Location: Hilton Head
Top Things to do in Hilton Head
Countries
Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in Hilton Head, South Carolina (SC)
Long known as a golfer's paradise, Hilton Head Island is heaven for any type of sports enthusiast. Tennis, volleyball, polo, championship golf on some of the best fairways in the United States - those are just a few athletic options. In fact, the island plays host to many prestigious sporting events throughout the year. All of it surrounded by sunny beaches and lush greenery. In between games or matches, explore Hilton Head's natural wonders. The Sea Pines Forest Preserve offers a close-up look at a swamp without having to get mucky. Raised boardwalks provide a protected path for pedestrians. And don't miss the colorful Harbourtown Lighthouse, the island's icon. Choose from a number of first-class resorts and hotels to experience it all.
Restaurants in Hilton Head
1. St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By Golfingnannpop
Priests are the best, good sermons with message you can take home. Just to hear the organist is worth the trip. Warm, welcoming, spiritual, peaceful. Can really encounter the Lord here. Wish we were here year round. Daily Masses are very special, too.
2. Holy Family Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By jtwalsh2019
Warm and friendly congregation providing 5PM Saturday Mass. Convenient location just off Pope Street with plenty of parking. Faith filled community offering concerts and other events in addition to Mass daily and on the weekends. Close to other Sea Pines attractions.
3. Zion Cemetery and Baynard Mausoleum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Built in 1846, the mausoleum serves as the final resting place of those who fought in the Revolutionary War.
Reviewed By Dmpishock - Cumming, United States
Very small and folks need to hit this and keep history alive. So glad we made it. Park nearby and then walk to it. Small gate go into and then you can walk the lands. Very cool old grave stones and reminded me of Ireland. Some real old head stones and great history lesson. Get there!
4. Mitchelville Freedom Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 384 reviews
Reviewed By U1568UAjeffreym - Hilton Head, United States
This park, formerly Fish Haul Park, is a combination of historical displays on the Civil War era Mitchelville Community of former African American slaves and a nature park with a board walk into a salt marsh (a great place to catch a cool breeze on a hot day) and a stretch of beach on Port Royal Sound which is among the island's best locations for birding. We visit almost monthly and have seen everything from eagles and osprey to sandpipers, wimbrel and black skimmers.
5. Harbour Town Lighthouse & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,617 reviews
A visit to Hilton Head Island isn't complete without a trip to the Harbor Town Lighthouse. With its museum-like setting, visitors are invited to explore the rich history of the island as they climb the steps of this iconic candy cane-striped structure. Learn fun facts about Hilton Head Island, listen to authentic Lowcountry music, view artifacts from the island's historic eras, including the Civil War, and find a collection of memorabilia from the PGA TOUR's famed RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing. Once you've reached the top of the lighthouse, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Lowcountry and the island's most elevated shopping experience at the Top of the Lighthouse Shoppe. Browse local arts and crafts, enjoy remarkable sunsets and don't forget to wave to your friends and family via the live webcam!
Reviewed By KelMichell - Aiken, United States
Really enjoyed our experience at the Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum! The climb of 114 steps is not that bad because every ten steps up, you get to stop and look around the exhibits on that level. Lots of interesting history and artifacts. Several machines on different levels that you can make pressed pennies for souvenirs. There's also a photobooth midway up. Gift stores at the bottom and top of the lighthouse with beautiful artwork, unique handcrafted items and much more. View from the top is beautiful! $8 admission into Sea Pines where Harbour Town is located, and $4.95-ish to climb the lighthouse. Reasonable price for a unique experience! Lots of gift shops around the yacht basin as well.
6. Baynard Plantation Ruins
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 285 reviews
Tours are available through the remains of a plantation house dating back to the 1800s.
Reviewed By urbanguy - Richmond, United States
This is listed on the National Register of Historic Places! The ruins consist of vestiges of the main house (originally built in the 1790s) and the slave quarters. I've seen multiple references to these being "tabby ruins." Tabby turns out to be a concrete made up of crushed oyster shells, sand, water, and lime. On the one hand, you might think that this is not much. On the other, just think about how much has "survived" after nearly 225 years or so!
7. Fort Howell
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By bdpowell50
up until this visit i held a jaded vision of the Civil War the confederacy and the south in general.But history is only as relative as each visit.It was illuminating,it was exciting it was mind changing.Not only did the south built a fort to protect former slaves,their existed a town back then administrated ,operated and inhabitant ed by Black people.
8. Main Street Village Shopping Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 117 reviews
Enjoy an extraordinary mix of restaurants and cafes from signature entrees to a quick sandwich or dessert, as well as a wide variety of shops including apparel, jewelry, art gallery and custom framing, pharmacy, dental,consignment, hair salon, chiropractor, dry cleaners, travel agency,wine & spirits, supermarket and more. Check out our nightlife for some of the best places to go on Hilton Head Island!
Reviewed By E8078BTcarolo
Love Main Street Shopping Area. Many great little shops and some good restaurants too. Easy parking, nice walk.
9. Fort Mitchel
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By SavantIII_11 - Centerville, United States
Dining at Old Fort Pub is always preceded by our walking tour of the Civil War fort, Fort Mitchel (one L.) Fort Mitchel and other Union forts, together with a superior Union Navy were Key to ultimate Union victory.
10. Hilton Head Rear Range Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 36 reviews
The Hilton Head Island Rear Range Lighthouse, also known as the Leamington Lighthouse, is located in the Leamington neighborhood of Palmetto Dunes Resort overlooking the Arthur Hills Golf Course. It was built between 1879 and 1880 as part of a larger system of navigation lights guiding ships to Port Royal Sound. Today, only the 92-foot structure survives, along with a vintage brick oil house and a water cistern located on site alongside the oldest living oak tree on Hilton Head Island. The lighthouse is free and open to the public to visit. Sorry, the tower is closed and no longer accessible to the public. Passes are not given after 5 p.m. and motorcycles are not allowed in Palmetto Dunes. Since the lighthouse is located on private property in a golf course environment, please be courteous to golfers and residents.
Reviewed By kathybC4697XG - Sylvania, United States
We had a wonderful time climbing and exploring this monument.The information on each landing enriched our knowledge of the area.
