30 Free Things to do in Hilton Head (2024)
Hilton Head in South Carolina is not the most budget-friendly destination for living as the island is mainly comprised of expensive housing properties, golf courses, and yachts.
However, the island still manages to draw in a growing amount of tourists every year due to the eclectic mix of activities to do in the area.
When I last visited Hilton Head Island for a pet-sitting adventure, we were able to see and do quite a few things for free or at little cost.
Some of the key highlights from my trip were walking in downtown Bluffton, visiting Coligny Beach, and the Stoney Baynard Ruins. Keep in mind that some of these free sights do involve paying a small fee as they are near Harbour Town.
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Outdoor Things to Do in Hilton Head
1. Stoney Baynard Ruins
Time to explore what is left of the Sea Pines Plantation at the Stoney Baynard Ruins. Nestled in between luxury houses and golf courses, the Stoney Baynard Ruins is a free area to visit to learn about the history surrounding the Stoney family.
Most people prefer to ride a bike as there is very little space for parking. When coming across the ruins, there is a short trail leading up to the site.
Add this place to your list if you’re looking for free things filled with history.
2. Coligny Beach
Visit one of the most popular beaches in Hilton Head. Coligny Beach is more on the peaceful side than other beaches in South Carolina and provides powdery sand that rivals some of the beaches in Florida.
Relax and spend the day watching the waves while soaking in the afternoon sunset. This beach also holds magic shows for entertainment.
3. Range Rear Lighthouse
This unique lighthouse may be inactive; however, the historical building carries some of the most interesting histories on the island. Located in a gated community, it can seem inaccessible or difficult to visit, but the structure is fully open to the public.
Tip: It may be easier to take a bike or walk to the lighthouse as there isn’t much room to park a vehicle.
4. Shelter Cove Harbour Show
Celebrate Harbourfest with unlimited live music and entertainment during the summer. Before watching the fireworks, spend the day soaking in the arts and crafts while also allowing your kids to participate in activities.
5. Fish Haul Beach Park
Overlooking the Port Royal Sound, Fish Haul Beach Park is quite possibly the best-hidden gem that I’ve ever discovered on Hilton Head Island.
To escape the crowded beaches and shops during the summer, consider stopping by Fish Haul Beach Park to appreciate bird watching and other wildlife activities. This quiet nature park is the perfect getaway.
6. Harbour Town Lighthouse
This place is one of the most popular places to visit when tourists come to Hilton Head. The lighthouse in particular might not be the tallest lighthouse but has iconic stripes with a stunning blend of red and white.
What makes this lighthouse one of the top attractions is the museum and shop that gives visitors an inside look into the history of the structure and the area.
You can also find plenty of places to eat here as well.
Did you know that this lighthouse is a popular wedding venue?
7. Farmer’s Market
At the Hilton Head Farmer’s Market, visitors can find everything from produce to baked goods. Besides local food, this market also has food trucks featuring various different types of food.
Going to the local farmer’s market gives travelers the opportunity to taste food grown and made on Hilton Head.
8. Fort Howell
Fort Howell is another landmark that visitors should see, especially if they’re interested in learning about the local history. This landmark served as a protection for freed slaves built after the Civil War.
Back in 2011, Fort Howell was named to the National Register of Historic Places.
9. Mitchelville Beach
Mitchelville Beach is often visited alongside Coligny Beach even though both beaches are rather different in landscape. This beach is more on the natural side when it comes to beaches with much of the land preserved.
For travelers looking for a relaxing place away from crowds, this beach park is a perfect choice.
10. Audubon Newhill Preserve
Step into a breathtaking scenic nature reserve by visiting the Audubon Newhill Preserve. Home to a variety of bird species, this serene place gives visitors no choice but to soak in the surrounding nature.
This preserve is one of the best free things to do in Hilton Head if you love spending time in nature.
11. Mitchelville Freedom Park Tour
Take a tour and learn about the history of why this park serves as an important piece of Hilton Head. Mitchelville Freedom Park is a helpful reminder of the dark history behind slavery.
However, this park in particular served as a symbol for the Freedmen. Join some of the park’s events like their Juneteenth Celebration and the Christmas lights walk-through tour.
Indoor Things to Do in Hilton Head
12. Coastal Discovery Museum
Discover a whole new world by taking a trip to the Coastal Discovery Museum in Hilton Head. Visitors can go to their website and explore the latest events happening at the museum.
The best part about this museum is the diverse exhibits ideal for all ages. When you’re done learning in the exhibits, take a tour of the water or land to marvel at Hilton Head’s stunning landscapes.
13. Hilton Head Branch Library
The Beaufort County Library is a peaceful place ideal for both visitors and locals. The library boasts a peaceful outdoor garden, a reading room, and a children’s storytelling area.
For a small fee, you can use their printing services but the Wi-Fi is free.
14. The SandBox Children’s Museum
Take your small child on a hand-held adventure at The Sandbox Children’s Museum. This museum in particular enables young children the opportunity to play to their heart’s content with interactive toys and exhibits.
The museum allows children to discover a new world while also helping to develop their cognitive, social, and emotional skills.
Cheap Things to Do
15. Explore Sea Pines Resort
Hilton Head Island’s Premier Resort, Sea Pines unlike any other resort with 5,000 acres of family fun including easy access to Harbour Town Lighthouse. Even though Sea Pines has plenty of activities for travelers, one of the dedicated aspects of the resort is the hospitality with superior service and benefits.
16. Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf
Take the whole family on a pirate adventure at one of the most popular miniature golf courses in South Carolina. When going through the golf course, stroll across bridges, waterfalls, and streams to discover the lost treasure.
Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf welcomes players every day of the week with the option for unlimited play and a 36-hole adventure.
17. Paddleboard & Kayak Tour
Some of the best kayak and paddleboard tours on Hilton Head are the Saltmarsh Paddle Tours and Kayak Hilton Head. Even though these water activities aren’t free, admission is still budget-friendly.
For visitors looking to explore the beautiful water of South Carolina, paddleboarding and kayaking are the ideal way with an experienced guide.
18. Thrift Shopping
Dotted throughout the island, thrift shops allow visitors and locals alike to discover unique and nostalgic products for discounted prices. Some of the thrift shops even donate a portion of their profit to go towards charity organizations.
When we went thrift shopping, the Litter Box Thrift Store and the Church Mouse Thrift Shop and Boutique were a few of our favorites due to the variety of products displayed on the shelves.
19. Gullah Heritage Trail Tours
For visitors to receive more backstory behind Hilton Head Island, the Gullah Heritage Trail Tours offers an authentic cultural experience highlighting West African traditions, customs, beliefs, and art forms.
Some of the tour highlights include the Plantation Tabby Ruins, the Old One-room School House, and the Gullah Family Compounds.
Tip: Make sure to book your tour online.
Free Festivals and Events on the Island
20. The Greenery Garden Center
Visit The Greenery Garden Center during the holidays for a free event featuring beautiful holiday decor and tablescapes. Before embarking on your next adventure, stop by for a sample of wonderful tea from the Charleston Tea Garden.
21. Mayfest
A Bluffton Village Festival, Mayfest is one of the most outstanding festivals in Hilton Head. If you happen to visit Hilton Head in May, take advantage of this annual festival featuring local artists and food vendors.
Mayfest is one of the best free things to do in Hilton Head with a variety of fun activities for all ages.
More Free Things to Do in Hilton Head
22. Go Fishing
Fishing is a favorite pastime activity in Hilton Head with the chance to come across unique fish species for free. While fishing, visitors and locals alike can easily soak up the beautiful waters on the island.
For the best results in fishing, visit Jarvis Creek Park, Hilton Head Lagoons, and Hilton Head Island Fishing Charters.
23. Walk Along Marina
When it comes to marinas, Hilton Head has no shortage of them to accommodate small, medium, and large yachts. Even if you don’t own a yacht, the marinas offer dinner cruises, power boat rentals, water sports, and deep-sea fishing.
The popular marinas include Skull Creek Marina, Harbour Town Yacht Basin, and Broad Creek Marina.
24. Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
One of the best ways to soak in this beautiful wildlife refuge is to rent a bike. Keep in mind that some of the trails have water crossing which can be a little slippery.
This free activity allows visitors the opportunity to discover animals with diverse landscapes blending water and greenery.
Did you know that saltwater fishing is allowed in the waters surrounding the refuge?
25. Islanders Beach Park
A hidden gem in Hilton Head, the Islanders Beach Park is a beautiful location offering a public beach, a boardwalk, a playground, seasonal lifeguards, and picnic facilities. There is limited parking for the public as it’s mostly a local spot.
But the Islanders Beach Park is a great way to spend the day to escape the crowds.
26. Folly Field Beach
Discover the stunning beauty of Folly Field Beach in Hilton Head. Many locals travel to Folly Field to escape the crowded beaches. For only 1 dollar an hour, visitors and locals alike can soak in the beautiful water.
Folly Field is also a great place to watch the sunset or the sunrise.
27. Compass Rose Park
On the south end of Hilton Head Island, Compass Rose Park is a quaint park featuring public art and plazas drawing back to the history of the island. Most visitors come to this park for a chance at seeing alligators for free.
Since Hilton Head is known to be humid in the summer, it is ideal to bring mosquito spray as Compass Rose Park welcomes more of the natural world.
28. Daufuskie Island
Located between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, Daufuskie Island is a 5-mile-long uninhabited island. Once visitors make their way over to the island, travel down the historic dirt roads with a golf cart.
After riding around on the island, book a guided tour for a local’s perspective on the island’s history. Travelers can also take part in water sports or learn about the American Indian and Gullah cultures.
29. Shelter Cove Towne Centre
Seen as a top destination in Hilton Head, the Shelter Cove Towne Centre is a place where travelers can spend the day dining, shopping, and soaking in events. After dining at a great restaurant, go biking in the nearby park with beautiful views of the marshes.
30. Walk Around Bluffton
One of the best free things to do in Hilton Head is to explore the small town of Bluffton. Based on a local recommendation, Bluffton is home to some of the best restaurants featuring diverse cuisines with top-notch service.
Besides the eclectic mix of dining options, Bluffton is a town filled with artists, galleries, and festivals.
Hilton Head Island is not just a destination for people who own yachts or mansions. This South Carolina island can still be done on a budget with a plethora of stunning parks, beaches, guided tours, water sports, and towns to discover.
The best way to experience Hilton Head Island and all the free and cheap things the island offers is to go during the off-season.
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