Chocolates By the Sea is a small chocolate shop at 24 Palmetto Bay Road, Suite D2. Paula Nelson opened it in February 2008 because she felt the island had no dedicated chocolate store for locals or visitors, and she still runs it. It is a place to buy, not to sit: shelves of bagged barks and boxed chocolates, and a counter where you pick pieces by the pound.

What to Get at Chocolates By the Sea

The two things to know are the signature barks and the hand-dipped chocolates. Both are priced at $28.95 a pound on the shop’s price list. The barks include a crispy rice and caramel bark, berry blast with dried blueberries, cranberries and cherries, cookies and cream, fluffernutter, s’mores, pretzel nut and sea salt. The hand-dipped pieces come in milk and dark, such as almond clusters, buckeyes, cherry cordials, coconut chews, sea salt caramels, toffees and turtles. Gourmet truffles are priced by the piece. Reviewers name the dark chocolate pretzels, coconut chocolate, toffee and almond bark, and say the owner offers samples and wraps gifts with a card.

Hours and Visiting

The shop is open Wednesday to Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. There is no reservation to make; walk in. The shop posts closures on its site, and it has announced a closure from October 3 to October 13 with regular hours returning October 14, so check the site or call (843) 842-8042 first.

Getting There

The shop is at 24 Palmetto Bay Road on the south end. For sit-down meals and other treats, see the Hilton Head restaurants page or the dining guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours at Chocolates By the Sea?

Wednesday to Friday noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, and the site announces a closure from October 3 to October 13.

How much are the chocolates at Chocolates By the Sea?

Signature barks and hand-dipped chocolates are $28.95 per pound on the shop’s price list. Truffles are priced by the piece.

Who owns Chocolates By the Sea?

Paula Nelson, who opened the shop in February 2008.

Do I need a reservation at Chocolates By the Sea?

No. It is a walk-in retail shop.

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