Elena Mallia 
Looking forward to your holiday in South Carolina? I’m sure you are but first you need to read this guide on where to stay in Hilton Head, SC and find your dream hotel!
I’ve done thorough research and I found all the best areas on the island for tourists and for each I included the best hotels, for all budgets!
In short, Coligny is the best area to stay in Hilton Head, as that’s where you’ll find some of the main attractions and amazing hotels.
But as I mentioned, you’ll find 5 more areas in the post, so if the first one doesn’t suit you, you can explore the others.
Since Hilton Head is such a popular holiday destination, I’d recommend booking your hotels here in advance, so that you can secure your spot.
Now let’s start!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you don’t have time to read the whole article, check out this quick list of the best hotels in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, offering great location and value:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Coligny – where to stay in Hilton Head for the first time
- 2. Sea Pines – best area in Hilton Head Island for families
- 3. Harbour Town – the most exclusive area in Hilton Head
- 4. Shelter Cove – where to stay in Hilton Head on a budget
- 5. Folly Field Beach – where to stay in Hilton Head for couples
- BONUS: Best Hilton Head resorts
- FAQs about where to stay in Hilton Head
- Final thoughts on where to stay in Hilton Head Island
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here’s a map with all the best area where to stay in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, so you can visualize them:
1. Coligny – where to stay in Hilton Head for the first time
If it’s your first time in Hilton Head Island, I suggest you stay in Coligny, the heart of the Island’s life where you’ll find a little bit of everything!
In fact, this area is home to many shops, local restaurants, and most of the golf courses (if you’re a golf enthusiast you probably already know that).
What’s more, Coligny is home to the largest beach on Hilton Head Island! I am talking about Coligny Beach Park (map), covering 5,000 acres, perfect for relaxing on the beach or walking and biking on the boardwalk while taking in breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean!
This beach is so big and it has everything you need from kid areas, gazebos and lounging options. Just make sure you watch for the jellyfish from June to August.
But it’s not just the beach that brings everyone here! You’ll also find some other fun places to check out like Coligny Plaza Shopping Center (map) where you can get some souvenirs.
Near the mall, there are a few restaurants and cafes where you can start your mornings before hitting the beach! Sweet Al’s Cafe (map) is a great spot.
Other accommodation options in Coligny
Things to do in Coligny
- Enjoy the tennis courts at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort (map)
- Go shopping at Coligny Plaza
- Play some golf at Shipyard Golf Club (map)
- Catch a sunset and drink a cocktail at Pool Bar Jim’s (map)
- Relax, walk or bike at the huge Coligny Beach Park
- Grab a bite at The Sandbar restaurant (map)
2. Sea Pines – best area in Hilton Head Island for families
Sea Pines, located a 10 minutes drive South of Coligny, is the best area to stay in Hilton Head for families!
NOTE: The island isn’t too big, it takes around 30 min to drive from one end to the other, but if you want to get around easily you could come with your car or rent one. Alternatively, you can use bikes, as the island is bike-friendly or you could use the seasonal trolley which works from April until the first Monday in September (Labor Day). The trolley is free to use by the way so you can explore with it as much as you want!
Sea Pines offers the best of both worlds for those traveling with kids: a laid-back vibe and a wide range of things to do. From relaxing on the nearby beaches to engaging in some cool outdoor activities, this area is perfect for all ages and tastes!
If you’re all about the outdoors, this will be your paradise! Not too far from Sea Pines, you can go kayaking, boating, parasailing, fishing, horse riding (very popular in this area), biking, or jogging on the dedicated paths and trails!
For the little ones, head to the Sea Pines Forest Preserve (map) where you can spend your day observing the beautiful birds, animals and exploring the numerous lakes and ponds.
Another cool place that you can visit with your kids is the Sandbox Children’s Museum, where they have all kinds of interactive activities and play areas. Or if you’re looking for something a bit more entertaining, hop on over to the Hilton Head Escape Room (map).
Other accommodation options in Sea Pines
Things to do in Sea Pines
- Go horse riding with the family at Lawton Stables (map)
- Spend a fun day with the family at the Sea Pines Forest Preserve
- Relax, swim, and enjoy some sun at Sea Pine beach (map)
- Check out the Sandbox Children’s Museum
- Go on a scenic drive on South Forest Beach Road (map)
- Play some golf at Heron Pointe by Pete Dye (map)
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3. Harbour Town – the most exclusive area in Hilton Head
Located Southwest of Coligny Beach, around a 10 min drive away, Harbour Town is the most exclusive area of the island, where you’ll find a stunning harbor with many private yachts.
If you’re a shopping addict you will love this area as it is home to countless gift shops, boutique stores, art galleries and places selling locally-crafted products!
You’ll find most of them near Lighthouse Road (map) along with a bunch of restaurants. And speaking about dining, foodies will absolutely love it here, as Harbour Town offers the best restaurants and cafes on Hilton Head Island. You can enjoy excellent seafood, in places like Quarterdeck (map) or even just a coffee with spectacular marina views.
But a real MUST here is going to the red and white Harbour Town lighthouse (at sunset is the best time) which also has a fascinating history museum. There you can even watch dolphins jumping out of the Atlantic Ocean! I’m sold!
Other accommodation options in Harbour Town
Things to do in Harbour Town
- Watch the sunsets from the Harbour Town lighthouse (map)
- Have a pleasant waterfront stroll in the morning
- Buy some cool souvenirs from the boutique stores
- Visit the Stoney Baynard Ruins (map) which apparently are haunted
- Enjoy a fancy dinner at The Quarterdeck
- Try the best ice cream at Cinnamon Bear Country Store (map)
4. Shelter Cove – where to stay in Hilton Head on a budget
Shelter Cove is a beautiful area located in the North of Hilton Head Island, just a 10 min drive away from Coligny.
This is the place for you if you are traveling on a budget as it offers accommodations at cheaper prices than the resorts in the South!
This is also a super cool neighborhood, offering excellent restaurants, live music venues, and vibrant bars to enjoy the island’s nightlife like the Rooftop Bar (map).
You’ll find most of these in the Town Center area (map) which is always buzzing with energy!
But just because it’s a little cheaper, doesn’t mean you won’t have activities to try!
In fact, in Shelter Cove, you can try out many water sports like sailing and kayaking, or join many tours including dolphin watching, all at very fair prices! Start your mornings here with a cup of coffee and a tranquil walk alongside the marina (map) and enjoy a moment of peace!
Other accommodation options in Shelter Cove
Things to do in Shelter Cove
- Spot dolphins and learn about the marine life on a boat cruise
- Enjoy live music and great food at San Miguel’s Mexican (map)
- Go shopping at Shelter Cove Towne Centre
- Grab a cocktail at the Rooftop Bar
5. Folly Field Beach – where to stay in Hilton Head for couples
Nestled on the North-Eastern side of Hilton Head Island, a 15 min drive away from Coligny, Folly Field Beach is the best place to stay in Hilton Head for couples who want to enjoy some privacy and tranquility!
In this area, there are just a few resorts and condos, and you’ll be far from the tourist crowds. In fact, this place is called “the locals’ beach” by Hilton Head’s residents. But be mindful that it can still get pretty busy at times.
This beautiful public beach is a great place to engage in some beach games, swim in its shallow waters, or just relax and soak up some warm sun.
It also offers useful amenities like 2 parking lots, toilets and sand showers, a water fountain, and a boardwalk bridge… plus pets are allowed, so you can even come here with your four-legged friends!
Another perk is that Folly Field Beach is surrounded by other beach parks. So you can always just head somewhere else if you want a change of scenery, like Driessen Beach Park (map) and Islanders Beach Park (map).
Other accommodation options in Folly Field Beach
Things to do in Folly Field Beach
- Lay down and relax at Folly Field Beach
- Have a picnic with your partner at Islanders Beach Park
- Walk along the beautiful beach of Driessen Beach Park
- Enjoy a romantic dinner at The Carolina Room (map)
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$550 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$350 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$200 |
| 📍 Best area: | Coligny |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Hilton Grand Vacations |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Courtyard by Marriott Hilton |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Coral Reef Resort |
BONUS: Best Hilton Head resorts
Since Hilton Head is such a popular resort-holiday type of destination, I thought I’d add 3 more places to stay, besides the ones that I mentioned above for anyone who’d like more options or in case the ones that you like are booked out.
I ordered them from most to least expensive and the prices are from US$200 to US$300:
- The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa – enjoy a pampering sesh at this stunning resort set right on the beach that boasts 3 outdoor pools, 4 restaurants and seasonal live entertainment.
- Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort – boasting a beachfront location, 3 swimming pools, a spa center and 5 restaurants, this place is surely a keeper!
- Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island – this great resort comes with a fab location right on the beach, a free shuttle service, 2 pools and a spa center.
FAQs about where to stay in Hilton Head
📍 What is the nicest part of Hilton Head Island?
Coligny is one of the best areas on Hilton Head Island, that’s where you’ll find some of the main attractions and great hotels like Hilton Grand Vacations Club.
🌊Which are the best oceanfront hotels in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina?
The best oceanfront places to stay in Hilton Head Island are the luxurious Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort or The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa.
💑 Which are the best places for couples in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina?
The best places to stay in Hilton Head Island for couples are Marriott’s Barony Beach Club or the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, both offering amazing facilities, privacy and a great atmosphere for a romantic getaway.
👪 Which are the best places for families in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina?
The best places to stay in Hilton Head Island for families are the Marriott’s Monarch at Sea Pines resort for luxury or the more affordable Plantation Club Villa, both set in Sea Pines.
⚖️ What Is the difference between Hilton Head And Hilton Head Island?
There is no difference, sometimes people refer to the place just simply as Hilton Head.
🚗 Is it easy to get around Hilton Head Island without a car?
Yes, you can also get around Hilton Head by bike, as the island is cycling-friendly or you can use the seasonal Breeze trolley service.
🌞 What is the best time of year to go to Hilton Head Island?
The best time to visit Hilton Head is April and May as well as September and October, as it’s not as crowded or hot as in the summer.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Hilton Head Island
Hard not to love this place!
I hope that this guide on where to stay in Hilton Island, gave you more insight and helped you decide which is the best area and hotel for you.
Since it’s such a popular holiday destination I recommend booking your hotels here in advance!
If you’re not sure which one to pick yet, check out these 2 top-rated hotels, which are my favorites, both set in Coligny:
- Hilton Grand Vacations – an amazing hotel with 2 swimming pools and 2 restaurants
- Courtyard by Marriott Hilton – this great hotel has a rooftop terrace with a pool
Enjoy your Hilton Head adventures and don’t forget that you can always ask me any questions or leave any suggestions in the comment sections below!
Have the best holiday!
Elena
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