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My first trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina was just over 2 years ago. From the moment we returned home, we’ve been dreaming and planning our next trip to Hilton Head. Now considering myself a semi-pro at Hilton Head, I want to provide you with all of my go-to places and must-sees! Check out these Hilton Head Travel Tips!
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.
Our condo was beautiful. It was three-bedrooms, 3-baths, and had a full kitchen and dining room — plus TWO balconies! It was truly gorgeous! And part of me — the super mom part of me — could have had just that and nothing else for an entire week. No responsibilities; not our house; no laundry and cleaning — just that for a week.
But there was so much to do!
Annie O’s Kitchen
We discovered this place by pure chance. We found ourselves upon a child-free evening and had not at all planned it out. Where would we go alone!? Well, a google search later and the results… showed a bunch of other places. But I happened to see the description of this restaurant — their meats, dairy, and eggs, are all-natural and cruelty-free. There are no antibiotics, no preservatives, no pesticides, and sustainable. Basically, totally our wheelhouse.
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.
We absolutely loved the atmosphere and the vibe from the staff. They were incredibly hands-on — the chef even came by to deliver our meals to the table. The cornbread? Bomb. The sweet tea? SO bomb. The desserts?! OMG I can’t even!
After our dining experience, we convinced the whole family to join us for a ‘last hurrah’ dinner at Annie O’s. And the whole extended family all said, hands down, the best food we had during the whole trip!
HILTON HEAD TIPS: Join their VIP Club to receive special deals like BOGO 50% off entrees. And make a reservation before you go!
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING: Somewhat. The atmosphere is less appealing to children, but the waitstaff and other employees were super friendly to the kids.
DETAILS: Annie O’s Kitchen. 124 Arrow Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 341-2664
Coligny Splash Pad
The beach, the pool… they can be… exhausting for parents. There’s just so much sand and ‘stuff,’ that kids need. This splash pad was a perfect break for all of us. Located near Coligny Plaza, the splash pad is just off the beach and easily accessible.
Our kids had a blast running in and out of the fountains — and even made a couple of friends! I suggest hitting the splash pad first thing in the morning before the sun really starts beating down on the kids. But, in case you find yourself there a little later, just know that it does have a little overhead shade, thanks to the awesome trees!
HILTON HEAD TIPS: Arrive first thing in the morning for the least amount of overcrowding.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING: 100%!
DETAILS: Coligny Beach Park. 1 N Forest Beach, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Skull Creek Boathouse
My sister insisted that we go here. We were having a rough day with the kiddos and I didn’t have even a second to check out the menu ahead of time. But I’m so happy that I put all of my trust in her with this restaurant decision!
When we arrived shortly after 5 PM, 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.
Our meals were delicious! I ordered the fried fish and chips and a big side of hush puppies (because, yum!). And Chad ordered a lobster rice bowl that tasted amazing.
My sister and her husband loved the Lowcountry boil — and I had some serious food envy of them!
After our meal, we headed to the dock to check out the views. On the other side of the dock there is a beautiful outdoor beer garden with picnic tables, sandboxes for kids, and giant connect four games. The live music was a young guy playing guitar and singing up on stage. It was the perfect way to spend an evening!
HILTON HEAD 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.
DETAILS: Skull Creek Boathouse. 397 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926.
(843) 681-3663
Java Burrito
We stopped here, first and foremost, for the Java. But I was so impressed by the food setup that I had to come back later in the week to try it out. It’s nestled in a business park on William Hilton Parkway, so you almost have to go searching for it, but I promise it’s worth it!
Their coffee bar is definitely high-end, specialty coffee, with a huge clientele that prefers a pour-over (hello!? LOVE pour overs!). But they also offer cocktails for those customers who are going to hang out in the cool café for a bit!
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!
I opted for a burrito with chicken, rice, beans, queso, and guacamole. As someone that frequents other fast-casual burrito places, I can tell you that this was far superior to the rest of them. The freshness is something that you can taste!
HILTON HEAD 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.
DETAILS: Java Burrito. 1000 William Hilton Pkwy Suite J6, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928.
(843) 842-5282
Duck Donuts
So I realize that this is a franchise location and not a native Hilton Head Island thing… but for those of us who do not live near a Duck Donuts, checking this out while we’re on the island is KEY.
See, I have a love affair with donuts. I like them fancy and I like them plain — I don’t discriminate! Ha!
These donuts are served up fresh out of the fryer! We customized our order of a dozen and a half so that we could basically try all of them. Somehow a single plain old fashioned donut ended up in our pack. And I swear to you that is the best darn old fashioned, plain old donut, I have ever had!
(Good news, Ohio friends — there are several Duck Donuts locations open, including Polaris, Pinecrest, and soon-to-be, Summit Mall!)
HILTON HEAD TIPS: Prepare to wait in line — this place is popular!
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING: Very! The kids have fun watching the donuts being made.
DETAILS: Duck Donuts. 890 William Hilton Pkwy #70, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 842-3825
Frosty Frog
This little dive of a frozen cocktail bar is located in Coligny Plaza and features about 25 different frozen daiquiri combinations such as a Hurricane, Grape Danger, Sex on the Peach, Piña Colada, and Jungle Juice! Real Talk: They put all of their drinks, daiquiri or not, in styrofoam to-go cups — whether you’re eating in or taking food to go. Also, you’re allowed to walk with the open container anywhere within Coligny Plaza.
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.
After several visits, we decided to give their pizza a shot. And OMG it’s delicious! Like, really good and the slices are, as Ari would say, GINORMOUS!
HILTON HEAD 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 with their parents, but it’s really more of a bar than anything else.
DETAILS: Frosty Frog Cafe. 1 N Forest Beach Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 686-3764
Lowcountry Backyard
Located in Palmetto Dunes, this gem of a restaurant serves up local cuisine with some serious Lowcountry flair! We arrived just before 4:30 PM, which is when they open for dinner service. We were quickly greeted with two other families awaiting the dinner ‘bell’! Great minds (and early bedtimes for babies — likely)!
The atmosphere in the outdoor seating area is awesome. There’s giant Jenga, a hillbilly golf set, a giant porch swing, and a stage for the nightly solo performances.
Our food did not disappoint. Between the fried green tomatoes, the shrimp and grits, crab dip, and grilled pimento cheese sandwiches, we left… satisfied very full.
HILTON HEAD 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!
DETAILS: A Lowcountry Backyard. 32 Palmetto Bay Road, #4A, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 785-9273
Pirates of Hilton Head
My husband took our four-year-old on this adventure, just the two of them, as a special treat. 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 takedown 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.
HILTON HEAD TIPS: Check Groupon and other discount sites to see if they have any deals first (they did for us!). Also, make sure you plan to spend some time in Harbour Town because there’s a $6 fee to be in the area, but you will have in-and-out privileges all day. Final tip — wear a small backpack and bring plenty of water and snacks.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING: Very much so! Especially for kids 3 and up!
DETAILS: Pirates of Hilton Head. 149 Lighthouse Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 363-7000
We will certainly be making Hilton Head our go-to vacation spot from here on out. I can’t wait to visit all of these places again! Make sure you pin this for later! xo
the food looks delicious but the one photo that got me was the dock. i can just imagine watching the sunset from there. its hard to find a good view now a days with all the construction
We have been considering visiting the Carolinas. It would be fun to travel to Hilton Head as a family and check out some of these attractions.
Hilton Head looks like a hidden gem. I’ll have to look it up if I’m ever in South Carolina. I love the boat house – has that rustic feel. It also looks like there is no shortage of food options!
The food looks absolutely delicious. I want to have some now 🙂
Laura
https://pinkfrenzymissl.blogspot.com/
Skull creek boathouse sounds like setting for a horror film! But this looks nothing like that, the food as well looks just incredible!! If I can ever make a trip to visit the island I will do so!
LOL I never thought about it, but it does! Haha!
It is fine dining..nothing like the name;). The food is fresh and dining is so relaxing. We sat outside almost in a daze.
When I lived on the East Coast I always wanted to visit Hilton Head. We looked into it to meet family but coming from AZ, it’s not in the budget. Looks like so much fun. I’ll have to share some of the restaurants with a friend who lives there! Thanks for sharing
Umm all of that food looks fantastic!! I’ve been once but don’t remember the good looking so fantastic!
I’ve always wanted to go to Hilton Head. I know my family would love it. And yes, we do love Duck’s Donuts. They opened one near here and we go often!
My goodness, what an experience. Can I just say I got hungry looking through all the food? What are hush puppies? Are they the fried balls? Are they potatoes? They look delicious.
And the donuts are so pretty!
Looks like you guys had a good vacation!
So much delicious food. Food is the best part of traveling.
The foods are really yummy and Hilton Head Island perfect for food travel and explore love your photos!
I haven’t been to Hilton Head in years, but I remember loving it! It looks like you had a wonderful trip and it makes me want to go check it out again.
The boats and the food just made me green with envy. I’m sure we will have a great time exploring that place.
All of these places look amazing! I gotta say the donut shop would be my first stop. ?
I should ask my friend if she has been there. She has been living in SC for 7 years now. Hilton Head Island is a beautiful place to visit. Hopefully, when I get to meet up with my friend, she will take me there. The food looks fantastic!
Lowcountry Boil (Is that the name of the battered fish?) looks amazing! As do the doughnuts. How could anyone resist them!?
It sounds like they have some great food over at Hilton Head Island. The Boat House sounds great, If we go, we will take your advice and get there early for seats outside. The view must be great.
You were really detailed and captivating exactly what I look for when I read a travel journal!
The foods looks so delicious and yummy. I like the way how they use news paper on those plate. It’s really unique style and at the same time. You can lessen the use of plastic or any thing that can harm our Nature. <3 it is really lovely!
Drooling over Java Burrito and those donuts!! I’ve never been to South Carolina (or even seen the Atlantic Coast) but it’s on my list!
This made me want to go even more! And made me hungry 🙂
Hilton Head Island looks like a proper foodie destination. You have had some amazing dinners whilst there.
This looks like such a fun time! I would love to visit one day!
This is a complete heaven for foodies and adventurous lovers. I am going to take a closer look.
I love your blog! I am one of your ghost readers who keep on scrolling a few posts here and there before going to bed! These places here are pretty enticing, Lovely pictures. Though I don’t plan to visit South Carolina sometime soon, but this is a very handy post for someone visiting!
Wow! I actually never heard of Hilton Head Island. It looks like an amazing destination with so many options available in the food the department and all the food looks so delicious.
Now this is a yummy place to visit! That fried fish looks amazingly good.
Hilton Head Island seems like a nice place to visit. And the food my gosh it looks so delicious especially the breaded fish.
So much good southern food in one place. Though I think my nieces and nephew would be more excited by the splash pad.
You made my hungry! Everything looks so delicious, comfort food at beautiful place that’s all I need.
The food looks delicious, the kids will surely love it. That is a good place to stay and bond with your family.
Wow I’d love to visit there! You’ve captured well all that there is to do and food choices available. Can’t wait to experience the area myself.
This place seems like the perfect getaway for my family. Being by the water, great food and fun for the kids. I truly loved your pictures of the food – the Fried Green Tomatoes picture is a winning one!
I’ve had friends rant and rave about how amazing hilton head is… your post is definitely seconding their motion.
It’s gorgeous around this area that’s for sure. I’d especially like to visit the Skull Creek Boathouse!
The food looks delish and glad to know there are a lot of activities for the kids!
That place is one of the places I would love to visit and try those yummy food.That is an interesting frosty frog cafe and pizza, by the way.
Thanks for the tips! Hilton Head Island looks like an amazing place to visit with the family. You had my mouth watering with the food.
That’s a nice shot of the sunset by the boardwalk. And those food look delicious, especially that fried fish! So huge!
We love Hilton head for our mini vacations!
I’ll have to visit when I come back to the states. I like South Carolina, and would love to go to Hilton Head island.
This sounds like a food lover’s paradise! The views from the dock look amazing too!
I cannot wait for my trip to Hilton Head! Thank you for writing this post with all your great tips for what to see and do in HIlton Head. We are going to have an amazing time!