If you are looking for a family friendly getaway from Kings Bay or Charleston, look no further than Hilton Head, South Carolina. Known for its beaches and golf courses, Hilton Head is a two hour drive from Kings Bay. Even if golf and beaches aren’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of other activities available for a quick weekend getaway.
Below are some family friendly activities to do on Hilton Head:
Dolphin Watching
Because of its location, the water surrounding Hilton Head is known for dolphin watching. Bottlenose dolphins can be found around Hilton Head year round, due to the mild weather and water temperature. You can book a guided dolphin boat or kayak tour, or even rent your own pontoon boats or kayaks to see the dolphins. Don’t want to get out on the water? You can even see them from land! We booked a 1 hour guided boat tour and saw dolphins from the docks and then pretty consistently the entire time. The guided tour was nice because we got some history of the area and were able to see other animals as well.
Lawton Stables
Located inside Sea Pines, Lowton Stables requires a parking pass to get into the area (the pass allows you access to more than just the stables). The Farm offers nature trail rides for those over the age of 8, and pony rides for the littles. They also have a petting zoo. Trail rides should be booked in advance, as they tend to sell out during the high season. Pony rides are on a first come, first served basis. This was a nice activity to do while taking a break from the beach and my kids loved their pony ride!
Family Friendly Beaches
Hilton Head island is known for its beaches. Here are some of the top family friendly beaches located on the island:
- Islanders Beach Park. This is a great beach park to go to with children, as it also has a playground, grills and picnic structures.
- Driessen Beach. Boasting a playground and picnic tables, this is another popular choice for families. This park has a beach boardwalk through the tidal marsh and sand dunes.
- Coligny Beach Park. This is one of the most popular beaches on the island for both families and adults. There is a wading fountain at the beach and this area tends to be known for its calm waters. This beach also has beach bars where the tables are right up on the sand.
Hiking/Biking
Many families enjoy hiking and biking on Hilton Head. There are multi use bike lanes around the main part of the island, and you can get a map here. Below are some hiking spots around HIlton Head:
For more Hilton Head Island resources, check out Golf-Hilton Head Island and Hilton Head Island Tourism. What are some of your favorite family getaway activities on Hilton Head? Comment below to share with others!