It’s no secret that Hilton Head Island is our favorite place to be.

It’s always been a second home to me and I’ve visited the island just about every summer since I was a little babe. We now take our girls every year, sometimes even twice a year. My family has a place in Sea Pines, so that is where I am most familiar. Each time we visit we have a list of restaurants we feel are a must to eat at and activities we want to make sure we do with the girls. So many of you have asked for recommendations on these things, that I’ve decided to devote an entire blog post to our favorites. If you’ve never been to the island before, you really can’t go wrong with whatever you chose to do. I do, however, hope my recommendations are helpful!

Restaurants:

Truffles: You absolutely cannot go wrong ordering anything from here. Make early reservations if you’re taking kids, or go later in the evening to have a more romantic atmosphere. Indoor & outdoor seating. {71 Lighthouse Rd in Sea Pines}

Sea Pines Beach Club: Or “Coast Oceanfront Dining.” This one is great because of it’s direct view of the beach. Also, there’s live music. Who doesn’t love that combo?! Right now, they have lobster and shrimp tacos that are literally to die for. {87 N Sea Pines Dr.}

The SandBar [Beach Eats]: Located in the Coligny Plaza. We stumbled upon this fairly new place during our last visit. We loved it so much that we went back a second time during that same trip. Kyle orders the American burger every time and I have never ordered something I couldn’t rave about later. If you’re into She Crab Soup, I believe they have some of the best! We prefer to sit outside and listen to whatever live band is playing that night. {101 Pope Avenue}

Frosty Frog: Also located in the Coligny Plaza. This is the place to get a daiquiri. It’s daiquiri bar has a huge selection of flavors. You can even get one to-go or carry it around while shopping in the plaza. They also have a tropical themed outdoor seating area with live music and fun. {1 N Forest Beach Dr.}

Wise Guys: This one is a little more upscale. It’s not exactly somewhere we would go with the kiddos. It’s basically a steakhouse with small plates and a good wine selection. We have gone there many times and have always left satisfied. {1513 Main St.} *CLOSED for renovations

Crazy Crab: If you’re wanting to eat somewhere at Harbour Town, in my opinion, this is your best bet. You have to sit inside, but you can she crab soup and hush puppies, giving you the true island experience. We went there all the time growing up! Then, after dinner you can walk around the different shops and stare enviously at the beautiful boats. And don’t forget to get ice cream at the Cinnamon Bear Country Store. We love getting ice cream and sitting in the big, red rocking chairs while we eat. The huge park for the kiddos is located here also!

Holy Tequila: This is our absolute favorite place to eat when we’re in HH. I’ve even been known to eat there twice in a matter of a three day stay. Their Holy nachos are a must and who doesn’t a la carte tacos?! We leave here super stuffed, but totally happy. Do NOT forget to go here. Thank me later. {33 Office Park Rd}

Skull Creek Boathouse AND Skull Creek Dockside (waterfront restaurant): These are two different restaurants, but they’re right next to each other and they share the same waterfront. Eat at either one, you can’t go wrong with the menu. We like eating here because there’s lots of outdoor activities to do while you wait to be seated. They have a huge ship playground for kids, various game areas, and a boat dock to explore. {397 Squire Pope Rd}

Old Oyster Factory: Another great view! It’s waterside with a private pier. Oysters don’t have to be your thing to enjoy. {101 Marshland Rd}

One Hot Mama’s: If barbecue is your thing, then eat here. This restaurant is one of three that makes up the Bar-muda triangle, which is the best place for nightlife if you don’t have your kiddos with you. Around 10pm they move all the tables and chairs to the side and make a large dance floor. {1 Greenwood Dr.}

Local Pie: I don’t usually eat pizza when I’m on vacation. I’m more of a seafood person and when I’m at the beach I like to eat as much of it as I can. But if you’re wanting to eat in and do something less fancy, then this place is great. Their crust is super thin and they have lots of options. {55 New Orleans Rd}

Frozen Moo Ice Cream: In Coligny Plaza [like everything else] and a total must! There’s a large cow in the window, you can’t miss it. The girls insist on getting the rainbow flavor and gobble every bit of it! We usually bribe them to eat their dinner and reward them with Frozen Moo.

Skillets Cafe and Grill: Great for breakfast! In Coligny Plaza.

Fun To-Do

Bike Rentals: Riding bikes every where is the thing to do! There are so many bike paths to follow and explore. We make sure to get a cart and use it to take all our stuff down to the beach. The girls also really love to go for rides and “look for gators.” Rental places can be found all over the island. There are plenty within walking distance in Sea Pines and most of them will deliver the bikes right to your door. They will even pick them up from your place when you’re done. Less hassle!

Harbour Town Park: This is perfect for your kids to play for hours. It’s super cool! And you can even bike there, which I recommend because parking is sometimes hard to find. Or go early in the morning to have the park to yourself.

Lighthouse in Harbour Town: If you feel like a little exercise, then you can climb the 114 steps to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the view.

Coligny Plaza: As mentioned mostly above, there’s lots to do here. If we’re eating here one night, we just know we’re going to spend several hours there and just make a night of it. *Frosty Frog & Sandbar are here

Putt-Putt Golf: They are all over and are fun to do if your kids are a little older or you want a break from the beach scene.