March 2020 - Sunset Rentals Vacation Blog

5 Reasons to Visit Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

5 Reasons to Visit Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Tripadvisor has deemed Hilton Head Island as one of the top-rated South Carolina vacation spots for lovers of the land and sea. HHI promises sunshine, sugar-sandy beaches, beautiful sunsets, delicious food, and numerous activities for all to enjoy while staying at Sunset Rentals. First-time guests on the island will quickly come to discover why Hilton Head is one of the best places to visit in South Carolina on their own, but for good measure, we’ll give you five reasons to join us here for your next getaway. 

1. Discover the Hilton Head Island Restaurants

During your stay on the Atlantic Coast, it wouldn’t be right to visit without indulging in the deliciously fresh local seafood. The oysters on the island are a huge draw, and you’ll get your fill at the Black Marlin Bayside Grill. Along with oysters on the half shell, you’ll find other seafood eats, including lobster tacos, parmesan sea scallops, and jumbo stuffed shrimp to name a few! Not a seafood fan? Try an award-winning burger from Charbar Company or the authentic Italian eats from Giuseppe’s Pizza & Pasta! With over 250 cafes and award-winning HHI restaurants, you’ll find something that suits every palate.

2. Versatile Land Activities

Hilton Head Island is home to over 20 championship golf courses, which is just another reason we’re one of the best places to visit in South Carolina. Many travel from all over the globe to enjoy a game of championship golf on the beautiful layouts that feature natural views. Adrenaline junkies can explore a ziplining adventure at Zipline Hilton Head, which offers six separate courses and over 50 challenge activities. If you’re looking for more of a scenic experience on your South Carolina family vacation, explore the 60 miles of well-groomed, public bike trails around the island. There are many shopping options around the area, which includes everything from adorable boutiques to upscale options as well as outlets and specialty gift shops. 

3. Lovers of the Sea

There’s nothing quite like a magical sunset on an evening stroll on the 12 miles of beach in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Whether you want to swim, fish, head out on a sailboat tour or play a round of beach volleyball, the water activities are seemingly endless. Fly high over the Atlantic Coast with Sky Pirate on a parasailing adventure, rent a wave runner or stand-up paddle board from H2O Sports, which also offers dolphin and eco-tours. Perhaps an evening of entertainment and dinner with Savannah Riverboat Cruises will be the perfect way to end your vacation before heading home. 

4. The Active Nightlife 

Immerse yourself in the island-time culture, which means, relax and enjoy your stay to one of the best places to visit in South Carolina. Not only will you find a variety of kid-friendly activities to enjoy during a vacation, but adults can enjoy the active nightlife on the island. Enjoy an entertaining evening of live music at the Big Bamboo, you’ll also find daily happy hour specials at One Hot Mama’s and late night dining options. Callahan’s is an excellent sports locale to challenge your spouse to a round of pool or play a fun game of beer pong and feel young again! 

5. Pet-Friendly Atmosphere

You’ll find everything from dog-friendly beaches to hiking trails as well as tours and restaurants that welcome Spot! We know that leaving your furry friend behind can cause a little pet-separation anxiety, which is why we provide pet-friendly lodging, so that your entire family can come on vacation. 


Beautiful SC Vacation Spots

Whether you’re planning a romantic escape with your significant other, a girl’s trip, or a family vacation, you’ll find a variety of things to do for all ages in our sun-drenched paradise. We feature bike rental options on our website that you can rent during your stay, but you must reserve early as they are a popular option for our guests! If you’d like a vacation rental with a private on-site pool, ocean view, or patio, we’ve got a variety to choose from in Hilton Head Island. If you have any questions, please give our welcoming staff a call at 1-800-276-8991. 


A South Carolina Visitor’s Guide for Birding in Hilton Head Island

The best part about birding in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is that it’s an inexpensive way to get outdoors, and it’s great for every age. Hilton Head is one of the best places to visit in South Carolina for birding as our town is quite environmentally friendly, and there are hundreds of species that frequent the area. Search for Red-Shouldered Hawk or be on the lookout for the Pileated Woodpecker along with a variety of seabirds. Keep reading as we’ll provide a South Carolina visitor’s guide to birding around Hilton Head Island. 

Where to Go

Because birding is a popular pastime activity around the island, you’ll be happy to know there is a Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Birding Trail. All you have to do is use your cell phone and download the app to find information about the birds that frequent the area and birding sites where you can find them. Not only does the app act as a South Carolina visitor’s guide for birding, but it also provides understanding about the continued development of nature at each site that ultimately protects our feathered friends. 

Tips for Bird Watching

When you’re looking for birds on your South Carolina family vacation, there are different ways that you can identify birds just by appearance. Looking for colors, shapes, movements, how they sing and noting the time of year are all ways you can be sure of your findings. Bring a notebook along on your daily treks around Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, as it will be easier to make a note of a bird before it flies away. 

Popular Birds You’ll Find

While there are many birds in the area, there are several that you will more than likely see on your daily outings. Using the Hilton Head Birding Trail as a South Carolina visitor’s guide for birding will be the best way to identify the majority of them. We’ll go over a several that you can expect to see during your South Carolina family vacation. 

  • Great Blue HeronBlue-gray color (though there is a white phase), black wide stripe over eye, thick bill, long legs and neck
  • Great EgretWhite feathers, long yellow bill, and black legs
  • Bald EagleWhite head and tail, dark brown wings, yellow bill and legs
  • OspreyDark brown on back and white on the belly, small head, grey legs, waterbirds
  • Red-Shouldered HawkCheckered black and white wings, red on the breast, rounded wings, and fanned-out tail while flying
  • Pileated WoodpeckerSmaller size, dark in color, pointed beak, and a red mohawk
  • Brown PelicanThe only type of pelican around Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Versatile Vacation Homes All Sizes

Now that you have had a chance to review our South Carolina visitor’s guide for birding, you can have a fun day out spotting birds around the area. Whether you’re a family vacation, romantic getaway, or are heading to Sunset Rentals for a reunion, you’ll be in one of the best places to visit in South Carolina: Hilton Head Island. Our properties range from small one-bedroom rentals to vacation homes with up to 10 bedrooms for large groups. If you have any questions, please contact us at 1-800-276-8991.