Eat, See, Do: Hilton Head, South Carolina

Eat

At 120 Bluffton Road, you’ll find Burnt Church Distillery. Book a behind-the-scenes tour ahead of time so you can meander the production floor and learn about the history of this unique distillery. The in-house menu includes shareable appetizers like the vegan hummus of the week and BBQ nacho tapas. Dig into pies from Pizza Co (just next door but delivered on-site) while enjoying Burnt Church vodka. For a non-alcoholic option, ask a mixologist to create a cocktail with Amethyst, a delicious non-alcoholic spirit. 

When you need fuel for a day of exploring, stop at Underground Burritos at 1253 May River Road. The fast-casual spot in Old Town offers a full Mexican-inspired menu with classics like breakfast burritos with scrambled eggs, pico de gallo, hash browns, and a four-cheese blend. Their tacos from the sea are favorites, with ingredients like Mahi Mahi and shrimp. If you like hot sauce, grab a bottle of Underground Burritos specialty sauces. The four varieties range in heat from one alarm to red scorpion and make great souvenirs or gifts!

River House at Montage Palmetto Bluff at 477 Mount Pelia Road celebrates the culinary history of Hilton Head with local ingredients. They feature low-country foods from caviar and oysters to venison tenderloin and duck. Try the bespoke, seasonal cocktails and impressive wine list of over 2,500 labels while overlooking the May River. The restaurant recommends diners wear jackets, so plan to dress up a little and enjoy an elegant evening.

If you can’t decide what to eat, head straight to Lulu Kitchen at 890 William Hilton Parkway. Chef Scott Hastings focuses on “eclectic ambiance” and serves a wide variety of cuisines, from Korean Bao (steamed buns with BBQ short ribs with kimchi and spring onion) to shrimp and grits (local shrimp, gravy, and Tillamook white cheddar grits). The apple tart tatin comes with maple ice cream you’ll never forget. After you’ve eaten your fill, head home to this penthouse condo, available at exclusive last minute deals, and watch the sun melt into the sea from your private balcony. 

See

For a little maritime history, head to Harbour Town Lighthouse at 149 Lighthouse Road. The towering red-and-white striped lighthouse has provided guidance for passing ships for over 50 years. This landmark often comes to mind when people think of Hilton Head! Climb the lighthouse for views of Hilton Head Island and check out fascinating exhibits on Coast Guard life in the on-site museum. 

Many travel to Hilton Head to view the most popular local wildlife: Atlantic bottlenose dolphins! To catch sight of these playful sea creatures, visit Cross Island Cruises at 1 Shelter Cove Lane to journey into the Calibogue Sound. The private 1.5-hour boat tour passes the Harbour Town Lighthouse and Daufuskie Island. Make sure to bring snacks, water, and layers to account for changing weather. You’ll also need a camera to capture the curious dolphins jumping in and out of the waves! Then, at the end of a full day of adventuring, seize a last minute stay at this gorgeous home with a private pool. This home offers bikes and beach chairs for use; better yet, it’s dog-friendly! 

A stunning sunset at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Do

Those seeking more land-based activities may enjoy a segway tour with Hilton Head Segway at 70 Honey Horn Drive. The Ultimate Discovery Tour lasts two hours, winding through the 70-acre Honey Horn Preserve. You’ll see the oldest tree in the state as you cruise past meadows and spot alligators sunning along the boardwalks. The tour guides are funny and knowledgeable and sure to show you a unique side of the island.

Get up close and personal with Hilton Head nature by taking a paddleboard nature tour with Outside Hilton Head based at 50 Shelter Cove Lane. The year-round, tide-dependent outings last two hours and bring attendees through the coastal salt marsh with a naturalist guide. Watch the shore for deer and bobcats, and keep your eyes on the water for otters and sea turtles! Book a last minute stay at this lovely villa and rest your head just steps from the lagoon you were adventuring in!

 Download

Whimstay

Seize the stay! Save up to 60% on vacation rentals.

@linkedin @twitter @facebook @tiktok