What to Know Before You Go: Road Tripping to Hilton Head Island

Each season on Hilton Head Island brings its own kind of magic, so the best time for your road trip depends on what you're hoping to discover. In the summer, the island is in full swing—Coligny Beach Park comes alive, offering everything from sun-soaked lounging to beachside games, while Shelter Cove Harbour lights up the night with HarbourFest, complete with dazzling Tuesday night fireworks. Fall might just be Hilton Head Island’s best-kept secret, with sunny days, crisp evenings, and a festive lineup of events such as the Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival in September and the beloved Oyster Festival in November. As winter arrives, the island sparkles with holiday magic thanks to the Dove Street Festival of Lights and the family-friendly Hilton Head Winter Wonderland Festival. Then, as the Lowcountry blooms into spring, all eyes turn to Harbour Town Golf Links for the iconic RBC Heritage golf tournament, where PGA Tour pros tackle one of the most challenging courses in the country.

Once you select the time of year for your visit, it's time to plan your route to avoid traffic, seasonal construction, and crowds. You'll also want to schedule plenty of rest stops, depending on how far you'll travel. To help organize your trip, here’s how long it will take to drive from some major cities:

From the South:

Charlotte, NC - 4 hours
Atlanta, GA - 4 hours and 15 minutes

From the Mid-Atlantic:

Washington, D.C. - 8.5 hours
Philadelphia, PA - 11.5 hours

From the North East:

New York City, NY - 13 hours
Boston, MA - 17 hours

Preparation makes the difference between a good road trip and a great one. Let's break it down. First, be sure to pack for the season and its weather. Bring the beach essentials for summer visits, including sunscreen, hats, swimwear, and a pop-up tent for shade. Layers, raincoats, and boots are great for fall and winter trips, while transitional clothes are must-haves during spring. Second, bring some on-the-road necessities. If you're going through any highway or bridge tolls, make sure to have your EZ Pass, cash, or a credit card at the ready for smooth sailing. 

Car chargers, card games, books, and tablets help pass the time, making long road trips feel much shorter. Don’t forget to pack a portable speaker to bring the soundtrack to your outdoor adventures, and a camera to capture every unforgettable view. No road trip is complete without the perfect playlist—queue up your favorite songs and let the music set the tone for your personalized island experience. Lastly, reserve everything before you hit the road. Book your accommodations well in advance, especially for stays at popular spots like The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa or Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort. If golf is on your agenda, book those tee times early for courses like Palmetto Dunes' Robert Trent Jones Course or Oyster Reef Golf Club. 

You've arrived! Now what? Here are some perfect first-day activities to ease into your Lowcountry getaway. If you've spent a long time on the road, consider treating yourself to a massage at FACES DaySpa or the Heavenly Spa by Westin to work out any tired muscles. Enjoy a welcome meal at The Crazy Crab, where you can get a taste of fresh island seafood that you've likely been craving. Relax by the water at Burkes Beach or enjoy some fresh air by exploring the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. For those who want to get moving, rent a bike from Pedals Bicycles and cruise the island's 60+ miles of paved pathways.

With your car at the ready, it's easy to travel to different experiences on Hilton Head Island. When it comes to wet and wild adventures, you can hop on a dolphin cruise with Island Explorer or Vagabond Cruise, paddleboard through the island's serene marshes with Outside Hilton Head, learn to sail with H20 Sports, or rent a jet ski for some high-speed fun. On land, you can explore Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, a 4,000-acre paradise for bird-watchers and nature photographers, and visit the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, where interactive exhibits bring the island's ecosystems to life. 

If you're looking for exciting Lowcountry events, you won't have to search for very long. The Art League of Hilton Head Island features an evolving lineup of exhibitions at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, and the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra offers year-round performances. Depending on when you're visiting, you can experience unique seasonal events, including the Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival in March and the Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival in November for classic car enthusiasts. During the warmer months, visit our collection of pristine beaches, each offering its own personality. Coligny Beach Park is perfect for people-watching, Folly Field Beach is known for offering a quieter experience, and Burkes Beach is great for families.

Anytime is the perfect time to visit Hilton Head Island, with each season offering unique Lowcountry experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you're exploring the outdoors in summer, sampling fresh oysters in fall, or enjoying a peaceful winter beach walk, the island's charms are endless and ever-changing. Before planning your road trip, be sure to check out our special offers on vacation packages, accommodations, and discounts on a variety of activities. Get ready to pack up, tune up, and hit the highway. See you soon on America's Favorite Island®!