Sunrise to sunset Hilton Head Island has some of the most awe-inspiring and social-media-worthy sites around.
[Photo credit: www.glennmichaels.org]
There are many reasons why Hilton Head Island is America’s favorite island, but most certainly near the top of that list is the island’s inherent natural beauty. From mesmerizing sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean to color-drenched sunsets along the Intracoastal Waterway, and all the countless scenes of beautiful and unexpected wildlife in their natural Lowcountry habitats in between Hilton Head Island will inspire, entertain, and take your breath away.
Curiosity is all you’ll need…well, that and a camera, to find amazing views around every twist of saltwater stream, and bend in the sandy path.
Sleep is overrated–especially when you compare it to a sunrise over the ocean. There are over 12 miles of white sand beach to take in the show. Starting with Mitchelville Beach on the north end with spectacular light displays over Port Royal sound all the way down to South Forest Beach and Sea Pines with sea birds of all types and sizes from Pelicans and Herons to Osprey and Egrets adding to the act as they delightfully dive for their breakfast!
Speaking of birds, if you want to get a birds-eye view, head down to the Harbour Town Lighthouse [which by the way is pretty picturesque itself], and climb the 114 steps of the lighthouse for a view and perspective unlike any other on the island. Please note that the Quarterdeck area surrounding the Lighthouse is currently under renovation but we are told that the Lighthouse is still accessible at this time. Enjoy sweeping views of Calibogue Sound, Daufuskie Island, and the south end of Hilton Head.
Some of the best views on Hilton Head Island aren’t actually on the island. They’re on the water looking back at the island. And there are all kinds of ways to get out on the water from kayak, paddle board, and jet ski rentals to sightseeing and excursion cruises to charter fishing boats. Here are a few of the best places that can help get you out there: Outside Hilton Head https://www.outsidehiltonhead.com in Shelter Cove, Vagabond Cruises https://www.vagabondcruise.com in Harbour Town, and Island Head Watersports https://islandheadhhi.com on the Intracoastal Waterway [Skull Creek].
That same Intracoastal Waterway, or Skull Creek as it’s referred to more often than not, offers up numerous spots to take in truly spectacular sunsets night after night. It’s dotted with iconic island restaurants on the North end starting with legendary Hudson’s Seafood House on The Docks followed by Skull Creek Dockside and Skull Creek Boathouse. All are unique in their own way while alike in that they have sunsets as amazing as the food, drink, and fun they serve up.
SUPER INSIDER TIP: Hudson’s outdoor deck dining and bar is a great place to watch playful dolphins swimming by [and right underneath you!] Plus, there’s even the occasional manatee sighting!
Just across the water from these island eateries lies Pinckney Island, and the Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge. It attracts thousands of migratory birds annually, and also provides a nesting habitat for wading birds such as Ibis, Egrets, and Herons. Adding to this eye-catching wildlife soiree are alligators, bobcats, butterflies, salt marshes with a mosaic of snaking water channels, and a maritime forest full of moss-draped live oaks and palmetto trees.
Head back onto the island and over to Broad Creek, which boasts marsh and water views from landmark spots on both sides of the water. On the East is Shelter Cove with countless restaurants and retail shops. From Ela’s Blu Water Grille in Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina to Poseidon’s in Shelter Cove Towne Centre there are numerous places to chill out and take in sunsets over the saltwater river and marsh. If that weren’t enough, the people-watching is about as great as the sunsets! Head to the Westside for the landmark Old Oyster House and Fishcamp on Broad Creek. Both eateries offer up riverside dining with plenty of food and fun for families.
Forget Just A Room, We’ve Got Well-Appointed Villas And Condos And Sweeping Oceanfront Estates With A View!
