Sometimes the harsh winter cold and constant snowfall can get to be too much, and as nice as having a white Christmas can be, sometimes you want to get away from it all and enjoy some warmer weather and not worry about shoveling your driveway. Hilton Head Island is a great destination for that very thing, and it’s filled with opportunities to hit the beaches. In fact, it stays warm enough that on some sunny days you’ll even be able to go for a swim if the weather’s right.
Hilton Head Island also has its fair share of Christmas-themed events for you to enjoy while you’re visiting. Just because you’re away from home doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the holiday spirit, giving you the best of both worlds. That being said, here are some recommendations for things to do while you’re spending Christmas in Hilton Head Island.
Brunch with Santa
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa will host an all-ages event where you can participate in their annual brunch with Santa. Guests will be treated to a brunch buffet, raffle, cookie decorating, hot cocoa bar, arts and crafts, and there’s plenty of spare time to get photos with Santa before you head out. This is a wonderful way to enjoy some delicious and seasonal-themed cuisine with a holiday twist. Tickets are available to purchase online.
Holiday Fun in Harbour Town
Centered around the Liberty Oak Tree in Harbour Town, this event will treat you to viewings of classic holiday movies, roasted marshmallows, and train rides around the harbor. It’s a great family friendly event for a good cause, because entry is free as long as you provide at least a single canned food item for the Deep Well charity, so get in the generous holiday spirit and help those less fortunate while having some fun.
Gregg Russell Christmas Concert
If you’re in town on December 23rd, embrace the festive holiday vibes during an enchanting evening at Harbour Town. Delight in the melodic tunes of Gregg Russell as he strums his guitar, serenading audiences of all ages with beloved seasonal songs. After the concert, anticipate a delightful surprise visit from Santa Claus himself! This heartwarming event is free for all to enjoy.
Hit the Beaches in Your Spare Time
Though this might seem like it goes without saying, you’ll have a great time hitting the beaches while you’re visiting the island. They’re absolutely gorgeous year-round, and since you’re visiting outside of peak season, you’ll have plenty of extra space to enjoy the peace and quiet. You’ll be able to walk for hours every day if you like, and with miles of beach to explore, you can always find something new.
Explore the Island
With plenty of fine dining and shopping all in a relatively short distance, you can spend plenty of time taking in the sights and finding what helps make Hilton Head Island the unique place that it is. Since it doesn’t ever get down to freezing weather, you might enjoy renting a bike and taking it for a ride around the island. It’s a great way to get around, and you can make plenty of different stops in a short amount of time.
Enjoy Christmas Dinner in Your Vacation Home
Christmas dinner is often the main event of the holiday, giving family and friends a chance to get together and show their appreciation for each other over a nice meal. Just because you’re away from home doesn’t mean you have to miss out on dinner, because our vacation rentals come with fully equipped kitchens. You’ll love using our modern appliances to put together the Christmas meal of your dreams, and you’ll have plenty of space to make that happen. You can even put together a uniquely local meal by getting ingredients on the island.
With plenty of open seating space, you and the family can gather at the dining room table to have a traditional sit down with each other, and when dinner finally comes to a close, head to the living room to share your gifts with each other. Experience Christmas in a new way in your home away from home.
Christmas in Hilton Head Island Is Waiting
Coastal Vacation Rentals wants to make sure you have the best Christmas vacation possible. We’ve put together a portfolio of gorgeous rentals with the best views on the island, and they come in all shapes and sizes to make sure there’s room for everyone. With a long list of different amenities and locations to choose from, our agents will answer any and all questions you have to make sure you find the right home for you. Get in touch with us now to get your vacation started!
An ideal spot for beachside vacations, Hilton Head Island is a must-see destination for anybody visiting the Lowcountry, especially for Halloween. There’s plenty to do, especially for people who enjoy the water, including parasailing, shark fishing, beach visits, and cruises, but it isn’t limited to that either. With plenty of space to enjoy both low and high-intensity sports, it’s easy to stay active while you’re on holiday. Visit scenic, lush golf courses, explore the island by bike at your own pace, or perfect your pickleball and tennis techniques, then enjoy some of the fine dining Hilton Head has to offer to cap off your day. While you’re in town for autumn, here are some fun things to do in Hilton Head Island and great spots we recommend visiting.
Harbour Town Lighthouse
A significant landmark to Hilton Head Island, the Harbour Town Lighthouse is an easily recognizable attraction for anyone familiar with the island, and it’s a great spot to visit during your vacation. Whether you’re looking to take the informative Lighthouse Legends Tour or you’re just there for the stunning view at the top, a lot of effort has gone into making the lighthouse a charitable and visitor-friendly experience.
Admission to the lighthouse is a modest $6.25, with children 5 and under getting in for free, and a portion of the proceeds are annually donated to local charitable causes. Over the past 26 years, they’ve managed to donate over $150,000 dollars to good causes, so stop by, visit the gift shop, and see the view from the top.
Boat Tours with Mermaid of Hilton Head
When visiting Hilton Head Island, it’s essential to get on the water at least once to really soak up the view, and Mermaid of Hilton Head does a splendid job offering a few different cruises to see the scenic sunsets and wildlife of the area.
Their two main tours are the Sunset Cruise and the Dolphin Experience. The Sunset Cruise offers a gorgeous trip onto the water with the sunset over the marshes as a backdrop. Running at roughly 75 minutes, expect to catch a glimpse of dolphins and other marine wildlife while you capture timeless photos of the Hilton Head sunset. Their Dolphin Experience is great to bring the kids along on, as they’re sure to enjoy getting great views of the wildlife and learning about them while they’re at it.
The Annual Hilton Head Pumpkin Patch Festival
Bring the kids along to see Hilton Head’s ultimate Halloween event. Built in a safe and secure environment, this festival is a guaranteed good time for families. Shelter Cove is loaded up to the brim with pumpkins courtesy of the Island Recreation Association, and kids are welcome to pick out their own pumpkin to paint and decorate however they like.
Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf
Mini golf is a great time during all seasons, but it’s even better when the summer sun isn’t beating down on you, and you can enjoy the cool breeze in the gorgeous autumn weather. Pirates and Halloween go hand in hand, too, making this a choice location to visit for a splendidly themed mini golf outing. The course will start you at a seaside village, bring you through caves full of buried treasure, and treat you to plenty of streams, bridges, and waterfalls. They also run an annual charity event that donates to charities that support wounded veterans, so stop by and support a great business by putting for a great cause.
Gregg Russell Playground and Harbour Town
Named for a musician who has been performing music under the Liberty Oak for over 40 years, the Gregg Russell Playground has a large treehouse built around a live oak and has several adjacent spots for the kids to play. Sit back and relax while the kids have their fun, and when you’re ready to leave, there’s plenty of Halloween festivities to do nearby in Harbour Town proper.
Fun Things to Do in Hilton Head Island Near Your Rental
At Coastal Vacation Rentals, we offer Homes and Villas of different sizes, all suited to accommodate you and ensure your stay on Hilton Head Island is as magical as it can be. Some of our locations are pet friendly, so if you’re planning on traveling with the family pet, have a look. Book now to reserve your Hilton Head vacation rentals for a unique experience.
For decades, couples have been heading to Hilton Head for a romantic escape, whether it’s a quick and thrilling weekend away, or a lengthy summer getaway full of leisurely days out on the beach. The lovely South Carolina coastal scenery creates the perfect atmosphere for a dreamy break from reality, with stunning sunrises over the Atlantic and acres of mysterious wetlands waiting to be explored. Staying on an island always creates an air of elegance and luxury, and when you stay on Hilton Head, you’ll find it’s no exception. With lots of outdoor recreation, 5-star restaurants, and upscale boutique shops, you’ll never run out of romantic things to do in Hilton Head with your loved one. If you’re thinking about taking your next Hilton Head romantic getaway, you’ll find much to keep you both entertained!
Rent a Bike and Discover the Island at Your Own Pace
There’s nothing quite like taking a slow-paced day to explore the island by bike, and luckily Hilton Head boasts a well-traversed network of scenic bike trails that connect to plenty of the most scenic spots in town. You can download a map from the town’s official website or take a fun stop by city hall to pick up a printed copy. You can travel to popular locations like South Beach and Harbour Town, and even ride directly on the beach in some sections! It’s a great way to take a low-key day with your favorite person, soaking up an array of gorgeous sights, and finding something new at every turn.
Take the Ferry to Daufuskie Island
This lovely island offers a charming town to explore, and an expanse of well-preserved natural landscape. Accessible only by ferry or water taxi, the island offers a historical lighthouse, a museum dedicated to the island’s history, and art galleries featuring art from local artists. You can stop for a rum tasting and educational tour at the Daufuskie Island Rum Company, or book a horseback ride on the beach. Worth the short-day trip, this island will give you plenty to enjoy with your partner!
Embark on a Sunset Cruise
For the ultimate romantic occasion, consider booking a sunset cruise. You can take in the magnificence of the setting sun from a prime vantage point out on the Atlantic, admiring mother nature’s best show as the sky lights up in a fiery array of sunset hues. Guests to Hilton Head will find a variety of companies and cruise types, from full dinner cruises to lively happy hour jaunts out to sea. Vagabond is a popular company with plenty of options, as well as Viator, where you can find private sunset cruises for an extra romantic experience!
Wander the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Easily accessible from Hilton Head you’ll find the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. This beautiful preserve spans over four islands and thousands of acres, with the intent of protecting endangered habitats and animals. It’s open to the public, and offers visitors miles of hiking and biking trails, and the chance to see famed critters such as the American Alligator and White Ibis. Take an afternoon to walk the trails hand in hand with your loved one or practice your photography skills on the abundance of captivating wildlife. This location can be romantic anytime of the day, but really shines at sunrise and sunset, where you can take in the wetlands and make the most of the fantastic scenery. Follow it up with a happy hour wine tasting at one of the island’s many wine bars!
Romantic Properties for a Hilton Head Escape
From alluring 2-bedroom villas, to spacious homes with private pools, we have a selection of properties practically made for a romantic vacation. Our smaller properties don’t sacrifice on quality and amenities, featuring updated spaces, modern décor, and well-furnished rooms—it all depends on the property you book! Many of our villas enjoy access to community amenities such as pools, tennis courts, gas grills, and beach access reserved for your community—and outdoor spaces like balconies, some even with ocean views! Of course, if you feel like a splurge, you can always rent a bigger home with amenities like private decks and large outdoor spaces. But whichever you choose, you’ll likely find amenities like flat-screen TVs for cozying up for a movie night, fully equipped kitchens, and free Wi-Fi.
Explore Romantic Things to Do in Hilton Head with Your Loved One
We’re proud to say we are one of the most quality rental companies in the business, forging communicative and trusting relationships with both our owners and renters. Beyond our amazing vacation rentals, we strive to deliver you quality service your entire journey, from assisting you with the pre-booking process to giving you suggestions for romantic things to do on the island. If you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved one to a romantic vacation to Hilton Head, give us a call and we’ll help you start planning your trip today!
Coastal regions make for some of the best vacation spots during the summer, and it’s no surprise as to why. If you’re from somewhere exceptionally hot, the summer heat can be pretty tough to get through, especially when you’re keeping busy at work and getting through the day. So, what better way to escape it all than by having your own scenic island retreat to enjoy? Hilton Head Island gets warm during the summer, for sure, but it stays at a comfortable temperature, especially with the added benefits of the cool coastal breeze.
While you’re enjoying that wonderful coastal air, there will be plenty of different activities for you to enjoy. Obviously, one of the most popular choices is to head down to one of the scenic Hilton Head Island beaches and enjoy the moment, maybe even go for a swim if you’re looking to really cool off. Wildlife watching and golfing are also great things to do while you’re on your Hilton Head vacation, with plenty of guided tours to help you spot all of the local wildlife and quite a few challenging links style golf courses for you to sharpen your skills at. Whatever your choice, you’ll be able to finish the night off in style at one of the amazing restaurants that make their home on the island.
Booking in Advance Saves Money
Budgeting can be the hardest part of putting a vacation together, so it’s important that you’re smart about it to avoid any potential stress somewhere down the line. The more money you save on all of the travel necessities, the more money you’ll have to spend doing the things you love while you’re enjoying the rest and relaxation you deserve. One of the best ways to start off on the right foot is to book your vacation home pretty far in advance, that way you can make sure you’re getting the best possible rate on your stay. Not only that, if you wait too long, there’s a good chance you’ll find the perfect home for your stay only to find that someone else beat you to the punch. The more proactive you are, the less you’ll have to worry later.
There are definitely some other benefits to booking early, too, like avoiding any potential last minute booking fees that you might have to worry about without proper planning. You’ll also have your choice of location on the island, meaning you can choose a rental that’s closer to all of the things you want to experience during your stay. Cutting down on all of that extra travel time gives you more vacation time to make the most of.
Extra Planning Time Is Always Good
You’re going on vacation to decompress, and you’ve been working hard for weeks, months, or maybe even longer to make sure everything goes according to plan. If you wait too long to start putting your trip together, you might just end up creating more unnecessary stress for yourself, since making last-minute arrangements can be really tough and you might even run into some dead ends. Trying to fit all of that planning into a short span of time might start your trip off on the wrong foot and avoiding that is important since you want to have a good time from the moment you start your trip. You don’t necessarily even need a full schedule for your trip but having some ideas will definitely help you spend your time wisely.
If you’re looking for some unique things to enjoy while you’re visiting the island, don’t be afraid to look up what the upcoming events are in the coming months. If there’s something that speaks to you as a summer event, you might even be able to shift your schedule around to make the trip happen at the same time.
An Upcoming Vacation Will Keep You Motivated
Getting through those work weeks can be tough, but if you have an end goal it can really help get through the daily grind a lot easier. With proper planning, you might even be able to start enjoying the benefits of your upcoming vacation before it even begins. Mark your calendar and stay motivated. There are some real mental health benefits to this, too, as there have been studies done that indicate scheduling vacations can help boost your mood. Knowing your reward is coming up can help you really tackle that home project or work assignment, so enjoy those extra benefits.
Your Hilton Head Vacation in Summer Awaits
While you’re thinking about all of the fun things you’ll be able to do during your stay on Hilton Head Island, we’ll be standing by to help you with any questions you might have about your vacation rental. Our team has comprehensive knowledge of our entire list of rentals and is ready to help match you up with the perfect spot for your summer escape. Get in touch with us now and get started on your summer vacation.