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We returned from our first big vacation as a family of four just over a week ago. We travelled over 11 hours to get to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where we met up with my mom and dad (Mimi + Poppy), and my sister and her family. So there were 6 adults, two babies, and one Ari. 🙂
I had never before been to HHI, and neither had my husband. And, to be honest, I did very little planning (if any) whatsoever! I meant to plan out some adventures ahead of time, but Summer got so busy with all of the normal day-to-day stuff… it just never happened! My sister, on the other hand, had done some planning. But life with babies rarely — if ever! — goes as planned.
One thing that was set well in advance was our condo for the week. We stayed at Seacrest Villas, directly on the North Forest Beach, and just steps away from Coligny Plaza.

But there was so much to do!

I had the Chicken and French Toast (what a fun play on chicken + waffles!) and Chad got the flash-fried whole flounder with collard greens.


TIPS:
If you dine between 3:00 – 6:00 PM, the majority of their entrees are 50% off!
And make reservations!
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING:
Somewhat.
The atmosphere is less appealing to children, but the waitstaff and other employees were super friendly to the kids.


TIPS:
Have the kids where some sort of water shoes to avoid stubbed toes.
Arrive first thing in the morning for the least crowding.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING:
100%!

When we arrived shortly after 5PM, the place was already packed with an hour wait for outside seating. As much as we wanted to sit outside, we were also dealing with a time limit thanks to the kiddos bedtimes! Instead we opted for an immediate high-top table inside. Believe it or not, they have highchairs for the high-top tables, so they could easily accommodate two infants.



TIPS:
Arrive early and be prepared to wait if you are looking for outdoor seating.
But also enjoy that time in the beer garden while you wait!
The restaurant will text you when your table is ready!
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING:
Really family-friendly! Each child will get to pick a prize from the treasure box after the meal.
The outdoor beer garden is the perfect place for parents to spend a relaxing evening with young kids.


As far as the food, they offer Mexican-style burritos and bowls with ingredients that are locally sourced, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Yep – they do breakfast burritos with farm-fresh eggs!

TIPS:
Take a look at the menu online ahead of time so that you have an idea of what you want to order.
Definitely order coffee, too!
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING:
Yes, for a quick family meal. But not for lounging around.



(Good news, Ohio friends — there is a Duck Donuts on Polaris Parkway in Columbus!)
TIPS:
Prepare to wait in line.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING:
Very! The kids have fun watching the donuts being made.

We took our daiquiris to go and walked around the plaza a few nights. They were so delicious! My favorites were Jump Start and Grape Danger.

TIPS:
If there are more than 3 of you ordering daiquiris, save yourself a few bucks and order a gallon to-go.
It’s the most cost-effective way to sip some frozen yummies!
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING:
Not very.
We saw a lot of children there with their parents, but it’s really more of a bar than anything else.



TIPS:
Arrive right when they open to avoid a wait.
Sit outdoors.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING:
Very.
There is so much to keep the kids entertained, between the games, the music, and the mason jars with lids as sippy cups!
Pirates of Hilton Head. Chad took Ari on this adventure without me and Remy Bea, which was fine. The Pirates of Hilton Head is an excursion in Harbour Town (near the lighthouse!) on The Black Dagger! The kids, which range in age from 3-10, in groups of about 20 children (max), learn to speak like pirates, get tattoos, and take down Stinky Pete with water cannons! Ari had such an amazing time and came home with enough gold doubloons to last him a lifetime! We will definitely be hitting this up with every visit.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB-Iu4ZDCgU&feature=share]
TIPS:
Check Groupon to see if they have any deals first (they did for us!).
Make sure you plan to spend some time in Harbour Town because there’s a $6 fee to be in the area,
but you have in-and-out privileges all day.
Wear a small backpack and bring plenty of water and snacks.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING:
Very much so! Especially for kids 3 and up!
We will certainly be making Hilton Head our go-to vacation spot from hereon out. I can’t wait to visit all of these places again! Make sure you pin this for later! xo



I love this area, we visited on our honeymoon back in May!
Hilton Head is my favorite place to go on vacation. Well, tied with a cruise. 🙂
I’ve been wanting to go to Hilton Head with my husband! Also, love that mermaid bathing suit. so cute.
Somehow with the exception of Charleston, South Carolina has not been a place I’ve spent much time. I have friends who’ve gone to Hilton Head every summer for 30 years, but I’ve never been. Will have to remedy that after reading your post!
Wow this place looks Amazing!!! And it sounds like you all had a great time.
Xojohnnielynn
http://Www.cojohnnielynn.com
All that delicious food! Chicken and french toast sounds awesome. It sounds like you had a blast!
I LOVE this write up!! And those donuts have me drooling 😉 Looks like an amazing place to visit!
My mom has an annual timeshare in Hilton Head, & my aunt & uncle own a rental beach house there, so we’ve been going my whole life. I love it there & love that there’s always still so much new stuff to discover. As I told you on Instagram, Skull Creek Boathouse is one of my faves & managed by a high school friend, so we always go there – but I’m going to suggest a few of these other spots to my mom for our trip later this month!
Oh wow this place looks so amazing! I want to visit so badly!
This trip looked fabulous! I seriously could eat at the places you did! I will be adding this to my travel list for sure!
Thanks for sharing! XXX
Looks like a great place for a family vacation! And those donuts look delicious!! Thanks for sharing!
Xoxo,
Mom Insane Fit
Wow, great post! Sounds like you guys had an amazing trip! I’ve never been to South Carolina, but would love to visit, I’ll have to keep this in mind!
I’ve never heard of Hilton head before!! Thanks for sharing all the great things about it <3
Looks like you guys had a great time and the food looks so yummy too!!
Lauren
http://www.basicbabelauren.com
My hubby and I recently went to Charleston, SC so I immediately added Hilton Head Island to our list! This post has some amazing tips and OMG THOSE DONUTS. YES. Pinning this for our future travels to HHI! I’m so excited to go there now!
Wow, this sounds like a great place to go! All of those restaurants look great! And looks like your bub had a blast in the fountains! Glad to see you enjoyed your time there! 🙂
It looks like you had a great time! I grew up in South Carolina and it holds a special place in my heart — especially the coast!!
We love Hilton Head, I will keep this post for future!
Wow! What a fun place! I would love to visit and stay there!
I’ve never been to Hilton Head Island, but now I want to go! There are so many fun things to do, and all that food! What a dream vacation!!
Your vacation there looks SO fun! I’m hungry looking at all the good food you found along the way!
This sounds like a great vacation spot! I love places with AmAzInG dining options… sounds like there are!
We went to HHI 5 years ago and this makes me want to go back. The drive was a bit challenging for us…but maybe now that the kids are older. It is such a fun place!
Wow this looks like a fun place to visit!
This trip looks amazing! Thank you for including all the family ratings for your activities!
I love Hilton Head! It’s been years since I’ve been there and this makes me want to go back!
It is so beautiful there! I grew up right outside of Charleston in Summerville so I would go there often 🙂 That salad with the Fried Green Tomatoes looks delicious!
I am always glad to find a place to go with kids and have a beautiful time together. This sounds like a lovely spot to create a few great memories.