Delightful Day-Trips From Hilton Head

You can happily have an exciting and fulfilling vacation on Hilton Head Island. But if you’re a seasoned Hilton Head vet, or looking for even more adventure during your trip, don't pass up the chance to explore the nearby Lowcountry. Easily take a day-trip to Savannah or Charleston, or extend your exploration to the sunny shores of Myrtle Beach. 

Savannah: Southern Charm in a Series of Squares

Visit Savannah

Located just over 30 miles from Hilton Head Island, the romantic city of Savannah is an ideal day-trip. With more than 20 verdant squares filled with Spanish moss-laden trees, brick sidewalks, and stately architecture, Savannah is perfect for exploring on foot. Start at Forsyth Park, a 30-acre green space with a grand fountain, children's splash pad, and numerous walking paths.

Continue to the open-air City Market after passing by the Mercer Williams House Museum, made famous in the Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil book and movie. The market features four blocks of shops, eateries, and art galleries. Five o'clock somewhere? The city has passed a special ordinance allowing to-go cocktails within the historic district (from River Street to Jones Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to West Broad Street).

Later, stroll along the Savannah River to Vic's on the River, serving fresh seafood in a 19th-century former warehouse. Along with award-winning crawfish beignets, you’ll enjoy plenty of people watching from the large outdoor patio. Other enticing dining options include diverse Southern favorites at The Cotton Exchange Tavern and Huey's Southern Café, which offers a taste of New Orleans.

Charleston: A Gem of Lowcountry Living

Historic Charleston, located about 100 miles from Hilton Head, defines Southern charm with a Colonial-era twist. Start downtown at The Battery, a Civil War-era defensive seawall overlooking the sailboat-filled harbor. Stroll along the water to iconic Rainbow Row, a cluster of 13 pastel-colored homes, for the perfect Instagram backdrop.

Then head over to Brown Dog Deli or East Bay Meeting House for a gourmet sandwich or crisp salad to go. For an impromptu picnic complete with harbor views, bring your meal to Waterfront Park. Afterward, stroll to the historic Charleston City Market, filled with local vendors selling food, art, and keepsakes. Be sure to check out the handmade sweetgrass baskets.

Wrap up your day of sightseeing at Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar, known for its spacious waterfront deck and Southern-style seafood classics, like shrimp and grits. Down the street, Slightly North of Broad (SNOB) is a beloved bistro set in a historic warehouse, and Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar offers can't-miss options for fresh oysters, she-crab soup, and locally caught peel-and-eat shrimp.

Myrtle Beach: Golf, Sea, and Sand

Visit Myrtle Beach

Known for its white-sand beaches and renowned golfing, Myrtle Beach makes for a fun and surprisingly easy extension to your Hilton Head vacation. Located about 200 miles north, Myrtle Beach features a 1.2 mile-long, family-friendly boardwalk and over 80 golf courses.

Start by catching some rays along the water's edge or head to Myrtle Waves Water Park to cool down on thrilling waterslides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. Afterward, pick up a few souvenirs at a boardwalk shop or ride the SkyWheel, a 187-foot-tall Ferris wheel with amazing coastal views.

Grab a bite at Johnny D's Waffles, a laid-back diner featuring American classics, or Blueberry's Grill, featuring an array of creative Benedicts, imaginative burgers, and inspired cocktails. For local seafood, Sea Captain's House offers ocean views and a can’t-miss menu. Dine on dishes like a shrimp and grits cake and Carolina sea scallops, served broiled or fried.

Visit Myrtle Beach

While in Myrtle Beach, you’ll probably want to make time for a round of golf — or at least its mini variation. The self-proclaimed mini golf capital of the world, Myrtle Beach has over 50 fanciful courses. Their themes range from Captain Hook's pirate ship to a Jurassic landscape replete with animatronic dinosaurs.

Where To Stay:

Championship golf, gorgeous beaches, and so much more. It seems Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, has it all. As an Owner, you can experience it all. Stay close to the action in amazing Marriott Vacation Club^® properties like Marriott’s Barony Beach Club, Marriott’s Grande Ocean, Marriott’s Harbour Club, and Marriott’s Harbour Point. Whether you’re looking to play a challenging 18 holes, relax on the beach, or sample delicious Southern food, you’re never far away at Marriott’s Heritage Club, Marriott’s Monarch, Marriott’s Sunset Pointe, and Marriott’s SurfWatch^®.