Hilton Head

Our family LOVES Hilton Head. The best way I can describe it is as relaxed but still nice. You won't find big bright stores and basic shopping strips. Instead, you'll find lots of trees and trails with a Walmart tucked in. Coming from a bigger city, we always feel like this place is the perfect balance of fun and activities mixed with nature and calmness. And of course, it offers the ideal balance of fun activities and nature, with a sense of calm. The guys love the golfing here! Our recent trip there was packed with memorable moments—from horseback riding along scenic trails to savoring fresh seafood by the water. Here’s a detailed look at how our family enjoyed a fun-filled getaway in Hilton Head.

Horseback Riding and Shrimping Adventures at Sea Pines

One of the highlights of our trip was horseback riding at Sea Pines. The stables offer guided rides suitable for all ages and experience levels. Riding through the shaded trails, we enjoyed the peaceful sounds of nature and glimpses of local wildlife. It was an excellent way to connect with the island’s natural beauty while spending quality time together.

We also tried our hand at a shrimping excursion in the Sea Pines Marina. This hands-on experience allowed us to learn about the local shrimping industry and try our hand at catching shrimp. The kids were thrilled to see the shrimp nets haul in fresh catches, and the guides shared interesting facts about the ecosystem. It was both educational and fun, making it a unique family activity. I will say they caught only about 5 pounds of shrimp because of the lack of rain they have had recently. They split the catch between families onboard, so we walked away with a little over a pound of shrimp - so don't go with expectations of a massive haul unless you're in luck!

Golfing at Sea Pines, Hilton Head Country Club, Shipyard

The boys love golfing, so Hilton Head is one of their favorite getaway spots. HHI offers excellent courses that welcome players of all skill levels. They spent a sunny morning at the Sea Pines Golf Club, where the well-maintained greens and scenic views made the game even more enjoyable.

Later in the trip, we visited Hilton Head Country Club. This historic course has a charming atmosphere and challenging holes that they loved! We are Invited Club members, so this offers a deep discount on our play here, and every time we visit, the lined streets and serenity are unbeatable. The boys always choose this course to play at—at least once.

Shipyard - The boys played for the first time on our last trip and loved it! This is also where we stay now whenever we go! Scroll down for more info on why!

Candle Making at Sea Love

While the boys played golf, the girls looked for a relaxing yet creative activity and found it at Sea Love, a candle-making studio. We each picked scents and colors to create personalized candles. The staff guided us through the process, making it easy and enjoyable.

This activity was a nice break from outdoor adventures and gave us a keepsake to remember our trip. Plus, it was a great way to engage kids in a calm, hands-on project that sparked their creativity.

Dining in HHI

Dining in Hilton Head is good, but not.... great. We were never disappointed, but it was also very typical. If you are looking to be blown away, I would say reset your standards. -If you want good food in a relaxing low-country vibe, then you're in the perfect spot.

• Skull Creek Landing: This waterfront spot served some of the best shrimp and oysters we’ve had. The casual atmosphere and views of the marina made it a relaxing evening!

• Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks: Known for its fresh catches, Hudson’s gave us a true taste of Low-n authentic country cuisine. The kids loved the crab cakes, while the adults enjoyed the grilled fish.

• Ombra Cucina Rustica: For a change of pace, we visited Ombra for Italian fare. The wood-fired pizzas and homemade pastas were a hit with everyone.

• Chophouse 119: This steakhouse offered a cozy setting and excellent cuts of meat. It was a perfect spot for an upscale family dinner to celebrate the last dinner of our trip. - Ask for Chad, he was great!

  
  

Shipyard

We have stayed in a few different places on HHI, and Shipyard is by far our favorite! The tree-lined streets, walking paths, and golf-front homes create the perfect serene environment! We are DVC members and still choose to skip using our points (more on that in a different post). When we think of Hilton Head, we think of outdoor fun mixed with serenity, and Shipyard complements it perfectly. I know some love Sea Pines for similar reasons, and while we always venture into Sea Pines, it feels more hectic than we prefer!