Watching the sunset on a warm, peaceful afternoon is a spiritual experience. From the waterfront restaurants on Skull Creek to the secluded Dolphin Head Park, we have the five best places to catch a sunset on Hilton Head picked out for your pleasure.
It can be a bit overwhelming planning a vacation to a new destination with so much to explore. If you want to find everything Hilton Head has to offer, read our vacation guide for a complete list of everywhere you need to visit on the island!
Five Places to Catch a Sunset on Hilton Head
Skull Creek
Skull Creek is a historical site where archaeologists found prehistoric Native American shell middens and some of the earliest pottery found in North America. The creek is located on the north end of the island and has some of the best views of the painted South Carolina sunset. There are three restaurants on Skull Creek that we love to highlight. Skull Creek Boathouse is known for its Lowcountry-inspired cuisine, live music, and stunning seaside views.
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks has been around since the 1970s for a good reason. Hudson is known for its locally caught fresh seafood and family-friendly atmosphere. Fun fact, Hudson’s sells over 250,000 raw oysters on the half shell every year!
If you are looking for something a bit more upscale, try Driftwood Eatery. Complete with ocean views and a diverse menu, Driftwood has a lot to offer. We love their signature cocktail menu, especially the Mimosa trio.
Harbour Town
Check out the sunset at the Harbour Town Marina and Lighthouse. Located in Sea Pines Plantation, the iconic community is known for its candy-striped lighthouse. Harbour Town sports a beautiful pier, great places to shop, and some of the finest golf courses in the Lowcountry. While you’re watching the sunset, enjoy a family concert or take a boat tour under the incandescent skies.
Our vacation rentals on Harbour Town feature single-family homes meant for 6-16 guests with features such as pools, access to tennis courts, and proximity to the local golf courses.
Sea Pines Beach Club
Not far from Harbour Town, the Sea Pines Beach Club offers a range of places to take pictures in the sunset. Resting on the 5,000 acres Sea Pines Resort, the Beach Club is a fantastic place to view the evening sky. The Club is open year-round and has a well-rounded menu with easy access to the beach. Choosing a stay at Sea Pines gives you access to the multiple championship golf courses, great views, and 600-acre forest preserve.
The Dunes House
The Dunes House, located in the Palmetto Dunes Resort, offers a beachside view with live music and good food. Perfect for a family affair, The Dunes House’s fish tacos are five stars of yum! Palmetto Dunes is a great community for its beach access and 11 miles of lagoon access where guests can fish, canoe, and kayak. Take advantage of “The Dunes Buggy,” which will shuttle you (for free) between The Dunes House, Shelter Cove Town Centre, Shelter Cove Harbour, Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center, and the Plaza at Shelter Cove.
Forest Beach
Do you enjoy watching dolphins at play? Forest Beach has the best public access points if you are looking to watch the dolphins frolic under the fading sunlight. Located centrally on the island, Forest Beach’s most popular attractions center around Coligny Plaza and Public Beach. Several boat tours depart from South Forest Beach that will take you to watch dolphins, see the sunset, or enjoy adult beverages.
Our Forest Beach properties offer fully-equipped kitchens, high-speed wireless internet access, and a great location if you are looking to explore “downtown” Hilton Head.
BONUS: Best Activities to do at Sunset
You have found the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Still, there are plenty of other activities you can be doing in the waning warmth of the Carolina sun. From horseback riding on the beach to a cruise out on the water, let us look at five great activities to do while enjoying your evening.
Horseback riding on the beach
Suppose you’ve ever wanted to ride a horse on the beach. In that case, Dafuskie Trail Rides offers several private tours on Dafuskie Island. Their evening horseback ride is a great way to see the sunset from a new perspective.
Sunset Cruise
Taking a sunset dinner cruise is the best way to see the sunset on the water. While on the water, you might even spot a dolphin or the rare North Atlantic right whale.
Kayak Tour
Kayaking is a popular recreational activity in the island’s lagoons and on the ocean near the beach. Take a kayaking tour during sunset is a great way to engage with nature and the surrounding environment.
Fishing
Fishing is one of the most relaxing activities you can do while on Hilton Head. There is always a great place to go fishing from on the water, off of a pier, or in a lagoon near one of our properties. Watching the sun fade into the deep night is the perfect backdrop for your next fishing adventure.
Eating Out
Several of the locations we listed earlier are based around restaurants like Skull Creek Boathouse or The Dunes House because eating on the waterfront is incredible. Make sure to plan your dinner around the sunset and enjoy the waves roll in as the sun slowly melts into the ocean’s waters.
Stay With Beach Properties
Sunsets are beautiful year-round here on Hilton Head Island. Come vacation with us this fall/winter and holiday season over at Beach Properties of Hilton Head and save big with our current specials on a luxury home or villa. Enjoy a sunset of your own on the deck or patio of one of our oceanfront properties! Click here to see why Hilton Head Island is a fantastic place to vacation in the final months of the year.