Our little island is full of gorgeous views, so it’s no surprise that several of the island’s restaurants are centered around taking in these views. There are more than 20 restaurants on the island that offer waterfront views – from the marshes to Broad Creek to our marinas to oceanfront views.
Here’s a look at Hilton Head Island’s waterfront restaurants, starting in The Sea Pines Resort:
Sea Pines has six waterfront restaurants with outdoor seating, most of which also offer seasonal live music. These include:
Harbourside:
Located in the heart of Harbour Town, this casual restaurant offers outdoor dining with a view of the Harbour Town Yacht Basin. Harbourside offers draft beer, cocktails and other refreshing beverages, plus family favorites and classics, including burgers, hot dogs and snow crab legs, for a satisfying lunch or dinner with great views. This restaurant also offers live music nightly from 4-7 p.m. from mid-April through October.
Coast, Oceanfront Dining:
Located at the world-class Sea Pines Beach Club, this popular restaurant offers an inviting beachfront atmosphere and a menu that matches the stunning ocean views. Cool down with a frozen cocktail and enjoy the relaxed pace of dining by the beach. Coast’s culinary delights include fresh local seafood, providing a true taste of life in the Lowcountry. With a dedicated kids’ menu, there’s something for everyone at this family-friendly restaurant. Coast offers live music nightly from 4-7pm on their outdoor patio from mid-April through October.
Ocean Lounge:
Take in views of the Atlantic Ocean from the second floor of the Sea Pines Beach Club at this restaurant open to ages 21 and older. Enjoy the full dinner menu from Coast, Oceanfront Dining (see above) – our restaurant one floor below – in an upscale dining destination loved by locals and guests for its captivating scenery and extensive bourbon list. Select from more than three dozen bourbons, a fine collection of cognacs and cordials, and outstanding gins, ryes, single malt scotches, blended scotches, whiskeys, tequilas and mescals.
Quarterdeck:
Harbour Town’s newly renovated Quarterdeck is the best dining venue to enjoy Hilton Head Island’s fabulous sunsets! Located next to the iconic lighthouse, the restaurant features a bar and dining area on the first floor and a rooftop oyster bar with 270-degree views of Harbour Town and Calibogue Sound. Discover best-in-class menu offerings from the newest restaurant at The Sea Pines Resort. Quarterdeck offers live music nightly from 4-7 p.m. from mid-April through October.
The Salty Dog Cafe (South Beach):
The Salty Dog Cafe is one of Hilton Head Island’s most famous restaurants, located in South Beach Marina Village at the most southern tip of Sea Pines Resort. Since 1987, the Salty Dog Cafe has been serving up tasty fare for seafarers and landlubbers alike. Select from fresh, locally sourced seafood, salads, award-winning crab legs, amazing sandwiches, pasta dishes, burgers and of course, our legendary hushpuppies slathered with a dollop of homemade honey butter. Dine waterside on the docks while enjoying picture-perfect views of the marina.
The Crazy Crab:
The Crazy Crab offers spectacular waterfront dining overlooking the Harbour Town Marina. Their menu is derived from Lowcountry recipes, and they’re best known for their Snow Crab Legs. There is plenty of family entertainment just outside the front door with the Harbour Town Lighthouse, a massive playground, live music in the summer, and amazing views of Calibogue Sound. The Crazy Crab bar provides a nice cozy atmosphere to relax after a round of golf at one of the prestigious Sea Pines golf courses. Come visit and see why The Crazy Crab has been a local favorite for over 30 years!
While not waterfront, Sea Pines also has two other restaurants with outdoor dining and views of the resort’s gorgeous golf courses:
Links, An American Grill:
After a round of golf, unwind with exceptional cuisine and views of the famed Harbour Town Golf Links. The restaurant’s menu features signature grilled selections, a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, local craft beers, handcrafted specialty cocktails and other libations.
Fraser’s Tavern:
Located inside the Plantation Golf Club, Fraser’s welcomes guests and golfers to share a meal or post-round drink in a relaxed, friendly setting. Enjoy Southern barbecue while watching marquee sports events on the many televisions inside the restaurant and on the patio. Regular live entertainment, monthly craft beer taQ takeovers from Lowcountry breweries, and a locally sourced menu all add to the inviting atmosphere.
Waterfront dining outside of The Sea Pines Resort
Looking for waterfront dining elsewhere on Hilton Head? There are more than a dozen restaurants outside of The Sea Pines Resort with outdoor seating and gorgeous, waterfront views:
ELA’S On The Water:
This award-winning waterfront restaurant on Shelter Cove Harbour features exceptional water views, fresh catch seafood, prime cut steaks, and a sophisticated atmosphere. Their contemporary decor, romantic garden patio, and chic bar with live music make ELA’S a favorite destination for casual dining, romantic evenings, and special events.
The Porch & Tiki Hut at The Beach House:
Located at Hilton Head’s oceanfront, boutique hotel, The Porch & Tiki Hut offer Southern cuisine with gorgeous ocean views. Tiki Hut is a Hilton Head favorite thanks to its live music and outdoor bar right on the beach; it offers a variety of “beachside bites” including pulled pork nachos, coconut shrimp, burgers and shrimp tacos. The Porch Southern Kitchen & Bar offers a variety of sandwiches, burgers, salads and BBQ; they also serve breakfast.
Poseidon:
Poseidon, named for “the god of the sea,” has become the mid-island destination for the best dining, shopping and entertainment. From their fresh catch items to their “Coast-to- Coast” entrees, they offer a selection of seafood, steaks and more. They have an outdoor patio featuring views of Broad Creek, as well as a late-night, RooftoP- Bar with an in-house DJ and happy hour.
San Miguels:
Enjoy delicious Mexican food on the Marina at San Miguels, located at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. San Miguel’s serves fresh, authentic Mexican food and award-winning Margaritas all with a waterfront view in beautiful Shelter Cove Harbour. This restaurant also offers nightly live music!
Fishcamp on Broad Creek:
Fishcamp offers a taste of Lowcountry living in this historic waterfront setting. From seafood to steak, kid’s menu to brunch, there’s something for everyone. Kick back, listen to local musicians and relax with a crafty cocktail, local beer or a glass of wine at their outside bar. Their pet-friendly patio overlooks an incredible sunset with views of Broad Creek.
Skull Creek Boathouse, Skull Creek Dockside & Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks:
These three SERG restaurants are located right next to each other and all offer unique, waterfront dining options. Skull Creek Boathouse is the most “casual” of the three and offers seasonal live music and their outdoor “Buoy Bar,” plus a huge outdoor patio right on the banks of Skull Creek.
The Skull Creek Boathouse offers breathtaking views – especially at sunset – and fabulous food and drinks. Their menu features fresh fish, exceptional seafood and an in-house sushi bar.
Skull Creek Dockside is located right next to The Boathouse – they share a family recreation area between the two restaurants – and also offers a covered patio dining area with a massive outdoor bar. Their menu also includes seafood, but features BBQ and pizza.
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks is the slightly more upscale restaurant of the three, and offers Dinner on the Docks – with a seating that’s actually over the water. Hudson’s uses one of only two remaining local fishing fleets on Hilton Head Island to bring in fresh-caught seafood straight to your table. Guests often get to share the excitement as fishing crews unload thousands of fresh oysters, shrimp and soft shell crabs from each day’s catch.
Up the Creek Pub & Grill:
Enjoy appetizers, sandwiches, burgers and seafood baskets at this family-friendly, affordable restaurant on Broad Creek. Their deck overlooks the water, lowcountry marshes and the daily parade of boats.
The Old Oyster Factory:
Overlooking Broad Creek, The Old Oyster Factory is a waterfront Hilton Head restaurant for families and children of all ages. With fresh-caught seafood and a wide range of steaks and delicious desserts, you’ll be sure to enjoy your meal while taking in one of Hilton Head’s best panoramic views of the marshland landscape. Their back deck sits directly over the water, and you can enjoy views from inside the restaurant as well. They also host seasonal events, like oyster roasts and live music.
Scott’s Fish Market:
Located directly waterfront on picturesque Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, Scott’s Fish Market Restaurant & Bar serves up fresh seafood, hand cut steaks, homemade pastas, creative salads, sandwiches, and tantalizing desserts. Scott’s also features a selective wine list and extensive drink menus. Their seafood is locally sourced from the low country, local waters, and surrounding areas. This restaurant offers water views from every table, and features one of the largest outdoor dining areas on the island – and includes an outdoor, tropical drink bar. This kid-friendly restaurant is a great place to catch Shelter Cove Harbour’s fireworks every Tuesday in the summer.
The Crazy Crab on Jarvis Creek:
The same restaurant people know & love in Harbour Town has a second location on Jarvis Creek. The whole family will enjoy an onsite playground, the largest saltwater fish tank on Hilton Head Island, live music and crab races during the summer, and a perfect view of breathtaking Lowcountry sunsets. The restaurant’s expansive deck is pet friendly.
Carolina Crab Co.:
Located in Palmetto Bay Marina, Carolina Crab Company offers excellent seafood in one of the original fishing marinas of Hilton Head. A cozy, intimate restaurant, the menu offers an array of seafood, from light and healthy to Southern-fried. Their pet-friendly patio also features an outdoor bar.
