Best Waterfront Restaurants in Hilton Head Island, SC
Hudson’s and Skull Creek Boathouse sit on Skull Creek, Old Oyster Factory looks over the Broad Creek marsh and Coco’s is on the beach.
Skull Creek restaurants on the north end
Skull Creek runs along the north end of the island, and Hudson Road and Squire Pope Road lead to a cluster of dockside restaurants.
A restaurant since 1967 in a former seafood plant, with working boats at the dock.
Broad Creek and Shelter Cove waterfront dining
Palmetto Bay Marina restaurants
Lagoons, the ocean and Harbour Town
Some of the best water views are not on the creeks: lagoon rooms at Palmetto Dunes and Shipyard, tiki bars on the sand, and the marina at Harbour Town.
A resort restaurant open to everyone, looking out over the Sonesta’s lagoons.
Open-air and casual on the Harbour Town marina, with the red-and-white lighthouse in front of you.
About this list
Hilton Head restaurants on the water come in several kinds. The north end has the Skull Creek docks, the middle of the island has Broad Creek and its marinas, Palmetto Bay Marina sits on the south side, and the beachfront restaurants face the ocean near Coligny and inside Sea Pines.
Sorted by the water you would be looking at, this guide gives each restaurant’s area, price range and phone number. A name links to its own page when we have one. If seafood is the point, the seafood restaurants guide covers the menus in more detail.
More ways to choose where to eat
Hilton Head Island seafood restaurants by setting: creekside docks, casual baskets, special-occasion dinners and Sea Pines, with phone numbers.
Hilton Head bars guide: tiki beach bars, pubs, cocktail lounges, live music rooms and happy hours, with what each is known for and phone numbers.
Outdoor restaurants on Hilton Head: beach bars on the sand, marina decks, beer gardens, golf-course patios and rooftops, with what each serves.
Dog friendly restaurants Hilton Head Island: patios, decks and breweries that welcome pets, with what each serves. Call ahead, since policies change.
Rooftop bar Hilton Head guide: sunset rooftops at Shelter Cove, Skull Creek, Harbour Town, Sea Pines and Coligny, with what each serves.
Restaurants in Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island, SC: 10 spots by the marina and lighthouse, from waterfront seafood to cafés, with reservations.
Watch: Waterfront Restaurants on Hilton Head: Where to Eat on the Water
Hilton Head’s waterfront restaurants are on several kinds of water: the Skull Creek docks at the north end (Hudson’s, Skull Creek Boathouse, Benny’s), Broad Creek and its marinas mid-island (Old Oyster Factory, Fishcamp, Up the Creek), Shelter Cove Harbour (ELA’s on the Water, Bistro 17) and Palmetto Bay Marina (Black Marlin, Carolina Crab Company).
Frequently Asked Questions
Updated
Which Hilton Head restaurants are right on the water?
On Skull Creek: Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, Skull Creek Dockside, Skull Creek Boathouse and Benny’s Coastal Kitchen. On Broad Creek: Old Oyster Factory, Fishcamp and Up the Creek Pub & Grill. At Palmetto Bay Marina: Black Marlin Bayside Grill and Carolina Crab Company.
Where can I eat on the beach on Hilton Head?
Coco’s on the Beach, Tiki Hut and Pool Bar Jim’s are tiki bars on or beside the sand, and Coast in Sea Pines is an oceanfront restaurant. They are casual, with drinks, burgers and sandwiches.
Which waterfront restaurants are good for kids?
The Crazy Crab at Jarvis Creek has a playground, Fishcamp on Broad Creek has lawn games, and Skull Creek Boathouse has a kids menu and an outdoor play area.
Do waterfront restaurants take reservations?
Some do: Old Oyster Factory, Skull Creek Dockside, Fishcamp, Benny’s Coastal Kitchen and ELA’s on the Water take online reservations. Hudson’s and Skull Creek Boathouse are walk-in, so go early for a sunset table.
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