It’s no surprise that we think the best way to spend every day is cruising around and taking in the sights from the seat of a bike. But in between touring the island and feeling the wind on your face, there is plenty to do and see whether you’re interested in live music, shopping, or something sportier. Here are just a handful of ideas for how to spend your time on Hilton Head Island this summer.
Music & Outdoor Parties
Nash Gallery and The Shelter Cove Merchants Association present the Hilton Head Island Art Festival, a weekend event welcoming more than 50 artists in a variety of mediums like painting, pottery, jewelry, and photography. Taking place along the Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, the celebration of art, shopping, dining, and entertainment is free to attend and takes place Friday, May 23 through Sunday, May 25. https://www.hiltonheadartfestival.com/
HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina revs up the summer every week with live music, arts & crafts, fun for kids, and fireworks. Entertainment includes the Shannon Tanner Family Show, Cappy the Clown, and Parrot Palooza. It starts Memorial Day Weekend, and the party keeps going until Labor Day Weekend. With so many different performances and celebrations, checking the website is the best way to plan your visit: https://www.sheltercoveharbourfest.com/.
Beneath the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town, Gregg Russell is known locally as a “Sea Pines classic.” He’ll be found most evenings during the summer providing concerts just where he has entertained children and adults alike for more than three dozen years. http://greggrussell.com/
Bike on over to the Hilton Head Community Market Saturdays from 9:30-12:30 at Shelter Cove Community Park. You’ll find more than 40 vendors each week. And if you’re in town, be sure to visit Christmas in July on July 26. https://www.hhicommunitymarket.com/
Shelter Cove Towne Center offers family-friendly outdoor events two evenings a week. Summer Jams kick off Tuesday June 10 with bounce houses, face painting, and fireworks. Then on Fridays from June 13 to Aug. 15, you can enjoy live music at Sunset Celebration. https://www.welcometosheltercove.com/
In June and July, Party in the Park on select Thursdays in Lowcountry Celebration Park includes live music, bounce houses, a dedicated car show, and food truck fare. https://www.islandreccenter.org/events/party
Sports, Fitness & Well-Being
At the eco-friendly beach resort Palmetto Dunes, summer means Turtle Trots, held weekly May 29 through Aug. 13 at 8 a.m. This 5K is more of a fun run than a competition and a great way for families with kids of all ages to get active together and raise money for Palmetto Dunes Cares. Each Wednesday evening, the organization also offers educational Turtle Talks at 8 p.m. https://pdpoa.org/community/pd-cares/#eco
Start your day at the beach and get a new perspective, like downward or upward dog. Hilton Head Beach Yoga is in session Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8:30 a.m. at Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Hilton Head Island and Saturdays at 9 a.m. at Omni Hilton Head. https://www.artofmassagehiltonhead.com/beach-yoga
If you’re feeling adventurous, a fishing charter might offer your ideal activity. There are several excursions available from the Harbour Town Yacht Basin, whether you’re looking for a serious catch or a less competitive experience enjoying time on the water. https://www.seapines.com/experiences/marina
Tee up! Hilton Head is known for its excellent golfing, but you don’t need to be a pro to enjoy a course. First Tee is a public course with a six-hole par 3 and full-size driving range. The Learning Center is open to everyone, and First Tee also has a nine-hole disc golf course. https://firstteelowcountry.org/ But if you’re looking for a course with even less formality, you’ll find country club-style miniature golf at Legendary Golf or a (buried) treasure experience at Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf.