Hilton Head, South Carolina, is one of the best destinations in the southeast and the entire country for a romantic getaway. Hilton Head is around 12 miles long, and it features beautiful, wide sandy beaches and a laidback pace.
This Lowcountry resort island is around 95 miles southwest of Charleston. It’s approximately 20 miles northeast of Savannah.
The island has a deep history, and it’s a central point of Gullah culture.
The start of Hilton Head as a tourist destination began in the 1950s when the Sea Pines Resort was developed.
The developer of the resort, Charles Fraser, was an environmentalist. When Fraser began designing the resort, the Harbour Town marina’s entire configuration was shifted to save an ancient live oak. Fraser was eventually buried next to the tree when he died in 2002.
Hilton Head is a barrier island, and as a result, it has maritime forests, wetlands, grassy dunes, and beaches.
The climate is mild in the winter, and summers get hot.
The following are romantic things to do in Hilton Head during a getaway.
Coligny Beach
Coligny Beach Park is one of the most beautiful and romantic things to enjoy in Hilton Head.
Coligny Beach Park is perfect for a walk at sunrise or sunset. You can also cycle the trail, or you can rent beach equipment.
Romantic Hotels and Resorts
You can rent a house or villa, or if you want amenities, you can also book a hotel or resort on Hilton Head Island.
If you opt for a hotel or resort, the Sonesta Resort is a good option for romance. Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island is around 10 minutes from Shelter Cove Marina and The Mall at Shelter Cove.
Another lovely option is the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort in the Palmetto Dunes community. The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa features a full-service spa and three outdoor pools.
Island Winery
One of the popular things to do on Hilton Head Island for couples who want romance is visiting the Island Winery.
The Island Winery is located in a charming red barn, and you can sample Lowcountry fruit wines. There are also signature whites and old and new world reds. You can enjoy wine by the glass or bottle, wine tasting events, and there’s outdoor seating.
Island Winery is family-owned and operated, and they make handcrafted wines on site.
Biking
Hilton Head is known as being an incredibly bike-friendly community. In fact, it’s rated by the American League of Bicyclists as a Gold Level Bicycle-Friendly Community.
There are more than 60 miles of trails and almost 30 bike rental shops if you don’t have your own to bring.
Parks, where you can bike include Fish Haul Creek Park, Barker Field Observation Deck, and Shelter Cove Community Park.
Take a Dolphin Cruise
Hilton Head is surrounded by incredible natural beauty, which is why people so often go there for vacation.
One good way to see that natural beauty and fully appreciate it is with a boat ride, especially a dolphin cruise.
A dolphin cruise will take you to see sites like the Tybee Lighthouse, South Beach, Harbour Town, and Daufuskie Island.
You can also take a sailing charter and get similar views, and of course, plenty of romance.
Daufuskie Island
Daufuskie Island is between Savannah and Hilton Head, and you can only access it by ferry.
You can hike, bike or fish when you visit the island. There’s no development like there is on Hilton Head, and you can also horseback ride.
There are rentals on the island, if you prefer to stay in a village or cottage on this island, that seems like it’s from a bygone era.
Shelter Cove Towne Centre
Shelter Cove Towne Centre is worth a visit when you’re visiting Hilton Head. You can shop, walk or enjoy the restaurants on the boardwalk.
There are often events going on most nights of the week.
Mike Kalasnik from Charlotte, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Finally, a great romantic activity you can do in Hilton Head is cooking. If you rent a condo or villa and it’s equipped with a kitchen, you may be able to find wonderful fresh seafood so you can prepare a meal together and perhaps enjoy a glass of wine and the sunset.
There are a few nearby options for fresh seafood, including South End Seafood and Barnacle Bill’s Fresh Seafood. You’ll also find produce options native to the Lowcountry and other food options at these markets.