Hilton Head Island Area Activities
 Serene Beaches, lush landscaping, and low-country allure make Hilton Head the perfect place for families to reconnect and escape from everyday life. Known as one of the most family friendly vacation spots in the world, Hilton Head offers a breadth of activities for every type of person. Lounge all day long on the beach and truly discover the meaning of relaxation. Practice your golf swing on one of the 23 immaculate courses by day and tantalize your taste buds at one of the local restaurateurs by night. Shop till you drop at an upscale boutique or outlet mall and paddle out on a kayak into the marshes of the low-country. Cast your lure into the salty Atlantic surf, get up close and personal with a dolphin, discover new wildlife on a hike through a nature preserve, or take in the beauty of the island from above by parasail. Explore the Hilton Head terrain, from pavement to sand, by bike on the 50 miles of bike paths that span the island. There is something wonderfully different about the welcoming and relaxing attitude of Hilton Head Island as well as an array of activities and opportunities to make your trip unforgettable! Start planning your family adventure with Sunset Rentals!
Family Activities 
LOCAL GUIDES
For more detailed information about some of the things to see and do on Hilton Head, check out The Hilton Head Site and the Hilton Head Island Chamber of Commerce.
BEACHES
 Our beach is a magnificent stretch of uninterrupted coastline that is 12 miles long. There are public beach access points as well as convenient beach access within each plantation and oceanfront complex.
The Town of Hilton Head provides metered parking, restrooms and lifeguard stations at the following locations:
- Alder Lane Beach off of South Beach Drive
- Coligny Beach off Coligny Circle on Pope Avenue
- Driessen Beach located mid-island at the end of Bradley Beach Drive
- Folly Field Beach located mid-island at the end of Folly Field Road
 Build sand castles, swim and surf in the waves, or just relax in a beach chair under an umbrella. You can also enjoy the day playing volleyball, flying a kite, collecting sea shells, tossing a Frisbee and boogie boarding.
If you were able to bring your family pet along, make sure they get some beach time too. Take them for a walk on the beach, splash in the waves, and enjoy some fun in the sun.
Don't forget to rent a bike because the hard pack sand is perfect for biking. You can enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the beach with a stop at Coligny Plaza for lunch or a cold drink. Low tide produces an extra wide beach but even at high tide, biking the beach is a thrill.
For a list of beach regulations and other helpful information visit the Beach Patrol web site.
TENNIS
 For the tennis buff, imagine over 300 tennis courts on the island. There are a wide variety of programs and clients for players at all levels. Complimentary tennis is included with the rental of many of our homes and villas.
Most tennis clubs are open to the public offering a range of activities from stroke-of-the-day clinics to excellent professional exhibitions and organized mixed-doubles socials.
Hilton Head Island is truly a world-class tennis destination. You can play on Har Tru, hard courts or even grass at the five local racquet clubs. Private and group instruction can be tailored to meet any individual or group's needs.
The following Tennis Centers are open to the public. In addition, there are free public courts at Chaplin Park off Singleton Beach Road.
Sea Pines Racquet Club 363-4495
South Beach Racquet Club 671-2215
Van der Meer Tennis Club 785-8388
Van der Meer Shipyard Racquet Club 686-8804
Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center 785-1152
Port Royal Racquet Club 686-8803
SHOPPING
 There's always time to take a break for shopping. Hilton Head has it all - from boutiques to outlet malls. There's even a kid's play area at the centrally located Shelter Cove Harbor Shops. For the latest in fashion, accessories, and home ware stop by the Mall at Shelter Cove for some great deals at Belk's and Off Saks 5th Ave.
Coligny Plaza by the Sea features over 60 shops and restaurants right at the beach in a charming island setting. When you've had enough swimming and sun, you can spend hours strolling the plaza, stop for dinner or a snack, and shop in the delightful boutiques for a range of unique island gifts.
The Village at Wexford features high end boutiques and spas such as Faces Day Spa. Enjoy a range of food from contemporary dining to local favorites like Deli by the Beach and the British Open Pub.
Sea Pines Plantation has two distinctive shopping and dining destinations. The famed Harbour Town Marina boasts an array of shops featuring everything from upscale  designer clothes and accessories to wonderful island souvenirs. The South Beach Marina Village is a great family stop with the Salty Dog Cafe and T-Shirt Factory.
A quick trip off island to neighboring Bluffton will take you to the Tanger Outlet Malls. With discount prices and an amazing range of stores and selections, you won't want to miss this shopping experience.
WATER SPORTS
Water Sports on Hilton Head include everything from high-flying parasailing and jet skiing to paddling a kayak in the beautiful salt marshes. Go out on the water on your own or participate in the many organized water activities. Whatever you do, don't forget to look for dolphins. Check out the sampling of the variety of water sports and excursions below.
 Schooner Welcome
785-5566
Outside Hilton Head 686-6996
Kayak Hilton Head 684-1910
Vagabond Cruises 842-4155
Spirit of Harbour Town 842-7179
H2O Sports 671-4386
Palmetto Bay Parasail 785-7131
Dolphin and Nature Cruises
681-2522
Adventure Cruises 785-4558
Health & Fitness
Health is Science -Fitness is Fun! (843) 681-6161
 
KIDS ACTIVITIES
What a perfect place for a family vacation since there are many planned activities for children of all ages. Don't miss the  calendar of events for the Coastal Discovery Museum or the organized kids kayaking camps. The Sunset Rentals Staff can help you with your planning but here are a few suggestions for keeping the kids happy.
Musical Entertainment
For kids young and old, enjoy Gregg Russell performing under Liberty Oak in Harbour Town or a similar stage show by Shannon Tanner at Shelter Cove Harbor. Performances are nightly in the summer.
Summer Day Camps and Activities
There is a wide variety of day camps for kids to enjoy on Hilton Head. From beach fun, to arts and crafts, to water activities, kids of all ages will want to join in.
Coastal Discovery Museum 689-6767
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina 842-2787
Island Recreation Center 682-7273
Outside Hilton Head 686-6996
Fun for Kids! 671-3590
Hilton Head Prep 597-3525
Hilton Head can be just as fun indoors as out. Check out some of these inside activities for those once in a while rainy days.
Parent's Nite Out & Kid's Nite In - Hoping for a parent's night out without kids during your trip? Every Wednesday night from 6-9pm the Sandbox present "Parent's Nite Out & Kid's Nite In". Drop off your children ages 3-9 for supervised arts & crafts, dinner, and a fun take home toy. Price is $30 per child. 842-7645
Hilton Head Nannies - Hilton Head's 5 Star Rated leading nanny agency! Servicing Hilton Head Island and surrounding areas 342-5673
Hilton Head Babysitting Service 842-4934
Bright Star Sitter Service 837-3773
RESTAURANTS
Hilton Head offers over 200 restaurants and eateries featuring cuisine from around the world making it hard to go hungry! Indulge in French flavorings, gather with the family Italian style, or spice up your evening with an authentic Mexican meal. Hilton Head features a variety of international cuisine including Greek, Caribbean, Chinese, Japanese, German, and Thai. For an All-American meal tantalize your taste buds with home-style southern cooking, pit-cooked barbecue, and quality prime rib. During the day, don't miss one of the local delis and cafes, where each plate is prepared with Local love. You can't leave Hilton Head without tasting some of our fresh caught seafood - specialties include plump shrimp, meaty blue crab, and savory oysters. For restaurant contact information visit the Hilton Head Chamber web site or call us at Sunset Rentals for suggestions!
 
Sunset Rentals Restaurant Spotlight
Catch 22 785-6261
TJ's Take & Bake Pizza 842-TAKE
Stellini 785-7006
Hugo's at Wexford 785-HUGO
Express Wok
689-8168
Island Bistro 785-4777
Coldstone Creamery 842-2422
Yummy House 681-5888
Philly's Cafe & Deli 681-2378
Deli by the Beach 785-7860
Amigo's Cafe Y Cantina 785-8226
Private Chef Services
Christine's Cafe' & Catering 785-4646
 From chic social events and corporate meetings to weddings and fashionable soirees, off premise catering is their forte. Whether the event is a casual summer picnic or an elegant seated dinner, they are committed to exceptional, honest and impeccable service. Chef Christine takes great pride in knowing the freshest trends and styles of the ever-changing event world.
Atlantic Events 928-6292
They provide a variety of elegant food services including event catering, private chef service, and gourmet box lunches for the beach and day trips. They also offer an English Afternoon Tea.
Grocery Delivery
Have your groceries delivered on check in day while you drive in. They will be in the refrigerator when you arrive. They can even arrange pick up and delivery of dry cleaning, movie rentals, pharmacy orders, and house sit.
Grocery Run 1-888-287-3529 / 843-338-2232
groceryrun@onebox.com
Hopper Shopper 290-3191
DAY TRIPS
Many island guests enjoy a day trip off island during their vacation. Just over the bridge, you will find the quaint town of Bluffton. A little farther away are the three unique cities you don't want to miss visiting: Beaufort, SC, Charleston, SC, and Savannah, GA. Each is worth a trip. Also, take the ferry from Hilton Head to visit the historical, elegant, and undisturbed Daufuskie Island.
Once a quiet refuge for 19th century wealthy rice planters, this little May River town has expanded with new residential and commercial development. The old part of town, however, retains much of its quaint charm. An arts district is springing to life, featuring galleries, art studios, photographers, and potters. Several houses and churches are on the National Register of Historic Places. Make sure to stop by the luxurious river front Palmetto Bluff for some spa pampering or a walk around the historic grounds. For information, call the Bluffton Welcome Center at 757-6293.
A fun trip to take is to nearby Beaufort. It is about 35 miles from Hilton Head Island to this city filled with intriguing history and stunning architecture. Take a walking, or a horse and carriage tour to see the historic homes nestled in huge live oaks. Enjoy the shops and restaurants on the waterfront. You can reach the Visitors Center at 800-638-3525.
Just a two hour drive from Hilton Head, Charleston is a perfect day trip. To best see the city and learn about its history, a narrated tour by the horse drawn carriage or trolley is recommended. The historic district along the Ashley and Cooper Rivers is fascinating to see. For shoppers, the four block long City Market must not be missed. Everyone will enjoy a stop at the South Carolina Aquarium if time allows. To reach the Charleston Visitors Center call 800-774-0006.
 You can take a boat tour or drive less than an hour to nearby Savannah, GA. Founded in 1733, the city was designed with a grid of parallel streets forming 24 beautiful squares surrounded by majestic historic homes. Visit the City Market and River Street with authentically restored shops, restaurants and galleries. A narrated city tour will provide a wonderful overview of this lovely old American city. The Savannah Visitors Center can be reached at 877-SAVANNAH.
Take a half day out of your Hilton Head trip to explore Daufuskie Island, the southern most island in South Carolina. Daufuskie's true island quality has helped keep its history preserved over the years. You can catch a ferry from the island for a short trip over. Learn about the local Gullah culture and stop by the famous Marshside Mamas (785-4755) for a fresh crab cake. Daufuskie is home to the elegant Haig Point Club as well as the famous golf course Melrose.
Beach Portraits
Hilton Head Island Photography, Inc. 683-6883
Art Galleries
 Society of Bluffton Artists 757-6586 Picture This Gallery 842-5299
Art League Gallery of Hilton Head 681-5060
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina 686-3945
Historic Sites
Bluffton Historical Preservation Society 757-6293
Coastal Discovery Museum 689-6767
HILTON HEAD ACTIVITITY GUIDE
For up to date information on weekly events happening on Hilton Head, check out the Sunset Rentals Blog and Facebook Page. If you still are in search of things to do, local Hilton Head Periodicals Celebrate Hilton Head and Hilton Head Monthly won't steer you wrong!
Live Entertainment
Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra 842-2055
Jazz Corner 842-8620
Main Street Youth Theatre 689-6246
Wild Wing Cafe (Thurs-Sat) 785-9464
Nightlife
The Electric Piano - 785-KEYS
ClubIce - 785-7762
Callahan's Sports Bar - 686-7665
One Hot Mama's - 682-6262
Wise Guys 842-8866
Wine Times 4 431-WINE
Tiki Hut - 785-5726
Casey's Sports Bar & Grill - 785-2255
The Lodge - 842-8966
Hilton Head Comedy Club - 681-7757
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