26 Incredible Things to Do on Hilton Head Island in 2026

While Hilton Head Island is famous for its beaches, our island’s creative soul is equally captivating. From the swell of a symphony to the vibrant heritage of the Gullah community, the arts scene here runs deep.

1. Hear live jazz over dinner at The Jazz Corner
   Take in dinner and a jazz show at The Jazz Corner, a cozy club that’s been a cornerstone of Hilton Head Island’s music scene since 1999. Settle in with a Lowcountry‑inspired meal, then let the sounds of live jazz carry you late into the evening.
2. Experience a performance by the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra
   Any music lover's visit to Hilton Head Island isn’t complete without taking in a performance from the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. From classical masterworks to pops concerts, it’s a chance to hear world‑class music in an intimate coastal setting.
3. Taste classic Lowcountry flavors at A Lowcountry Backyard
   Sample some Lowcountry cuisine the way locals love it at A Lowcountry Backyard, a favorite for staple dishes like Lowcountry boil, shrimp and grits, and crab cakes enjoyed under the live oaks.
4. Toast to the arts at the Crescendo Celebration
   If you’re visiting in the fall, don’t miss the annual Crescendo Celebration, an island‑wide showcase of local artists, performers, and cultural programs. Galleries, concerts, and special events bring Hilton Head Island’s creative community to the forefront.
5. Catch a show at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
   If you love the theatre, plan an evening at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. You can see Broadway‑style musicals, comedies, and cultural performances — or catch a show at one of the many other performing arts venues nearby.
6. Savor seafood and live entertainment at the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival
   Experience true Lowcountry hospitality at the week-long Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival, taking place February 23 - March 1, 2026. Enjoy fresh‑from‑the‑boat seafood, cooking demos, and live music along the water.
7. Get creative at the Art League of Hilton Head Island
   Flex your creativity with an art class at the Art League of Hilton Head Island, or spend some time admiring works from local artists and makers in the gallery.

Hilton Head Island is a place where nature takes center stage. We are dedicated to sustainability, inviting you to explore our lush preserves and waterways with a sense of wonder and respect for the local wildlife.

1. Spot dolphins on an eco‑tour
   Hilton Head Island is home to more than 200 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, and you can see them in their natural habitat on an eco‑tour with companies like Island Skiff Adventure Tours. Their knowledgeable local guides can help you watch wildlife responsibly while you explore the tidal creeks and marshes.
2. Witness sea turtle season (May–October)
   If you visit between May and October, you’ll have a front-row seat to sea turtle season. Join a guided program or morning beach walk to learn how Hilton Head Island is protecting the endangered loggerhead turtles through ongoing conservation work — and how you can help by following simple, turtle‑friendly practices.
3. Birdwatch at Audubon Newhall Preserve
   To deepen your knowledge of local flora and fauna, join a guided walk at Audubon Newhall Preserve. Expert birders and naturalists lead tours through this 50‑acre nature preserve, where you can listen for birdsong and spot native plants along shaded trails.
4. Wander Sea Pines Forest Preserve and see the Sea Pines Shell Ring
   Connect with the natural beauty of Hilton Head Island with a walk through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Pack a picnic, keep an eye out for wildlife and wading birds, and make time to see the 4,000-year-old Sea Pines Shell Ring.

To know Hilton Head Island is to know the deep roots that anchor this region. Step back in time and uncover a rich tapestry of stories, from ancient shell rings to the enduring legacy of the Gullah people.

1. Learn about Gullah culture at the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island
   Celebrate the rich cultural history of the Gullah people who have lived and worked in this region for centuries at the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island. Exhibits and stories share the traditions, language, and resilience that continue to shape the island today.
2. Climb the Harbour Town Lighthouse
   Climb to the top of the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum & Shop and dive into the history of Hilton Head Island! Displays trace the story of the Island from its earliest known inhabitants thousands of years ago to the present — and the stunning views of the Lowcountry landscape and marina the from the top are a bonus.
3. Explore Historic Fort Mitchel
   Visit Historic Fort Mitchel for a tour, either self-guided or with the experts at the Heritage Library, and learn more about the role Hilton Head Island played during the Civil War. Quiet pathways, interpretive signs, and river views set the scene.
4. Take a Gullah Heritage Trail Tour
   Gullah Heritage Trail Tours offers bus tours led by guides descended from the formerly enslaved people who shaped this region. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of Gullah history, language, and culture as you travel through historic communities.
5. Reflect at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
   Take time to learn the rich cultural heritage of the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, the first self-governing town established by formerly enslaved people in the United States. Walking paths, interpretive signs, and art installations invite reflection and learning.

Whether you prefer a paddle in hand or a view from the fairway, America’s Favorite Island® is a playground for the active spirit. With endless sunshine and fantastic facilities, getting moving here feels less like exercise and more like an adventure.

1. Paddle the Lowcountry with Outside Hilton Head
   Kayak through the warm waters around Hilton Head Island with Outside Hilton Head to take in the scenery from a new perspective. Local guides help you spot dolphins, birds, and other wildlife as you glide along tidal creeks.
2. Tee off at championship golf courses — and catch the RBC Heritage
   With 23 courses packed into 54 square miles, Hilton Head Island is a golfer’s paradise. Whether you’re here to play a bucket‑list round or watch the pros at the RBC Heritage, South Carolina’s only Signature Event on the PGA TOUR, golf is always on the agenda.
3. Go horseback riding at Lawton Stables
   Head to Lawton Stables for a horseback ride through the forests and trails of the Lowcountry. Guided rides and pony experiences make it a memorable outing for families and first‑time riders.
4. Explore Hilton Head Island by bike
   The best way to explore Hilton Head Island is on two wheels. Pedal along more than 60 miles of leisure pathways that connect beaches, parks, restaurants, and neighborhoods, or ride right along the hard‑packed sand at low tide.
5. Play tennis and pickleball on world‑class courts
   Hone your tennis and pickleball skills year-round on courts across Hilton Head Island®. From clinics and camps to private lessons with tennis icon Stan Smith, there are options for every age and ability.
6. Try your favorite watersports (or a sunset sail)
   The warm waters surrounding Hilton Head Island are a playground for watersports of all kinds. Try jet-skiing, surfing, or paddleboarding for an action-packed day on the water, or head out on a sailboat for a sunset cruise.

Wellness here isn't just about spas (though we have great ones); it's about nourishing your soul with fresh flavors, salt air, and the restorative power of the coast.

1. Unwind on 12 miles of beach
   There are few things more restorative than a day spent on the beach, and Hilton Head Island has more than 12 miles of sand to spread out on. Roll out your towel, feel the sand between your toes, and let the sound of the waves do the rest.
2. Book a spa day or head‑to‑toe treatment
   Add a little “ahhhh” to your vacation with a treatment at one of our many salons and spas. Try a salt room massage at Pure Salt Studios, or let the relaxation experts at Demure Head Spa transport you to bliss.
3. Savor fresh, local Lowcountry ingredients
   Wellness starts from the inside out, so take some time to nourish yourself with the freshest ingredients and distinct Lowcountry flavors. From fresh‑caught seafood to farm‑to‑table favorites, there are options for every craving, whether you’re dressing up for date night or grabbing a casual bite with the family.
4. Stretch, strengthen, and recharge at local fitness studios
   Bend, stretch, and strengthen at one of the cutting-edge fitness studios across Hilton Head Island. Spots like StretchLab, Club Pilates, and Trainers Lab will help you release tension and meet your fitness goals while you’re visiting.
    

Have we convinced you to start planning your visit? Request a free vacation guide today and make 2026 the year you finally turn your Hilton Head Island dream trip into reality. From arts and culture to eco‑adventures and wellness, America’s Favorite Island® is ready when you are.