Things to Do in Hilton Head for Couples
Hilton Head is at its most romantic at the ends of the day: sunrise on an empty beach, a sunset sail, dinner by the water, then live music or a show. Here is how to plan a trip for two.
A Romantic Day on Hilton Head
Sunrise on the beach
The beach faces east, so the sun comes up out of the ocean. Alder Lane is a quiet access for it; then rent bikes and ride the hard sand at low tide.
Paddle, spa or golf
Kayak the marsh creeks with a guide, book side-by-side massages at one of the island’s spas, or play nine at a resort course.
Out on the water
A sunset sail or a dinner cruise. Sunset runs from about 5:15 pm in early December to about 8:30 pm in late June.
Dinner and music
A table on the water at Shelter Cove, Broad Creek or Harbour Town, then live music or a nightcap at a rooftop bar.
Sunset Cruises and Dinner Cruises
Hilton Head sunset cruises and sunset dolphin cruises: shared boats, private sails for up to six, sunset times by season and summer Tuesday fireworks.
Every Hilton Head dinner cruise: the Harbour Town sunset dinner cruise, hibachi and Lowcountry boil boats, dinner on Daufuskie, and fireworks nights.
Kayak Hilton Head's marsh creeks with a guide or on your own: dolphin kayak tours, rentals and prices from seven outfitters, calm creeks and launches.
A shared sunset sail is the easy choice, and several captains take a private boat for up to six if you want it to yourselves. The Spirit of Harbour Town runs dinner cruises from the Harbour Town dock, with a fireworks dinner cruise on Tuesdays, and one boat runs across to Daufuskie for dinner at the Old Daufuskie Crab Company. For something quieter, a guided kayak through the marsh creeks often comes with dolphins.
Dinner with a View
Hilton Head restaurants on the water: Skull Creek docks, Broad Creek decks, marina patios, oceanfront tiki bars and Harbour Town views, with phone numbers.
Upscale casual dining on Hilton Head Island: celebration dinners, bistros and harbor views, with what each restaurant is known for and how to book.
Rooftop bar Hilton Head guide: sunset rooftops at Shelter Cove, Skull Creek, Harbour Town, Sea Pines and Coligny, with what each serves.
Hilton Head resort restaurants open to everyone: Sea Pines, the Omni, Palmetto Dunes, the Westin and Sonesta, with gate rules, reservations and hours.
Hilton Head’s best dinner views are on the water: the docks on Skull Creek and Broad Creek, the marina patios at Shelter Cove and Harbour Town, and a handful of rooftop bars timed for sunset. For a celebration dinner, our upscale casual list says what each restaurant is known for and how to book. Book ahead in summer, especially for a table at sunset.
Spas for Couples
Compare Hilton Head spas: resort spas, day spas, massage studios and medical spas, with hours, phone numbers, ratings and how to book.
Le Spa is the Sea Pines spa: a day spa and salon at the Shops at Sea Pines Center for hair, nails, massage, facials and bridal. Hours and booking.
Live Music, Shows and Nights Out
Live music in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: jazz dinners, patio bands, beach bars, the symphony and summer concert series, with venues and dates.
Hilton Head Island theater guide: the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Sea Glass Stage, May River Theatre, the symphony and Art Cafe, with tickets.
The Comedy Magic Cabaret on William Hilton Parkway runs a clean comedy and magic show Wednesday to Saturday. Ticket prices, seating and booking.
Hilton Head nightlife: live music bars, a comedy and magic theater, cocktail lounges and sports pubs open late. Where to go for a night out.
After dinner there are jazz rooms and patio bands, shows at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina and smaller stages, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra in season, and a clean comedy-and-magic show from Wednesday to Saturday.
Lighthouses, Daufuskie and Where to Stay
Harbour Town Lighthouse in Sea Pines: climbing the 114 steps, the museum inside, tickets, hours, the Sea Pines gate fee, and the story behind the tower.
Daufuskie Island, SC: getting there by ferry, getting around by golf cart, where to eat, Gullah history, Haig Point, beaches and golf, from Hilton Head.
Silver Dew Winery pours tastings in the 1883 oil house of the Bloody Point Lighthouse on Daufuskie Island, where Papy Burn made wine from 1953.
The Inn & Club at Harbour Town: Sea Pines' own 60-room Forbes Four Star hotel beside the Harbour Town Golf Links, with gate passes included.
Climb the 114 steps of the Harbour Town Lighthouse for the view over Calibogue Sound, or take the ferry to Daufuskie Island for a day by golf cart, with a tasting at Silver Dew Winery in the old oil house of the Bloody Point Lighthouse. For the stay itself, the Inn & Club at Harbour Town is a 60-room Forbes Four Star hotel in Sea Pines; every other resort and inn is on our resorts page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most romantic things to do on Hilton Head?
A sunset sail or dinner cruise, sunrise on an empty beach, dinner on the water at Shelter Cove, Broad Creek or Harbour Town, a couples’ spa afternoon, live jazz, and a day trip by ferry to Daufuskie Island.
Is Hilton Head good for a couples getaway?
Yes. It has quiet beaches, more than 60 miles of bike paths, resort spas, golf, sunset cruises and a long list of waterfront restaurants, and it is easy to keep the whole trip relaxed.
What time is sunset on Hilton Head?
From about 5:15 pm in early December to about 8:30 pm in late June, Eastern time. Book a sunset cruise around it.
Where can couples get a massage on Hilton Head?
The island has resort spas, day spas and massage studios, including Le Spa at Sea Pines. Our spa guide lists each with hours, phone numbers and how to book.
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