The Hilton Head center point is around the area of Coastal Discovery Museum and 1 mile east of Harbour Town Lighthouse.
Hilton Head's subtropical location means it remains fairly warm throughout the year, so there's no bad time to visit. The timing of your trip really just depends on what you want to do while you're in town. If you're hoping to take in more local culture outdoors, spring and fall are your best bet because the temperatures are lower and conditions are less humid. It's the ideal time to go on a saltwater marsh tour or play a round of golf. However, it gets quite breezy in the spring months, and you can expect rainfall through the late afternoons, so keep that in mind when planning your activities.
If you're looking to dive into the surf and sun on the sand or enjoy some watersports, summertime is, of course, primetime. It will be hot and humid, so you'll want to spend most of your days in or near the water and save the evenings for outdoor concerts, movies, and dinner. While you're in town, be sure to try some of the area's famous Calabash shrimp and partake in the shrimp and grits, a low country specialty.
Southern hospitality extends to hotel discounts in Hilton Head. If you're a member of AAA, you can check into Days Inn Hilton Head for a discounted rate. This budget hotel is a great value for families who want to stay close to Pirate's Island Adventure Golf, the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, or the Van Der Meer Tennis Academy. Guests save more money with the free continental breakfast each morning, then take the kids to the hotel's seasonal outdoor pool.
Seniors get discounted rates at the Sonesta Resort or go low-key with low rates at the Suburban Extended Stay Hilton Head. The hotel's rooms have full kitchens, and it's attractively located close to Hilton Head National Golf Course and Tanger Outlets. Military members get discounted rates at the Park Lane Hotel and Suites, a cozy condominium resort ideal for extended vacations.
Hilton Head hotels offer fantastic group savings, making the island a favorite place for corporate retreats in a low-key environment. Book in advance online and you will find some great Hilton Head hotel deals for groups, so it's a great site for a wedding getaway or professional conference.
The Palmetto Dunes Plantation by Hilton Head Accommodations is a fantastic place right next to the ocean. It's a great value only minutes from attractions like the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. However, the main attractions are right on the property. The facility boasts its own golf course, so you can hit the greens at your convenience, or visit the outdoor pool. Rent a bicycle from the property and take off to tour the bike-friendly island for the afternoon, and then come back to do some shopping at the resort. There are ten restaurants here, plus a beach bar and lounge. There's no need to ever leave the property; everything is at your fingertips. The rooms are comfy and homelike. Each has a fridge and microwave in a kitchen. Step outside on your private balcony with a fresh cup of coffee brewed in the in-room coffee maker.
If you're seeking a luxury experience and amenities without the luxury price tag, consider the Ocean Palms Villas at Port Royal Resort. The property sits next to the four-star Westin resort. In fact, guests at the Ocean Palms Villas enjoy access to the Westin's private pool and beachfront with a free shuttle for convenience. Port Royal Golf Club is also located conveniently nearby, and there's tennis available on-site. Private balconies and jetted bathtubs outfit the finely decorated rooms. The Ocean Palms Villas' outdoor pool, spa tub, on-site tennis courts, beach bar, and stellar dining options are just a few of the amenities that make this property feel like a four-star hotel.
Hilton Head has some of the best beaches in North America. Rolling sand dunes and tall grasses sway in the breeze while iconic palmetto trees (the South Carolina state tree) frame the scene. Many of the resorts and hotels own a private beach front, so you won't have to fight for a place on the sand to call your own. Many of the hotels offer cabana rentals on the beach, making your beach experience truly worry-free. Hilton Head benefits from the great waves of the Atlantic. High tide rolls in late in the day, calling surfers to grab their boards and conquer the waves. If you're staying in a hotel that's off the beach, never fear. Plenty of beaches are open to the public, including Alder Lane Beach, Coligny Beach Park, Driessen Beach Park, Folly Field Beach Park, and Islanders Beach Park. The island also boasts several wheelchair accessible beaches.
Nature enthusiasts love visiting the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, a 605-acre public wilderness tract. The walking trails offer many enchantments, including a waterfowl pond and a 3,400-year-old Indian shell ring. The Sea Pines Welcome Center hosts educational activities that are fascinating and fun, ranging from storytelling to alligator boat tours.
Below are the GSA reimbursement limits for hotel spending in Hilton Head, SC excluding taxes per night. See gsa.gov for more details.
Applies to Beaufort
| Season Begin | Season End | Lodging Rate | Meals & Incidentals |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 1, 2026 | October 31, 2026 | $163.00 | $80.00 |
| November 1, 2026 | February 28, 2027 | $118.00 | $80.00 |
| March 1, 2027 | May 31, 2027 | $193.00 | $80.00 |
| June 1, 2027 | August 31, 2027 | $215.00 | $80.00 |
| September 1, 2027 | September 30, 2027 | $163.00 | $80.00 |