Few beach destinations check as many boxes as Hilton Head Island, and the best things to do in Hilton Head prove exactly why families keep coming back year after year. With wide, beautiful beaches, world-class golf, dolphin-watching cruises, and plenty of family-friendly adventures packed into one stunning barrier island, there’s genuinely something here for everyone. And when you pair all of that with the right place to stay—think spacious resort villas with pools and full kitchens—the whole experience gets even better. This guide covers the top activities on the island, the best timeshare resorts to stay at, and how to enjoy it all without overspending.
- Why Does Hilton Head Have So Many Things to Do?
- Top 8 Things to Do in Hilton Head
- Why Does Staying at a Timeshare Resort Make Your Hilton Head Trip Better?
- 5 Top Timeshare Resorts to Stay at in Hilton Head
- Can You Stay at a Hilton Head Timeshare Resort on a Budget?
- Find Your Perfect Hilton Head Stay at BuyATimeshare.com
- Plan Your Hilton Head Adventure Today
Why Does Hilton Head Have So Many Things to Do?
Hilton Head Island sits off the coast of South Carolina and stretches roughly 12 miles long. Its natural landscapes include pristine beaches, tidal creeks, marshes, and maritime forests—and that diversity is exactly what makes the island so activity-rich. Families, couples, golfers, foodies, and outdoor adventurers all find their groove here. Whether you’re craving relaxation or an action-packed itinerary, the island delivers. The only challenge? Deciding how to spend your time. Fortunately, the top things to do in Hilton Head are an excellent place to start.
Top 8 Things to Do in Hilton Head
Here’s a roundup of the best activities the island has to offer—from the beach to the waterways and beyond.
1. Relax on the Beach
Hilton Head’s beaches are some of the finest on the East Coast—wide, flat, and remarkably clean. Coligny Beach Park is the most popular spot, offering easy access, public restrooms, and nearby shops and restaurants. The surf is gentle, which makes it especially great for families with young kids. Pack a cooler, rent a beach umbrella, and plan to spend a good chunk of your day here. It’s the kind of beach that makes you forget what day it is.
2. Hit the Links at a World-Class Golf Course
Hilton Head is a golfer’s paradise, home to more than 30 championship golf courses. According to Golf Digest, the island is consistently ranked among the top golf destinations in the United States. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, you’ll find a course that suits your skill level. The renowned Harbour Town Golf Links, host of the RBC Heritage PGA Tour event, is a bucket-list round for any golf enthusiast.
3. Take a Dolphin-Watching Cruise
One of the most memorable things to do in Hilton Head—especially with kids—is a dolphin-watching cruise. The island’s surrounding waters are home to thriving populations of bottlenose dolphins, and local tour operators run regular excursions through the Calibogue Sound and Intracoastal Waterway. Spotting dolphins swimming alongside the boat never gets old, no matter how many times you’ve seen it.
4. Explore the Island by Bike
Hilton Head has over 60 miles of well-maintained, paved bike paths that wind through neighborhoods, nature preserves, and along the coast. The terrain is flat, making it easy and enjoyable for riders of all ages. Bike rentals are widely available across the island, and most resorts are conveniently connected to the trail system. It’s one of the best ways to take in the island’s scenery at a relaxed pace.
5. Get Out on the Water
Beyond dolphin cruises, Hilton Head’s waterways are an open invitation to kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. The Intracoastal Waterway and tidal creeks offer calm, sheltered paddling that’s perfect for beginners. Several outfitters around the island offer guided tours and equipment rentals, so you don’t need to bring your own gear. Exploring the marshes at sunrise or sunset is a genuinely special experience.
6. Visit the Coastal Discovery Museum
For families who want to learn while they explore, the Coastal Discovery Museum is a fantastic stop. Located on Honey Horn Plantation, the museum covers the island’s natural history, ecology, and cultural heritage through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and outdoor programs. It’s educational without feeling like a classroom—and the surrounding property is beautiful to walk around.
7. Play Mini Golf or Visit an Arcade
Sometimes the best family memories happen on a rainy afternoon. Adventure Cove is one of the island’s go-to spots for family entertainment, featuring mini golf and arcade games. It’s a great option for younger kids who need a change of pace from the beach, or for families looking for evening fun after dinner.
8. Savor the Local Seafood Scene
No trip to Hilton Head is complete without a proper seafood meal. Skull Creek Boathouse and Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks are two beloved local institutions known for their fresh catches and stunning waterfront views. Both restaurants source locally and are consistently praised for their quality. For families who love food, working your way through the island’s dining scene is an adventure in itself.
Why Does Staying at a Timeshare Resort Make Your Hilton Head Trip Better?
Where you stay has a real impact on how your vacation feels—and in Hilton Head, a timeshare resort takes things to another level. Rather than squeezing into a standard hotel room, you get a spacious villa where everyone has room to breathe. Full kitchens mean you can prep breakfast before a beach day, saving money without sacrificing convenience. Multiple pools, on-site activities, and prime locations close to the island’s top attractions make it easy to settle in and truly relax.
Here’s what sets timeshare resort stays apart:
- Space: One- to three-bedroom villas offer far more room than a typical hotel
- Full kitchens: Cook meals, store snacks, and avoid eating out for every meal
- Resort amenities: Pools, lazy rivers, fitness centers, and activity programs
- Prime locations: Many resorts sit steps from the beach or waterways
- Home-like comfort: No one feels cramped, and kids have space to spread out
5 Top Timeshare Resorts to Stay at in Hilton Head
Ready to find your home base? These five resorts are among the best places to stay on the island.
Marriott’s SurfWatch: A self-contained retreat featuring spacious two- and three-bedroom villas, multiple pools, and organized kids’ activities. Located near top family attractions and easy beach access.
Marriott’s Grande Ocean Resort: An oceanfront property with direct beach access, three swimming pools, and a full tennis complex. One-, two-, and three-bedroom villas offer plenty of room for the whole family to spread out comfortably.
Coral Sands Resort: An RCI Gold Crown Award-winning resort with a lazy river, outdoor pool, and spacious one- and three-bedroom villas. Centrally located near beaches, golf courses, and the island’s best dining.
Bluewater Resort and Marina: Home to the only private dock on the Intracoastal Waterway, plus the island’s largest outdoor pool and a lazy river. The Key West-inspired villas feature stunning water views throughout.
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort: A charming, family-focused Disney Vacation Club resort complete with pools, a waterslide, and structured kids’ activity programs. The one- and two-bedroom villas genuinely feel like a home away from home.
Can You Stay at a Hilton Head Timeshare Resort on a Budget?
Many travelers assume that timeshare resorts come with steep price tags—but that’s not always the case. There are two budget-friendly ways to enjoy these properties without paying developer prices.
Renting a timeshare is ideal if you’re planning a one-time trip. You rent directly from an existing owner, often at a fraction of what a comparable hotel would cost—and you still get access to every resort amenity, exactly as if you’d purchased the timeshare yourself.
Buying a timeshare on the resale market makes more sense if you plan to vacation in Hilton Head regularly. A flexible, points-based resale timeshare can offer long-term savings for those who take a family vacation year after year.
Either way, the experience is the same: luxurious accommodations, resort-grade amenities, and a stay that genuinely feels elevated.
Find Your Perfect Hilton Head Stay at BuyATimeshare.com
BuyATimeshare.com has spent over 20 years helping travelers rent and buy timeshares on the resale market, making it the trusted go-to for vacationers looking to get more out of their trips. The platform features a wide selection of Hilton Head timeshare rentals and resales, along with filters that let you sort by price, resort, unit size, and more—making it straightforward to find the right fit for your family and budget.
Plan Your Hilton Head Adventure Today
From gentle beach waves and dolphin sightings to fresh seafood and miles of scenic bike trails, the things to do in Hilton Head are genuinely hard to top. Add in the comfort and value of a timeshare resort stay, and you’ve got the recipe for a trip your family will be talking about for years. Browse available rentals and resales at BuyATimeshare.com and start planning your Hilton Head getaway today.
