Hilton Head Island is a vacation destination with plenty to enjoy, from beautiful beaches and championship golf courses to shopping, dining, and outdoor adventures. But one of the best things about staying on Hilton Head is its location. Some of the Southeast’s most charming historic cities, coastal communities, and barrier islands are just a day trip away.
Spend an afternoon exploring Savannah’s historic squares, discover the waterfront charm of Beaufort, take a ferry to Daufuskie Island, or venture farther along the coast to Charleston and Georgia’s Golden Isles. Each destination offers something a little different, making it easy to add another memorable experience to your Hilton Head vacation.
Whether you’re interested in history, nature, shopping, great food, or simply discovering someplace new, here are seven of our favorite day trips from Hilton Head Island.
Plan Your Day Trip
Looking for a quick afternoon outing or a full-day adventure? Choose a destination below to jump directly to its section.
Savannah, Georgia
45–60 minutesHistory, shopping & dining
Beaufort, South Carolina
45–60 minutesWaterfront, history & art
Daufuskie Island
Ferry requiredIsland heritage & exploration
Tybee Island, Georgia
75–90 minutesBeaches & maritime history
Charleston, South Carolina
2–2.5 hoursArchitecture, history & dining
Jekyll Island, Georgia
2–2.5 hoursNature, beaches & history
St. Simons Island, Georgia
2–2.5 hoursCoastal village & history
Travel times are approximate planning estimates from Hilton Head Island and vary with traffic, departure location, and seasonal conditions. Daufuskie Island requires boat transportation.
Savannah, Georgia
Approximately 32 miles southwest | 45–60-minute drive
Just across the state line, Savannah is one of the most popular day trips from Hilton Head Island. Known for its beautiful historic squares, centuries-old architecture, and lively dining scene, Savannah offers plenty to explore in a single day.
Start with a walk through the Historic District, where moss-draped live oaks, brick sidewalks, and beautifully preserved homes create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Forsyth Park is a favorite stop, especially for its famous fountain and picturesque walking paths.
For shopping, explore the boutiques and local businesses along Broughton Street. Then make your way toward River Street, where restaurants, shops, and waterfront views offer a lively setting along the Savannah River.
Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, shopping, or a memorable meal, Savannah is an easy destination for couples, families, and groups of friends.
Don’t miss: Forsyth Park, the Historic District, Broughton Street, and River Street.
Good to know: Savannah is very walkable once you’re downtown. Consider parking in a central garage and exploring on foot.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Approximately 35 miles north | 45–60-minute drive
If you love the charm of Hilton Head Island, you’ll feel right at home in Beaufort. This historic waterfront town offers a relaxed pace, beautiful architecture, local art galleries, and some wonderful places to enjoy Lowcountry cuisine.
Begin your visit in downtown Beaufort, where Bay Street is lined with locally owned shops, galleries, and restaurants. Take time to wander the surrounding historic streets and admire the homes that reflect the town’s long and fascinating history.
One of Beaufort’s most enjoyable stops is Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Overlooking the Beaufort River, the park features walking paths, green space, and waterfront swings that invite visitors to sit for a while and enjoy the scenery.
History enthusiasts may also want to visit the Old Sheldon Church Ruins, located outside Beaufort near Yemassee. The remains of this historic church, with its towering brick columns and arches, offer a memorable glimpse into the area’s colonial past. Check current visitor access before making the trip.
Beaufort is especially appealing to visitors who enjoy history, photography, shopping, and discovering the quieter side of the Lowcountry.
Don’t miss: Bay Street, the historic district, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, and Old Sheldon Church Ruins for those interested in exploring beyond downtown.
Good to know: Beaufort is an excellent choice for a leisurely half-day outing, particularly if you want time for shopping and lunch. Old Sheldon Church Ruins is a separate stop outside the downtown area, so allow additional driving time if you plan to visit.
Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
Just offshore from Hilton Head Island | Ferry or water taxi required
For a day trip that feels like stepping into another world, consider visiting Daufuskie Island. Located just across the water from Hilton Head, Daufuskie offers a distinctive combination of natural beauty, local history, and a wonderfully unhurried atmosphere.
Unlike Hilton Head, Daufuskie has no bridge connecting it to the mainland. Visitors arrive by boat and often explore the island by golf cart or bicycle, traveling along quiet roads beneath towering live oaks.
Daufuskie’s history is an important part of its character. The island has deep Gullah cultural roots, historic landmarks, and a longstanding artistic community. Visitors can discover reminders of the island’s past, including historic tabby structures made using a traditional building material incorporating oyster shells.
Exploring the island’s heritage sites and local galleries offers visitors a different perspective on life in the Lowcountry. The island also has casual places to enjoy a meal and relax by the water, making it an appealing destination for travelers who enjoy exploring at their own pace.
Don’t miss: The island’s historic sites, Gullah heritage, local art, and scenic roads.
Good to know: Plan transportation before your visit. Ferry and water-taxi departure points, schedules, and golf-cart rental arrangements vary, and some areas of the island have limited services.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Approximately 49 miles south | 75–90-minute drive
If you’re interested in exploring another coastal destination, Tybee Island offers a different take on the beach-town experience. Located near Savannah, this Georgia barrier island is known for its laid-back atmosphere, sandy beaches, and maritime history.
Spend time along the beach, explore the island’s shops and restaurants, or visit the historic Tybee Island Light Station and Museum. The lighthouse is one of the area’s best-known landmarks and provides an opportunity to learn about the island’s maritime past.
History enthusiasts may also enjoy exploring the Fort Screven area. On the drive between Savannah and Tybee, Fort Pulaski National Monument offers another worthwhile stop for visitors interested in coastal fortifications and Civil War history.
Tybee makes a particularly enjoyable outing for families, beach lovers, and visitors who want to experience another side of the Georgia coast.
Don’t miss: Tybee Island Light Station, the beach, Fort Screven, and Fort Pulaski National Monument along the route.
Good to know: Beach parking can be busy during peak travel periods, so allow additional time during summer weekends and holidays.
Charleston, South Carolina
Approximately 98 miles north | 2–2.5-hour drive
Charleston is a longer day trip from Hilton Head Island, but for visitors who love history, architecture, shopping, and exceptional dining, it can be well worth the drive.
The city’s Historic District is filled with beautiful streets, preserved homes, historic churches, and landmarks that tell the story of one of America’s oldest coastal cities.
Take a walk along the Battery to enjoy views of Charleston Harbor and the impressive homes overlooking the waterfront. Nearby Rainbow Row, with its colorful historic houses, is one of the city’s most photographed attractions.
For shopping, dining, and a lively atmosphere, explore King Street and the Charleston City Market. Visitors interested in history may also want to explore one of the area’s historic house museums or plantations, including Boone Hall Plantation in nearby Mount Pleasant.
Charleston offers more than you can comfortably experience in a single visit, so choosing a few favorite attractions is the best way to enjoy the day.
Don’t miss: The Battery, Rainbow Row, Charleston City Market, and King Street.
Good to know: Plan an early departure and allow plenty of time for the return drive. Charleston is best treated as a full-day excursion rather than a quick afternoon outing.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Approximately 126 miles south | 2–2.5-hour drive
Nature lovers and history enthusiasts will find plenty to appreciate on Jekyll Island, one of Georgia’s beautiful Golden Isles.
Known for its protected landscapes, wide beaches, and peaceful coastal scenery, Jekyll Island offers an appealing combination of outdoor recreation and fascinating history.
One of the island’s most distinctive attractions is Driftwood Beach, where weathered trees create a dramatic landscape along the shoreline. It’s a favorite destination for photographers and visitors looking for something different from a traditional beach outing.
The Jekyll Island Historic District provides another memorable experience. Once a retreat for some of America’s wealthiest families, the area features historic buildings, scenic grounds, and opportunities to learn about the island’s past.
Visitors can also enjoy walking and biking paths, natural areas, and a relaxed island atmosphere.
Don’t miss: Driftwood Beach, the Jekyll Island Historic District, and the island’s scenic natural areas.
Good to know: Jekyll Island charges a vehicle entry fee. Check current rates and any attraction admission requirements before your visit.
St. Simons Island, Georgia
Approximately 120 miles south | 2–2.5-hour drive
St. Simons Island combines coastal beauty, historic landmarks, locally owned shops, and a welcoming village atmosphere.
The island is known for its majestic live oaks draped in Spanish moss, scenic marshes, and a relaxed pace that makes exploring especially enjoyable.
Start in the Pier Village area, where shops, restaurants, and waterfront views create a lively gathering place. Nearby, the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s maritime history.
History enthusiasts can also explore Fort Frederica National Monument, which preserves the remains of an important colonial settlement.
With its combination of history, dining, shopping, and coastal scenery, St. Simons is an excellent choice for couples, families, and visitors interested in exploring Georgia’s Golden Isles.
Don’t miss: Pier Village, St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, Fort Frederica National Monument, and the island’s beautiful oak-lined streets.
Good to know: St. Simons and nearby Jekyll Island can be explored on separate days, or combined into a longer outing if you have an early start and a limited list of stops.
Choosing the Right Day Trip from Hilton Head Island
With so many destinations nearby, the best day trip often depends on how much time you want to spend away from the island.
For a shorter outing: Savannah and Beaufort are convenient choices for visitors who want to explore a historic downtown, enjoy lunch, and return to Hilton Head with plenty of the day remaining.
For something completely different: Daufuskie Island offers a memorable boat excursion and a chance to experience a quieter, more traditional side of the Lowcountry.
For beach lovers: Tybee Island provides another coastal experience, while Jekyll and St. Simons offer a combination of beaches, natural beauty, and historic attractions.
For a full-day adventure: Charleston and Georgia’s Golden Isles reward visitors who don’t mind a longer drive and want to spend several hours exploring.
Whatever destination you choose, check the weather, travel conditions, attraction hours, and any transportation requirements before leaving Hilton Head Island.
Make Hilton Head Island Your Home Base
One of the best things about a Hilton Head Island vacation is having so many different experiences within reach. You can spend one day relaxing on the beach, another exploring a historic Southern city, and another discovering the natural beauty of the Lowcountry and coastal Georgia.
And after a day of sightseeing, shopping, and adventure, there’s something especially nice about returning to the comfort of your Hilton Head vacation rental.
Coastal Vacation Rentals offers a wonderful home base for enjoying the island and exploring the surrounding region.
