Near Hilton Head Island:
Notable Sights & Cities

Check out some of the sights near Hilton Head if you have a little extra time during your vacation or are looking for an off-island day trip.

Some of the south's most beautiful sights are within driving distance of Hilton Head Island! During your trip, explore a pristine natural preserve or discover the historic southern treasures of Charleston and Savannah.

Photo by dpape

• Daufuskie Island is located just across Calibogue Sound. With the exception of only one hotel - the Daufuskie Resort & Breath Spa - this small, pristine, and primarily residential island has a quiet back-to-nature feel, making it an attractive "off the beaten path" destination. Daufuskie is only accessible by ferry or boat. With a 23 mph speed limit on Daufuskie, you travel this island by golf cart, bicycles, or on foot – forcing you to enjoy life in the slow lane!

  Situated so near Hilton Head Island, many Hilton Head boat tours travel around Daufuskie Island allowing visitors to explore its natural habitat from the water.

  Daufuskie Island hosts three golf courses and two historic lighthouses, the Bloody Point Lighthouse built in 1883 and the Haig Point Lighthouse built in 1873. (For the entire Daufuskie Island history and literary significance, check out what Wikipedia has to say!) Daufuskie residents work hard to protect the natural ecosytem of the island, keeping it a thriving Lowcountry coastal habitat.

  If you have time during your vacation to explore the areas near Hilton Head - check out Daufuskie Island. You're sure to see plenty of wildlife AND feel your blood pressure drop a few points as you relax and explore this laid-back island!




• Bluffton is the nearest major town to Hilton Head Island located 20 miles - about 45 minutes - inland from the vacation island. A true coastal town, Bluffton offers coastal Lowcountry dining, unique shopping and local festivals - For more on these festivals, see our Local Events page for Hilton Head!

• TIP: While Bluffton is a beautiful coastal town with a lot to offer, particularly if you're looking to get off-island and walk around town a bit, I recommend spending just 15 minutes more in the car and also exploring Savannah, Georgia – truly a not-to-be-missed destination!




• Savannah, Georgia is a beautil port city just 35 miles south of Hilton Head, about an hour's drive, and well worth exploring during your vacation!

  Photo by Savannah Grandfather

  The excellent restaurants, historical walking tours and carriage rides through the city's famous squares, and beautiful architecture nestled among the live oaks makes Savannah a true southern treasure. Consider adding it to your itinerary to make your vacation even more memorable!




• Charleston, South Carolina is located 112 miles north of Hilton Head Island. About a 2.5 hour drive, Charleston is also well worth a few days exploration (at least!) if you can extend your trip. Kiawah Island, however, is far closer to Charleston than Hilton Head, so if Charleston is your main destination, check out Kiawah as a vacation spot to see if it fits the type of vacation you're looking for!

During your vacation, make a trip off-island to check out some of the South's most interesting and beautiful sights!