Hilton Head may be known for its beaches and bike paths, but its real magic lives in the tucked-away shops, artisan makers, family-run restaurants, and community spaces that give the island its heart. These are the places locals love and the ones visitors often miss if they stick to the main resort corridors.
If you want to experience Hilton Head in a way that truly supports the community, here’s your guide to the island’s lesser-known gems.
Eateries Worth Finding (and Returning To)
Look beyond the tourist hotspots and you’ll find some of the most satisfying bites tucked into plazas, backroads, and local favorites. Think cafés where the barista knows the regulars, seafood joints where the fish came off the boat that morning, and bakeries that sell out by noon because locals snatch everything up.
Local spots to explore:
- A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant—Southern comfort with a backyard vibe.
- Skull Creek Boathouse—Waterfront favorite with a major local following.
- Java Burrito Company—Family-run burritos + craft coffee bar.
- Taste of Europe Deli & Bakery—European-style pastries and sandwiches.
- Delisheeyo—Tiny café serving healthy bowls, smoothies, and vegetarian dishes.
- Hilton Head Social Bakery—French pastry chef; pastries often sell out early.
- Catch 22—Locally owned seafood and steaks.
- Plantation Café & Deli—The island’s oldest breakfast spot.
Shops That Tell a Story
Hilton Head’s small shops are full of personality: locally crafted jewelry, Lowcountry-inspired art, handmade goods, and boutiques run by people who genuinely love what they do. Whether it’s a tiny bookstore, an artisan pottery studio, or a boutique with one-of-a-kind finds, these small businesses shape the island’s charm.
Local shops worth popping into:
- The Greenery Garden Center & Gift Shop—Plants, decor, and unique Lowcountry gifts.
- ArtWare—Jewelry, gifts, and wearable art.
- Birdie James—Cute, curated women’s fashion.
- Fire & Pine—Engraved maps and other locally-made interior decor.
- Branch Designs—Home décor and coastal-inspired gifts.
- Island Fudge Shoppe—Old-fashioned sweets made onsite.
- The Back Door — A woman’s clothing boutique in Sea Pines
Where Creativity Lives — Local Artists & Makers
From coastal painters to Gullah artists and modern designers, Hilton Head’s creative community is thriving. Many artists work right here on the island, selling their pieces in small galleries, weekend markets, or directly from their studios. Keep an eye out for pop-up shows, craft fairs, and seasonal maker markets.
Local creative spaces & makers to support:
- Art League of Hilton Head—Gallery + workshops featuring local artists.
- Nash Gallery (Shelter Cove)—Jewelry, pottery, and art from regional creators.
- Gullah Sweetgrass Basket Makers—Authentic handmade sweetgrass baskets (various stands around the island).
- Camellia Art—Fine art gallery with island and regional artists.
Coastal Discovery Museum: A Treasure for Locals and Visitors Alike
No roundup of hidden gems would be complete without the Coastal Discovery Museum. This community cornerstone blends nature, history and culture in a way no other island spot does. Wander its boardwalks, learn about local wildlife, attend a hands-on workshop, or browse the work of local artisans at its regular markets and events.
It’s one of the few places where you can genuinely feel the story of Hilton Head — past and present — while supporting local educators, conservationists, and makers.
Service Providers Who Keep the Island Running
Behind the scenes, Hilton Head thrives on small business owners: landscapers, handymen, boat repair specialists, fitness instructors, photographers, tutors, pet-sitters — you name it. These are the people residents rely on daily, and many run tight, community-driven operations that have earned decades of local trust.
Local service providers making a daily impact:
- Island Mobile Vet—Mobile veterinary care for residents’ pets.
- Cast Away Charters—Boat cruises and fishing with local experts.
- Salt Marsh Paddle Tours—Kayak and Stand Up Paddle guided tours.
- H2O Sports (Harbour Town)—Family-run water sports and eco-tours.
- Memory Lane Portraits—Local photography team specializing in beach sessions.
- Peddling Pelican Bike Rentals—Longtime island bike rental and service shop.
- Aunt Laurie’s—Local gift baskets + handmade products supporting artisans with disabilities.
Why Supporting Small Biz Matters
Every dollar spent at a small business stays closer to home. It helps families grow, supports local jobs, strengthens the community, and keeps Hilton Head’s identity from becoming too generic. When you shop local, dine local, and experience local, you’re contributing to the island’s long-term health.
Supporting small businesses doesn’t just make you a thoughtful shopper — it makes you part of the island’s story.
