If you’re in search of the perfect Hilton Head family vacation with the kids, you’re in for a treat. This sun-soaked slice of South Carolina has been our family’s go-to spot for years, evolving into a tradition of making memories and watching our kids grow up fast. Why do we keep going back to Hilton Head year after year? Let me share why Hilton Head is the ideal destination for your next family vacation.
*I plan to write a lot more insight into Hilton Head, like HOW to vacation there, WHEN to go, WHAT to do etc. However, this post is all about the WHY? Stay tuned for more posts!
Our Family Tradition
Our journeys to Hilton Head started when I was a baby, and now, with our own little ones in tow, it’s become an annual Hilton Head vacation tradition. Over the past seven years, since our first child was born, we’ve seen our family dynamics adapt from changing diapers on the beach, to first bike rides, to learning to swim, to conquering restaurants with no stress at all! (Ok, the last one was a lie, we’re still working on that). It’s worth noting that we have a family-owned Palmetto Dunes condo and has been our go-to spot for over a decade. However, there are numerous other family-friendly neighborhoods, vacation rentals and resorts worth exploring.
Our List – Why we love a Hilton Head Family Vacation:
Beach Days Made Simple
Hilton Head’s beaches couldn’t be better for a family. The incredibly large tide makes a gigantic beach especially during low tide. Literally, football field lengths worth of sandy beach! This provides ample room for beach games, sandcastles and room to spread out with your beach gear. Even during peak times, these wide shores maintain a laid-back atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for your Hilton Head vacation with the family. Unlike other beaches, you won’t feel crowded by other vacationers around you.
[Side note: Jamie and I lived in the hustle and bustle of Santa Monica, California before kids and while we love the vibe and attractions there for different reasons, trust us when we say that Hilton Head is a complete 180 degrees in terms of laid back, quiet, and easy with kids than that of Santa Monica Beach. (But we still love it there too!). Check out our recent visits to the west coast: Santa Barbara, and the Pacific Northwest.]
Fun Tip: Take leisurely strolls along the shoreline with the kids to discover seashells and sea creatures.
Looking for beach activities for kids? Check out our post here: 25 Exciting Beach Activities For Kids For Seaside Fun! Yes, we’ve done just about all of these on a Hilton Head family vacation!
Ocean Adventures: Splash and Play, All Year Round
Take some time to enjoy the warm waters of Hilton Head’s southern Atlantic Ocean—a lot warmer than the Pacific. Unlike some other beaches, the waves here are gentle, making it great for younger swimmers. When the waves pick up, especially during high tide, older kids can have fun with boogie boarding. And keep your eyes peeled for dolphins—they love to hang out near the shore, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your beach day!
Family Favorite: Walk along the beach at sunset, take some photos, and avoid the heat of the day.
Easy Exploring
Navigating Hilton Head is a breeze, thanks to its compact size. At just 12 miles long and 5 miles wide, the island offers stress-free travel for families. You’ll spend less time in the car and more time exploring the island. Once you’re here, the variety of family-friendly activities and attractions ensure you won’t want to leave.
Interested in what kind of car we rent for Hilton Head? Check out this blog post!
Biking: The way to travel in Hilton Head
Discover Hilton Head’s 50+ miles of scenic bike paths, transforming your family adventure into a pedal-powered exploration. Possibly one of Hilton Head’s iconic features is the ability to bike right on the hard packed sand beach! An extraordinary experience awaits as you bike on the sand during low tide, covering 12 miles of picturesque coastline.
There are numerous affordable bike rental places across the island. Our configuration and rental needs have changed over the years but most places offer, toddler seats, kid trailers, tag along bikes, and children’s bikes.
Go-to rental company is: LowSea Bike Rental
Local Insight: Ditch the car and use your bike to get around in Hilton Head when you can. This offers a unique way to explore the island and see thing you may otherwise not see if you were traveling by car.
Endless Family-Friendly Restaurants
A Hilton Head family vacation is incomplete without savoring the local flavors. The island’s culinary landscape is family-friendly, offering options for all tastes. Most restaurants in Hilton Head are ready for kids, equipped with kid’s menus, coloring pages, and games like cornhole, big Jenga, and Connect Four on location. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back meal or a more refined dining experience, Hilton Head has it all.
Hilton Head Restaurant Recommendations with Kids
Fancy with a view:
Laidback Southern Style: A Low Country Backyard
BBQ: One Hot Mamas
Mexican: Holy Tequila
Casual Beer Garden & Food Hall: The Bank
Fast Casual: Java Burrito
Lunch on the Beach:
Entertainment for All: Live Shows and Local Atmosphere
Beyond the beach, Hilton Head offers a vibrant entertainment scene suitable for kids on vacation. Renowned entertainers like Gregg Russell and Shannon Tanner bring the island to life, especially during the summer. These singers have been doing this since I was a kid 30+ years ago! It’s truly a family tradition at this point. Additionally, lots of restaurants have live music year-round, adding a nice vibe to family dinners.
Family-Focused Venues: Exploring Hilton Head’s Vibrant Neighborhoods
Hilton Head offers an array of family-friendly venues that enhance your vacation experience. Vibrant areas like Harbour Town, Shelter Cove, and Coligny Plaza are specifically designed with families in mind. Boasting an assortment of shops, eateries, and entertaining activities, these locales serve as lively backdrops for your Hilton Head family vacation. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed meal, a bit of shopping, or just a place to soak in the local atmosphere, these family-focused venues have it all.
Insider Tip: Climbing to the top of the Harbour Town Lighthouse is a mini-adventure that the kids absolutely love during their Hilton Head family vacation.
Playtime Spots for Kids: Adventure Awaits at Hilton Head’s Playgrounds
For those moments when the kids need a break from the beach, Hilton Head features fantastic playgrounds that guarantee family fun. The Adventure Ship Playground at Lowcountry Celebration Park is a captivating destination, shaped like a pirate ship to spark young imaginations. Shelter Cove Community Park, another one of our favorites, offers a great space for the little ones to run, climb, and play.
Insider Tip: Bike to the Adventure Ship Playground!
Beyond The Beach: Adventures Inland
While the beach is a major highlight, Hilton Head offers more off-beach adventures. Kayaking through serene lagoons and marshes has become a family favorite during our Hilton Head vacations. The Sea Pines Forest Preserve, with its Rice Field Boardwalk, provides a nature hike fun for kids. For a touch of pirate-themed fun, consider the Pirates of Hilton Head cruise during your Hilton Head family vacation. And of course mini-golf courses! Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf is our go to choice for mini-golf but Legendary and Adventure Cove are both great as well!
Insider Recommendation: Kayaking offers a unique perspective and fun activity for kids on Hilton Head.
Hilton Head’s Zoning: Keeping It Island-Friendly
What makes Hilton Head special isn’t just the beautiful scenery but also smart zoning rules that keep things fitting nicely. You won’t find gigantic high rises or neon signs and huge billboards anywhere on the island. These rules help preserve the island’s character by making sure buildings, from homes to businesses, blend well with nature. Whether it’s the design of homes or how businesses are set up, Hilton Head’s zoning keeps things looking good and feeling right, making the island a place where development works hand in hand with nature. It’s too bad this isn’t a standard for cities across the country!
Wildlife Encounters: Discovering Coastal Creatures
For landlocked families like ours from Colorado, the island’s wildlife is captivating. Spot dolphins along the shore, discover unique shells, and keep an eye out for coastal birds and the occasional gator in the marshes or near the golf courses.
Recommended Visit: The Coastal Discovery Museum enhances the family experience, offering insights into Hilton Head’s rich ecosystem during your Hilton Head family vacation.
Your Perfect Hilton Head Family Vacation Awaits!
In a nutshell, a Hilton Head family vacation is all about simplicity and relaxation—a true vacation as it should be. It effortlessly combines kid-friendly activities with a laid-back atmosphere, ensuring a hassle-free getaway. Forget the need for a vacation after your vacation; Hilton Head invites you to enjoy an easygoing retreat, perfect for creating cherished family moments without the fuss.
Ready to book your vacation? Check out the VRBOs in Hilton Head
