What’s better than lounging on the beach with the sun on your skin and sand between your toes? Doing all of that with a cool drink in your hand of course! From casual beach shacks to elegant wine bars, the island has something for everyone.
1. CoCo’s on the Beach
Enjoy one of the many frozen drink options at CoCo’s on the Beach while surrounded by palm trees and overlooking the ocean. Island music is constantly playing in the background as players of all ages compete on the sand volleyball court out front. If you get hungry, try their yummy food like peanut butter burgers and fried bologna sandwiches.
2. Pool Bar Jim’s
Pool Bar Jim’s is the type of Hilton Head beach bar where you can walk up barefoot in a bathing suit. This Hilton Head staple features one of the island’s most beloved bartenders and specializes in tropical frozen fresh fruit drinks, but also serves food like fish tacos and burgers. This hidden gem is a must-stop on your Hilton Head vacation.
3. Twisted Cork Cocktail & Wine Bar
This cocktail and wine bar has a more upscale atmosphere than your typical Hilton Head beach bar. Twisted Cork Cocktail & Wine Bar features talented bartenders that can make you a unique cocktail like a lavender martini or strawberry margarita, or you can choose to order from a long list of wines and craft beers.
Unbeatable Luxury Hilton Head Vacation Rentals
After a fun-filled day of hitting up the bars, laying in the sun, and exploring the island, come back and relax in your Hilton Head vacation rental. Sunset Rentals provides various types of rentals to suit every family, like pet-friendly rentals, oceanfront rentals, or rentals with private pools. To book your Hilton Head vacation rental, give us a call at 1-800-276-8991.
For many travelers, shopping for groceries is a fun beginning to a vacation, but for others, well it’s a burden they would rather leave behind. One of our guests’ most frequently asked questions about Hilton Head Island is where to stock up on groceries, find the freshest seafood, and fill the cooler with beverages during their stay.
When it comes to grocery shopping, Hilton Head Island has everything from convenient big-box supermarket chains and boutique grocery stores to roadside seafood stands, Lowcountry delis, and classic old-fashioned convenience stores. We’ve put together the Ultimate Grocery Shopping Guide to Hilton Head to help you plan your vacation to America’s Favorite Island.
614 William Hilton Parkway | Phone: (843) 785-9007
Barnacle Bill’s is a laid-back roadside seafood market conveniently located mid-island near Chaplin Community Park. They offer an amazing selection of fresh fish and seafood, or pick up a portion of ready-made Lowcountry boil for a feast at home.
Situated on the banks of Skull Creek, Benny Hudson Seafood has been supplying islanders with seafood straight from the dock for over 5 generations. Known as a sulfite-free facility, they offer the freshest, high-quality seafood from our local waters and beyond.
The Marketplace is open Monday to Saturday 10AM to 5PM.
Fresh Market is an upscale grocery store just south of Shelter Cove and the entrance to Palmetto Dunes. They stock a selection of local Lowcountry organic produce, fresh baked goods, beer and wine, toiletries, and ready-made family meals to go.
Shop in-store or online for curbside pickup. Open daily 8AM to 9PM.
If you’re staying in Sea Pines Resort area, you can stock up on vacation essentials, groceries, and beach gear at the Harbour Town General Store. The store is situated next to the Gregg Russell Playground and is open daily from 9AM to 9PM.
Hilton Head Oils and Balsamics sells premium olive oils, balsamic vinegars, gourmet sauces, and health and beauty products from the finest olives in Italy.
The store is open Monday to Saturday 10AM to 6PM for shopping and tastings, or to purchase online for delivery.
There is a large Kroger Grocery Store located in Shelter Cove Towne Center with a pharmacy, and a Kro-Bar to sip and shop! Kroger is open daily from 6AM to 11PM with convenient curbside pickup and Instacart delivery.
The Shops at Sea Pines Center | Phone: (843) 686-3003
Situated in The Shops at Sea Pines Center, Lowcountry Produce serves breakfast and lunch daily and has a small specialty marketplace. Lowcountry Produce has attracted national attention for its selection of handmade pies, pickles, chutneys, relishes, sweet jellies and preserves, and southern-style chow chows.
1 Trent Jones Lane, Palmetto Dunes | Phone: (843) 842-2507
Located in the heart of Palmetto Dunes, the General Store is within walking distance to the beach and sells a variety of groceries, beer and wine, grab-and-go items, beach gear, candy, and ice cream. They are known for their world-famous cinnamon rolls and the best fried chicken in Hilton Head!
Family-owned since 1969, Piggly Wiggly at Coligny Plaza is a one-stop shop for all your grocery needs and vacation essentials. They offer a wide variety of local South Carolina products, a “Fish n’ Tales Seafood Market” with seafood straight from the local waters, and cool Dig the Pig merchandise to take home.
Island Crossing Shopping Center | Phone: (843) 842-2632 Festival Center at Indigo Park | Phone: (843) 689-9977
There are two Publix Supermarket locations in Hilton Head – Island Crossing near Sea Pines open 7AM to 10PM daily and the Festival Center near Port Royal open daily 7AM to 9PM. Publix offers online ordering for curbside pick-up and Instacart delivery on the island.
Staying in Sea Pines South Beach? The South Beach General Store is an old-fashioned convenience store with a wide range of essentials, beach gear, beer and wine, and quality Hilton Head souvenirs.
Tucked away off Pope Avenue near Coligny Plaza, South End Seafood is a hidden gem with a great selection of fresh fish and seafood native to the South Carolina Lowcountry, and a range of condiments to spice it up.
For natural and organic grocery items, ready meals, and catering, Whole Foods is located next to Kroger in the Plaza at Shelter Cove Towne Center. Whole Foods Market is open daily 8AM to 9PM with online ordering options for curbside pickup and grocery delivery.
Main Street Village | Phone: (843) 681-5778 Village at Wexford | Phone: (843) 785-3339
Reilley’s Wine & Spirits is the largest liquor store on Hilton Head Island with a vast selection of domestic and imported wines, champagnes, single malt liquors, small batch bourbons, flavored spirits, vintage ports, and more! With a south end and north end location, it’s easy to shop at Reilley’s wherever you stay on Hilton Head.
Sea Pines Circle | Phone: (843) 842-1200 Coligny Plaza | Phone: (843) 785-3614 Port Royal Plaza | Phone: (843) 681 8454
Since 1960, Roller’s Wine & Spirits has been serving Hilton Head with specialty wines, top-shelf spirits, and quality cigars with a team of sommeliers on staff to help you shop. They also offer free tastings in-store, online shopping and delivery (excluding liquor), and a wide selection of domestic and imported cheeses, cured meats, and specialty food products to order.
The Shops at Sea Pines Center | Phone: (828) 808-3426
For Sea Pines Resort area vacationers, this is the only liquor store inside the gates to stock up on spirits! Sea Pines Liquor stocks a wide selection of award-winning wines, top-selling spirits, and more than 35 varieties of moonshine. Be sure to snap a selfie with Dan the Moonshine Man!
For the past 17 years, Low Country Grocery Runner has been providing concierge-level grocery deliveries to locals and visitors on Hilton Head Island. Their motto is “shop on-line not in-line” and you’re guaranteed a stress-free shopping experience with delivery directly to your Hilton Head Island vacation rental. They also offer a choice of private chef experiences from family-style Mexican Nights and Lowcountry boils to formal fine dining and wine pairings at home.
The Hilton Head Farmers Market at Honey Horn Plantation features the freshest produce from local farmers and growers. You’ll find everything from free-range meats, fresh seafood, and quality fruit and veg to handmade sweets and pastries, and all the ingredients for the perfect charcuterie board. Be sure to sample the food trucks, explore the grounds and exhibits at the Coastal Discovery Museum, or book an afternoon tour of the island with a local guide.
The Shops at Sea Pines Center | Tuesdays 10AM to 2PM
If you’re staying in the Sea Pines Resort area, the weekly Farmers & Makers Market is the perfect stop for local grocery shopping. The market hosts a diverse group of vendors, artists, and local farmers with fresh farm-to-table fruit and vegetables, seafood straight from the boats, southern-style BBQ, and one-of-a-kind artisan products for gifts or souvenirs to take home.
Every Wednesday (May through September) the Village at Wexford hosts a sprawling open-air farmers’ market with dozens of local vendors. Stock up on meats and fresh produce, home-baked goods, and Lowcountry delicacies, and take advantage of your Market Card with great specials at participating Village at Wexford retailers and restaurants.
Shelter Cove Community Park | Saturday 9:30AM to 12:30PM
The Hilton Head Community Market at Shelter Cove is the best place to be on a Saturday morning! The market features some of the best local farmers, bakers, and artisans in the Lowcountry with everything from smokin’ good BBQ and seafood to preserves, honeys, and sweet treats for the kids, As a true community market, your shopping supports local businesses and gives back to a wide range of featured Hilton Head non-profit organizations.
At Sunset Rentals, our properties range from smaller more intimate spaces to large & luxe mansions. For peace of mind, all our properties feature high-security keyless entry, and our premium rentals include luxury linen and towels. Let us help to plan your next Hilton Head Island stay today!
Hilton Head Island is blessed with 12 miles of coastline along South Carolina’s Atlantic coastline, making it perfect for fishing, boating, and tons of water sport activities. There are various opportunities to boat on several types of vehicles, like kayaks, sailboats, party boats, and even yachts. With six marinas and harbors, you will be kept busy!
Let’s explore some of the best Hilton Head boat rentals:
Island Head Run by tourists turned locals, Michael and Taylor, Island Head boasts some of the finest Hilton Head boat rentals. Both of them have immense experience in the water sports industry, which reflects in the way they run their company. They are friendly, knowledgeable, and provide the perfect balance of fun and safety.
Anchors Away Sailing Charters Anchors Away Sailing Charters offers private expeditions for up to six people. You can hop aboard the stunning morning sail, the breezy dolphin watch afternoon sail, or relax while viewing the sunset evening sail. All three sails have different agendas and turn out to be completely different experiences.
Vagabond Cruise Vagabond Cruise, since 1968, is Hilton Head Island’s original sightseeing and cruise operator. Needless to say, they have tons of experience in this arena and offer some unforgettable cruises on the islands. You can take your pick from holiday cruises, crabbing expeditions, and Savannah Day cruises—amongst the many cruises they offer.
Yacht Club of Hilton Head Founded in 1971 by a group of sailors, the Yacht Club of Hilton Head is the oldest yacht club on the island. They are a boating and social club, which means that boating enthusiasts on Hilton Island are a part of this club. They provide a variety of boating activities plus a dynamic social calendar.
HHI Vacation Rentals
If you are planning to book a Hilton Head boat rental and stay on the island, then look no further than Sunset Rentals. We provide various types of rentals to suit every family, like pet-friendly rentals, oceanfront rentals, or rentals with private pools.
As Hilton Head Island locals, we’ve got all the best local tips up our sleeve! We know all the best places for your next adventure, hidden gems you’ll otherwise pass on by, tips to make the most out of your trip, and all the best places to stay across the island. Don’t just take our word for it, read this guide for the top locals tips you should take advantage of on your next vacation to Hilton Head Island!
1. Best Spots to Catch a Sunset or Sunrise
Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina is located on the Broad Creek, offering a stunning viewpoint with boats coming in and out of the harbor and stunning colors washing across the water. You can watch the sunset from one of the award-winning restaurants, community events throughout the summer, or standing by the marina.
The Harbour Town Yacht Basin is one of the most popular sunset spots on the island, whether from the Yacht Basin with a view of the dolphins, from the pier with a view of the lighthouse, or from the top of the Lighthouse Museum with a view of the whole resort area of Sea Pines.
If you’re looking for an adventure with a view, a sunset cruise is the way to go! There are plenty of companies across the island that offer an exhilarating boat ride through the waterways while you watch the sunset. Just pick the location, book your tour, grab your camera, and head out for the sunset. H2O Sports, Mermaid of Hilton Head, and Vagabond Cruises are just a few of the popular sunset tours.
2. Uncrowded Beaches Away from the Hustle & Bustle
Mid-island beaches away from the main resort areas are uncrowded oases with white sand, sparkling waves, and less crowds. These include Burkes Beach, Driessen Beach, and Folly Field Beach. These hidden gems are perfect for swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, beach picnics, and a scenic, fun-filled family day at the beach.
3. Must-Taste Dishes
With such a wide variety of delicious Lowcountry cuisine, it can be difficult to decide which dish you must try. But don’t worry, we have had plenty of time living here to put together our favorite meals for you to try.
The infamous Skull Creek Boathouse offers a Boathouse Sampler, perfect to test their delicious coconut almond shrimp, dill pickle chips, calamari, and hushpuppies for yourself- true Southern delicacies.
The Old Oyster Factory is best known for, you guessed it, their oysters! Enjoy panoramic water views with delicious fresh-caught local oysters that you’ll never forget. It’ll have you coming back to Hilton Head Island year after year, just for the cuisine.
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks is one of the only remaining local fishing fleets on the island with fresh-caught fish straight from the docks to your table. Their Atlantic Salmon is a must-try, fresh-caught salmon dish varying seasonally with expert-picked toppings.
4. Ditch the Car, Walk or Bike the Trails!
One of the best ways to explore the island is by walking or biking the trails. Ditch the car, grab your bike or walking shoes, and hit the trails for a one-of-a-kind adventure. On Hilton Head Island, you can walk between resort areas, to the beach, through shopping centers, and more!
Bike through the beach for stunning water views, cool breezes, and white sandy trails. Ride through Shelter Cove Community Park for live music and entertainment along the way. Or head to Fish Haul Creek Park’s 31 acre preserve away from crowds, through wetlands, beach, and forest.
5. Look for Wildlife
The island is teeming with wildlife from alligators hiding in the ponds to pelicans soaring over the waves, everywhere you look is an opportunity for wildlife viewing!
Sea Pines Forest Preserve features 605 acres of ponds and forests covered in Spanish moss, with the opportunity to see turtles, alligators, herons, eagles, snakes, and more on an exhilarating nature walk.
Dolphin tours are a popular favorite to see one of the most magnificent creatures to grace our island! Hilton Head Dolphin Tours, Dolphin Seafari, and Island Explorer are some of the best dolphin tours to encounter dolphins with a tour guide through the waterways guiding you where to look and when to grab the camera!
The beach is another popular exploration spot with plenty of viewing spots for dolphins, starfish, pelicans, sand dollars, jellyfish, crabs, and more!
6. Get out on the Water
Ditch the car, bike, and walking shoes for an even better adventure– one on the waterways! Whether by kayak, paddleboard, private boat, or fishing charter, there are endless opportunities to explore the water on Hilton Head Island.
Rent kayaks, paddleboards, skim boards, and more for the adventure of a lifetime with the whole family. Looking for more of a guided tour with a fishing guide or wildlife expert? You’re in luck! The island also offers plenty of guided tours with local experts to get you off the land and onto the water.
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The Best Places to Stay in Hilton Head Island
At Sunset Rentals, our vacation rentals are all based in Hilton Head, South Carolina. We have some fantastic properties fit for groups of all sizes. We offer luxurious vacation rentals to fit every family’s wants and needs to make their vacation a breeze. With unique accommodations and a wide range of convenient amenities, you’re sure to find something you’ll love. We offer private homes and villas across the island and first-class service to all of our guests.