Here’s a little travel confession: until just last week, I had never been to or really considered visiting Hilton Head Island. That was the utterly jaw dropping statement I had to make to numerous fellow vacationers last week as I sat on one of the most beautiful beaches asking myself the same question they were wondering. Why?
Well, for starters, I had no idea just how close Hilton Head was to Atlanta, which is just a little bit over 4 hours. Another reason was that I’d never imagined Hilton Head as being such a great getaway with children. I can now admit that I was wrong.
Last week, my family was hosted for a wonderful week at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort in Hilton Head. If you’re considering a family visit to Hilton Head, I would definitely recommend checking out Palmetto Dunes. They offer among the most spacious condo and villa rentals just within minutes of the beautiful beaches of Hilton Head. We stayed in a beautiful 2-story/2 bedroom/2 bathroom villa complete with lovely backyard patio area overlooking the lake. There are MANY other rooming options available at Palmetto Dunes to choose from, but here are some pics of our villa.
If you’re planning a family vacation to Hilton Head, here’s a list of several family fun activities and things to do with kids in Hilton Head!
Beaches, Beaches, Beaches
Hilton Head is home to some of the most pristine beaches! We could easily lay around the beach all day long (and almost did). The evenings had the most perfect weather and wind for some great kite flying and memories to treasure forever.
Family Bike Rides
We rented 4 bikes from Hilton Head Outfitters, which was at Palmetto Dunes and took several fun family bike rides. Our entire family loved riding together and pretty soon found that it was actually among the easiest ways to get to some places on the resort without having to worry about driving and parking and stuff.
Play some mini-golf
Adventure Cove is home to two 18-hole unique miniature golf courses ringed by lagoons, cool falling waters, hills, and caves. It’s also where you’ll find the islands only arcade the whole family will enjoy.
Enjoy a Low country Style lunch or dinner
This is a must in Hilton Head, though I unfortunately did not get a chance to check out as many as I’d like. Some of the top recommendations for low country dining include Big Jim’s Restaurant and Low Country Backyard Restaurant. Here’s a challenge to try: can your team of six finish a plate of Big Jim’s famous nachos?
Eat Something Local:
When we weren’t going for the low country meals, we were craving the local seafood options. The Fish Tacos at oceanfront The Dunes House are full of in-season, local, fresh-caught fish. Also, we enjoyed both the food and the view at Scott’s Fish Market, which was right at Shelter Cove Harbor & Marina.
Heron Hunt on a Kayak:
Head to Hilton Head Outfitters and take a kayak tour through Palmetto Dunes’ 11-mile lagoon system and find a great blue heron soaking up some Carolina sun! We found him!
Pickleball Challenge:
Yes, we discovered the game of Pickleball during our trip to Hilton Head and are absolutely hooked. If you’ve never played, it’s sort of like tennis meets badminton meets ping pong. We took a 1 hour class over at the tennis center at Palmetto Dunes and took part in a friendly game at the end of our class. The hubby and Leila won by a hair, but I’m not bitter (even though I’m sure there were some rules broken!)
Find Nemo (or Jaws):
Borrow fishing gear from Hilton Head Outfitters and try inshore shark fishing from the beach! Insider tip: Best luck for a bite is around dusk
More family fun adventures to try:
Get spotted by friends and family back home! During your stay, be sure to visit The Dunes House, have your friends and family visit this site and wave to them from the Live Dunes House webcam
Ride your bikes through the underpass to Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina and take a selfie with Neptune’s Statue, the world’s largest figurative sundial!
Have you traveled to Hilton Head with the family before? What are some of your favorite things to do on the island?
I love that there is a beach there. Nice hotel room
This looks like a wonderful hotel! I’d love to spend a couple days in there
That hotel is so nice. I went there last year and was a great experience!
the place looks awesome and very family friendly. I love the beach and hope to visit it in the near future 🙂
Sounds like a good place to visit with my family! I want to go there
These are indeed fun things to do with the whole family. And surely the kids enjoyed to the fullest.
What a fun place! I hope to take my family someday.
Looks like fun! I only like visiting the beach if I have a nice hotel to come back to lol
Will keep that in mind on my next roadtrip
I love the beach! My family haven’t been to Hilton Head yet but I’ll try to go next year and use these tips. Your family is beautiful and I hope to create memories with my children as well.
This looks like a great place to stay with kids. I would love to visit this hotel and I know my my kids would love it as well.
Always looking for fun things to do! Hilton Head sounds nice!
I am a part of DVC and they have a resort there but I’ve never been. Lately I’ve been hearing a lot about Hilton Head and that 11 mile kayak ride sounds great.
These things are so much fun to do! I bet my hubby and my son will love the place.
I haven’t been to Hilton Head since I was in high school but I loved it!
We love to visit Hilton Head! It is so much fun for kids!!
I haven’t been there but it looks lovely. The perfect destination for a family trip!
I have never been to Hilton Head but it looks like there is tons of fun stuff to do. I would love to go and experience it myself.
Such a fun things to do and I love that there have a beach