The Ultimate Guide to a Hilton Head Beach Vacation

Hilton Head Island is a fantastic destination for vacations for families on the east coast. This family-friendly island boasts miles of bike paths, delicious dining, unique parks, and wide sandy beaches perfect for boogie boarding. If you’re planning a trip, here’s everything you need to know!

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All photos in this post were taken by me during our trip. I love capturing real experiences to give you an authentic look at what to expect.

Hilton Head Island - the perfect place for vacations for families on the East Coast. Picture of a dad and his daughter and son sitting in the ocean at sunset

Best Time to Visit Hilton Head

The ideal time to visit Hilton Head is early summer. The weather is warm, and the island isn’t as crowded as in peak summer months. If you visit in mid-summer, expect larger crowds and heavier traffic.

Where to Stay on Hilton Head Island

Courtyard Hilton Head on Pope Ave – Our favorite stay! This hotel offers an amazing rooftop pool, clean rooms, and an unbeatable location within walking or biking distance of the beach, parks, and restaurants.
Palmera Inn & Suites – Our favorite budget-friendly option! While you’ll need to drive to the beach, the hotel offers a lovely pool, a great complimentary breakfast, and clean, spacious rooms with kitchenettes.

Best Beaches

Coligny Beach – This was our preferred beach due to its proximity to our hotel. It offers great amenities, including restrooms, showers, and a fun splash fountain for kids. However, this stretch of sand can be very crowded. We found a quieter access point just down N Forest Beach Dr.
Avocet Rd Beach Access – Just a short walk from Coligny Beach, this access is next to Pool Bar Jim’s, which serves fantastic cold coffee! It’s far less crowded but still a lovely stretch of sand.

Biking Around the Island

Renting bikes for the week is a great way to explore Hilton Head! We biked to the beach, restaurants, and parks, taking full advantage of the island’s extensive bike paths. You can even take your bikes onto the sand and bike along the beach, which is a fun and scenic experience. This is one of the more unique things you can do on Hilton Head Island – the perfect vacation for families on the east coast.

Family-Friendly Activities on Hilton Head

Low Country Celebration Park – A unique playground featuring a giant pirate ship, safe climbing structures, water play areas, and walking paths. There’s even a small river where you can watch alligators swim! Our kids loved visiting this park every evening. We love playing Crazy Bocce on the large open field.
Bike Paths – Hilton Head is covered with miles of scenic bike paths, making it easy to explore the island safely with kids. You can ride through shaded trails, along the beach, and to many of the island’s attractions.
Mini Golf – The island has several fun mini-golf courses perfect for families. Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf and Legendary Golf are great spots for a fun afternoon.

Where to Eat

Watusi Cafe – Fantastic gluten-free options and a delicious breakfast menu.
Nakama Sushi Bar & Grill – A must-visit for sushi lovers.
New York City Pizza – Great for a casual meal.
Frosty Frog Cafe – Our kids’ favorite! We ate here multiple times because of the fun games and amazing gluten-free pizza.
Rita’s Italian Ice – A perfect spot for a refreshing treat after a day at the beach.

Beach Tips

Spending Time at the Ocean – We spend most of our time at the ocean when visiting Hilton Head because it’s free and so much fun! The waves, soft sand, and endless beach activities make it the highlight of our trip.
Parking – Public parking at Coligny Beach requires a bit of a walk. However, there’s a pull-through at the beach entrance where one parent can drop off kids and gear while the other parks.
Beach Chair Rentals – If you don’t want to lug chairs and umbrellas, consider renting them. They’re set up for you each morning and taken down in the evening.
Traffic – Summer traffic can get heavy, so plan accordingly. Biking is often faster and more convenient than driving!
Packing Tips – Bring a stick sunscreen for quick reapplication, hats, and a beach umbrella for sun protection during the heat of the day. Pack plenty of water and Gatorades to stay hydrated, along with easy snacks or a picnic lunch to enjoy at the beach.

Hilton Head Island is the perfect spot for a relaxing and fun-filled beach vacation. Whether you’re biking along scenic trails, enjoying fresh seafood, or playing in the waves, there’s something for everyone. We can’t wait to go back!