Off The Beaten Path Adventures on Hilton Head Island - Sunset Rentals Vacation Blog

Off The Beaten Path Adventures on Hilton Head Island


Hilton Head Island is the #1 island in the continental US and America’s favorite island, far from an under the radar or off the beaten path destination. Hilton Head Island is one of the most popular vacation destinations in South Carolina,- yet there are plenty of off the beaten path adventures that await! 

Spending a vacation on Hilton Head Island delivers the best of both worlds for travelers – 12-miles of sandy beaches, award-winning sports, activities galore at Harbour Town, Shelter Cove and Coligny Plaza, and quiet off the beaten path adventures away from the touristy spots of Hilton Head.

Unwind with a Quiet Beach Day


It is possible to have a quiet beach day without the crowds on Hilton Head Island. The north end of the island does not attract as many tourists and offers a quieter beach life. Mitchelville Beach Park is the most secluded, natural beach on Hilton Head for sunbathing or a quiet beach stroll – but is not lifeguarded, or great for ocean swimming.

One of the island’s best kept secrets is Burke’s Beach, located mid-island near Chaplin Community Park and accessed on a short walk (or bike ride) around the protected dunes. There are no major resorts or restaurants nearby so pack a picnic and enjoy miles of sandy shoreline, shallow lifeguarded water for the kids, crabbing adventures, and a fenced in dog park for your furry four-legged family member

Coligny Beach is where you’ll find the crowds but, if you head slightly south, Alder Lane Beach Park is one of the most peaceful beaches on the island and is both pet-friendly and lifeguarded for a quiet family beach day. Wherever you choose to spend a beach day on Hilton Head, bottlenose dolphin sightings and nesting sea turtles (May-Oct) are common sightings.

Get Out on the Water


Getting out on the water is what Hilton Head Island is all about! Hilton Head is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway with Broad Creek winding through the center of the island. Aside from fellow paddlers, the waterways are secluded with hidden coves and creeks abounding with dolphins and wildlife, and constantly changing with the tides. Book a guided kayaking, stand up paddleboarding or boating adventure with Outside Hilton Head, or consider a full moon tour to completely escape the crowds. Gear rentals are readily available to paddle the waterways alone. 

A private Hilton Head fishing charter will take you far away from the crowds into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Hilton Head Island is a top destination for all kinds of fishing with inshore, offshore, lagoon and sharking fishing tours in the high seas and on the Intracoastal Waterway.  

HorseBACK Ride in Sea Pines Forest Preserve


Sea Pines Forest Preserve is a lush 605-acre wildlife habitat with tranquil nature trails, boardwalks and bridges, fishing docks, and endless outdoor exploration. Escape the crowds (and the heat) on a horseback ride along the shaded trails in Sea Pines Forest Preserve with Lawton Stables, or alternatively opt for a boat tour, eco-adventure or fun hay wagon ride with the kids.

Picnic at Audubon Nature Preserve


Pack a picnic (and the binoculars) and head to Audubon Nature Preserve near Sea Pines. This small, 50-acre protected nature reserve is pure paradise with a small network of trails and boardwalks winding through five unique ecosystems, birds, butterflies and wildlife, and a tranquil pond perfect for a picnic. The Audubon Nature Preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset and also offers guided tours with a naturalist.

Bike the Trails


Hilton Head Island is one of the most bike-friendly destinations in the US with over 60 miles of interconnected bike paths and trails across the island to either loop round the island with fellow cyclists or venture off and explore the island at your own pace. Sunset Rentals partners with Vayk Gear to provide compliment bike and beach gear credit at select Sunset Rentals properties, making it easy to bike the island trails, for free!

Visit Pinckney Island National Wildlife Preserve


Visiting Pinckney Island National Wildlife Preserve takes you right off the beaten path into 4,000 acres of pristine wilderness for hiking, biking, fishing, birding and wildlife viewing. Once an island lookout during the Civil War, this historic wildlife refuge features 14 miles of hiking and biking trails, salt marshes and ponds for fishing, and historical markers outlining the history of Hilton Head during the Civil War. The preserve is open Wednesday through Sunday 9AM to 5PM.

Explore the Coastal Discovery Museum


The Coastal Discovery Museum is rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage and is truly one of the most beautiful places to visit on Hilton Head Island. Guided tours and activities are available (with options to escape the crowds) but the 68-acre grounds are also perfect to quietly explore alone with centuries old buildings, interpretive trails, giant oaks and lagoons, and wildlife encounters around every corner.

Tour the Gullah-Geechee Neighborhoods


Soak up the history and heritage of Hilton Head Island on a Gullah Heritage Trail tour through the original Gullah-Geechee Neighborhoods of Hilton Head. Led by local Gullah descendants, this tour trails away from the island’s top tourist attractions through the historic and cultural sites in Mitchelville Freedom Park, the Gullah Museum, and the local Gullah neighborhoods on the island.

Plan a Day Trip to Daufuskie Island


You don’t get more off the beaten path than Daufuskie Island, a small and serene barrier island nestled between Hilton Head and mainland Savannah and accessible only by boat, ferry, or kayak! Take a private tour of Daufuskie Island without the tourists or rent a bike or golf cart to adventure along the trails and dirt roads alone. Find your sandy space on 3-miles of secluded shoreline, book a horseback ride on the beach with Daufuskie Trail Rides, visit historic lighthouses, and dine on Daufuskie Deviled Crab and Lowcountry cuisine overlooking the marina. Daufuskie Island is one for the bucket-list!

Stay Off the Beaten Path with Sunset Rentals


Escape the hustle and bustle of Hilton Head Island and stay off the beaten path with Sunset Rentals. With one of the largest collections of vacation rentals on Hilton Head, you can choose to stay oceanfront near Coligny Plaza or enjoy the peace and tranquility of your own private pool home in the islands top resort areas – surrounded by only luxurious comforts, the sounds of nature, peaceful views and a tropical island ambiance.


You Might Also Like

Monthly Vacation Guide – April 2024

Hilton Head Island is a destination for all seasons! But this month is looking better than average here in our beautiful barrier island. Hilton Head is nestled on the southern tip of the South Carolina coastline with a balmy sub-tropical climate, an average of 215 sunny days a year, and mild temps to enjoy our …

Read More

Where to Play Pickleball on Hilton Head Island

Get ready to dink and dive your way into the sensational pickleball phenomenon sweeping the shores of Hilton Head Island! Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned pickleball pro, Hilton Head Island’s pickleball scene offers an irresistible invitation to be part of a sensation that’s not just a game – but an island-wide obsession!  …

Read More

5 Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants Near Port Royal

One of the top questions on our guest’s minds when planning a vacation with their furry family members is where to find cafés, restaurants, and bars on Hilton Head Island that allow dogs.  You asked, and we listened! This month we feature the best dog-friendly restaurant near the Port Royal Resort Area and  Hilton Head …

Read More

9 Food Festivals Not To Miss Near Hilton Head, SC

Traveling to Hilton Head and want to enjoy some of the region’s most celebrated food festivals? Get ready for a culinary adventure like no other! Lowcountry cuisine is alive and well in South Carolina, and this region reflects that rich & diverse culinary history. From the cobblestone streets of historic Charleston to the beautiful sea …

Read More

Top 5 Resort Areas On Hilton Head Island

Whether you’re a beach lover, a golf fanatic, or an outdoor and nature enthusiast, the beautiful island of Hilton Head has something for everyone. From sunny white sand beaches, sparkling Atlantic Ocean waves, and Lowcountry waterways, to the lush fairways of world-class golf courses and miles of nature trails, Hilton Head Island has it all.  …

Read More

10 Remote Work Hotspots on Hilton Head Island 

The laid back Lowcountry lifestyle on the South Carolina coastline naturally blurs the lines between business, life, and leisure! Here on Hilton Head Island, you can trade your suits and ties for flip flops and tees, your daily commute for a bike ride, and your home office for an oceanfront retreat on the award-winning shoreline …

Read More

Top Dog-Friendly Restaurants Near Sea Pines Resort

Our team at Sunset Rentals has put together the ultimate guide to dog-friendly restaurants on Hilton Head Island. We’ve even taken it a step further so you can discover the best places to take your dog to dinner near your Hilton Head Island vacation rental. This month, we highlight the best dog-friendly restaurants near Sea …

Read More

Childcare & Babysitting Options on Hilton Head Island 

Planning a family vacation to Hilton Head Island, SC? As you prepare for your much-needed break along the stunning South Carolina shoreline, it’s important to consider the well-being and happiness of every single family member, including the little ones, elderly grandparents, and your furry best friends!  We’ve taken the pressure off your family vacation planning …

Read More

Top 10 Dog-Friendly Restaurants Near Shelter Cove

One of the top questions on our guest’s minds when planning a vacation with their furry family members is where to find cafés, restaurants, and bars on Hilton Head Island that allow dogs.  Hilton Head Island is surrounded by coastal waters and lush marshlands, so the freshest food & seafood is widely available across the …

Read More

Why Spend Labor Day Weekend On Hilton Head?

Soak in those last few days of summer and enjoy local events on Hilton Head Island over Labor Day Weekend. There’s no better way to celebrate than supporting local establishments, relaxing on the beach, and taking a trip to one of America’s top vacation destinations – Hilton Head Island! As summer comes to an end …

Read More

Top 5 Reasons to Stay in Port Royal

Port Royal is Hilton Head Island’s only completely private oceanfront residential community. Located at the tip of the Island, with approximately 1 mile of pristine beachfront landscapes, Port Royal Sound meets the Atlantic Ocean. Residents and vacationers alike can walk along the quietest beach on Hilton Head Island right from home in Port Royal. There’s …

Read More

7 Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants On Hilton Head Island

One of the top questions on our guests’ minds when planning a vacation with their furry family members is where to find cafés, restaurants, and bars on Hilton Head Island that allow dogs.  Hilton Head Island is one of the best dog-friendly vacation destinations on the East Coast with wide beaches that welcome your pup, …

Read More

6 Reasons To Explore Hilton Head This Fall

Whether you’re seeking a quieter (and more affordable!) shoulder season escape or a second summer on secluded beaches, head to Hilton Head Island this fall for a vacation on America’s favorite island, without the crowds!  Nestled on the southern tip of the South Carolina coastline, Hilton Head Island is a small coastal town with world-famous …

Read More

8 Lowcountry Day Trips From Hilton Head Island

If you’re looking for adventures beyond Hilton Head Island, look no further than this handy list of our favorite easy lowcountry day trips. The Lowcountry lands of South Carolina and Georgia are full of beautiful beaches, serene marshes, and gorgeous mossy oaks to guide you along your vacation throughout the region. Hilton Head Island is …

Read More

7 Tips for Responsible Wildlife Watching on Hilton Head

Hilton Head Island is a destination known for its stunning beaches, diverse ecosystems, and unique habitats abounding in wildlife. Whether it’s witnessing the marvel of baby sea turtle hatchlings, getting up close and personal with our beloved marine mammals, encountering alligators, or discovering Hilton Head’s best birding spots with your binocs, you’ll soon discover a …

Read More

Top 7 Reasons To Stay In Palmetto Dunes Resort Area

Hilton Head Island was named the #1 Island in the U.S. and Canada in Travel+Leisure 2021 World’s Best Awards for the 5th consecutive year! The award-winning Palmetto Dunes is one of the most well-known and popular resort areas of Hilton Head, nestled mid-island on 2,000 acres of lush oceanfront landscapes with world-class amenities, 3-miles of …

Read More

When Is The Best Time To Visit Hilton Head Island?

Hilton Head Island is a destination for all seasons! Our beautiful barrier island is nestled on the southern tip of the South Carolina coastline with a balmy sub-tropical climate, an average of 215 sunny days a year, and mild temps to enjoy our pristine beaches, serene waterways, untouched nature preserves and award-winning golf and tennis …

Read More

Top 20 Spots To Watch The Sunset On Hilton Head

The distinctive Lowcountry scenery and tranquil waterways on Hilton Head Island provide the perfect canvas for some of the most breathtaking sunsets you’ll ever witness. As the sun dips slowly below the horizon, fiery palettes of reds, oranges, pinks, and purples paint the skies casting a warm glow over Hilton Head’s white sandy shoreline, untouched …

Read More

How to Plan a Vacation at Sea Pines Resort

Sea Pines Resort is home to Hilton Head’s top attractions, the best shopping and dining on the island, world-class golf courses and tennis facilities, two marinas for watersports, nature trails for hiking and horse-riding, and 20-miles of connected paved trails for biking around the resort. 

Read More

Romantic Date Ideas On Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is always a great place for a romantic getaway, but the island gets a little more romantic at the end of season. Sunset Rentals wants to help you plan an unforgettable romantic getaway to Hilton Head this winter. To assist you, we’ve created a helpful guide on romantic things to do in Hilton Head during your trip.

Read More

10 Best Kept Secrets on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is widely-known as one of America’s favorite islands, being voted the “#1 Island in the Continental US” numerous times by Travel+Leisure. The Island is home to 24 championship golf courses, world-class tennis facilities, action packed adventures, award-winning restaurants, and beautiful beaches, but you’ll also find that Hilton Head Island also has some pretty special secrets that you won’t want to leave uncovered!

Read More

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 …

Read More

Top 4 Golf Courses On Hilton Head

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.

Read More

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 year. 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!

Read More

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 …

Read More

16 Free Things To Do On Hilton Head Island

When it comes to planning a vacation on Hilton Head Island, visitors have an abundance of world-class golf courses, racquet clubs, nature tours, and charters to add to their itinerary, but many of the island’s best experiences can be savored without reaching for your wallet. From our wild, scenic beaches, lush waterways, and tranquil trails …

Read More

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.

Read More

Hilton Head Island Grocery Stores & Food Delivery Services

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 …

Read More

The 5 Best Seafood Restaurants in Hilton Head Island

While South Carolina’s sandy Hilton Head Island is best known for its pristine beaches, bicycling trails, and world-renowned golf courses, there’s no denying its genuinely extraordinary culinary scene, mainly the fresh-caught seafood delicacies. With nearly five dozen seafood restaurants in Hilton Head, you have plenty of dining options to choose from! Our team at Sunset …

Read More

Annual RBC Heritage PGA Tournament Guide

Hilton Head Island annually hosts the only PGA Tour Event in South Carolina for the RBC Heritage where 132 players compete for the coveted plaid jacket and a $20M purse. First held in 1969 at Pete Dye’s Harbour Town Course, this event quickly became a hit drawing in thousands of visitors each year throughout mid-April …

Read More

5 Dog-Friendly Activities On Hilton Head

Unquestionably, the most difficult aspect of planning a well-deserved vacation is lining up necessary pet boarding for your favorite furry friend. It’s never easy saying “goodbye” to a pet (or pets), even if it’s just for a week. However, one of the fastest-growing trends in the hospitality industry is the rise of pet travel. Instead …

Read More

9 Dog-Friendly Delights at Coligny Plaza

Our team at Sunset Rentals has put together the ultimate guide to dog-friendly restaurants on Hilton Head Island. We’ve even taken it a step further so you can discover the best places to take your dog to dinner near your Hilton Head Island vacation rental. This month, we highlight the best dog-friendly restaurants near Coligny …

Read More

4 Rainy Day Activities On Hilton Head Island

When you vacation on Hilton Head Island the main things to do is enjoy the sun, shopping and eat amazing food. But the big question is what is there to do when it is raining outside? Here are the top things to do when it is raining outside on Hilton Head Island. 1. Nash Gallery …

Read More

10 Reasons to Visit Hilton Head Island in Winter 

Hilton Head Island in winter is a well-kept secret, offering an escape filled with serenity, adventure, and a chance to explore the island’s top attractions and best-kept secrets, without the crowds or traffic jams! With its mild weather, uncrowded beaches, and a wealth of activities, you’ll wonder why you didn’t consider a winter getaway to …

Read More