About Hilton Head
Hilton Head Island is a resort town in Beaufort County, South Carolina, United States. It is a barrier island within the South Carolina Lowcountry, located 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Savannah, Georgia, and 95 miles (153 km) southwest of Charleston. The year-round population was 37,661 at the 2020 census, although during the peak of summer vacation season the population can swell to 150,000. It is the principal city of the Hilton Head Island metropolitan area, which had an estimated population of 232,523 in 2023.
Places to visit in Hilton Head
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Harbour Town Lighthouse
LandmarkThe red and white lighthouse in Sea Pines anchors the Harbour Town marina. Climb to the top for views of Calibogue Sound, then browse the shops along the harbor.
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Coligny Beach Park
BeachThe island's main public beach, with wide firm sand, shaded swings, outdoor showers and easy access to the nearby Coligny Plaza shops and restaurants. Parking fills early in summer.
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Sea Pines Forest Preserve
NatureA preserve within Sea Pines with trails, boardwalks and ponds where alligators and wading birds are common, plus an ancient Native American shell ring. It is a peaceful break.
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Coastal Discovery Museum
MuseumA museum on the grounds of a former plantation with exhibits on Lowcountry history, Gullah culture and coastal ecology, plus butterfly gardens and trails under live oaks.
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Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Nature · 5 mi from centreBetween the mainland and Hilton Head, this refuge has flat trails through salt marsh and maritime forest, popular for birdwatching and spotting egrets, ibis and herons.
Where to stay in Hilton Head
Popular hotels in Hilton Head, out of 48 properties you can book.
Holiday Inn Express Hilton Head Island by IHG
From $91 per night
Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
From $931 per night
Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Hilton Head Island
From $136 per night
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
From $275 per night
Home2 Suites by Hilton Hilton Head
From $133 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Hilton Head
From $112 per night
Hotel Carolina A Days Inn By Wyndham
From $85 per night
Red Roof Inn Hilton Head Island
From $69 per night
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head
From $187 per night
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Bluffton @ Hilt
From $111 per night
Hampton Inn Hilton Head
From $117 per night
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Oak Resort
From $220 per night
Best time to visit Hilton Head
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Hilton Head is April, when average daytime highs are around 74°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Hilton Head weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 70° 51° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 75° 52° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 72° 53° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 74° 57° 3%
- Sun 25 Oct 74° 58° 2%
- Mon 26 Oct 75° 60° 2%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/New_YorkUTC−4
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Hilton Head
These are the airports closest to central Hilton Head. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- HHH Hilton Head Airport4 mi (7 km) from the city centre
Getting around Hilton Head
Once entering the island, US 278 becomes known as the William Hilton Parkway. After traveling about a mile on the island, the road splits in two.
By bicycle
Hilton Head is quite cycling-friendly. All main roads and most major roads in the resort plantations have a companion bicycle path, and there are a few miles of paths that cut their own trail away from the roads. Although not lit for night riding, they are the perfect way to traverse the island during the day time hours. Bicycle rental stores are plentiful, although they may be expensive.
By bus
The Breeze Trolley is a public transportation service open seasonally around summertime. It operates two routes in the central part of the island, and it is free for all passengers. The trolleys arrive every 30 minutes.
Hilton Head travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Hilton Head?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Hilton Head is April, when average daytime highs are around 74°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
What is the weather like in Hilton Head?
July is usually the warmest month in Hilton Head, with average highs of 88°F (31°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 41°F (5°C). The wettest month is typically August, with about 364 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Hilton Head?
Hilton Head Airport (HHH) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (7 km) from the centre of Hilton Head.
What time zone is Hilton Head in?
Hilton Head uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Hilton Head?
Once entering the island, US 278 becomes known as the William Hilton Parkway. After traveling about a mile on the island, the road splits in two.
What are the best places to visit in Hilton Head?
Top sights in Hilton Head include Harbour Town Lighthouse, Coligny Beach Park, Sea Pines Forest Preserve and Coastal Discovery Museum. The red and white lighthouse in Sea Pines anchors the Harbour Town marina. Climb to the top for views of Calibogue Sound, then browse the shops along the harbor.
Where should I stay in Hilton Head?
Popular areas for hotels in Hilton Head include Beach Area, Ocean and Suburbs. Well-reviewed options include Holiday Inn Express Hilton Head Island by IHG and Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa.
How many hotels can I book in Hilton Head?
Destina Holidays currently lists 48 properties in and around Hilton Head, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
