It’s almost Fall, y’all! For many, Fall is a favorite time of year on the island. Why?
The days are slightly cooler — but can still reach 80 degrees — and the island is a little less crowded. Fall is also the season of oyster roasts, bonfires and a ton of fun events on Hilton Head Island.
The wildlife is also still active in the Fall. In fact, sea turtle nesting season lasts through October, and the deer are especially active. The adorable sandpipers, plovers and other migratory birds also visit the island this time of year!
Here are some fun things to do on Hilton Head Island in the Fall months:
- Bike the beach — or the rest of the island
Fall is the perfect time of year to get out the bikes — or rent one from one of the island’s many vendors. Since the weather is a bit cooler, you can enjoy a nice breeze as you bike the 11 miles of white sandy beach on the island! Or explore the island’s network of bike paths!
- Visit the Sea Pines Forest Preserve
The Sea Pines Forest Preserve is beautiful this time of year! It’s a great time to walk the boardwalks and discover the active wildlife in the marshes and Vanishing Swamp. Or pack a picnic to enjoy along the banks of Fish Island! Sea Pines also offers fun wagon rides through the Forest Preserve, which are very festive for the Fall! You can also go on a trail ride through the preserve with Lawton Stables.
- See the animals at Lawton Stables
If a trail ride is a bit too advanced for your kiddos, take them to the Small Animal Farm at Lawton Stables! Meet the farm’s residents, including goats, cows, miniature donkeys, pot-bellied pigs, chickens, alpacas and a miniature horse.
- Dine outdoors and enjoy the cooler weather
There are so many lovely restaurants with beautiful views & outdoor seating on the island. Check them out on my previous blog here. Sea Pines restaurants Habourside, Coast and Quarterdeck also offer nightly live music through October.
- Take the kids to the park
Hilton Head has plenty of gorgeous parks to explore — whether you’re looking for beach access, walking paths or a playground for the little ones. If you’re in The Sea Pines Resort, check out the Gregg Russell Playground in Harbour Town. Just outside of Sea Pines is Coligny Beach Park which offers beach access. Across the street is Lowcountry Celebration Park, which has an amazing pirate ship-themed playground and walking paths. You can explore more parks on the island here.
- Play a round of mini golf
Mini golf is a great way to spend a gorgeous Fall day on the island! There are a few different miniature golf courses to choose from on Hilton Head.
- Hit the (real) golf course
Of course, Hilton Head Island is known for its beautiful golf courses! With the cooler weather, the Fall months are the perfect time to hit the course!
- Get a Fall treat at one of the island’s local bakeries or coffee shops
Craving your pumpkin spice latte or a pumpkin muffin? While you can definitely find Starbucks on the island, there are also some cute local coffee shops and bakeries you can visit! In Sea Pines, there’s the Harbour Town Bakery & Cafe. At nearby Coligny, there’s Sweet Al’s Cafe and Carolina Coffee & Crumbs. If you want locally-roasted coffee, check out Hilton Head Island Coffee Roasters on the north end of the island! Another locally-loved coffee & breakfast spot is Corner Perk — they first opened shop in Old Town Bluffton, but now have a new Hilton Head location! There are even a few French bakeries, including the Hilton Head Social Bakery, French Bakery & European Cuisine and Paris Baguette.
- Go shopping for the perfect Fall decor or outfit
There are so many different shopping options on the island! Sea Pines Resort has The Harbour Town Shops. There’s also Shelter Cove Towne Centre, The Village at Wexford, Coligny Plaza Shopping Center, and Main Street Village. If you want to go just off the island, there’s also the Tanger Outlets in Bluffton!
- Attend an annual festival or event
Fall is also a great time for local festivals and annual events on the island! Here’s a quick list. Click on any event to learn more about it!
- Music & Taste on the Harbour
- Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival
- Hilton Head Oyster Festival
- Harbour Town Fall Fest
- Fish and Grits Music Festival
- Annual Kiwanis Club Chili Cook Off & Jeep Island
- Annual Crescendo Celebration
- Rock ‘n Ribs Music & BBQ Fest
- Island Rec Center’s Pumpkin Patch
- Italian Heritage Festival
- Halloween on the Harbour
- Sea Pines Oyster Roasts
