For those of us who love a good escape to the beach, Memorial Day usually conjures visions of long days spent in the sunshine, welcoming summer at the shore—and there’s no better place to vacation this Memorial Day than Hilton Head Island! One of the most popular destinations on the southern coast, Hilton Head offers visitors miles of lovely beaches and plentiful outdoor recreation, such as golfing on oceanside courses and biking miles of island trails. When you’re not immersing yourself in the scenery of the island landscape, you’ll find lots of attractions to keep you entertained, from boutique island shops at Harbour Town to our local Coastal Discovery Museum. It’s a location that checks all the boxes for a sublime Memorial Day getaway, and this year is bound to be the best yet!
The Perfect Hilton Head Itinerary for Memorial Day
Welcome Summer at the Beach
It’s that time of year when the beaches fill up, as the weather warms up and the anticipation of summer lingers just around the corner. You’ll find that the island is home to miles of pristine beaches, with some of the finest shorelines on the East Coast. Hunt for seashells between laying out on the sand, taking a dip in warm Atlantic Ocean waters, and bringing along a picnic lunch to enjoy unbeatable ocean views. Stop by Coligny Beach Park for landscaped walking and biking trails and take advantage of being near the Coligny Plaza Shopping Center for a bit of Memorial Day shopping. Other popular beaches include Folly Field Beach Park, Hilton Head Island Beach, and Driessen Beach Park.
Explore the Island on Two Wheels
Hilton Head Island is a bicyclist’s paradise, with miles of well-maintained biking paths that form a well-connected network of scenic trails over the island. Swing by City Hall to pick up a map of the trails or download one from their website. In some sections of the pathways, you can ride on the beach! With over 6 miles of bike lanes and hundreds of miles of shared-use pathways, you can get almost anywhere you want to go on a bicycle, greatly reducing the island’s traffic congestion and pollution levels. Bike to the Baker Field observation deck, where you can take in unparalleled views of the Port Royal Sound, or visit The Veteran’s Memorial at Shelter Cove to pay your respects in a Memorial Day service.
Discover Nearby Daufuskie Island
A neighboring island and only accessible by ferry or water taxi, Daufuskie Island offers visitors much to see for a perfect weekend half-day trip. Explore the island’s historical lighthouse, visit the local history museum, and browse art galleries featuring island artists. Stop by the Daufuskie Island Rum Company for a tasting and tour or stop by the Daufuskie Crab Co for a menu featuring dishes crafted with fresh local catches. Local companies offer tours as well if you’d prefer a set itinerary!
Visit the Vibrant Harbour Town
With warm weather and an atmosphere of pre-summer excitement in the air, it’s the perfect weekend to explore all Harbour Town can offer. Harbour Town is a private development of commercial areas, eateries, and shopping, with an excellent location right on the coast and beautiful views over the Calibogue Sound. Listen to live music beneath the Liberty Oak, dine at restaurants featuring fresh seafood, and go to the top of the Harbour Town Lighthouse. There is an entrance fee of $9 per vehicle, but it is well worth it for the entertainment the area provides!
Walk the Trails at the Pinckney Island
Bordering the island you’ll find the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, easily accessible from Hilton Head on highway 278. The refuge offers several walking and biking trails over acres of wetlands, and you’re likely to spot some wildlife on your visit, from common sights like egrets and herons to rare treats such as the American Alligator. Saltwater fishing is also permitted in the water surrounding the refuge if you’d like to wrangle up your own fresh catch for a Memorial Day BBQ back at your vacation rental.
Relax at Beachy Bars with Live Music
Kick back this Memorial Day weekend with a cocktail in hand at a restaurant or bar with live music—on Hilton Head Island, you’ll find you have your selection of quite a few! Stop by the Tiki Hut, a barefoot bar on the beach, to jam out to some live music with ocean views, or swing by the Big Bamboo Café, which offers its own outdoor seating and live music. The Rooftop Bar is a popular nightlife spot in an upbeat setting, while The Studio is perfect for diners looking for something a bit more upscale, with art and live music in an elegant gallery.
Stay in Hilton Head for the Memorial Day
If you’re ready to explore the possibilities on Hilton Head Island for Memorial Day, take a look at our hilton head vacation rentals, and give us a call to reserve yours today!