The island is your playground
Outdoor Activities on Hilton Head Island
From tidal creek kayaking to maritime forest trails, Hilton Head's outdoor offerings go well beyond the beach.
Water sports and paddling
Hilton Head's tidal creeks, salt marshes, and nearshore Atlantic waters support a wide range of water sports. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular on the calmer inland waterways, where guided tours navigate through marsh grass and past nesting birds. Surfing and boogie boarding are best at the south end of the island near Coligny Beach. Parasailing, jet skiing, and wakeboarding are available through outfitters at Shelter Cove Harbour and Broad Creek Marina. Most water sport rentals and tours operate from April through October.
Hiking and nature trails
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge offers the island's most rewarding hiking experience — more than 14 miles of trails through salt marsh, maritime forest, and freshwater ponds, all free and open daily. The Sea Pines Forest Preserve provides a quieter, shaded alternative with trails through ancient live oaks and past archaeological sites. Honey Horn at the Coastal Discovery Museum has easy walking paths through native plantings and historic grounds. All three destinations reward slow, attentive visitors with wildlife sightings that the beach crowds rarely see.
Golf and tennis
Hilton Head Island has more than 20 golf courses, ranging from resort courses open to the public to private club layouts accessible through resort packages. Harbour Town Golf Links, home of the RBC Heritage tournament, is the island's most iconic course. Palmetto Dunes, Sea Pines, and Shipyard all have multiple courses with varying difficulty levels. Tennis is equally well-represented, with the Van der Meer Tennis Center and facilities at most resort communities offering lessons, clinics, and court rentals.
Fishing and boating
Fishing is one of Hilton Head's most enduring outdoor traditions. Inshore fishing for redfish, flounder, and speckled trout is excellent in the tidal creeks and estuaries year-round. Offshore charter boats target mahi-mahi, wahoo, and king mackerel in the Gulf Stream during warmer months. Crabbing and shrimping are popular family activities that require minimal equipment. Boat rentals and guided fishing charters depart from Shelter Cove Harbour, Broad Creek Marina, and Palmetto Bay Marina.
Outdoor activity questions
What water sports are available on Hilton Head?
Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, parasailing, jet skiing, and wakeboarding are all available. Most outfitters operate from Shelter Cove Harbour, Broad Creek Marina, and Palmetto Bay Marina from April through October.
Where can I hike on Hilton Head Island?
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge (free, 14+ miles of trails), the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, and Honey Horn at the Coastal Discovery Museum are the best hiking destinations on and near the island.
How many golf courses are on Hilton Head?
Hilton Head Island has more than 20 golf courses. Several are open to the public, including courses at Palmetto Dunes, Sea Pines, and Shipyard. Harbour Town Golf Links is the most famous, hosting the annual RBC Heritage PGA Tour event.
Is fishing good on Hilton Head Island?
Yes. Inshore fishing for redfish, flounder, and speckled trout is excellent year-round in the tidal creeks. Offshore charter fishing for mahi-mahi and wahoo is popular in warmer months. Guided charters depart from multiple marinas on the island.
Get outside
The Lowcountry rewards the curious.
Whether you're on the water, in the marsh, or on the fairway, Hilton Head's outdoor experiences are what make the island worth returning to.
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