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 and temperatures simmer to the mid 80s on Hilton Head Island, Labor Day Weekend is the perfect last minute trip to end the season. Read on to learn about the various events taking place around town for the whole family to enjoy.
Harbourfest at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
HarbourFest Fireworks
Date: July 25, 2023
Location: Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina17 Harbourside Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
The 34th Anniversary of HarbourFest, HHI’s largest multi-week summertime event, returns with Shannon Tanner, Cappy the Clown, Tuesday night fireworks (beginning June 6) and family fun at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina.
Fireworks begin Tuesday, June 6 and occur every Tuesday evening (when the sky is dark) through August 22.
2023 Fireworks Schedule (12 total shows—start when the sky is dark):
Tuesdays; June 6, 13, 20 & 27 Tuesdays; July 4, 11, 18 & 25 Tuesdays; August 1, 8, 15 & 22
Take a scenic 2-hour trip to Charleston for South Carolina’s premier annual Smooth Jazz event continues its Labor Day weekend tradition, kicking off the weekend with a stellar lineup.
Take a 2-hour trip over to Edisto Island to dance the night away to favorite coastal shag hits or enjoy food, drinks, arts & crafts, and more fun for the whole family.
The Ultimate Rib Challenge: Labor Day Rib Cookout
TBD
The Salty Dog in Hilton Head Island, SC
The Ultimate Rib Challenge will feature rib entries from 4 Salty Dog locations: Salty Dog Cafe (HHI), Salty Dog Bluffton, Salty Dog Seabrook (Charleston), and Land’s End Tavern. And you are the judge, so order an Official Rib Sampler and join the challenge!
Labor Day Beach Bash
September 2nd – 3rd, 2023
Tybee Island Pier in Tybee Island, GA
Take a short trip to Tybee Island for a one-of-a-kind free outdoor concert on the beach, featuring The Swingin’ Medallions, an American beach music group from Greenwood, SC. Check it out HERE!
WaterSideWalk Sale
TBD
Shelter Cove Towne Centre in Hilton Head Island, SC
Enjoy great savings during the semi-annual Sidewalk Sale! Find end of summer sales, new fall merchandise, gifts, and more at participating retailers.
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!
Getting to Hilton Head Islandis 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 1st to April 1st for a snowbird escape or extended stay on the 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.
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.
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.
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!
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. With the summer tourists gone, the island is quieter, making it easier to relax and let your stress melt away. You and your loved one will enjoy the crisp sea breeze and all of the romantic things to do in Hilton Head on your vacation. 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.
1. Take a Romantic Beach Walk
It might be a little too chilly to swim in the ocean when you visit Hilton Head in the winter, but nothing is stopping you from taking a romantic stroll on the beach. You and your partner will enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean on the best beaches in the country. The sea breeze is often crisp during this time, so pack a sweatshirt or windbreaker just in case you get cold.
2. Visit Island Winery
If you and your loved one enjoy wine, be sure to check out Island Winery. Island Winery has been serving up tasty craft wine since 2006. When you visit, you can order your wine by the glass or by the bottle. They also offer both indoor and outdoor seating. While they don’t serve food, Island Winery would be a great place to pack a meal and have a romantic picnic with your partner.
3. Spend the Day Relaxing at a Spa
A day at the spa can be both relaxing and romantic. Luckily, Hilton Head is home to several amazing spas. The Indigo Spa was voted best hotel spa in America by USA Today. If you’re looking for a “green” experience, Ahh Green Spa is Hilton Head’s first green spa, offering organic and vegan products. Are you looking for more options? We’ve compiled a list of other great spas on the island here.
Now that you’ve read up on some of the most romantic things to do in Hilton Head, it’s time to find the perfect rental for your special trip. Sunset Rentals provides a wide variety of Hilton Head vacation rentals, ensuring you find one that’s suitable for you. To book your romantic getaway to Hilton Head Island with Sunset Rentals, please check our availability online or give us a call at 1-800-276-8991.
