HHI Activities
Here are some of our favorite things to do on the island (all names are hyperlinks to the designated item).
Be sure to check out our discount code on Bike Rentals under "Activities" below
Restaurants
Gringos - The best breakfast on the island. In the corner of Coligny Plaza near the Frosty Frog. We love: French toast, Breakfast Burrito, Nutella Pancakes.
Frozen Moo - We love this ice cream store. Easy to get to in Coligny Plaza near Frosty Frog. Tons of flavors and large scoops. We love: anything chocolate
Amigos Cafe - Small Mexican place in the plaza next to Celebration Park (across from Coligny). Huge portions and great drinks. We love: Margaritas, burritos, tacos.
Al's Aloha - Poke and Acai Bowls plus SPAM sushi (yummy!) in the same complex as Amigos (above). We love - Pipeline Bowl.
Bad Biscuit - This breakfast restaurant recently moved to Coligny Plaza. As the name suggests, their biscuits are amazing. Come hungry as they are not small. We love: biscuits with pretty much anything they sell.
Kenny B's French Quarter Cafe - Cajun food with tons of Nawlins flavor (and decor) in the same plaza as Al's and Amigos (above) right on the corner by Celebration Park. We love: Po-boys, Crawfish, Jambalaya.
Sand Bar - your traditional beachside bar located directly in Coligny Plaza (Across from Celebration Park). It's a place we must always go to for both drinks and the food. We love: Pretzel with Beer Cheese, Ragin Cajuns, WitchDoctor Sandwich, Low Country Tacos and pretty much anything on the menu.
Holy Tequila - Upscale Mexican food in the same plaza as Harris Teeter (below). We Love: guacamole, Al Pastor Burrito.
Frankie Bones - Upscale steak and seafood place next door to Wise Guys (below) and with an interesting and excellent Oktoberfest menu (in season). We love: Steaks, Meatball Sliders, Lasagna, Oktoberfest menu.
Wise Guys - One of the first places we tried on HHI. Part of the reason we fell in love with this island. A great menu and wine list. It's a little dressy and may not be perfect for little kids, but adults and teenagers should find plenty to enjoy here. We loved: Warm Crab Dip, Braised Bacon Steak and Pork Chop Vesuvio.
Smokehouse - Fantastic BBQ joint on Palmetto Bay Blvd right before you get to the roundabout. We Love: anything BBQ, frankly.
Relish Cafe - Southern plus Asian, which is just as good as you think it sounds. Small noodle-based place. We love: Traditional Singapore Noodles, Udon, Ramen, pot stickers.
Loggerhead Landing - While technically part of the Marriott Grande Ocean, it is open to the public. Decent bar food and the location can't be beat since it is right at the Alder Lane Beach Access. Be careful though, due to their proximity to the beach and the rules about turtle safety, their kitchen closes promptly at 6:45pm. They frequently have live music and while the bar closes at 7:30 their bartenders can't be beat. Try their (fresh-squeezed) Moscow Mule or the Island Tonic.
Poseidon - Part of the same group as Wise Guys (above) this seafood restaurant has amazing food and multiple bars. Located in Shelter cove, a great shopping area and near the harbor. We loved: sushi, Fried Green Tomato Caprese, Seared Scallops.
Kilwins - If you're in the mood for ice cream or handmade candies, Kilwin's is the place for you. Located in Shelter Cove (near Poseidon, above), Kilwins handmade waffle cones will hit the spot any time of year. We like: the fudge, Blue Moon, Sea-Salt Chocolate Caramel, Raspberry Sorbetto (get it with a 2nd scoop of the Lemon Sorbetto).
French Bakery - As the name implies, this is a French food restaurant and bakery. Located in Shelter Cove, down from Poseidon (above). We love: quiche, burgers on brioche, bakery.
Java Burrito - Think of this as the love child of Chipotle and Starbucks. Some of the best burritos around and a full coffee bar with your choice of drinks. Try the braised beef and add some fries inside your burrito for a different touch. They also do bowls (salads), tacos and quesadillas. They are located just past the circle on William Hilton Pkwy.
Slapfish - Fresh fish and most items prepared in house. Everything from Lobster roll to Poke bowls, Slapfish is a must try for fast casual service. We loved their Poke and the salmon salad as well as the fresh house-made pickles. They are on William Hilton Parkway a short distance from the circle.
Hudson's, et al - Hudsons, Skull Creek Dockside & Skull Creek Boathouse (3 separate restaurants) are some of the best places on the island to have a meal or drink with an awesome view of Skull Creek. Live music, sunset views, and almost always a fun atmosphere. We love: Seafood, seafood, seafood.
Watusi's - Breakfast all day just north of Coligny Plaza. We love: Benedicts, Mediterranean Hash.
Nectar Farm Kitchen - In the same plaza as Harris Teeter (below) and just outside the Harbortown gate, this place does southern food with a gourmet twist. We love: duck hash, sweet potato biscuits, Root Beer Braised Short Ribs.
Quarterdeck - A newly rebuilt old favorite. This restaurant was closed down and rebuilt from the ground up. Inside of Sea Pines, next door to the famous Lighthouse, this upscale restaurant is great for groups and special occasions. We love - Salmon, specialty drinks, Baby Greens and Seeds Salad.
Chez Georges - French Cuisine for that date night we all need occassionally. The service is excellent, their staff sommelier is well-versed on the extensive wine list and you will definitely need a reservation. We love: saumon en papillote, beef bourguignon, chvre salad, escargot, chocolate mousse.
Sunset Grille - this is a bit of a drive from our condo and "cozy" is the term (reservations required year-round). The food is outstanding and the views can't be beat. Especially at sunset (surprise!). We love: pork loin, veal chop, smoked seafood appetizer. PS, don't let the exterior fool you, this place is for real!
Stellini Italian Restaurant - just behind Captain Woody's is this lovely Italian restaurant. Be sure to ask for a spot on the back patio and bring the kids to enjoy the visiting wildlife who come for their own meal in the beautiful back yard. We love: veal osso buco, sausage stuffed mushrooms
Activities
Alder Lane Beach Access - Just follow the bike path toward the beach and within 5 minutes you'll have your toes in the sand. Includes restrooms, outdoor showers, chair and umbrella rental, and (seasonal) life guards. Easy access to Loggerhead Landing (see above)
Lowcountry Celebration Park - This park is perfect for families. An adventure playground with a ship theme, lighted walking trail, 2 fitness stations, free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and beach parking (paid as of 2024). Plus, the Children's Museum (see below). Open sunrise to sunset the park is a great place to do something other than the beach.
Island Winery - RIght next to HHI Brewery, this wine tasting location offers places to enjoy their wine and sales of bottles as well as the usual tasting options.
Hilton Head Distillery - HHI's only distillery. On-site tasting tours and cocktail classes. Enjoy their offerings at the cocktail bar.
Carolina Tasting Room - Looking for great local wines but want to make sure you'll like the one you get? Then this place is for you! Conveniently located in Coligny Plaza (in case you need to walk home), they offer 6 tastings for $3, to go cups of wine, draft beer, and wine smoothies. We like: anything from Biltmore Estates, the Sea Island Wine-Dry White.
Wheelz Bikes - We rent our bikes from here thanks to their great pick up and drop off service. Their website makes it easy to do and their fees are reasonable. For a 10% discount use our personal code "WAC410" when checking out.
Island Life Bike Rentals - Just steps down the bike path in the Grand Hilton, this local bike rental has all the equipment you need to take advantage of Hilton Head Island's Gold rating as a"Bike Friendly Community".
May River Excursions - Do you want to go fishing, shrimping or crabbing? Or perhaps you want a dolphin tour? River trips, shark tooth hunting, May River Excursions handles it all. Private or group, fully covered cruises around Hilton Head Island. Run by a local who knows the area and can find an adventure for anyone.
Grocery Shopping
Piggly Wiggly - A Hilton Head tradition since 1969. In the heart of Coligny, this locally owned and operated store is run by the family of the original founder. Stop by for beach supplies, seafood and local products. Plus a large supply of Piggly-Wiggly souvenirs.
Publix - Just up Pope Ave on the other side of the roundabout. This large chain has everything you need. With a great deli and bakery, you can stock up on beach food.
Fresh Market - With a full deli and higher-end options, you can make a romantic dinner or find that perfect item.
Whole Foods Market - Use your Amazon Prime Membership here. Their deli is smaller than your normal Whole Foods but the quality is just as high.
Harris Teeter - Close and convenient to the condo, this is in the same plaza as Watusi, Relish and Nectar (above). Harris teeter has a very good fresh fruit/vegetable section as well as sushi and other pre-made foods.
Kroger - In Shelter Cove, near Kilwins and Poseidon (above), this full service grocery and pharmacy has everything you might need. The grocery portion is open 24 hours for those late night cravings.
Wal-Mart Supercenter - Not just groceries, but everything you need to enjoy your time on this lovely island. From souvenirs to clothes to home goods (and food), Wal-Mart has it all.
Medical Services
911 - Hopefully you won't need it, but any emergency service can be ordered from this number. Our address is 6 Woodward Ave, #C4, The Dunes.
CVS Minute Clinic - For non-life-threatening issues, the local CVS has an on-site Minute Clinic. It is also a pharmacy if you have medication needs.
Roc Dental - If you have a dental emergency, this local dentist on Main Street can help you out.
Hilton Head Hospital - Hospital/Emergency Room - If you don't need 911, but you need immediate, intensive, care, the emergency room here will take good care of you.
Hurricane Info - HHI's Hurricane season is officially June 1-November 30. While we hope you will be hurricane-free, you can find all of the info HHI has on being prepared at the HHI Government Hurricane site.