A family guide to summer on hilton head island
For kids and parents alike, summer on Hilton Head Island is magical. With endless stretches of picture-perfect beaches, sunny skies and warm breezes, and a whole host of ways to enjoy the great outdoors, it’s a wonderful time to explore the Lowcountry, enjoy some R&R, and reconnect with the ones closest to you.
Family Friends Parks & Playgrounds on Hilton Head Island
When I told my husband my newest blog post was about playgrounds and parks on Hilton Head Island, he quickly lent his opinion! You see, when Gray (16 months) first started walking, my husband was so excited to find the “BEST” playground on the Island – he envisioned weekends of playground hunting where he and Gray would bond over stairs, swing-sets and slides. Now, every weekend, you can find our family riding bikes on the miles of paths…either to the beach or to the park to play.
Top 10 (No 9!) Ways to Hike and Bike Hilton Head Island Like a Local
For the 2.5 million + visitors we have to Hilton Head Island each year, the Island’s over 60 miles of public pathways are an oasis of transportation. A way to get out of the car and find your way to a restaurant or beach park via pathway. But for many visitors, that just isn’t enough. They want to know the real Hilton Head Island, the parts that locals love and enjoy year round – so here you are! And you’ll see my favorites too. Most of the locations are free and open to the public. Enjoy – and don’t forget I’m on twitter at @heatherrath. Leave your comments in the space below as well and if you like this, please share it!
Five Activities for Fall & Winter Family Fun on Hilton Head Island
The air is cooling, the leaves have changed, and school is back in session, virtual or otherwise. Which means all the more reason to plan family fun activities outside the classroom. And here on Hilton Head Island, we have plenty of great ideas to make your getaway a great one. If you’re making your way to America’s Favorite Island® this fall or winter, these five must-do activities are sure to be fun for you and the kids!
*Image on Left is by @alanhunt42
Celebrate Fourth of July on Hilton Head Island
Fourth of July arrives with plenty of familiar signs on Hilton Head Island. Bikes pick up red, white, and blue streamers, beach chairs make their way toward the shoreline, runners gather at Jarvis Creek Park, and music drifts through Harbour Town. This year, as America marks its 250th anniversary, the day carries a little extra spark. And by nightfall, everyone will have one eye on the sky.
Whether your Fourth of July starts with a 5K, a beach stroll, or a spot near the Harbour Town Lighthouse, there’s plenty happening across America’s Favorite Island®.
A Lowcountry Gift Guide for the Whole Family
Hilton Head Island is known for our miles of pristine beaches, abundant natural beauty, authentic Lowcountry flavors, and our welcoming, laid back vibe. It’s for these reasons that we’re America’s Favorite Island® and are a destination families return to year after year, generation after generation. This year, the holidays will look very different for many families. Some annual vacations to the Lowcountry have been postponed, and gatherings will need to be much smaller than usual. We know that Hilton Head Island is a part of many families’ annual traditions, so if you love the Lowcountry and wish you were here, we sure do have the gift guide for you.
Read on to learn more about our recommendations for Lowcountry gifts for the whole family from local Hilton Head Island small businesses! All of the shops we’ve linked to offer the ability to order online and/or by telephone, making it easy to #ShopSmall and bring Hilton Head Island home for the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes — you absolutely can visit Daufuskie Island on a day trip from Hilton Head Island. You’ll need to catch the ferry from Hilton Head Island. Plan ahead if you want to rent a golf cart to get around or join one of the local tours of Gullah cultural sites. Bluffton is also an easy day trip from Hilton Head Island, with historic sites, local shops, galleries, and restaurants to explore.
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Some of the cultural experiences we think you shouldn’t miss include visiting the Coastal Discovery Museum, learning more about Gullah Geechee heritage, exploring the historic churches and Old Town in Bluffton, indulging in a local food tour, and enjoying one of our local events and art shows.
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Absolutely! We’ve assembled a variety of itineraries with something for everyone in mind. Whether you’re visiting with family, planning a golf getaway, or looking to spend more time outdoors, there are plenty of ideas to help inspire your time on Hilton Head Island.
