area than to throw yourself right into the thick of it. With more than 60 miles of trails and pathways, Hilton Head Island is definitely bicycle-friendly! You can ride along the beautiful beaches, join a historic ride tour that hits up a number of historic landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places, and basically explore the entire island from the seat of your bike! Whether you bring your own or need to rent, there’s ample space for bikers to tour around Hilton Head Island.
Commune With Nature
Hilton Head Island is a stunning region of South Carolina. The exciting wildlife and the beautiful landscapes create a picturesque setting that seems to be right out of National Geographic.
One way to get the most out of the Great Outdoors is a trip to Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge. This free attraction boasts more than 4,000 acres of land between Beaufort and Hilton Head. The native flora and fauna to be found here range from tidal creeks and salt marshes to alligators, eagles, and herons among so much more!
The Audubon Newhall Preserve is another must-do for Hilton Head Island travelers. Nature lovers who are hoping to stay active on their visit can stroll along the 2-mile trail winding through 50 acres of woodlands to take in the spectacular views and intriguing wildlife.
And, of course, if you’re just hoping to sit back and enjoy the spectacular sunsets, there’s no better way to do so than to head to the beach, lay out a blanket, and take in the brilliant setting sun shining off the Atlantic Ocean.
Shop, Dine, and More!
Hilton Head Island offers ample opportunity for shopping, dining, and entertainment. One of the most popular destinations for tourists and residents alike is Shelter Cove. This incredible complex features a wide variety of boutique shops, delectable dining establishments with indoor and outdoor seating, a marina, an outdoor entertainment center, and so much more! Enjoy a relaxing picnic in the park, rent a kayak or paddleboard at the marina, or simply walk around and take in the sights and sounds of this bustling district.
If you’re hoping for a more relaxing adult excursion, the Hilton Head Distillery or Island Winery is the place to be! Side-by-side, many visitors choose to try samples from both establishments. Take a tour and see how your favorite ale is created or sit back and sip on an assortment of wine and cheese to finish off a fantastic day roaming through Hilton Head Island.
Off the Hook Fishing
Fishing is a staple hobby in Hilton Head with access to the Calibogue Sound, Intracoastal Waterway, Port Royal Sound, and the vast Atlantic Ocean. Anglers can enjoy a diverse selection of fish to catch from smaller species caught off the docks at the beach to larger, more exotic species from a deep sea fishing charter!
Depending on the season, you could have the chance to catch any of the following species, and then some:
- Black Sea Bass
- Whiting
- Bluefish
- Spanish Mackerel
- Sea Trout
- Sharks
Popular spots on the island to throw your line include:
- Jarvis Creek Park
- Charles C. Haigh Jr. Fishing Pier
- Palmetto Dunes and The Sea Pines Resort Lagoons
Hilton Head Island is a great place to explore by bike, enjoy nature, go shopping, and of course, fish! With so much to do on the island, you’re sure to find something that everyone in your group will love. From the beaches to the marinas and beyond, Hilton Head Island is an incredible getaway for anyone looking to experience all that South Carolina has to offer.
