A common response to telling family and friends we were going to Hilton Head Island was “I grew up going there every summer!” People that visit Hilton Head Island want to go back again and again. So many people we met said they visit every year, and now we are turning into those people because we have another trip booked for this summer!
Where to Stay
We love Marriott Vacation Clubs for longer vacations as a family because they offer 2-bedroom suites with full kitchens and living areas. This allows us to have the space of a vacation rental while also enjoying the amenities of a hotel.
Hilton Head Island has two Marriott Vacation Club properties that are excellent choices for families.
Marriott Vacation Club’s Barony Beach Club sits right on the beach and could not be more perfect for families. The property has 4 pools: a lap pool, an indoor pool, and two large pools with beached entries. There is also a large splash pad for kids and many hot tubs throughout. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant and bar, scheduled activities and classes, plus lawn games and hammocks, so you can easily spend most of your day at the resort and the beach.
The Barony Beach Club is on the northeast side of the island, so it is a bit farther from many of the island’s main attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas like Harbour Town and Coligny Plaza. However, they offer bike rentals at the resort and there are beautiful trails, parks, and beaches all around the property. If you don’t mind driving a little or if your goal is to stay put and enjoy the resort itself, this is an excellent option.
Watch this video to see more of Marriott’s Barony Beach Club!
Marriott Vacation Club’s Grande Ocean, on the other hand, is known for both its prime location and its high demand. This stunning beachfront property includes a small lazy river, multiple pools, beautifully maintained grounds, and direct beach access. We will be staying here this summer, and we can’t wait to experience it firsthand. Grande Ocean is more centrally located on the island, which makes it easier to explore nearby shops, dining, and popular attractions. Because of its location and amenities, this resort is almost always sold out, so booking early is a must if you’re hoping to stay here.
Free Activities on Hilton Head Island
Adventure Playground
Adventure Playground at Lowcountry Celebration Park is a must-visit for families with younger kids. This fully fenced-in playground features a large pirate ship with multiple slides, climbing nets, swings, a sand pit, and more. There is also a small water play and wading area, so come prepared with extra clothes for your kids! The park also has a large dock overlooking the surrounding landscape with viewing opportunities for local wildlife like birds, turtles, and alligators!
Coastal Discovery Museum
The Coastal Discovery Museum is the perfect place to spend a slow morning exploring outside! This free museum celebrates Hilton Head Island’s history and landscape with scenic walking trails, a small museum building, and hands-on exhibits throughout. My kids loved the butterfly garden and the kids room inside the museum building.
Harbour Town
Harbour Town is a classic Hilton Head Island destination with the iconic red lighthouse as its centerpiece. The marina town has charming boutiques, waterfront restaurants, and a fenced-in playground for kids to enjoy. The iconic lighthouse and marina provide beautiful views and photo opportunities, especially at sunset. It’s a great spot to spend an afternoon or evening with your family!
Bike Trails
Exploring Hilton Head Island’s miles of bike trails is one of the best ways to experience the island. Most resorts offer bike rentals or you can reserve bikes through a third party as well. Unfortunately, we didn’t end up riding bikes on our trip in 2025, so we are excited to do more of it this summer!
NEED to Know on Hilton Head Island
- The Sea Pines neighborhood makes up the southwest side of the island and requires a daily entry fee of $9. Harbour Town and the Salty Dog Cafe are located in Sea Pines.
- Bikes are an additional $1.
- Some restaurants or vacation rentals may offer reimbursement.
Excursions & Attractions on Hilton Head Island
Pirates of Hilton Head
Pirates of Hilton Head is a one-of-a-kind interactive experience for kids. This themed boat tour turns little ones into honorary pirates, complete with pirate names, costumes, water cannons, and a playful storyline to defeat ‘Stinky Pete’ and find the lost treasure. It’s silly in all the right ways and perfectly designed to make children feel like pirates while parents enjoy watching the excitement unfold.
See more of this incredible experience on my Instagram HERE!
Dolphins & Donuts
Dolphins & Donuts cruises are popular for visitors on Hilton Head Island. It is a more relaxed, but equally memorable way to get out on the water. This morning tour pairs dolphin spotting with coffee and fresh donuts. There are a lot of options for Dolphins & Donuts excursions on the island, so we picked one that had a bathroom on board and was close to our hotel. The tour stays in the marsh creek that runs through the middle of Hilton Head Island, so it is a calm boat ride and manageable with kids!
Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum
The Harbour Town Lighthouse is one of Hilton Head’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see while you’re on the island. For a fee, visitors can enter the museum and climb to the top for epic views of the marina, the coastline, and the surrounding area. My 3 toddlers managed the stairs fine and enjoyed the excitement of being inside the lighthouse! It’s a great spot for photos and a fun way to see Hilton Head from a new perspective, especially on a clear day.
Watch this video on my Instagram to see more of our Hilton Head Island itinerary!
Restaurants and Food on Hilton Head Island
Everyone prefers to sit outside at restaurants in Hilton Head, and in the summer, there is a ton of live music on restaurant patios too. You can probably walk in to any restaurant without a reservation and get seated inside, but I highly recommend a reservation or an early dinner to limit wait times if you do want to sit outside on the patio. And you do want to sit outside!
The Salty Dog Café is practically a Hilton Head tradition. Located in South Beach Marina Village, it’s known just as much for its t-shirts as it is for its food. Buying a Salty Dog shirt is almost a rite of passage when visiting the island, and after you visit you’ll start to notice people wearing them everywhere, even once you are back home. Even if you don’t stop for a full meal, it’s a fun place to walk around, grab a photo, and pick up a souvenir. There is also a small playground across the parking lot!
Skull Creek Boathouse was absolutely beautiful at sunset. I don’t even remember the food, just kidding, it was good, but I will never forget walking down the dock after dinner and seeing the pink and orange sky above the marina. We walked in and were seated inside, but they have a huge patio, so I recommend getting a reservation!
The Bank is a casual beer garden and food hall that works well for families. The open outdoor space makes it easy for kids to hang out while adults enjoy a drink and dinner. We thought the food was average, but the overall atmosphere and location makes it a nice option if you’re looking for something low-key and kid-friendly.
What We Missed on Hilton Head Island
- Lawton Stables pony rides & petting zoo
- Renting bikes and riding the many trails
- The Sandbox Children’s Museum
Watch this itinerary here!
Have you been to Hilton Head Island? Let me know your favorite activities and locations in the comments!
