Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Hilton Head Island?

Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Hilton Head Island?

Many travelers spend at least 5 or as many as 7 days in Hilton Head Island during their visit. After all, the family-friendly coastal town has plenty to explore such as the beaches, the restaurant scene, and the gorgeous scenery.

Hilton Head Island is a popular beach destination for families. It is a beautiful island with long sandy beaches and fun water activities like kayaking and crabbing. At the tip of the island is Harbour Town, which has many restaurants and shops. The island also has many golf courses, tennis courts, and bike trails.

Do you have one or two weeks to visit Hilton Head Island? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is one week enough time in Hilton Head Island?

One week is more than enough time to see the activities and enjoy the beach in Hilton Head Island. Many visitors prefer to spend five to seven days here, so more time would allow you to experience the beaches, the restaurant scene, the gorgeous scenery, and the quaint shops at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

How to spend a week in Hilton Head Island

The beautiful beaches await you in Hilton Head Island, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Make sure to set aside around 3 hours for Coligny Beach Park, which is free. It's great for families and couples and is known for its family-friendly environment, clean sandy beach, and excellent amenities including playground and nearby shops.

You'll want to have around 3 hours for Folly Field Beach Park. It's a nice activity for families and couples and is known for its tranquil and family-friendly beach environment with clean sand and calm waters. It's free.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • 2 Hour Kayak Hilton Head Dolphin and Nature Tour ($49)
  • 2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour ($47)
  • Hilton Head Guided Dolphin Watching & Sightseeing Tour via Mini Boat ($199)

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Perhaps the most famous spot in Hilton Head Island is the Harbour Town Lighthouse, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

Hilton Head Island is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The island has many beautiful waterways that are best explored by boat or kayak. The beaches are also beautiful and striking.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Hilton Head Guided Dolphin Watching & Sightseeing Tour via Mini Boat ($199)
  • Walking Tour in Beaufort ($35)
  • 90 minute Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Cruise ($55)

Shopping in Hilton Head Island is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Hilton Head Island.

After you've explored most of Hilton Head Island, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Hilton Head Island.

Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Hilton Head Island.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Hilton Head Island. Plenty of amazing options are available.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Hilton Head Island.

Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Hilton Head Island.

Is 2 weeks enough time in Hilton Head Island?

Two weeks is more than enough time to enjoy the beach and other activities in Hilton Head Island. You can move at your own pace and relax at your hotel and on the beach. You could also use Hilton Head Island as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region worth doing.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

How to spend 2 weeks in Hilton Head Island

With 2 weeks in Hilton Head Island, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the coastal town has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time relaxing on the beach. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this coastal town looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.


A few trip suggestions:

  • Hilton Head Guided Dolphin Watching & Sightseeing Tour via Mini Boat ($199)
  • 90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin and Nature Cruise ($47)
  • 90 minute Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Cruise ($55)
  • Hilton Head Pirate Ship Adventure Sail aboard the Black Dagger ($45)
  • Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise ($40)

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Hilton Head Island, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

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