If you only have a few days, you’ll want to make the most of your vacation. Your short trip may keep you in the borders of South Carolina, but that doesn’t mean there you can’t make the most of it. Hilton Head Island offers plenty of activities and things to do to give you as relaxing or as fun-filled of a Hilton Head weekend getaway as you hope for.
Book a Hilton Head Island Weekend Getaway Below!
Parasailing
Get your adrenaline pumping with the short time you have when you go up, up, and away over the water. Take off from the deck of a specially designed and USCG-approved parasailing boat to fly high above the waters of the Atlantic. Keep watch on the water from your bird’s eye view to see dolphins, whales, fish, and other sea life. Bring your waterproof or disposable camera to capture the memories from your perspective. Many companies offer a video or photo package that documents the flight from the boat.
Fishing
An island adventure often includes plenty of water sports, including fishing. Anglers might want to plan the weekend getaway in Hilton Head South Carolina around the season for their favorite catch. Winter sees redfish, trout, and flounder, while peak summer season invites king mackerel, Jack crevalle, Amberjack, and more. Investigate the Gulf Stream and find mahi mahi, blackfin tuna, sailfish, and snapper.
Shelter Cove Towne Centre
Make sure you enjoy everything Hilton Head has to offer, no matter how long you’re here. Head to Shelter Cove Towne Centre for some of the best local shopping, dining, and even live events. Take a break from the excitement and hang out in the park – watch the kids play on the large wood play structure, walk around the open green space, or just look out over the water.
Kayaks & Paddleboards
Kayaking and stand up paddleboarding are two popular ways to spend some time going at a slower pace. Navigate inland waters or stay close to shore on the beaches of the Atlantic for a calmer experience. Take lessons or book a guided group charter and learn about the area’s environment and ecology along the way. When you’re ready, rent some gear and create your own path.
Undersea Adventures
Visitors looking for a full water and beach experience of Hilton Head Island will want to look below the surface, too. Book a snorkeling or SCUBA diving tour where you’ll plunge under the water to see a side of Hilton Head and the Atlantic Ocean you won’t see from inside a tour boat or atop the water in a kayak. Dive natural coral reefs and check out manmade wrecks like an old subway car or battle tank.
Jet Skis
Rent a jet ski and slice through the water at top speed for an adrenaline rush like no other. There are several companies that rent jet skis for fast-paced water excitement. Contact your company of choice and ask about rates as well as age restrictions for passengers and drivers. You may need to obtain a South Carolina boating license prior to piloting a vessel.
Biking
There are many nooks and crannies of the island where your car can’t reach or isn’t allowed. There are a myriad of trails crisscrossing the island that take you on various tours you won’t see from the car. Hilton Head has earned the Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community Award, the top award for a bike-friendly atmosphere. The beach area pathway cuts along the shoreline for a beautiful water view, while the Island History Pathway takes you on a tour past some of the island’s most historic points of interest like Union Cemetery, Cherry Hills School, and the Historic Mitchelville Area.
Coastal Discovery Museum
Slip in a little education on your Hilton Head weekend getaway. The Coastal Discovery Museum boasts a rotating and permanent assortment of exhibits that tell the story of life on the island. Enjoy hands-on exhibits like seashell identification. You can also take a tour of the 68 acres the museum sits on and learn about the birds of the area, go dolphin spotting, and more.
Shelter Cove Harbour Marina
Enjoy the ultimate island experience. The marina is a “one-stop shop” for some of your favorite water and island activities. Take part in the many water activities the island has to offer. Of course, there’s swimming and playing in the sand, but if you’d rather get out on the water, rent a boat and set sail – you can choose anything from 2-person catamarans to pontoons and speed boats. If you’d rather have someone else take the helm, there are plenty of charter boats offering all types of cruises, as well as fishing excursions. After a day full of fun, or when you need a break, there are a variety of dining options, as well as spas with a myriad of services for a relaxing day.
Pickney Island Nation Wildlife Refuge
Learn more about the wildlife and ecology of the place you’ve decided to call your home away from home. The property consists of over 4,000 acres of salt marsh, tidal creek, maritime forest, open field, land brush, and an array of freshwater ponds. There are miles of nature trails that allow you to hike or bike around the area in search of wildlife or a place to sit and relax in the serenity of the refuge. Gaze up and search for migratory birds, birds of prey, and more. Keep your eyes on the ground and look out for white-tailed deer, alligators, and many others.
Helicopter Tour
Go up, up, and away for a different view of the island and surrounding area. Hilton Head Helicopter Tours offers a variety of tours that give you a bird’s eye view of some of the island’s best landmarks and features. Trips are for all ages and are anywhere from eight to 30 miles in length, and include sights like Harbour Town Lighthouse, South Beach and Shelter Cover marinas, Coligny Beach, and the Board Creek Marshlands.
Wineries and Distilleries
Enjoy some adults-only time, even during your short trip. Hilton Head Island hosts several wineries and distilleries. Island Winery hosts tastings of their barrel aged red wines, crisp whites, and their unique Low Country Specialty wines. The Carolina Tasting Room is run by island locals and produces a number of wines, beers, and more with locally sourced ingredients. Hilton Head Distillery offers its own label of spirits, along with other American-made brands, as well as some international flavors. Choose from rum, whiskey, vodka, and more. Stop in to try one of their newest flavors, island cream, featuring local cream and their finest rum.
Wild Water Sports on Hilton Head
You came to Hilton Head for a short, fun, relaxing getaway. Start your weekend vacation plans by booking a vacation rental home with Coastal Vacation Rentals. We have units as small as one bedroom all the way up to seven bedrooms for a weekend escape that includes all of your loved ones! Enjoy time in private outdoor spaces like a pool, balcony, or deck. Relax indoors in stylish bedrooms. Make a meal in the fully equipped kitchen, then spread out in an open living area. For a luxury stay like no other, choose a premium unit to include perks like wood floors, flat screen TVs, an elevator and more to make your stay one you’ll never forget.
Call us today to start planning a fun-filled weekend visit to Hilton Head Island!