A Visitors Guide to Shopping on Hilton Head Island

There are so many reasons to visit Hilton Head Island, it’s no surprise our slice of paradise is consistently voted one of the world’s favorite islands and the top island in the US. The top attraction that draws visitors from around the globe to Hilton Head is the stunning natural setting with pristine sandy beaches, scenic waterways, lush wildlife preserves and secluded outdoor activities. But there’s more!

The appeal of the natural beauty of Hilton Head Island is enhanced by the luxury plantations, quaint villages and scenic marinas with an abundance of eateries serving the finest Lowcountry seafood and southern fare and upscale shopping destinations for the ultimate shopping experience on Hilton Head.

Slow down your pace, switch to island time and indulge in some family-friendly retail therapy and island style shopping on Hilton Head Island. Whether you’re shopping for necessities, picking up fresh produce or seafood from a market or searching for a unique Hilton Head souvenir or gift to take home, you’ll find it all on Hilton Head Island.

Coligny Plaza

Slip away from the beach for a one-of-a-kind shopping spree at Coligny Plaza, Hilton Head’s favorite shopping destination since 1955, just steps from the ocean. The Coligny Plaza is located oceanfront in Hilton Head’s downtown Forest Beach area and has everything you need for your Hilton Head Island vacation with the best shopping on the island. Coligny Plaza welcomes beach-goers for a laid-back shopping experience at over 60 specialty stores and fun outdoor kiosks, with year-round entertainment and the best oceanfront dining on Hilton Head.

Shelter Cove

Shelter Cove is Hilton Head’s premier waterfront shopping destination, just off the Intracoastal Waterway across from Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. The Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina is a hub of activity with cruises and nature tours, water sports, fishing charters, live entertainment, fun festivals and Mediterranean-style island style shopping. Browse the boutiques, gift stores and the eclectic Nash Gallery along the harbour side promenade, then make your way to the nearby Shelter Cove Town Center.

Shelter Cove Town Center is Hilton Head’s newest shopping attraction with an open-air waterfront village, palmetto lined walkways and tranquil views of Broad Creek and the Lowcountry marshlands. With over 30 charming boutiques, specialty stores, enticing eateries and a community park and playground for the kids, you can shop to your hearts content at Shelter Cove.

The Harbour Town Shops at Sea Pines

The Harbour Town Shops are located in the upscale Sea Pines Plantation, home to the Hilton Head’s legendary landmark, the candy-cane Harbour Town Lighthouse. The Harbour Town Shops offer visitors to Hilton Head a leisurely shopping experience surrounded by the scenic Harbour Town marina scattered with luxury yachts, sailboats and over 20 boutiques, galleries, gift shops, coastal treasures and unique dining experiences. Climb to the top of the lighthouse for the perfect souvenir and lasting memories of your vacation from the Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum and Gift Shop.

Main Street Village

Step back in time with an old-fashioned shopping experience in Hilton Head’s Main Street Village, home to the island’s oldest and traditional family-owned stores. The quaint shopping area has tree-lined walkways with unique shops and some of the best restaurants in Hilton Head. There’s no big-box stores on Main Street, just a small town island shopping experience.

Tanger Outlets Hilton Head

Go for the big savings on designer brands at the Tanger Outlet Stores, just over the bridge in nearby Bluffton, SC. Hilton Head’s Tanger Outlets has a variety of over 90 top outlet stores, curbside pickup if you choose to avoid the crowds and a variety of onsite restaurants and eateries. For trinkets and treasures, stop by the quaint shops in Old Town Bluffton before heading back to the island.

Hilton Head Island Seafood & Farmers’ Markets

Your island shopping experience on Hilton Head is not complete without a visit to a local farmer’s market, the perfect place to pick up fresh, local produce and savor the flavors of the Lowcountry with a home cooked farm-to-fork meal in the comfort of your Hilton Head vacation home.

Hilton Head Farmers’ Market: Tuesdays 9am to 1pm
The Farmers’ Market at the Shops at Sea Pines: Tuesdays 10am to 2pm
Wexford Outdoor Farmers’ Market: Wednesdays 10am to 2pm (May through September)
Farmers’ Market of Bluffton: Thursdays 1pm to 6pm
Barnacle Bill’s Fresh Seafood: Open Daily
South End Seafood Market: Open Daily

Stay with Sunset Rentals!

Sunset Rentals represent over 225 of the most trusted vacation rentals in the top resort areas of Hilton Head. From the shores of the pristine Atlantic coastline to the rolling fairways of Hilton Head’s award-winning golf-courses, our vacation rentals are perfectly placed to experience Hilton Head Island’s top attractions and world-class shopping destinations.

Browse our rentals on Hilton Head Island online, book direct or call our on-island team on (800) 276-8991 today to guide you to the idyllic home-away-from-home on Hilton Head Island.

Featured Home: LIGHTHOUSE TENNIS VILLA 2413

View New Properties

October 11, 2021July 17, 2023

5 Tips For Hosting a Family Reunion on Hilton Head

Situated only 30 miles from historic Savannah Georgia, Hilton Head Island boasts a stunning and serene seaside location, welcoming southern charm, a relaxed Lowcountry lifestyle, and a wide range of family-focused activities and vacation homes that appeal to guests of every generation.

Not only is Hilton Head the “#1 Island in the Continental US”, but it has also been named the “Best US Beach for Families” by Parent Magazine and is a destination geared for sun, fun, and fabulous beach family reunions – that may just turn to family tradition! Hilton Head Island is also a very dog-friendly destination! Yes, Fido can visit the island’s top tourist attractions, restaurants, and beaches too!

Planning a successful family vacation is tricky enough, trying to coordinate a destination family reunion that puts a smile on everyone’s dial, from the tiniest tots to the great-grandparents, can be downright intimidating!

Our local team at Sunset Rentals has been welcoming family groups of all sizes to the island since 1993, and we know a thing or two about hosting a family reunion on Hilton Head Island. We’ve put together our top 5 tips for hosting a family reunion on Hilton Head Island, and have a treasure trove of local tips and recommendations in our Hilton Head Island travel blog to help plan a successful reunion.

1. Select Your Season

The weather on Hilton Head Island is beautiful year-round and we have some of the warmest ocean water on the Atlantic Coast! The official beach season (and peak season on Hilton Head) is April 1st through September 30th and May through October is prime sea turtle season, an easy way to entice the family to a reunion on Hilton Head Island. The summer season tends to be hot and humid with temps between 86^oF and 92^oF and the winters are mild, rarely dipping below 60^oF.

How you select the season for your reunion depends on your family style and preference – hot, summer beach days, cooler weather and fewer crowds out of season, or a winter snowbird family reunion at the beach! Be aware that many of the island’s outdoor outfitters close for a period during the winter season, so do your activity research in advance.

2. Decide Where to Stay on Hilton Head

Hilton Head Island is divided into unique gated communities, known as resort areas of plantations, with an Infinite choice of accommodation available in each resort area community. Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines Resort are particularly popular with families, Shipyard and Port Royal are quieter neighborhoods, and Forest Beach lies in the heart of the action, within walking distance to Hilton Head’s downtown area activities, Coligny Plaza shops and restaurants, and the shoreline of the award-winning Coligny Beach Park. Wherever you decide to stay on Hilton Head, the island’s beautiful beaches are within easy reach on the network of trails connecting every resort area.

3. Arrange Your Island Activities In Advance

Planning activities for a big group can be challenging, but Hilton Head Island’s extensive activity offerings appeal to young and old alike! Balance your days between beach play, water activities, golf and racquet sports, cultural experiences, and eco-friendly nature tours unique to South Carolina’s Lowcountry barrier islands. Hilton Head is a popular destination, be sure to plan and book your tours and activities well in advance to avoid disappointment!

Hilton Head Island has over 60 miles of leisure paths winding through the island for fun family bike rides, gentle strolls for the older folk, and some of the best wildlife viewing on the island!

The island boasts 12 miles of Atlantic shoreline with easy access to long wide stretches of white sand beaches, beautiful boardwalks through tidal marshes and sand dunes, seasonal lifeguards, excellent amenities, beach gear rentals, and everything the family needs for a day at the beach! Check out our complimentary bike and gear credit program!

Every watersport imaginable is available on Hilton Head Island – sailing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, wakeboarding, tubing, jet skiing, parasailing, relaxing boat rides, and even pirate or mermaid adventures for the kids. Our Vayk Gear credit program includes kayak and paddleboard rentals too!

Guided fishing charters are a family reunion favorite on Hilton Head! Whether you’re a family of avid anglers, or new to the sport, you’ll find a family-friendly fishing charter to accommodate the whole crew, even Fido!

Experience the best of Hilton Head on a guided group nature tour, on land, water, or horseback through Sea Pines Preserve. The Coastal Discovery Museum and Outside Hilton Head offer an incredible selection of family adventures including dolphin-watching tours, island cruises, nature hikes, and interactive Gullah Geechee cultural experiences.

With 24 lush golf courses and more than 500 courts for tennis or a family round of pickleball, Hilton Head is a paradise for sports-loving families. Each HHI resort area has its own golf and racquet sports facilities, so plan your sports activities accordingly!

Plan for rainy day activities or a break from the sun! For indoor entertainment, the kids love exploring the Children’s Sandbox Museum, Adventure Cove, and the Kids Zone at the Coastal Discovery Museum. And, Hilton Head Island has endless retail therapy and restaurants to lure you away from the beach.

From foodie festivals, cultural celebrations, and fabulous summer events at Shelter Cove and under the famous Liberty Oak at Harbour Town, there is always something happening on Hilton Head Island! Once you select your season and pick your family reunion dates, check the local Hilton Head Island events calendar to plan your family reunion events and festivities.

4. Plan Crowd-Pleasing Meals

Putting together a meal plan and deciding when to eat out and when to dine in for a family reunion is no easy feat! Now you’ve chosen your favorite Hilton Head resort area and arranged your activities, meal planning is a whole lot easier knowing where you’ll be and when. With 250+ restaurants and unique Lowcountry dining experiences on Hilton Head Island, you’re spoilt for choice.

From Coligny Plaza, Harbour Town at Sea Pines, and Shelter Cove to Hilton Head’s golf clubs and luxury resort hotels, there are hundreds of cafes, restaurants, breweries, and bars scattered around the island catering to every group size, style, and budget!

Depending on the size and scope of your family reunion, cooking and sharing meals at your vacation rental may be the smart way to keep costs low, and drama limited! Appoint a family reunion meal planning committee, arrange backyard BBQs and Lowcountry Boils, shop the farmers’ markets for fresh local produce, and enjoy the perks of a full kitchen that caters to large group gatherings with the chance to share meals together, at home!

5. Create Memories with Sunset Rentals

Sunset Rentals represents over 220 of the finest vacation rentals on Hilton Head ranging from luxury 7-bedroom pool homes to keep the family together under one roof to resort complex communities with private condos and villas to carve out your own personal space and gather together in communal areas.

Our group friendly vacation rentals feature a host of high-end amenities to ensure your family time together is as memorable as it is meaningful, and our selection of pet-friendly rentals on Hilton Head Island means there’s a place for your pup too!

Start planning your Hilton Head family reunion today with our worry-free and flexible Sunset Package or give our vacation specialists a call at (800) 276-8991 to match your family with the perfect HHI reunion rental.

Spend the Holidays in Hilton Head Island

Sunset Rentals offers offers 225+ of the finest Hilton Head Vacation Homes and Villas. Explore all of our vacation rentals or give us a call today at 1-800-276-8991 to book your stay to the island!

Explore All Rentals

October 7, 2021December 6, 2023

Top 4 Golf Courses On Hilton Head

Just because it’s winter in Hilton Head Island doesn’t mean you can’t play golf. While courses around the country close for the season, Hilton Head’s famous golf courses remain open. So, if you’re visiting Hilton Head Island in winter and want to hit the links, where should you go? The team at Sunset Rentals has some ideas. Here’s our list of the best courses to play in Hilton Head on your winter golf trip.

1. Atlantic Dunes

Sea Pines Golf Course

Atlantic Dunes is the oldest golf course in Hilton Head, but it remains one of the best. Of all of the courses in Hilton Head, only two have oceanfront holes, and Atlantic Dunes is one of them. Be prepared to lose a few balls in the water; many of the holes feature water hazards. Overall, Atlantic Dunes is a challenge for golfers of all skill levels, but it’s a gorgeous course well worth visiting.

100 N. SEA PINES DRIVE, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC, 29928

(843) 842-1477

7,065 Yards
74.3 Rating
143 Slope
72 Par

2. Harbour Town Golf Links

Sea Pines Golf Course

“Iconic” is how three-time U.S. Open Champion Hale Irwin describes Harbour Town Golf Links, and it’s hard to disagree. You might recognize the red and white striped lighthouse that backdrops this course; it’s quite famous. Harbour Town Golf Links is a favorite among PGA Tour players, and it’s not hard to see why; it’s a beautiful-looking course that features a series of world-renowned par threes. Plus, this course is more fun and playable compared to other upper echelon golf courses.

11 LIGHTHOUSE LN, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC, 29928

(843) 842-1904

7,000 Yards
75.6 Rating
148 Slope
71 Par

Plan Your Trip to Sea Pines

3. George Fazio Golf Course

Palmetto Dunes Golf Course

George Fazio Golf Course is Hilton Head Island’s only par-70 public golf course, and it is a beauty. George Fazio Golf Course is considered by many to be the most challenging public course on the island, but it is still an exceptional experience for golfers of all skill levels. The course only has two par fives, while the majority of the course features long par fours. George Fazio Golf Course is an excellent option if you’re looking for a challenging course with immaculate greens.

7 Carnoustie Road, SC 29928

(888) 909-9566

7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
18 HOLES
70 PAR

4. Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Golf Course

Palmetto Dunes Golf Course

If you want to play a round at a course on the oceanfront, look no further than Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Golf Course. What makes this golf course one of the best courses on Hilton Head? The 10th hole is stunning; on elevated greens, golfers enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. There are also the ever-shifting winds to account for, which means golfers must approach each hole differently. Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Golf Course is truly unique and is sure to be a memorable experience for all players.

7 Trent Jones Lane, SC 29928

(888) 909-9566

7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Range
Reserve Toptracer Bays
18 HOLES
72 PAR

Plan Your Trip to Palmetto Dunes

Stay at a Luxury Hilton Head Vacation Rental

Stay in close proximity to all of the best golf courses in Hilton Head with one of Sunset Rentals’ luxurious vacation rentals. We have a variety of vacation rentals, including oceanfront options. To book your stay with us, please give us a call at 843-785-6767 or check availability online.

View All Vacation Rentals

September 20, 2021October 6, 2021

The Deep Well Project

Providing Livable Housing in the Hilton Head Island Community

The Deep Well Project was founded in 1973, digging wells to provide clean, safe water for the Hilton Head Island community. Since then, it has been the source of emergency assistance to the local community and is supported by individuals, businesses, religious institutions, foundations, clubs, schools and various other organizations.

The Sunset Rentals team is proud to be supporting The Deep Well Project’s Livable Housing Division – a non-profit fund of Collins Group Realty. This initiative focuses on making repairs to owner-occupied homes with critical needs for the purpose of keeping families safe.

The average cost of each project is $870

Some repairs are much more expensive, like replacing a roof or drilling for a new well, but some are simple projects with labor provided by volunteers.

110 Homes are repaired each year

On average, 385 people are helped annually.

$40,000 is the fundraising goal of the Community Results Project for 2021

These funds will provide a “turbo-booster” to the existing Livable Housing project. The funds would not only purchase supplies, such as lumber, nails, and saw blades, but also helps with labor for projects not appropriate for volunteers.

At Sunset Rentals, we love our Hilton Head Island community and the Deep Well Project both serves and reflects the caring community in which we live. Click here to learn more about the organization and how to get involved.

Click to Learn More or Donate

September 17, 2021May 17, 2023

9 Fun Summer Festivals On Hilton Head 2023

Hilton Head Island, SC hosts a range of popular festivals that draw many thousands of visitors to the island every summer. The Island’s event calendar includes local arts, nightlife, family activities, festivals, and much more. The team at Sunset Rentals has compiled a list of our favorite upcoming events on Hilton Head Island. Be sure to check some out during your getaway to the stunning shoreline of South Carolina!

1. Coligny Plaza Summer Music Series

LOCATION: Center Stage at Coligny Plaza

DATE: May 27, 2023 – September 4, 2023

TIME: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

ADMISSION: FREE!

2023 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Sunday, Wednesday & Friday – Jevon Daly
Monday – John Cranford and Friends
Tuesday – Kyle Wareham
Thursday – Nick Poulin
Saturday – Mike Kavanaugh

The Coligny Plaza Summer Music series takes place on the Center Stage every night throughout the summer season. The series is family-friendly and the perfect way to end a day on Hilton Head’s award-winning beaches! Coligny Plaza has a wide selection of restaurants to grab a bite to eat and iced summer cocktail or cold brew, before or after the show!

2. Greg Russell Concert

LOCATION: Liberty Oak, Sea Pines Harbour Town

TIME: 8 PM to 9:30 PM

ADMISSION: FREE! Visitors not staying within the Sea Pines Resort Area are required to pay a small, cash entry fee at the Sea Pines gate.

2023 SUMMER SCHEDULE
May 26 to May 28 – Friday to Sunday
May 31 to August 11 – Monday to Friday
August 14 to August 25 – Monday, Wednesday & Friday
August 31 – September 3 – Labor Day Weekend

Greg Russell is a nationally renowned singer-songwriter and a Hilton Head Island icon! His summer shows under the famed Liberty Oak in Sea Pines Harbour Town have been delighting visitors to Hilton Head for over 40 years. Join us this summer for family-friendly entertainment, sing-alongs, storytelling, and true Southern hospitality with Greg Russell.

3. Shelter Cove HarbourFest

LOCATION: Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina

DATE: Memorial Day – Labor Day

ADMISSION: FREE!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

2023 HabourFest Fireworks Schedule:
Time: Just after dark!
Tuesdays: June 6, 13, 20 & 27
Tuesdays: July 4, 11, 18 & 25
Tuesdays: August 1, 8, 15 & 22

2023 Live Performance Schedule:

Shannon Tanner
Time: Shows at 6:30 PM and 8 PM
Memorial Day Weekend: Saturday, May 27 & Sunday, May 28
Monday – Wednesday | May 29 – August 23
No shows August 25 – September 1

Cappy the Clown
Time: 6 PM to 9 PM
Memorial Day Weekend: Saturday, May 27 & Sunday, May 28
Monday – Friday | May 29 – September 1
Labor Day Weekend: Saturday, September 2 & Sunday, September 3

Parrot Palooza Sunset Celebration
Time: 7 PM
Thursdays: June 15, 22 & 29
Thursdays: July 6, 13, 20 & 27
Thursdays: August 3, 10, 17 & 24
Labor Day Weekend: Saturday, September 2 & Sunday, September 3

The HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina on Hilton Head Island is a weekly celebration during the summer with live music and entertainment, arts and crafts, kids’ activities, and weekly fireworks every Tuesday just before dark. Celebrating 34 years, HarbourFest is a magical summer experience on Hilton Head Island.

4. Shelter Cove Summer Jams

LOCATION: Shelter Cove Community Park

DATE: June 13 to August 8, 2023
Tuesdays: June 13, 20 & 27
Tuesdays: July 4, 11, 18 & 25
Tuesdays: August 1 & 8

TIME: 5:30 PM TO 9 PM

ADMISSION: FREE!

If you’re traveling to Hilton Head this summer with children, Summer Jams is a can’t-miss weekly event at the Shelter Cove Community Park. The kids can play in bouncy houses and dress up with face painting, while you relax listening to local live music in your lawn chair! After a few hours of fun, the evening will end with the fabulous fireworks display that takes place every Tuesday at Shelter Cove HarbourFest.

5. Party in the Park & Maker’s Fair

LOCATION: Lowcountry Celebration Park

DATE: Thursdays, June 22 to July 27, 2023

TIME: 5:30 PM to 8 PM

ADMISSION: FREE!

Enjoy family happy hour for a month of Thursdays at Lowcountry Celebration Park near Coligny Beach Park and Plaza. This fun summer event combines local live music with amazing Lowcountry food and beverage vendors, arts and crafts, and the park playground with bouncy houses for the kids. Pop by Party in the Park & Maker’s Fair for a fun family night out and local shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs!

6. Rock N Ribs 2023

LOCATION: Coligny Plaza

DATE: Friday, October 20 – Saturday, October 21, 2023

2023 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
**Save the date and sign up for email updates and ticket sales HERE!

Rock N’ Ribs is one of Hilton Head’s best live music festivals – a weekend of classic rock n’ roll with a side of delicious southern-style barbeque! The weekend schedule includes world-class live music, Pitmaster Ocean Olympics on Coligny Beach, barbeque tasting events, and Sunday brunch & blues at the Beach House. Rock N’ Ribs sells out fast!

7. Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival

LOCATION: Port Royal Golf Club, Hilton Head Island

DATE: Friday, November 3 – Sunday, November 5, 2023

ADMISSION: Purchase tickets HERE!

**Discounts are available through September 30, 2023

VIP Packages available online
Daily Adult Admission: $85
Weekend Adult Admission: $140
Student & Active Duty Military: FREE

PARKING: Complimentary parking at the Hilton Head Island Public School Complex

SHUTTLE: Continuous shuttle service (with wheelchair access) on Saturday & Sunday

2023 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Friday 7 PM to 10 PM – Flights & Fancy Aeroport Gala
Saturday 9 AM to 4 PM – Car Club Showcase
Saturday 9 AM to 4 PM – Aero Expo
Saturday 9 AM to 4 PM – Southern Grand Classic Presented by Classic Car Club of America
Saturday 4 PM to 6 PM – Motoring Festival After PartySunday 9 AM to 4 PM – Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance

The Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival on Hilton Head Island is a world-class event with traditional southern flair. This popular event showcases a rare collection of automobiles, airplanes, and motorcycles with the best of the best in automotive exhibitions, racing, dining experiences, and a luxury lifestyle on Hilton Head.

8. Hilton Head Oyster Festival

LOCATION: Shelter Cove Community Park & Lowcountry Celebration Park

DATE: Friday, November 10 – Saturday, November 11, 2023

2023 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
**Get notified about 2023 ticket sales and schedule of events HERE!

The Hilton Head Oyster Festival is a magnificent celebration of oysters and local Lowcountry culture. Try boiled oysters, fried oysters, stewed oysters, and more. This November, sit back and enjoy live music, a football viewing area, wine, and buckets of freshly shucked oysters at this can’t-miss fall event on Hilton Head Island.

9. Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival

LOCATION: Multiple locations on Hilton Head Island

DATE: Event Passed! Save the date for March 2024

Hilton Head’s wine and food enthusiasts created a week-long celebration to embrace the fruits of global wine partnerships, signature Lowcountry cuisine, and grassroots cultural happenings. At Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, you’ll find exceptional wine dinners and educational seminars, plus the traditional grand tasting and well-loved public tasting.

STAY WITH SUNSET RENTALS!

Now that you’ve chosen which events you want to attend, it’s time to find your Hilton Head rental. Sunset Rentals provides various types of rentals to suit every family, like pet-friendly rentals, oceanfront rentals, or rentals with private pools. We are driven by the desire to make certain that your vacation is spent enjoying that time. We are a locally operated Hilton Head Island company that takes pride in offering first-class service to our guests.

View Availability

Explore all of our Hilton Head Vacation Rentals or give us a call today at 1-800-276-8991 to book your stay.

Explore Vacation Rentals

September 14, 2021July 14, 2023

8 Best Kayak & SUP Tours on Hilton Head Island

There are endless ways to enjoy the local waters of Hilton Head Island, but a guided kayak or SUP tour with a local naturalist is by far the most intimate Lowcountry experience available.

Hilton Head’s network of nature trails extends to miles of tranquil paddling trails that lure you away from the white sandy beaches to explore the tidal creeks, salt marshes, and coastal wetlands of Hilton Head Island. Imagine yourself surrounded by Lowcountry beauty with the freedom of paddling alongside playful dolphins and manatees, sighting minks and otters in the marshlands, and bald eagles nesting above – that’s a Hilton Head Island paddle tour! You can even paddle with your pooch!

Sure you can venture out by kayak alone, but the benefits of a locally guided tour are abundant! Our local tours are tailored to beginners so if you’re a first-timer, instruction is included. Your naturalist guide is familiar with Hilton Head’s waterways (hello secret spots!), the history and habitats of our unique coastal ecosystems, and the wildlife that calls Hilton Head home.

Begin your Lowcountry paddle adventures with our Sunset Rental’s Guide to Kayak & SUP Tours on Hilton Head Island, SC.

1. Outside Hilton Head

Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
Guided Tours on Broad Creek & Daufuskie Island

Explore the hidden channels of Broad Creek with the outdoor experts at Outside Hilton Head, a local favorite since 1979! Winding 7 miles inland from Calibogue Sound, Broad Creek is Hilton Head’s largest creek with calm sheltered waters, tranquil marsh channels to explore, and bountiful wildlife, birdlife, and bottlenose dolphin encounters. Broad Creek is a favorite feeding ground for our Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, playful and curious enough to cruise alongside your kayak!

The kayak and SUP tour options at Outside Hilton Head are endless! Choose from a Guided Kayak Nature Tour, Outback Kayak Tour, Full Moon Kayak Tour, Shelter Cove Fireworks Paddle, Kayak Fishing, May River Excursions, Intro to Stand Up Paddling, SUP Yoga, or a peaceful SUP Nature Walk on Broad Creek. Group tours or private customized adventures are available and you’re your adventures are over, there’s shopping, restaurants, and amazing outdoor events at Shelter Cove.

2. Kayak Hilton Head

Broad Creek Marina
Guided Tours on Broad Creek & Pinckney Island

Located across the creek at Broad Creek Marina, Kayak Hilton Head has been guiding the scenic waterways on Hilton Head since 1995. Broad Creek Marina is Hilton Head’s newest marina and offers a wide variety of dolphin and nature cruises, sailboat charters, parasailing, fishing charters, and kayak and SUP tours with Kayak Hilton Head. End your paddle experience sipping cocktails, savoring Lowcountry cuisine, and unwinding with scenic waterfront views at Fishcamp on Broad Creek or Up the Creek Pub & Grill.

Kayak Hilton Head offers daily 2-hour guided kayak and SUP tours of Broad Creek, private full-day tours, Shelter Cove Fireworks paddle tours in the summer, and kayaking eco-tours of historic Pinckney Island, one of the best birdwatching spots on Hilton Head Island. Their experienced outdoor adventure guides are fun and friendly with an intimate knowledge of the island’s wildlife and waterways.

3. H20 Sports

Harbour Town Marina
Guided Tours on Calibogue Sound

H20 Sports are the only water sports activity provider at Sea Pines Harbour Town with activities for every age and adventure level! Whether you’re seeking a thrill, a casual cruise, or a self-guided tour of Calibogue Sound, you’ll find it at H20 Sports at Harbour Town. Kayak and SUP tours from Harbour Town explore the Calibogue Sound, a wild ocean channel between Hilton Head and Daufuskie Island with hidden creeks, coves, and marshes teeming with life.

H20 Sports is all about “the FUN, the WATER, and YOU!”. Tour options include guided kayak tours, sunset kayak tours, SUP lessons and tours, or customized family adventures on the water. Other water sports activities available include Hilton Head Parasailing, Alligator & Wildlife Tours at Sea Pines Forest Preserve, Dolphin Tours, Hilton Head Sailing Charters, and jet ski, wave runner, and boat rentals to head out on your own expedition.

4. Island Water Sports

Sea Pines South Beach Marina
Guided Tours on Calibogue Sound

If you’re spending your vacation in Sea Pines South Beach, Island Water Sports at South Beach Marina is your go-to for Kayak and SUP tours of Calibogue Sound. Situated on Braddock Cove at the southernmost tip of Hilton Head Island, South Beach Marina is a scenic launching point for paddle adventures on Calibogue Sound, and one of the most spectacular sunset spots on Hilton Head Island – best enjoyed from the world-famous Salty Dog Café!

Island Water Sports offer a 90-minute Guided Kayak Tour, or “nature walk on water” through the creeks of Calibogue Sound, stand up paddleboarding through the salt marshes of South Beach Marina, and a variety of water activities. Take a banana boat ride on Calibogue Sound, explore Vanishing Island on an eco-tour, or rent a pontoon or powerboat to plan your own adventures.

5. Hilton Head Outfitters

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
Guided Tours on the Palmetto Dunes Lagoon System

The Palmetto Dunes 11-mile lagoon system offers easy paddling for families and beginners. The saltwater lagoon system winds through the neighborhoods and golf courses in the Palmetto Dunes Resort area with calm waters, and an incredible variety of saltwater species for kayak fishing! The Palmetto Dunes lagoons boast some of the best island fishing on Hilton Head with an abundance of redfish, flounder, spotted sea trout, and tarpon. A South Carolina saltwater fishing license is required to fish in the lagoon system.

Hilton Head Outfitters is located on the shores of the Palmetto Dunes lagoon system and offer single and tandem kayak rentals, three person canoes to explore and fish the calm waters of the lagoon, and inshore skiff charters with a naturalist guide.

6. Coastal Discovery Museum

Honey Horn Plantation
Guided Tours of Jarvis Creek & Daufuskie Island

The ultimate Lowcountry experience awaits at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn Plantation. Aside from the spectacular plantation grounds with native gardens, wildlife habitats, and excellent exhibits, the Coastal Discovery Museum offers a long list of guided eco-tours on land and water. From artisan & history tours, heritage garden tours, and wildlife tours to epic excursions on the coastal creeks, Coastal Discovery Museum has tours for every traveler.

Take a kayak tour of Jarvis Creek, a small creek perfect for beginners and families, or immerse yourself in the full splendor of Hilton Head Island on their Kayak the Outback Tour, a 4.5-hour paddle through the peaceful and pristine creeks of Page Island and Daufuskie Island.

7. Sea Monkeys Watersports

Hilton Head Harbor & Marina
Guided Tours on Skull Creek & Pinckney Island

Situated on the north end of the island, Skull Creek separates Hilton Head from Pinckney Island to join the Port Royal Sound. While Skull Creek is well known for its excellent waterfront dining and fresh seafood straight from the docks, it also offers some of the best paddling on Hilton Head Island with coastal charm, wildlife, and scenic views of Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge.

Sea Monkeys Watersports launch their guided jet ski, kayak, and paddleboard trips on Skull Creek and Pinckney Island from Hilton Head Harbor & Marina. They also offer boat rentals by the hour, perfect for a casual dolphin watching cruise with the family. Linger a little longer and enjoy fantastic food and the island’s best sunset and waterfront views at Sunset Grille, consistently recognized as one of Hilton Head Island’s best kept secrets!

8. Vayk Gear Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals

THE source for Beach Gear Rentals on your Hilton Head, SC vacation!

There’s no need to pack a kayak or SUP when you spend your Hilton Head vacation with Sunset Rentals. Our exclusive Beach & Bike Gear credit program with Vayk Gear gives guests staying in participating properties up to $350 credit on complimentary kayak and SUP rentals to explore the Hilton Head Island rivers, creeks, and lagoons at your own pace. Vayk Gear credit can also be used towards bike rentals, outdoor games, coolers, beach chairs, umbrella rentals, and beach carts to transport it all in one trip.

HOW IT WORKS

1. Book your vacation to Hilton Head Island! Complimentary Beach Gear is offered year round on select Sunset Rentals vacation homes and villas with 4-21 night stays. The value of your complimentary beach gear varies by property and ranges in value from $150 – $350.

2. After booking, watch for an email from our gear partner Vayk Gear. Your rental house name and check-in date in the subject line. Click on the link in the email directing you to the beach gear rental page and input your reservation number. The complimentary beach gear credit will be applied automatically.

3. Select your desired beach gear, add any optional extras, and check out! Choose from top quality beach gear items like bikes, chairs & umbrellas, kayaks, paddle boards, corn hole, beach carts, skim and boogie boards and more.

4. Vayk Gear will take care of the rest! Select the items you want at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled arrival date and we’ll deliver everything for you on the day you are scheduled to arrive and pick everything up on your scheduled departure day. Just leave your gear clean and where you found it the night before your scheduled departure (gear pickups start at 6am ET), we’ll take care of the rest.

All that’s left to do is take a tour of the resort areas of Hilton Head to choose a neighborhood, find a vacation home or villa with Vayk Gear credit, and start planning your HHI paddle adventures with our team at Sunset Rentals. We hope to see you on the waterways soon!

Book Your Stay to Hilton Head Island

August 12, 2021October 18, 2021

Top 5 Kids Activities on Hilton Head

Top 5 Kids Activities On Hilton Head

If you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation spot that the kiddos will enjoy, look no further than Hilton Head Island. This idyllic island has a little something for everyone in the family. At Sunset Rentals, we’re the most trusted vacation rental business on Hilton Head Island, and we’re excited to help you plan your upcoming trip. We put together a list of the five best kids activities on Hilton Head Island to get you started.

The 5 Best Activities for Kids on HHI

1 – Set Sail on a Wildlife Tour
The waters surrounding Hilton Head Island are rich with marine life. Many tours will take you out on the local waters to catch a glimpse of dolphins, sharks, manatees, sea otters, and more.

2 – Spend Some Time Mini Golfing
Mini golfing is always a fun activity with the kids, and on Hilton Head, you’ll have several fun mini golf courses at your disposal. You’ll have a blast at any of Legendary Golf, Adventure Cove, or Pirate Island Adventure Golf.

3 – Visit a Park
Let the kiddos cut loose on the two playgrounds at Green Shell Park. The park also is home to a basketball court for hoops lovers. Adults will appreciate the park’s shady pavilion and great views of Skull Creek.

4 – Enjoy Educational Play
The Sandbox is an interactive children’s museum that kids love. Visit the museum’s many hands-on exhibits like the no fishing aquarium and international bazaar for a pleasurable educational play experience.

5 – Spend a Day at the Beach
The beautiful beaches of Hilton Head Island are the perfect place to catch some rays, swim, build sandcastles, and relax. There are plenty of public access beaches to choose from, ensuring you’ll find the perfect location for your family beach day.

Stay at a Family Friendly Hilton Head Vacation Rental

The kids will love all of the fun activities Hilton Head has to offer, so stay for a while at one of Sunset Rentals’ vacation rentals. We offer a wide range of rentals from well-appointed villas to homes with pools and everything in between.

View All Available Vacation Rentals

July 19, 2021October 20, 2022

Quintessential Things to Do in Hilton Head, SC

Quintessential Things To Do In Hilton Head, SC

From idyllic beaches and exhilarating water sports to historic sites and museums and everything in between, Hilton Head, SC, has plenty of activities for travelers. Ranked as a top-five continental island, read on for a list of some of the best things to do in Hilton Head:

Enjoy The Beach

Hilton Head has been recognized as one of the top 10 family beaches in the United States! Travelers can enjoy activities such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, crabbing, paddle boarding, and more on over 12 miles of beach. Some of the island’s most popular beaches include Burkes Beach and Coligny Beach.

Discover Fashionable Finds

Bring a piece of your vacation home with you! There are plenty of opportunities for shopping at Hilton Head’s trendy boutiques. For our money, Birdie James and Southern Tide Signature Store are two must-stops for avid shoppers.

Play a Round (or Several) at Amazing Golf Courses

Home to 33 golf courses, book a tee time at the legendary courses at Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines. Many travelers look fore-ward to taking advantage of the award-winning courses and the incredible views that they offer.

Meet Hilton Head’s Most Famous Residents

Get out on the water to meet our most famous residents, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, in their natural habitat. Dolphins aren’t hard to find on Hilton Head Island, and there are plenty of dolphin tours available that help visitors get up close and personal with these beautiful and playful creatures.

Check Out the Coastal Discovery Museum

The Coastal Discovery Museum is a fun and educational experience for the whole family! In addition to the exhibits in the museum building that will teach you the fascinating history of Hilton Head Island, you can also book a variety of guided tours. Explore on horseback, on a kayak, or by foot, and let the Coastal Discovery Museum be your guide.

Beautiful Vacation Rentals in Hilton Head, SC

After a day of fun-filled activities, relax at one of Sunset Rentals’ unique rental spots. We offer a variety of vacation rentals, ranging from large homes to villas, on some of the premier locations on the island.

View Available Homes & Villas

June 11, 2021July 17, 2023

16 Free Things To Do On Hilton Head Island

May 6, 2021December 6, 2023

3 Bars Not To Miss On Hilton Head Island

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.

Book Your Stay to Hilton Head