Springtime in Hilton Head, South Carolina, provides an ideal combination of warmth, sunshine and entertainment.

The Lowcountry comes alive with flowers, festivals, and a variety of water sports and activities. One of the best parts is fewer tourists in spring, making it the optimal time to take advantage of this popular vacation getaway. 

Here are five reasons to add a little southern charm to your spring break vacation.   

Festivals

Hilton Head visitors enjoy access to many different festivals and events during spring. Here are just a few: 

Hilton Head Seafood Festival

When: Late February and Early March 

The Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival is a family-friendly, week-long culinary and cultural tourism event with seafood, special events, celebrity chefs, master culinary classes, live music and more.

This annual festival helps raise money for several local scholarships and memorial funds. 

Wine and Food Festival

When: Early March 

Every March, Hilton Head’s wine and food enthusiasts greet the island’s spring season with a week-long celebration.

This annual event embraces the fruits of global wine partnerships and honors signature Lowcountry cuisine. 

Wingfest

When: March

The weekend kicks off with an intimate gathering and happy hour. The rest of the weekend is filled with restaurant competitions, local bands, and yes, plenty of southern-style wings. 

RBC Heritage

When: Mid-April 

Whether dining inside or al fresco, every table aboard this ship has panoramic views of the ever-changing South Carolina coastline. Sit back and watch the sunset while dining on menu items such as Lowcountry Shrimp & Grits or Slow Smoked Beef Brisket. If you're lucky, you’ll even see dolphins swimming by. 

Crabbing Expedition 

A crabbing cruise is a Hilton Head springtime exclusive. From March through May, visitors will learn about the crabbing, fishing and shrimping industry on Hilton Head Island. You'll bait a crab pot, release it, pull it up and sort through the day’s catch. 

Attractions

Gullah Heritage Trail Tour 

For a cultural experience, take a Gullah Heritage Tour. An authentic culture of Hilton Head Island, Gullah, is the West African based system of traditions, customs, beliefs, art forms and family life that have survived centuries of slavery. The Gullah Heritage tour works to share the values of their culture with travelers from all over the world. 

Fishing, Boating, and Water Sports at Shelter Cove Marina 

So many water activities await you at Shelter Cove Marina. Take a chartered fishing trip, or even try a jet-powered kayak fishing excursion. You can also spend your day racing through the waterways in a Cat Boat or glide on water skis. Paddle boards and kayaks are also available for a quieter experience on the water. 

Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum 

Join the Lighthouse Legends Tour to visit the museum and climb inside this iconic red and white lighthouse. Don’t forget to visit the unique gift shop, featuring one of the largest collections of lighthouses in America. 

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

The RBC Heritage, known for much of its history as the Heritage Classic, or simply the Heritage, is a PGA Tour event in South Carolina. This annual golf tournament was first played over 50 years ago in 1969, and now draws more than 150,000 visitors to Hilton Head each year.

Activities

Whether you crave water sports, bike rides or sweet tea, Hilton Head has an activity for everyone. 

A Visit to Hilton Head Distillery 

Voyage through a typical day in the life of a craft distillery on a guided tour.

Voted one of the top five things to do in Hilton Head by Tripadvisor, Hilton Head Distillery is the perfect place to gather with family and friends to sample locally-made spirits.  

Beach Day at Coligny Beach Park 

Enjoy a bike ride and a picnic along the beach bike paths, or rent a beach umbrella and enjoy a restful day in the sand. Beach-goers can also rent water sport equipment including paddle boards. Across the beach is Coligny Plaza, a quaint downtown filled with restaurants and shops for the whole family. 

Zipline Over Live Oaks and Ancient Pines

Soar above the tree line at 75 feet in the air on a zipline adventure. You will fly over forests, marshes, and waterways, taking in the views of Hilton Head from new heights. 

Sunset Dinner Cruise on a Luxury Yacht

Whether dining inside or al fresco, every table aboard this ship has panoramic views of the ever-changing coastline of South Carolina. Watch the sunset while dining on menu items such as Lowcountry Shrimp & Grits or Slow Smoked Beef Brisket. You’ll even get to see dolphins swimming by! 

Crabbing Expedition 

A crabbing cruise is a Hilton Head springtime exclusive. From March through May, visitors will learn about the crabbing, fishing, and shrimping industry on Hilton Head Island. You will bait a crab pot, release it, pull it up, and sort through the day’s catch.  

Dining

Save your appetite because there are so many great dining options. Here are a few must-try places to eat in Hilton Head. 

Fishcamp on Broad Creek 

Fishcamp features southern-style seafood in a cabin-like space with an outdoor patio and fire pit. Enjoy Lowcountry living, where you can kick back with a crafty cocktail and listen to local musicians.

The young, and the young at heart, can play Fishcamp’s backyard games while soaking in the beautiful Broad Creek backdrop.

Skull Creek Boathouse 

Skull Creek is a bustling waterfront spot for seafood and southern classics, with a sprawling tree-shaded outdoor bar. Choose your fish and then pick your preparation style.

Stay late to enjoy a live music performance on the deck. 

Hudson’s on the Docks

All tables at Hudson’s on the Docks feature extraordinary views of Port Royal Sound for a truly special Lowcountry dining experience.

Visitors can watch boat crews unload thousands of oysters, shrimp and soft-shell crab fresh off the water.

If you love oysters, have brunch here. You won't want to miss all of the different oyster menu options. 

Stay Where You Play

Ocean Oak Resort by Hilton Grand Vacations checks all the boxes when searching for the best Hilton Head Resorts.

This oceanfront property offers the best of Lowcountry living. It's near excellent golf courses and tennis centers, nature hikes, boating, beach activities and an endless list of places to fill your belly.

The ‘island-style’ of Ocean Oak Resort offers an outstanding collection of amenities for the entire family. Spend your days out by the pool, in our activities center, outdoor grilling stations or enjoy easy access to and from the beach.

Read 9 Perfect Family-Friendly Destinations for more family travel destination ideas.