Trying to figure out the best way to make Dad’s day? Hilton Head Island is full of both family-friendly and adult fun. Here’s a list of 10 ways to spend Father’s Day this year:
Spend a day at the beach
Hilton Head Island is known for its pristine beaches, so what better way to celebrate Dad then to spend the day at the beach?
All of Hilton Head’s beaches are public – but there are specific public access points and beach parking. You can see those here.
It’s also important to note that alcohol isn’t allowed on the beach – so save that beer for Dad until you visit an island beach bar or check out a brewery (see below!).
Here’s a full list of the beach rules and if Dad likes to grill – try Driessen Beach Park or Islanders Beach Park, which have public grills to use.
(And if you feel like splurging for Father’s Day, you could always rent a beachfront hotel room for the night, or a rental from AirBNB or VRBO!).
Go golfing (or mini-golfing if you have Little ones!)
Another thing the island is famous for? Golf. There are several golf courses to choose from on Hilton Head – including the world famous Harbour Town Golf Links (the location of the annual RBC Heritage PGA Tour stop)!
If you’ve got little ones, there are also several mini-golf courses on the island! (Some even have bonus arcades).
Go fishing
If Dad likes to fish, the possibilities are endless. Check out this nifty guide from the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce.
If you want to fish on the beach, make sure you’re not fishing in a designated swimming area – and you must have a fishing license.
If you’re staying in Sea Pines, you can fish in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve – with supplies included – for only $20.
And if you really want to splurge for Father’s Day, book a fishing charter! There are several fishing charters in the Hilton Head area, including Outcast Sport Fishing, Off the Hook Fishing Charters and Cast Away Fishing Charters, to name a few.
Go on a dolphin cruise
If Dad isn’t much of a fisherman but still enjoys getting out on the water, book a dolphin cruise instead!
Dolphin cruises are a great way to not only see the local wildlife, but to explore the island’s beautiful waterways. There are several cruises to choose from, including Vagabond Cruises, Captain Mark’s Dolphin Cruises and more. And if you have little ones, they’re sure to have a blast as well. You can even book a “mermaid encounter” where the kids can meet the Mermaid of Hilton Head during your dolphin cruise – and several of the other cruises offer pirate adventures, including Pirates of Hilton Head where the kids will be “initiated” into the crew to find the lost treasure.
Rent some bikes
Any cycling-loving Dad will love the bike paths on Hilton Head. And if you don’t own your own bikes – or couldn’t bring them along for the trip – there are several places to rent bikes from on the island. Whether you want to bike the beach, explore Sea Pines Resort or just check out new parts of the island, there are over 60 miles of bike paths to choose from. Most bicycle rental companies offer tandem bikes and kiddie carts as well, making it easier to bring the little ones along for the journey.
Learn more about biking on Hilton Head – including rentals – here.
Check out nature or go on a hike
There are some gorgeous areas on the island that aren’t accessible by bike – including the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. The forest preserve is a beautiful area to go on a day hike, and explore the various lagoons, look for birds and wildlife, and, of course, spot some alligators.
Some other cool day hikes include: the Audubon-Newhall Preserve, Jarvis Creek Park and Mitchelville Freedom Park. If you want a true wildlife adventure and are okay leaving the island, you could check out neighboring Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge or head inland to the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. The Cypress Wetlands in Port Royal are also fun to explore if you want a short, easy trail to view nesting birds and alligators.
Try out some water sports
Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP), surfing, water-skiing, sailing, parasailing – there are plenty of different water sports to choose from on Hilton Head. If Dad’s an adventure-seeker, you’re sure to find an awesome way for him to spend the day. Whether he’s already a seasoned pro and just needs a rental – or a newbie who needs a lesson or two – there’s probably a place for that on the island.
Learn more about water sports on Hilton Head here.
Go zip Lining or try a high ropes course
Maybe Dad’s an adrenaline-junkie but not that fond of water sports (or he’s just already tried them all)? Book a zip-lining or high ropes course adventure instead.
Adventure Hilton Head offers a variety of high ropes courses and a zipline that allows you to see the beauty of the island. They’re still closed for the season – but recently said they expected to open in June. So they might be an option for Father’s Day!
Go horseback riding
Did you know you could go horseback riding in Sea Pines? Lawton Stables offers trail rides through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve – letting you soak in the natural beauty of the island on horseback. The trail rides are kept at a leisurely pace so that all abilities can enjoy them – and kids ages 8 and up are welcome. (If you have younger children, the stables also offer pony rides and have a small animal farm). Learn more here.
Visit a local winery, brewery or distillery
If Dad’s a beer – or wine or liquor – lover, check out one of the local breweries, wineries or distilleries. There are a handful to choose from:
- Hilton Head Brewing Co.
- Side Hustle Beer Co. on Hilton Head
- Southern Barrel Brewing Co. in Bluffton
- River Dog Brewing Co. in Ridgeland
- Island Winery on Hilton Head
- The Carolina Tasting Room on Hilton Head
There are also several breweries and distilleries in Savannah, as well as wineries on surrounding barrier islands and in Walterboro, S.C., and Guyton, Ga.
