Top 12 Day Trips From Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

1. Daufuskie Island

Tucked between Hilton Head and Savannah, Daufuskie Island is a fantastic spot to get away from it all. This lovely destination, which is accessible only by boat, is around 13.5 mi (21.73 km) away from Hilton Head Island. It features white-sand beaches, historical landmarks, and a plethora of adventures.

While here, visitors can spend the day playing on championship golf courses, joining eco-tours, trying innovative cuisine, and browsing through art galleries. As it is known for its extraordinary art scene, Daufuskie Island also provides visitors with opportunities to learn all about woodworking, pottery, and painting.

2. Darien, GA

Travelers who have an hour and a half to spare should make Darien one of their day trip destinations. Known for its natural attractions, this city is an ideal place to visit for those who want to reconnect with nature. Visitors to Darien can enjoy various adventures, such as a boat tour, canoeing in the river, biking along several trails, and fishing from a beautiful dock. Its mild climate and clean air also provide the perfect opportunity to go wildlife watching, game hunting, or simply unwinding in the lap of nature.

3. Bluffton, SC

One of the best things to do near Hilton Head Island is to visit Bluffton, a small town less than 15 minutes away. Take a walk around Bluffton Promenade, where you will find an area full of restaurants. You can also relax by the May River or check out various boutiques and art galleries in the area. Don’t forget to visit Church of the Cross, which is located above the river. This is a great spot to see a beautiful sunset.

4. Beaufort, SC

If you’re looking for the best places to visit near Hilton Head Island, explore the sleepy town of Beaufort which features nature, culture, and history. 45 minutes away from Hilton Head Island, this place has Civil War relics and stories. A trip here is best taken in spring, fall, or winter. See its amazing pre-war homes and panoramic marsh views. You can walk through the Historic District and find food and shopping available along the Beaufort River. Visit the shops on Bay Street and check out local art or sample some local food.

5. Charleston, SC

As one of the farthest journeys on the list, Charleston in South Carolina is worth the two-hour-long drive! The city holds some of the most beautiful sights in Lowcountry and has a reputation as the oldest city in the state. Explore the highlights, including the plantations, College of Charleston that is located in the middle of town, and the Battery, a historical site. To make the most out of this road trip, prepare for a fantastic shopping experience along King Street.

6. Saint Helena Island

Saint Helena Island is located between Beaufort and Fripp Island. It’s about 67.5 kilometers (41.9 miles) away or an hour’s drive from Hilton Head Island. Famous for its Gullah culture and history, this place is also known for Penn Center, one of the country’s first schools for freed slaves. You can explore this peaceful island on horseback and enjoy the breathtaking view of the coast and the outstanding, moss-draped oaks. Penn Center has maintained much of the place’s African-American culture. Visitors can see its collections, from the documents to the handicrafts and musical recordings.

7. Tybee Island, GA

Tybee Island is located 95 kilometers away (59 miles) or about an hour and 17 minutes’ drive from Hilton Head Island. It’s full of spectacular attractions, extraordinary beaches, and historical monuments. It’s, without question, a foodie’s dream. Home to five beautiful beaches perfect for sunbathing amidst stunning ocean views, Tybee Beach, in particular, offers a fun time for everyone. If you want to take a beach ecology walk with a marine biologist, get a fishing license, or take surfing lessons, it’s not impossible here! Join an island tour by bike, or have a nice afternoon traversing nearby swamps. For such a small island, you’ll find everything you want for an authentic coastal vacation.

8. Isle of Palms, SC

Isle of Palms can be reached in a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Hilton Head Island. This place offers a lovely beach where you can go beachcombing to pick some seashells, but take note that live shells should be thrown back in the ocean. The beach is often the center for events, and besides the harbor, there is an amusement area here as well. Visitors can enjoy fun boating opportunities, including canoeing, kayaking, and luxury cruising. Golf, surfing, and paddle boarding can be enjoyed as well. If you like water activities, you can even go parasailing. A picnic area is available at Isle of Palms County Park.

9. St. Simons Island, GA

St. Simons Island is two hours away from Hilton Head Island. Not only can you relax on its beautiful beaches, but you can also spend your vacation enjoying diverse activities. Explore miles of bike trails and climb the stairs to the top of Old Island Lighthouse. Moreover, this place features golf courses, tennis courts, beaches, and many restaurants and shops, among others. If you like nature and historic places, visit Christ Church, Fort Frederica National Monument, and the locations of prewar plantations. From the coast to the mountains, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in St. Simons Island.

10. Jekyll Island, GA

Jekyll Island is the southernmost island in the Golden Isles, two hours away from Hilton Head Island. This place is filled with so many spectacular and family-friendly attractions, including fantastic stretches of beach. There’s something for everybody to enjoy here, such as the Sea Turtle Center of Georgia that focuses entirely on natural preservation. For historic sites, you can visit the island’s Historic District to get a taste of life back in the 1700s. Do note that 65% of the island has to stay untouched for the preservation of coastal life.

11. Murrells Inlet, SC

A popular tourist destination, Murrells Inlet is known as the state’s seafood capital. This village is located three-and-a-half hours away from Hilton Head Island. If you have been looking for something different to do while vacationing in South Carolina, you have come to the right place! Express Watersports, a family-friendly attraction, gives you access to some of the best watersports in the area such as scuba diving, parasailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. To see some of the area’s best nature spots, visit the panoramic Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park. If you like shopping, go to Broadway at the Beach at the nearby Myrtle Beach.

12. Savannah, GA (from USD 625.0)

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You can join this popular tour that lasts for about two hours. It will take you to Harbour Town and Daufuskie Island before passing through Old Fort Jackson and finally, River Street. You will also encounter some wildlife along the way, including dolphin sightings. Head to the awesome, coastal city of Savannah, Georgia. Disembark on River Street and enjoy sightseeing in places like Forsyth Park and the Historic District.

Historic Savannah Cruise

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Experience places the whole family will love

Hilton Head Island is an ideal destination with many day trip opportunities. During your holiday, enjoy the absence of busy highways and skyscrapers. If you want to enjoy sightseeing around Hilton Head Island, include one of these day trip options from Hilton Head Island on your itinerary.