There are so many reasons to visit Hilton Head Island and each season has its own attractions. Most people plan their trips as part of a summer getaway, but it’s also a perfect place to visit in the spring. Whether it’s spring fever or spring break, the temperatures are still beach-friendly. Here are some fun things to do on Hilton Head Island as a couple or as a family for your next spring fling.
World Class Golf Courses
With 23 golf courses to explore, including the 81 holes included in the prestigious Heritage Golf Collection, there are opportunities to play for every level golfer from spectator to novice to experienced. If you’re looking to brush up on your skills or are new to the game, book a lesson at the Sea Pines Golf Learning Center otherwise, seasoned players can enjoy a round of golf surrounded by the tall pines of Bear Creek Golf Club, or have the beautiful Atlantic ocean as the backdrop at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort.
Attending the annual RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing is a must-attend event whatever your golfing skill level. The 2023 RBC Heritage is from April 10-16, 2023. Spectators and players from all over the world attend this multi-day tournament showcases nationally and internationally ranked players, which is not to be missed whether you play golf or simply enjoy being a spectator.
Get Ready to Bicycle
Hilton Head Island is a leader in environmental preservation and resource conservation practices so it’s no surprise at the biking pathway network of 60 miles of bike paths and 100 miles of public pathways! Hilton Head Island is completely connected by bike paths. There are connections to at least 50 more miles connecting residential, commercial and recreation areas of the town including Island Time’s vacation rentals near the Shipyard, North Forest Beach, South Forest Beach, Palmetto Dunes, and Sea Pines. Many of the paths follow main roads providing cyclists a safe, quick way to get around the island.
The Coastal Discovery Museum, has an extensive variety of guided walks and excursions and is in the beginning stages of developing bicycle tours of the area with both historical interest and a focus on the natural environment. There are over two dozen bike rental locations to choose from on the Island, so you can find a bike to suit everyone to explore the whole island, including ebikes!
Culture and the Arts
Hilton Head Island is a vibrant and diverse island that is celebrated locally, regionally and nationally. Culture and the arts play a large part in enhancing the community—fine arts; traditional, ethnic, and folk art; music; the history and heritage of the island; landmarks; parks; and natural resources all encompass the community’s customs, beliefs, and traditions. There’s always something to learn, do and see about the Island’s culture and one of the best ways is to explore the Cultural Trail Map. It details all the events happening including the Gullah, visual arts and photography, theater and dance, music history, science, and literature festivals.
Don’t forget the music! Every Thursday evening Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina hosts Music & Taste on the Harbour with a variety of specially priced light appetizers, wine, beer and cocktails. Limited seating will be provided so you are encouraged to bring your own chairs.
More Than Just Beaches—It’s Sea Turtle Season!
Springtime still holds warm days and balmy waters, the perfect combination for building sandcastles, swimming, ripping on a Jet Ski, or cruising the coastline on a sailboat. But May also brings the beginning of sea turtle season to the 12 miles of pristine sands. Every year, hundreds of loggerhead turtles build their nests on the beaches, where they lay thousands of eggs. Hilton Head Island’s two volunteer organizations, Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island and Turtle Trackers, are both nonprofits that assist with the preservation efforts for these endangered sea turtles, and educate the public for the protection of the sea turtle hatchlings heading to the ocean. They also provide monitoring and support on Hilton Head Island beaches for sea turtle nesting and hatching activity annually. These programs, along with spreading awareness through public education and outreach, are essential to promote the continued existence of these endangered species. You can even sponsor a nest! See the Sea Turtle Patrol Website for details.
There are so many reasons to visit Hilton Head Island any time of the year and there’s always something happening or you can simply spend your time taking a stroll along the beach or through the wilderness. Whatever season you choose to visit, your Hilton Island getaway will be one to remember.