What to do in Hilton Head while house and pet sitting

If you’re in the mood for a new furry friend and would like to escape the stressful city life for a spell, a pet sitting trip to Hilton Head might be just what you need! And to make your trip planning as comfortable as possible, we’ve put together this handy guide for you, to help you find the best things to do in Hilton Head.

Hilton Head Island was discovered and named in 1663 by Captain Wiliam Hilton and really hasn’t changed much since then. Despite being a popular tourist destination today, the city is still known for its beautiful, untouched nature and its stunning beaches. To all you outdoor lovers out there, we promise: You won’t run out of amazing things to do in Hilton Head. Let’s have a look at this lovely city!

Hilton Head attractions

Let’s start our tips on what to do in Hilton Head SC by introducing you to our personal top 3 attractions. Here they come:

1. Harbour Town Lighthouse: located in the middle of Harbour Town, you’ll find Hilton Head’s best-known landmark – the Harbour Town Lighthouse. Apart from helping boats find their way back into harbour, the lighthouse is also home to a fun and educational museum. Make your way through the different levels and learn more about the history of Hilton Head – and those who made it to the top are rewarded with an amazing view of the surrounding area. Plus: the museum donates a portion of all admission fees to various local charities – a win-win for everyone involved, and definitely worth a visit! 

2. Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge: once part of the plantation of Major General Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, today, the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge serves as one of the island’s biggest and most important wildlife refuges. Here, you’ll find a wide array of different plants and birds, as well as great opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing and more.

3. Shelter Cove Towne Centre: being in one of the most beautiful natural areas of the US does not keep you from wanting to go on shopping sprees? No worries, Hilton Head and its Shelter Cove Towne Centre have got you covered! The 6.6 acre village within the city presents itself as the perfect combination of shops, bars and some of the best restaurants in Hilton Head, while also serving as an event location that hosts various festivals all year round. During the Christmas season, you can even bring your pet with you to visit Santa and support the HH Humane Association.

Free things to do in Hilton Head

Who doesn’t love free stuff? Here are some things to see in Hilton Head that are fun, educational and 100% free of charge: 

1. Coligny Beach Park: located right across from Coligny Plaza, Hilton Head’s most popular beach can be accessed for free and offers a lot of activities and amenities free of charge, such as free WIFI, car parking, sand showers, gazebos and many swings for you to use and enjoy.

2. Ruins of Stoney-Baynard Plantation: originally built by Captain Jack Stoney in the 1790s, the plantation soon came into the possession of Wiliam Baynard and later served as Union headquarters during the American Civil War, before it was eventually destroyed. Although its history is steeped in darkness and tragedy, the plantation also played a major part in the Union’s victory of the war and therefore in achieving the abolishment of slavery in the US.

3. Biking in Hilton Head: Hilton Head is a true paradise for bicyclists, with its 123 miles of bike paths and an additional twelve miles for beach biking. There are many places that offer cheap bike rentals, and given that there are bike paths literally everywhere, you can explore pretty much the entire city happily paddling.

Fun things to do in Hilton Head

You’ve seen all of Hilton Head’s beaches and have had numerous relaxing walks through its parks – time for some action! Here are a few fun ideas to get you started: 

1. Harbour Town: if you’re in the mood to explore and maybe grab some souvenirs on the way, best head to Hilton Head’s city centre. Here, you can find anything from clothes and jewellery to art, and even the best seafood restaurants in Hilton Head. Harbour Town is also a great starting point if you’re out for some sporty fun, with opportunities to learn how to golf, hop aboard a dolphin watching cruise, rent Jet Skis or take part in kayak tours.

2. Comedy Magic Cabaret: The Comedy Magic Cabaret is a high-end venue that has been hosting a variety of comedy and magic shows since 2013. Here, you can enjoy an evening full of laughter three to four times a week while sipping on some of Hilton Head’s best cocktails.

3. Boat Tours: how does watching dolphins up close or enjoying a fancy dinner on a yacht while marvelling at fireworks sound? Good? Awesome, because your pet sitting trip to Hilton Head is the chance to experience all that and more in the course of one of the city’s famous boat tours. Most of Hilton Head’s boat tours leave from the marina or Shelter Cove, every day and all year round.

What to do in Hilton Head with pets

Another pet sitting trip question you have is: “What is there to do in Hilton Head SC with my new four-legged friend?” Well, fret not, we’ve found some of the best activities for you and your protégé:

1. Aunt Chilada’s: serving traditional ‘Tex-Mex’ and Mexican food seven days a week, Aunt Chilada’s also offers fantastic seafood, the best Happy Hour in town, and is especially pet-friendly, allowing dogs inside the restaurant, so both you and the pooch can enjoy a fun dinner out.

2. Fish Haul Beach: while pets are generally welcome on all beaches in Hilton Head, Fish Haul Beach Park is the only public beach where dogs are allowed during all times and all year round. If you’d like to visit other beaches with your pet buddy, be sure to check out the times during which they are allowed there beforehand.

3. Best Friends Dog Park at Chaplin Community Park: are you looking after a doggo that just can’t get enough exercise? Head over to Best Friends Dog Park! Hilton Head’s biggest dog park provides a safe space for your new fur buddy to romp around or to make new four-legged friends, no leash required. And if playing at the dog park still wasn’t enough pooch adventure for one day, you can end your outing by taking them for a walk on the adjacent beach, enjoying the sunset while strolling along the shore.

Best Restaurants in Hilton Head: Food and drink

Looking for the best restaurants in town to treat yourself to some delicious food after a day full of exciting adventures? Check out these places: 

1. American dinner at the beach: Harbourside Burgers & Brews lets you relax and unwind in style right next to the beach. The atmospheric restaurant perfectly mirrors the island’s friendly and casual vibe: no dress code, no hurry – just delicious local food, beer and a view to die for. Pets are welcome here as well, so bring your dog friend with you!

2. Local and authentic: The Black Marlin Bayside Grill serves some of the city’s best locally fished seafood and is a favourite among locals. On weekends, Marlin offers amazing brunch spreads that you can enjoy while listening to live music.

Got all the inspiration you need to plan your next pet sitting trip to Hilton Head SC? Then check out all open pet sits on offer there and then connect with our amazing members so you can start your adventure asap!

Join our Community Forum

Have you been to Hilton Head and have some cool insider tips we haven’t mentioned yet? Then feel free to share them with our pet-loving community! Or maybe you’d like to tell us about your other favourite sitting locations, so other sitters can get fun ideas for their own trips? Either way, head over to our forum and we promise you’ll love engaging with our friendly, pet-loving community!