Day Trips from Hilton Head, SC
Guide to nearby attractions, places to see and things to do when visiting the Lowcountry and Hilton Head Island, SC.
Day Trips from Hilton Head Island include many popular destinations within a short drive of 1-2 hours, including Charleston, SC, Savannah, GA,
Daufuskie Island, SC,
St. Simons Island, GA,
Tybee Island, GA,
Jekyll Island, GA,
Isle of Palms, SC and neighboring towns of
Bluffton and
Beaufort. All of these destinations offer distinctive attractions and splendid beauty that can only be found on the Southern coastal region. Whether you are looking to explore the history of the land or kick back and relax at one of the many resort hotels that you'll find, there is always something exciting waiting for you.
Neighboring
Bluffton, SC has been called "the last true coastal village of the South," and it's charm will seduce you with its historic buildings and unhurried pace of life. Located across from Hilton Head Island,
Daufuskie Island is a scenic ferry ride from our Embarkation Center on Hilton Head Island. If you're looking to get away from civilization, if only for a little while, Daufuskie Island offers the adventurous a remarkable step back in time. The historic village of Summerville is like a walk back in time. Known as the "Flowertown in the Pines," Summerville was once an escape for plantation owners from the mosquito-laden marshes in the Lowcountry.
While visiting Hilton Head Island, we encourage you to get out and Explore the region. You'll find hidden gems that are within a short drive and see things that you just won't find anywhere else in the world.
View map of Day Trips & Nearby Attractions »
Bluffton is located just 12 miles west of Hilton Head Island, SC and approximately 20 miles northeast of Savannah, GA. It is also easily accessible from Intrastate Highways 46, 170, and 278 and Interstate 95.
Rooted in more than two-hundred years of history and culture, Bluffton represents what some call "the last true coastal village of the South." We take pride in not only our cultural heritage, but also the inimitable landscape and natural environment that shape this place we call "home."
The Town of Bluffton is located in Beaufort County, the southernmost coastal county in South Carolina. It is situated on a high bluff overlooking the May River, a pristine waterway that has strongly contributed to the Town's history and continued success.
Contact the
Town of Bluffton via phone at 843.706.4500, online at
www.townofbluffton.com or in person at Town Hall, conveniently located at 20 Bridge Street in the Old Town.
Discover the beach paradise you've been searching for. Set against a magnificent backdrop of unspoiled beaches and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, you'll find undisturbed natural beaches and the remnants of the exclusive Daufuskie Island Resort, which unfortunately succombed to the changing tides of economic realities and closed its doors for good circa 2005. Daufuskie is home to a few permanent residents who stayed behind, as well as authentic ancestors of Gullah inhabitants who continue their precious culture and traditional way of life. If you're looking to get away from civilization, if only for a little while, Daufuskie Island offers the adventurous a remarkable step back in time.
Located across from Hilton Head Island, Daufuskie Island, South Carolina is a scenic ferry ride from our Embarkation Center on Hilton Head Island. Located 50 minutes by ferry to Savannah, Georgia or 45 minutes by car to Savannah / Hilton Head International Airport (SAV).
Tybee Island is a barrier island on the Georgia coast, 20 minutes east of Savannah. Offering a laid back lifestyle within an unspoiled habitat, Tybee has miles of beaches, salt marshes, and other natural resources and wildlife to explore, including sea turtles, endangered birds, and nature trails for hiking. History and culture buffs will enjoy Fort Screven, Fort Pulaski, Tybee Museum, the Tybee Lighthouse and Cockspur Lighthouse, and nearby Savannah. There's also the Marine Science Center, Tybee Pier & Pavilion, and Little Tybee Island. In 2008, Tybee Island was named the "Best One Tank Trip" by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, "Best Beach Retreat" by Atlanta Creative Loafing and "Best Beach" by Georgia Magazine.
For your guide to Tybee Island Accommodations, Restaurants, Shopping, Fishing, and more visit
www.ExploreTybee.com.
With six miles of white, sandy beaches, the Isle of Palms is a unique barrier island on the coast of South Carolina, less than 20 minutes from Charleston. Isle of Palms is 7 miles long and 1 mile wide. Known for its pristine beaches and clean water, natural wildlife as well as world-class resorts, spas, golf and fine dining, Isle of Palms was voted #6 among Top 10 North America Islands by Conde Nast Traveler's 2008 Reader's Choice Awards.
Recreational opportunities abound. One can ride through the many bike paths throughout the island, enjoy the beautiful, wide, sandy beaches or if other recreational activities are your pleasure, through the City's recreation department, organized sports programs exist such as soccer, baseball, softball, football and basketball. The City also offers Tiny Tots and Mommy and Me for the younger children on the island. In addition to playgrounds and ball fields, visitors and residents may enjoy tennis, shuffleboard and skateboarding. The City is also home to an oceanfront County park at the center of the island. This facility has lifeguards, dressing rooms and refreshments.
St. Simons Island, GA is home to fabulous beaches, golfing, charter fishing, spas and salons, and a variety of restaurants, fun events and entertainment for everyone. The unspoiled beauty of St. Simons and its distinctively charming beach lifestyle that is unhurried and under-developed are what make it so special. Come see what the rest of the country is so excited about, and welcome to the best of the Island lifestyle!
Full of history and Southern charm, St. Simons Island boasts beautiful live Southern Oaks draped with Spanish moss that give the island a unique sense of time and place, unlike any other. It's no wonder St. Simons Island was recently voted among the most romantic destinations in the U.S., and one visit is all you'll need to fall in love with Georgia's Golden Isles.
Jekyll Island, GA is a unique, tranquil island left mostly undisturbed by the constant march of time. Just across the water from its nearby neighbor St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island boasts over eight miles of white sandy beaches and an amazing degree of privacy and protected natural habitat. Jekyll Island is a Georgia State Park, and maintains a strict conservation clause which limits future development to preserve wildlife and protect the scenic beauty that is home to a variety of animal species and magnificent Southern Oak trees with Spanish moss draping from their branches. Sixty five percent of Jekyll Island will always remain natural and wild, ensuring that this unique getaway will continue for generations to come.
Just a short drive from Hilton Head, SC, Charleston makes for a perfect day trip destination. The rich history and Southern charm of this city make it a must-see, with plenty to do and engage in during your stay. For more information on Charleston, SC please visit
www.charleston.com.
The Historic Downtown District has stood throughout Charleston's history as the cultural capital of the South and is considered by many to be a living museum, with a wonderful variety of things to do and see. In this beautifully preserved city you can experience tours through historic landmarks, including 18th century homes and plantations, the Battery, museums, churches and the city market. The number of historic sites in Charleston South Carolina is astonishing. Charleston also boasts numerous art galleries that display the city's impressive appreciation for the visual arts. In addition, there are many historic Charleston South Carolina accomodations to choose from when planning your visit. Charleston maintains all the ingredients necessary for a great vacation!
Mt. Pleasant is located directly across the new Cooper River Bridge. At the heart of Mt. Pleasant is the "old village" which is designated a National Register Historical District with gracious homes from the colonial and antebellum periods. Mt. Pleasant is home to one of the world's largest naval and maritime museum complexes, Patriot's Point, which is dominated by the World War II famous aircraft carrier, the Yorktown. Visitors may also board tour boats to visit the National Monument, Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began. Mt. Pleasant hosts several popular annual festivals. So, expect many exciting days when visiting Mt. Pleasant.
Amelia Island, Florida, is a unique paradise among the chain of barrier islands that stretches along the east coast from South Carolina to Florida, including St. Simons Island, Hilton Head Island, Jekyll Island, and Tybee Island to name just a few. Amelia is 13 miles long and 4 miles wide at its widest point, located just south of Cumberland Island, Georgia. Known for its pristine beaches and clean water, natural wildlife as well as world-class resorts, spas, golf and fine dining, Amelia Island was voted #6 among Top 10 North America Islands by Conde Nast Traveler's 2008 Reader's Choice Awards.
This 4,000-acre master planned island town is part of the city of Charleston. A distinctive mix of traditional neighborhoods and a growing collection of amenities offer island residents all of the essential components of a community – schools, medical centers, boutiques, restaurants, office buildings, churches, a modern supermarket and more. World class recreational opportunities, including a private golf club, professional tennis and soccer facilities and access to hundreds of acres of parks, 23 miles of rivers and creeks and miles of bicycle and jogging paths, provide residents with endless choices for an active lifestyle.
Summerville, SC
The historic village of Summerville is like a walk back in time. Known as the "Flowertown in the Pines," was once an escape for plantation owners from the mosquito-laden marshes. Today, visitors are invited to explore the historic downtown area of Summerville with over 700 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including surrounding neighborhoods of distinctly Victorian homes and delightful parks and gardens.
Qualities developed in this village as one of America's first resorts dating back to the early 1800s are still very much alive today, and you will be able to experience the kind of charm and hospitality one expects from a small Southern town.
Mount Pleasant, SC
Mt. Pleasant is located directly across the new Cooper River Bridge. At the heart of Mt. Pleasant is the "old village" which is designated a National Register Historical District with gracious homes from the colonial and antebellum periods. Mt. Pleasant is home to one of the world's largest naval and maritime museum complexes, Patriot's Point, which is dominated by the World War II famous aircraft carrier, the Yorktown. Visitors may also board tour boats to visit the National Monument, Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began. Mt. Pleasant hosts several popular annual festivals. So, expect many exciting days when visiting Mt. Pleasant.
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The coast of South Carolina offers a vast ecosystem of salt marshes, tidal creeks, winding rivers, sounds and the Atlantic Ocean is unspoiled, healthy, and brimming with fish of all types. For deep sea fishing charters and offshore angling, there are a number of
fishing charters and skilled captains who can help you navigate Hilton Head's vast ecosystem of salt marshes, tidal creeks, winding rivers, Calibogue Sound, Harbor River and the expansive Atlantic ocean.
View fishing charters in Hilton Head »
Hilton Head Island boasts 12 miles of expansive, hard-packed
beaches which range up to 600 feet at low tide. The tide levels vary as much as 6-8 feet every 6 hours. All
Hilton Head beaches are public, but some
access points are private and vary by location.
Our beach guide includes
Hilton Head beach information, access points and parking,
beach photography,
real-time tidal chart,
beach rules and regulations,
personal watercraft rules,
fishing licenses and regulations, and
local emergency contact information.
See more about Hilton Head beaches »
Hilton Head is surrounded by water, so its only natural that there are an extensive array of
marinas, harbours,
boat ramps,
landings and marine service centers located all over the island. Popular facilities include
Shelter Cove Marina, Skull Creek Marina,
Harbour Town Yacht Basin, South Carolina Yacht Club,
Hilton Head Harbor RV Resort and Marina, Yacht Club of Hilton Head, Wexford Harbourmaster and more.
The Calibogue Sound and Harbor River feed into the Atlantic Ocean and provide easy access for yachts and marine vessels of all sizes.
View the marinas of Hilton Head »