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There are plenty of ways to enjoy Hilton Head on a budget
Hilton Head Island is a world-class vacation spot. But that doesn’t mean you need a world-class wallet to enjoy it.
“There’s just a lot of activities you can do on Hilton Head that don’t cost a lot of money,” said Charlie Clark, vice president of communications for the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce.
While the golfing is great and the stores stay open late, you don’t have to shell out big bucks to experience the best of island life.
Become a beach bum:
Parking is free at Coligny Beach and parking fees are minimal at the other beaches, so there’s no excuse not to slather on some suntan lotion (or sun block) and hit the beach.
The mild waves and neatly packed sand make the island’s beaches tame enough for toddlers yet also perfect for those wanting to explore the shore on bike, on foot or on your favorite flotation device.
Put on your walking shoes:
With more than 50 miles of paved paths covering the island, the perfect way to experience Hilton Head’s beauty is just a pair of walking shoes away. For an untamed look at native plants and wildlife, check out Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge or the Newhall Audubon Nature Preserve. Be sure to bring water and your camera for the most memorable souvenirs that don’t cost a dime.
Discover the Coastal Discovery Museum:
Learn about the island’s history at the Coastal Discovery Museum’s Honey Horn location, where you can check out the exhibits, take a self-guided walking tour of the 68-acre grounds and marvel at the new Karen Wertheimer Butterfly Enclosure. Admission is free, but they do ask for a $3 donation, said Robin Swift, the museum’s vice president of marketing and development. The museum also offers tons of educational tours and programs, several of which are $10 or less per person.
Sing with local legends:
There are two beloved crooners on Hilton Head who return every summer to entertain the masses — for free. For 25 years, Gregg Russell has been performing a fun family concert just after sunset each summer night under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town.
Just down the road, Shannon Tanner is in his 21st year of performing free kid-friendly concerts six nights a week — at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and Sundays through Sept. 4 at Shelter Cove Harbour. On Tuesdays, concertgoers at Shelter Cove are treated to free fireworks after the show, as well as arts and crafts for sale, food vendors and fun things for kids.
Bring your lawn chairs and your sense of fun for these spirited island favorites.
“People come back year after year, generation after generation, to experience Gregg Russell’s concerts,” Clark said. “And it’s free!”
See the stars under the stars:
Take advantage of Island Recreation Center’s “Movies in the Park” every Thursday night through Aug. 13 at Shelter Cove Park. For $2 per person you can enjoy an hour-anda-half of family activities leading up to a G-rated or PG-rated movie shown on a big screen at sunset. Bring a picnic and a blanket for the perfect summer night out.
Window shop ‘til you drop:
Who says “shopping” has to mean “buying?”
“There are over 200 shops on Hilton Head, so there’s no shortage of window shopping opportunities,” Clark said.
From clothes to jewelry to food markets, Hilton Head has its own unique style of goods that are worth a look. From trendy upscale offerings to bargain thrift stores, the island’s retail stores offer something for every taste.
Before hitting the stores, go to www.hiltonhead09.com and sign up for a free Insider Pass, Clark said.
The pass gives shoppers discounts and deals at retail stores, restaurants, bike rentals and more.
Dabble in something new:
Golf and tennis are two of the most popular sports on the island.
Each Monday you can try your hand at both thanks to the coaching staff at Palmetto Dunes, which offers a free hour-long golf exhibition and a free tennis exhibition to anyone who wants to learn.
There’s no catch; you don’t even have to bring your own clubs or racket to the group lessons, says Karen Kozemchak, marketing director for Palmetto Dunes and Shelter Cove Harbour.
Art really is for everyone:
The island boasts many art galleries with collections from talented locals and other artists from across the country, and you don’t have to buy it to enjoy it. Spend an afternoon checking out some of the many public exhibits and galleries to see varied, vibrant perspectives of the island’s people, culture and beauty.
