Top 5 Activities & Experiences This Summer in Hilton Head Island, SC
Photo credit: Christina Senecal
Summer at Palmetto Bay marina
Summer on Hilton Head Island is all about enjoying the Lowcountry lifestyle. Locals can find plenty of reasons to stay close to home, while visitors experience the coastal charm that makes our island so special.
For more than 60 years, Palmetto Bay Marina has been part of that experience. With beautiful waterfront views, a lively atmosphere, and plenty to see and do, the marina remains a favorite island destination for spending time with family and friends.
top five experiences not to miss this summer
Popular Restaurants & Bars
Palmetto Bay Marina is home to some great places to eat, each offering its own taste of the Lowcountry.
Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe
Start your day with breakfast or brunch at Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe, a longtime Hilton Head favorite located right here at Palmetto Bay Marina. Known for generous portions, friendly service, and a laid-back atmosphere, Sunrise Cafe is the kind of place that keeps both locals and visitors coming back year after year. The menu is packed with breakfast favorites, from fluffy pancakes and hearty omelets to their popular crab cake Benedict and plenty of satisfying choices in between. Grab a table, enjoy the marina surroundings, and settle in for a delicious start to your day on Hilton Head Island.
Carolina Crab Company
For those craving a true taste of Lowcountry cuisine, Carolina Crab Company is a must-visit. Known for its fresh seafood and lively ambiance, Carolina Crab Company serves up classic dishes like crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and their signature crab boil. The restaurant's vibrant decor and friendly staff create a fun, casual dining experience that embodies the spirit of the South. Their outdoor seating area and waterfront views provide a picturesque setting for savoring their mouthwatering seafood dishes. Don't forget to try their refreshing cocktails, which pair perfectly with the coastal flavors.
Black Marlin Bayside Grill & Hurricane Bar
There’s a 100% chance of ice in the forecast this summer - ice cold beverages, that is! Join us for your favorite ice cold beer, wine, or the World-famous frozen cocktails at The Hurricane Bar.
For fresh, locally sourced seafood with a laid-back atmosphere, check out The Black Marlin Bayside Grill. Diners can savor a variety of dishes, including their popular Ahi Tuna Nachos, perfectly grilled steaks, and indulgent seafood pasta. The outdoor seating area offers stunning views of the marina, making it the perfect spot for a sunset dinner. The lively atmosphere and attentive service ensure a memorable dining experience, whether you're enjoying a casual meal with family or a romantic dinner for two. Don’t miss the opportunity to “Dock and Dine” at Palmetto Bay Marina.
Docking in Hilton Head
Palmetto Bay Marina welcomes East Coast boaters looking for a comfortable and convenient place to dock while enjoying Hilton Head Island. Tucked inland along Broad Creek, the marina offers a protected setting with easy access to everything the island has to offer.
Boaters staying with us can enjoy full-service amenities including fuel, clean restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and a friendly, knowledgeable marina staff ready to assist with docking and local recommendations. Restaurants, waterfront activities, and plenty of Hilton Head experiences are also close by.
With approximately 22 feet of water at low tide, no height restrictions, and accommodations for wide hulls, Palmetto Bay Marina is an ideal stopover for larger vessels, sailboats, and catamarans traveling the East Coast. Come ashore, settle in, and enjoy a few days of Lowcountry hospitality before continuing your journey.
Live Music in the Marina
Summer evenings are even better with live music on the waterfront. Music in the Marina brings local entertainment to Palmetto Bay Marina throughout the season, creating the perfect setting to relax, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy an evening along Broad Creek.
From rock and country to laid-back acoustic favorites, there’s always something worth sticking around for. Grab dinner or drinks from one of the marina’s restaurants, meet up with friends, and enjoy the music surrounded by moss-draped oaks and the relaxed atmosphere of Hilton Head Island.
Music in the Marina has become more than a night of entertainment. It’s a chance for locals and visitors to come together, unwind, and enjoy one of the best parts of summer in the Lowcountry.
Watersports, Nature Tours, & Fishing
Some of the best ways to experience Hilton Head Island begin right here on the water. Palmetto Bay Marina puts you in the perfect spot to explore Broad Creek and the surrounding Lowcountry waterways, with plenty of options for adventure, sightseeing, and a day of fun outdoors.
Looking for a little more excitement? Get out on the water with jet skis, mini-boats, or boat rentals with Lowcountry Watersports and spend the day exploring at your own pace. There are options for first-timers as well as experienced boaters ready to head out and enjoy the open water.
Fishing is another Lowcountry favorite, and local charter captains can put you right in the action. Choose an inshore trip in search of redfish and other local species or head farther offshore for a bigger adventure. Experienced captains provide the equipment, local knowledge, and guidance needed for anglers of all skill levels.
Kayaking and paddleboarding offer a more peaceful way to explore, with opportunities to spot dolphins, coastal birds, and other wildlife along the way. Guided nature tours make it easy to learn more about the unique ecosystem that surrounds Hilton Head Island while enjoying the scenery from a completely different perspective.
Local Boat Clubs Offer ways to own the water, not the boat
Carefree Boat Club at Palmetto Bay Marina and at The Boathouse on Skull Creek offer discounted membership fees and hassle-free boating experiences without the burdens of boat ownership. Both Freedom Boat Club and Carefree Boat Club provide access to a fleet of boats suitable for various activities.
Carefree Boat Club is revolutionizing the way people experience boating, offering a flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional boat ownership. Members enjoy unlimited access to a diverse fleet of well-maintained boats, including fishing boats, mono-hull hurricane boats, and cruisers. The club handles all aspects of boat maintenance, cleaning, and storage, allowing members to focus on enjoying their time on the water. This hassle-free approach means no more worrying about upkeep, repairs, or dock fees. Simply reserve a boat and go.