The Best Things to Do, See, & Eat on HHIwelcome to lowcountry, where the seafood is fresh, the shopping is colorful, and the white sand beaches are plentiful. here a few of my favorite recommendations for the next time your exploring the top island in the US: hilton head island (HHI). Authorskatherinebeard
DestinationsHilton Head IslandItinerary

Best Beaches 🏝️

Folly Field Beach
my FAVORITE beach by far! the boardwalk from the parking lot is short and sweet, and the white sands are unbeatable! usually, it isn't too wavy here and the dunes are just so charming. the beach can get super busy in high season though... if you walk about 10-15 minutes to the right, there will be more untouched space and your beach day won't feel quite as busy!
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Burkes Beach
right down from folly field, burke's beach is the home of hhi surfing (during the season). the walk from the parking lot is longer, but the beachfront is just as amazing. lots of kids playing in tide pools and people enjoying the splashing ocean waves here.
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Sea pines beach
another favorite beach, this spot on the south end of the island has incredible sunsets, soft white sands, and just has a refined feel. it still gets super busy during high season with families and friends, but there are beachfront restaurants and a bar (the sea pines ocean club) just steps from the shore.
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Tower Beach Club
sneakily at the southern tip of the island, this quiet beach looks out at the channel and dafuskie island.
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Eats & Drinkies 🥂

delisheeyo
one of the best places for breakfast, lunch, or brunch made up of healthy foods on hilton head island! their wraps are apparently to die for soooo i’ll be coming back to try one! (they also have salads). the açaí bowl was seriously packed with fresh fruits, granola, goji berries. it was divine.
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Hudson's Seafood House On The Docks
a HHI classic. from delicious oysters, heavy pour cocktails, fresh, daily catches, and of course, my favorite, their coconut cake, you cannot go wrong eating here.... because everything is delicious. if the line is long, try to snag a little table by the bar, they'll serve you right away!
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Old Oyster Factory Restaurant
are you an oyster lover?! i definitely am & being in low country means i get to eat lots of them (which is always so exciting). come indulge at the oyster factory on the marsh in hilton head island! the old oyster factory has amazing seating, both indoor at their historic dining room and out on their decks… you can’t go wrong even on a hot day. we came for a late lunch/snack around 3pm, during their happy hour, when all oysters were half off! (you can’t beat it) our server was super knowledgeable of the selection and even brought two oysters on the house because of how excited i was to be finally eating some. so thoughtful :) would 1000% recommend this spot.
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Ocean Lounge
one of my family's favorite spots for a nice dinner or an occasion! the view over sea pines beach is just incredible and the food is delicious too. if you just want the views, head out to their patio area for a drink and a chat at one of their comfy, lounge-style tables at sunset.
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Gr8 Bites
this is THE spot for a saturday cinnamon roll! famous for their $16 brunch plates, that are packed with a roll, french toast, eggs, and more, get here early because they fill up and run out quick.
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Paris Baguette
one of my faves for a coffee and a breakfast treat! their breakfast desserts are made to perfection, not a speck of sugar out of place and their coffees are sooooo smooth. they are always on top of trends too (the last time i was here they had the dubai chocolate matcha).
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Favorite Shopping 🛍️

fab'rik Hilton Head
a cute stop for southern-style, colorful dresses! they had a great sale section too.
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Coligny Plaza Shopping Center
home to a plethora of shops, from touristy stops, to locally made BBQ and honey, as well as clothing boutiques, you'll be sure to find a memorable souvenir here. this is where i came to look for some new bikinis and a postcard ;)
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Quiet Storm Surf Shop
this is a bikini-lovers DREAM. they have trendy, sporty, and everything in between, in EVERY color kini here. on top of that, they have some cute womens and mens athleisure and beach items too! i can't leave here without finding at least one thing i like every time. note that the swimwear sales are no returns though!
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Tanger Outlets Hilton Head 2
home to a bunch of chain shops, that are outlets, this spot has beach favorites, shoes, clothing, and quick bites. its an easy stop on your way in or out of HHI! i love saks OFF 5th here... i can usually find designer dresses at a fraction of the cost (like my favorite misa los angeles one).
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HHI Experiences ⛵️

Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise
sail along the coast searching for majestic dolphins! watch as they play and splash in the waves around you 🐬
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Book
Daufuskie Island Guided History Tour from Hilton Head
something i’ve been itching to see & do is take a day trip to dafuskie! explore history along the sc coast on this guided tour and take a scenic/commuter ferry ride.
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Book
Parasailing Adventure at the Hilton Head Island
set sail in the skies with this afternoon adventure! take in the coastal views from a whole new perspective.
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Book
2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour
get acquainted with the marshes and grassy coastlines of HHI on this guided kayak tour. both informative and active all at once.
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Book

Day Trip to Charleston 🦪

Harken Cafe
the most adorable cafe, with a botanical theme, both indoor and outdoor seating. it gets suppppper busy (and i can see why)! their brie and jam scone was super filling, but perfectly paired with a chai!
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Rainbow Row
the famous sailors quarters that were refurbished into beautiful, colorful homes. stop by for a taste of history and a cute photo near the french quarter!
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The Battery
a waterfront walking/running path, lacking shade. walk along and admire the southern mansions across from the sparkling waters and marshes.
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Pineapple Fountain
the cutest pineapple fountain!!! it a quick and easy stop when you’re in charleston & worth seeing 🍍
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Charleston City Market
stop by the charleston market for a taste of local goods, handmade items, and even some bites! get a frond of the Palmetto tree rose, a gullah tradition, or a postcard from a local stand here.
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Indigo Home
cute, locally made goods and artwork. boutique feel, and really cute (but $$$) post cards.
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King Street
the best spot for shopping, from large name stores to smaller boutiques, you can find everything you want and need around here. i don’t shop in person much so it’s always nice to try things on at my favorite spots like free people, lulu, brandy, & more, as well as discover new shops (more on that below).
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Oliphant Design Charleston
colorful, patterened dresses and tops. definitely more of a mom vibe but has some hidden gems!
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My Sister's Cottage
an adorable boutique with dresses, cute shirts, and skirts. southern-basics vibe!
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Sézane Pop-Up
a shop with cute womens wear (chain).
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DFTI Boutique
the cutest little summer sun dresses and kinis! so so colorful in here.
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Magnolias
an iconic charleston restaurant. you have to try their famous fried tomatoes and the iced tea cocktail! i had their fried chicken which was juicy, and not too heavy, and tried some of the catch of the day (flounder when i went) that was so light and buttery. the pimento cheese app is HUGE but another southern classic!
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