WEEKENDER: Hilton Head

For Charlotte families wanting a beach weekend that doesn’t involve airport security or hours of “are we there yet?,” Hilton Head is an ideal summer getaway. The 12-mile-long island is about 20 miles northeast of Savannah and inhabited by an array of wildlife, including alligators, loggerhead sea turtles, manatees, and dolphins. Unlike many popular (read: crowded) coastal spots, Hilton Head’s beaches are spacious and super walkable with hard-packed sand that’s perfect for biking, stroller-pushing, or a leisurely walk. The island’s only independent hotel, The Beach House, is home to the legendary Tiki Hut, where guests and locals can enjoy live music and time of day. It’s also a four-hour drive from Charlotte, making it a great place to take the family for one last blast of summer.

The Beach House is home to the legendary Tiki Hut.

STAY

The Beach House has all the essentials: ocean views, a pool, bike rentals, a sand volleyball court, and three onsite dining options. Pet-friendly rooms and suites have nautical decor, flat-screens, and minifridges; many are equipped with pull-out sofas and bunk beds for the little ones. A 2024 renovation added an updated pool deck with private cabanas with TVs, a year-round temperature-controlled pool, hot tub, and food and drink service. The hotel is just steps from Coligny Plaza, which has more than 60 shops and restaurants.

Private cabanas have TVs and food and drink service.

Coligny Plaza is walking distance from The Beach House.

EAT
Start the day with coffee, pastries, or an acai bowl at Sweet Al’s, the hotel’s onsite bakery and cafe. (The flagship location is in Coligny Plaza.) Enjoy a sit-down breakfast, lunch, or dinner at The Porch, or order at the counter and have it delivered to your poolside cabana. Dinner at Tiki Hut is mandatory. This beachfront bar is part surf shack, part restaurant, and part live music venue. Sip frozen drinks by the firepits and toast to absolutely nothing while the kids run wild. If you venture over to Coligny Plaza, stop by Frozen Moo for gi-normous ice cream cones that drip down your hands, arms…and maybe even your shoes if you’re not fast enough.

The Porch Southern Kitchen & Bar serves kid favorites like grilled cheese, burgers, and chicken tenders.

Tiki Hut serves an array of frozen adult beverages.

The Frozen Moo serves 90+ flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sherbet.

PLAY
Reserve some bikes and pick them up at Lil Tiki (next to the Tiki Hut) and explore 60 miles of paved bike paths. If you make it to the Harbour Town Lighthouse, climb to the top and see panoramic views of the island. Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or jet ski through Sea Monkeys Watersports and get out on the water, or hit up Lawton Stables, where the kiddos can feed goats and pet ponies. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. each night throughout the summer, catch kid-centric musical performances at Coligny Center Stage.

The Beach House offers bike rentals for adults and children.

The island has 60 miles of paved bike paths to explore.

Each night throughout the summer, Coligny Center Stage hosts kid-centric musical performances.

PUT THE BEACH TO BED

Every Wednesday night during turtle nesting season (typically from May to October), The Beach House hosts a family-friendly sustainability initiative called “Put the Beach to Bed.” Prepare the beach for nesting sea turtles by filling in holes, knocking down sand castles, and removing items left behind. After the sweep, volunteers can enjoy a complimentary Loggerhead Lemonade (cocktail or mocktail) and live music at Tiki Hut. The event starts at 6:45 p.m. and lasts until 8 p.m. Volunteers meet at the big blue Adirondack Chair in front of Tiki Hut.

The Beach House partners with Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island to protect nesting sea turtles and their coastal habitat.