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 golf courses, miles of beautiful beaches, upscale shopping and dining, four seasons of adventure for all ages, and luxurious oceanfront and oceanside vacation rental retreats to call home.

Hilton Head Island is the #1 Island in Continental US and is wonderful in the fall season. The weather is balmy, breezy and fabulous with warm sunny days, comfortably cool evenings, and very little rainfall. The crowds of beachgoers have dwindled, the chaos of the holiday season is over, the pace is slower, and you get to stay in your dream home at reduced rates!

If the lure of a slower pace of life, family bike rides on uncrowded trails, lazy beach days on empty beaches, long lunches with oceanfront views, and relaxing downtime with family and friends in a tranquil and luxurious setting appeals to you – the fall season on Hilton Head Island beckons.

1. Enjoy a Second Summer on the Beach

Southern Living ranks Hilton Head Island “The South’s Best Beach Town” for 2022 and it’s the perfect destination for a second summer on the beach! Hilton Head’s 12-miles of pristine beaches are among the widest and flattest beaches in the US with calm waters, loads of natural tidal pools, hard-packed sand for bike riding and beach walks, and plenty vitamin sea! Hilton Head Island is a top destination for dog lovers and from October to February the canine restrictions lift – you can play frisbee with your dog on the beach all day long!

2. Go Wildlife Viewing in Nature

With the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Calibogue Sound to the west, and the inland waterways on Broad Creek, Hilton Head Island is one big nature preserve abounding with protected wildlife habitats, natural beauty, and endless opportunities for fall wildlife viewing. Zipline through the trees, cruise the shaded island trails, birdwatch at Audubon Newhall Preserve, horseback ride in Sea Pines Forest Preserve, or get out on the water! Pick up a kayak, SUP, or boat rental from one of Hilton Head’s several marinas or plan a classic Lowcountry tour of Hilton Head Island. From kayaking and SUP tours, fishing charters, and dolphin cruises to day trips to Daufuskie Island, there’s a fall adventure for every wildlife lover on Hilton Head.

3. Book a Round of Oceanfront Golf

Hilton Head Island is ranked one of the “World’s Top 10 Golf Islands” and is home to some of the best public golf courses in the US. Fall is the perfect season to get a tee-time at the world-famous Harbour Town Golf Links, play a breezy round of oceanfront golf in Palmetto Dunes, or take your pick of three award-winning courses (and 81 holes of play) at Hilton Head’s Heritage Golf Collection. If you’re visiting Hilton Head Island with kids, the Hilton Head National Golf Club is a favorite for family golf with junior rates and affordable family packages. Prefer a cool day on the courts? No worries, Hilton Head boasts more than 300 courts for tennis and pickleball – the latest trend on Hilton Head Island!

4. Dine Al fresco on the Waterfront

You can skip the long summer wait lines for outdoor patios and get the best seat in the house in Hilton Head Island’s top alfresco dining spots when you visit in fall. Hilton Head boasts over 30+ waterfront restaurants with raw bars for freshly shucked oysters, oceanfront patios for fine dining, iconic Tiki Huts, and rooftop bars with DJs, live music and line dancing for late night fun. Whether you’re watching the waves roll in from the Atlantic or the sunset over Skull Creek, fall is a fine time for alfresco dining on Hilton Head Island.

5. Entertain & Educate the Kids

There’s so much fun for kids on Hilton Head Island so entertain, educate and delight your kids with experiences they won’t find in a classroom. Climb to the top of the candy-cane Harbour Town Lighthouse, explore Adventure Playground and Sandbox Children’s Museum, burn off steam ziplining, go karting or golfing, and teach your kids the joy of spending time in nature. The fall weather is ideal for cool nature activities at the Coastal Discovery Museum or find an eco-adventure perfect for the whole family with Outside Hilton Head.

6. Attend a Fall Festival

From Lowcountry culinary experiences and all you can eat oyster extravaganzas to pumpkin patches and unique Gullah festivals celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Lowcountry, Hilton Head Island is known for its fabulous fall festivals!

Lowcountry Fish and Grits Music Festival

October 7, 2023: Lowcountry Celebration Park

Jeep Island & Hilton Head Island Chili Cook-Off

Jeep Island 2023 is ON! October 6, 2023 & October 7, 2023

Meet and Greet: October 6th, 4:00-7:30pm
Autonation, Hardeville
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Main Event: October 7th, 11am-3:30pm
Coastal Discovery Museum, Hilton Head Island
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After Party: October 7th, 5:30-8pm
Skull Creek Boathouse
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Rock N’ Ribs Music & BBQ Fest

October 19-22, 2022 – Coligny Plaza

Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival

October 19-23, 2022 – Historic Downtown Bluffton

Pumpkin Patch

October 2023 – Shelter Cove Community Park

Italian Heritage Festival

October 21, 2023 – The Coastal Discovery Museum

Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance

November 3-5, 2023 – Port Royal Golf Club

Hilton Head Island Oyster Festival

November 10, 2023 – Shelter Cove Community Park

November 11, 2023 – Lowcountry Celebration Park

Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade

November 18, 2023 – Alder Beach Access to Coligny Beach Park

Winter Wonderland

TBD – December, Shelter Cove Community Park

Getting to Hilton Head Island is easy! Many major airlines fly into Hilton Head Island Airport with non-stop flights and easy connections, and the flights are less frantic in the off-season! If you’re planning a scenic fall road trip through the Lowcountry, Hilton Head Island is only a 45-minute drive from Savannah and a 2.5 hour drive from Charleston.

Experience coastal living at its finest this fall and start planning your getaway to Hilton Head Island with confidence and ease with the Sunset Package. Our selection of luxury Hilton Head vacation rentals are situated in the top HHI resort areas and range from cozy condos for two to multi-bedroom beachfront homes for family reunions, large group gatherings, or a golf buddies getaway to Hilton Head. If you’re looking to escape the cold and linger longer on Hilton Head, our monthly vacation rentals are available from October 1^st to April 1^st for a snowbird escape or extended stay on the island.

June 23, 2022December 6, 2023

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 the perfect midpoint to tour the surrounding area, with some of the most beautiful cities in the country only a day trip away. You can enjoy the paradise of Hilton Head Island, the charm of Georgia, and the historical city of Charleston all in one vacation. Read on to learn more about the surrounding areas, and everything that is possible when staying with Sunset Rentals!

1. Charleston

About a 2-hour drive from Hilton Head Island, you can find the beloved city of Charleston, the oldest and largest city in South Carolina. With traditional cobblestone roads, sandy beaches, historical architecture and southern charm, Charleston is well worth the drive.

Visit the Charleston Farmers Market for local vendors and lowcountry cuisine, the South Carolina Aquarium for educational tours and wildlife, and walk the historical streets of downtown Charleston to visit some of the most famous Charleston landmarks, like the Battery and Rainbow Row.

2. isle of palms

Only 20 minutes from Charleston and a 2.5-hour trip from Hilton Head Island, you’ll find Isle of Palms, a long stretch of sandy white beach. Known for world-class golf courses, spas, fine dining, and resorts, Isle of Palms is a favorite amongst Charleston locals.

Head over to Isle of Palms County Park for picnics, walks, and trails, or Isle of Palms Fishing Charters for fantastic views, waterway tours, and an unbeatable fishing experience.

3. kiawah island

Another South Carolina Lowcountry favorite is Kiawah Island, only about a 2-hour drive from Hilton Head Island. Kiawah Island is a top destination for luxury resorts living in harmony with nature. It features 10 miles of pristine beaches, maritime forests, sand dunes, and marshes.

Freshfields Village is the perfect spot for lowcountry fine dining and luxury shopping. Beachwalker Park has plenty of wildlife sightings with beautiful views; and Bohicket Marina has action-packed adventures and watersports for the whole family.

4. Savannah

On the other side of Hilton Head Island, you’ll find Savannah, GA, just an hour’s drive away. Known for the Savannah Historic District and the Savannah River Front, there are plenty of places to explore.

Take a trolley through the Historic District full of live oaks and educational tours, wander through the shops and museums of Riverfront, or dine-in at some of the most famous local restaurants, like Vic’s on the River or Olde Pink House.

5. Daufuskie Island

Located just between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, sits Daufuskie Island. Although the island is only accessible by ferry, it is well worth the scenic trip. Locals love to travel over to Daufuskie for hiking, biking, fishing, or just exploring the pristine shoreline.

The Daufuskie Island Ferry transports you to and from the island, and while you’re there, be sure to visit Tour Daufuskie for water taxis, island tours, and rentals.

6. Beaufort

The town of historic sea islands, Beaufort, SC, is only a one-hour drive away. You’ll find coastal beaches, maritime forests, and scenic wetlands ready to be explored.

Hunting Island Beach is the best swimming spot with white sand and shady trees, while the rest of Beaufort is known for its classic southern charm in its museums, tours, and historical sites.

7. Jekyll island

Although a less popular vacation spot, Jekyll Island is full of adventure and beautiful sights to see. It’s a scenic 2-hour drive away, through the oak trees and over marshes. Jekyll Island is home to Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Summer Waves Water Park, sports centers, bike trails, and more.

Visit Summer Waves Water Park for water slides, pools, and fun for the whole family, then head over to Jekyll Island State Park to wind down the day with a bike ride and wildlife viewing.

8. tybee island

Only a 1.5-hour drive away, Tybee Island, GA is a small coastal community and one of the top-rated beaches in the US. Tybee Island is popular for all families, whether traveling with pets, children, or even couples.

There are plenty of small-town local shops like Seaside Sisters, ocean adventures, and classic lowcountry dining at Sundae Cafe or A-J’s Dockside.

Where To Stay?

Whether you’re looking for exciting outdoor activities, small town southern charm, or beautiful landscapes, adventure is only a short day trip away! Visit Hilton Head Island and find the perfect vacation rental from which to tour all that the Lowcountry has to offer with Sunset Rentals!

January 13, 2022June 14, 2022

Lowcountry Cuisine: Enjoy the Flavors of the Lowcountry

One of the ways the diversity of the U.S. is best experienced is through food. Different regions utilize different techniques and flavors in their cuisine. In the South, you’ll experience “Lowcountry cooking,” a unique and delicious style of food.

You’re probably wondering what exactly Lowcountry food is. To help you wrap your head around this regional cooking style, the team at Sunset Rentals has prepared a guide for you all about Lowcountry cuisine.

What is Lowcountry?

Before we dive into the specifics of Lowcountry cooking, it’s important to define the area we’re talking about where the Lowcountry is. Many represent the Lowcountry as the southern region of South Carolina’s coast. By most definitions, it includes Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper Counties. However, depending on who you’re talking to, this area could be well expanded, even reaching as far as Georgia.

What is Lowcountry Cooking?

Lowcountry cooking incorporates many of the different ingredients commonly found in the Lowcountry. That means dishes typically center around seafood, vegetables, and rice. It might not sound like much on paper, but with fresh ingredients and a great recipe, your mouth will be watering. Perhaps the most famous example of Lowcountry cuisine is shrimp and grits. This traditional dish is commonly eaten for breakfast, but it’s just as good for lunch or supper. Lowcountry boil, also known as Frogmore or Beaufort stew, is another classic Lowcountry dish. This boil, which features shellfish, corn, potatoes, and other vegetables, is common at gatherings or community events. Soups and stews are other Lowcountry cooking staples. Gumbo is a great example of this. Gumbo consists of stock, meat or shellfish, celery, bell peppers, onions, and usually some additional spice.

Where to Try Lowcountry Cooking in Hilton Head Island

If you’re interested in getting a taste of Lowcountry cooking, you’re in luck; there are several outstanding restaurants on Hilton Head Island serving up these tasty dishes. Here’s a list of some of our favorites:

Lucky Rooster Kitchen & Bar: Focuses on Lowcountry cuisine with local ingredients.
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks: An eatery right on the water that prides on using the freshest ingredients.
A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant: A unique, casual restaurant with an incredible atmosphere serving up Lowcountry favorites.
Bad Biscuit: The go-to place to experience Lowcountry breakfast and brunch.
The Old Oyster Factory: A must-stop for seafood lovers; this restaurant also features spectacular views.

Experience Lowcountry Food at a Vacation Rental in Hilton Head

You can delight in the fabulous flavors of Lowcountry cooking when you stay in Hilton Head Island. At Sunset Rentals, we have a variety of excellent vacation rentals that would be the perfect place to call home on your next getaway to Hilton Head Island. To stay with us, book direct or call our team at 843-785-6767.