Our Hilton Head Favorites

Our Hilton Head favorite things to do and places to eat

Link to Island Events – I look at this when I go down to see what is happening on the specific dates I am going to be in town. Click on the button to “View Island Events”

https://www.hiltonhead.com/magazines/

Our Favorite Restaurants Close to North Shore (the condo)

Tiki Hut

Completely redone and reopened at the end of May 2024. Located on the beach. It definitely brings the vacation vibe. A tiki hut, bands, palm trees, the beach. There are sand volley ball courts out front.

The Bank

Opened in 2023. The building was a bank previously and has been converted into a bar / restaurant. Has a fun vibe. There is a big outside area with TVs, food trucks, there is food inside also. It is not far from North Shore. Have cornhole and at one time they had a giant connect four and giant Jenga but I didn’t see them there the last time.

Pool Bar Jim’s

Has the best frozen drinks (kids and adults). It also serves bar food but we always go for the drinks. It is located just off the beach at Sea Crest. Sea Crest is the condo complex whose pool you have access to when you stay at North Shore. It is one block up from North Shore and the pool is on the beach. The drinks are big so you can ask them to split one drink into two or more. The adult ones always comes with one small and one large too.

Fish

Very convenient to North Shore. Right across the street in Coligny Plaza. If you sit out on our North Shore balcony at night, you can probably hear their music. This restaurant usually has someone singing each day in the summer, spring and fall. The food is good and it has a lot going on around it.

Things to do Close to North Shore – All walking distance

Celebration Park – There is a playground with a big ship. Great for kids.

The Art Café – This is a cute art studio where you can paint ceramics. It is kid focused but many adults participate too. My kids loved it. If you go, go at the very beginning of your trip as it takes a few days for the Art Café to bake the ceramics and for them to dry.

Sandbox Museum – Great for a rainy day. If interested, I recommend getting tickets online early because they will sell out.

The Shell Shop – Located at Coligny Plaza. There are many shops near North Shore but for some reason this one is my kid’s favorite for souvenirs.

Coligny Plaza has live music and entertainment during the summer months. There is live music seven days a week. You can find the schedule if you google Coligny Plaza entertainment.

Sea Pines

You have to pay to get into Sea Pines. I think it is around $10. You will have to pay each time you go so you might want to stack up the activities in one day so you don’t have to pay the entry fee multiple times.

Salty Dog Café - Generally busy so I would recommend going early or at least before you are super hungry in case you have to wait. It is on a pier and when we were there, their signer played the best music, the kind where you want to get up and dance. Most people do. There are little shops there, even a Salty Dog Café shop to get souvenirs.

Lawton Stables – Have trail rides as well as Pony rides for younger kids. There is also a petting farm and you are welcome to bring carrots and feed their horses.

Harbor Town – Such a cute area with lots to do. There are a lot of cute restaurants and shops right here. I have heard the food isn't the best here, but can personally say the Quarter Deck has good food.

• Gregg Russell – Is THE BEST!!! He plays here a lot of evenings in the summer. I would say to definitely do this. He is a family entertainer and the kids love him. He has been singing here for decades and if you go you will see why they invite him back.
• Pirates of Hilton Head Boat Adventure – This is cute. The staff does a good job with the kids. Sails out of Harbor Town.
• Dolphin cruise – I think there are a couple of companies that do Dolphin Cruises. We took one out of Harbor Town. It was okay. We did see a few dolphins but not many. Probably can range widely. The set up was nice, white linen table cloths and a 5-course meal.
• Light House – You can climb to the top of the light house (entry fee). There is some history along the way to stop and read / look at pictures.
• Playground – There is a great playground right in front of Harbor Town.

Other

Bike Ride – There are a number of places that you can rent bikes in Hilton Head. There are so many trails and most are shaded by trees. It is beautiful to ride through the trails. You can bike pretty much the entire island.

Comedy Magic Cabaret – We did the VIP magic show here and loved it! I was very impressed with the tricks. I think this might be adult only but not certain. I have not been to a comedy show here but have heard good things.

Shelter Cove - Lots of restaurants and shops. There are fireworks here on Tuesdays in the summer. Shannon Tanner also does live music here and is fun for kids.

Farmer’s Market – Every Tuesday in the summer at the Coastal Discovery Museum.

Miscellaneous things we have not done but giving more ideas- There are numerous wineries and distilleries but we have not been to any yet. There are a lot of golf courses and miniature golf, fishing expedition, shark fishing, mermaid encounters boat ride. I have seen where kayaking and paddle boards are offered but have never done this. Hilton Had has some nice spas too but I have not taken advantage of that yet.