Charter One Realty Blog

Get ready for new summer adventures! Looking to squeeze in a few more getaways before summer ends? Choose from our list of short day trips from Hilton Head and explore our gorgeous and easy-to-reach surroundings. We selected a few towns close enough to Hilton Head that ensure you can get there and back in a single day without feeling exhausted.

We love the Lowcountry and we are very grateful that so much of it can be explored by a quick car trip. What’s not to love about a road trip under three hours? Mini-road trips pack all the fun in, with none of the “are we there yet” vibes no one likes.

If you are ready to expand your summer exploration horizons without needing a flight, check out what’s going on in the greater Lowcountry area and be tucked into your own bed by nightfall.

We’ve listed these day trips in order of closest to farthest:

Old Town Bluffton, SC Day Trip

Old Town Bluffton is the perfect place to get a taste of classic southern charm close to home. Take in the charming outdoor spaces of Bluffton and grab lots of gorgeous photos...or switch up your scene in an art gallery like the Ben Ham Gallery and enjoy his professional Lowcountry photography. 

With such close proximity to Hilton Head, you must plan a visit for a Thursday afternoon to check out the market in Old Town: Farmer’s Market Bluffton. 

You can also find great restaurants to enjoy a meal off the island. Check out a barbeque place like Bluffton BBQ or Old Town Dispensary for a live music and outdoor dining experience with great food. 

• Travel time (one way): 15 to 20 minutes

Savannah, GA Day Trip

A trip to Savannah, GA can be all about history, if you want it to be. From storied haunted walking tours to examining architecture for insight and inspiration, there is so much to absorb on a quick day trip to the deep south. 

In less than an hour's car ride from Hilton Head Island, you can expect great food, sizable markets, a taste of tourism, and a good time in Savannah. During your day trip, be sure to check out the incredible design and architecture of Congregation Mickve Israel and southern history at Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. 

For a great meal, plan to dine at Vic’s on the River for lunch or dinner, and don’t leave the city without tasting fried green tomatoes!

• Travel time (one way): about 45 minutes

Habersham, SC Day Trip

Have you ever been somewhere so perfectly manicured, so expertly designed, that it felt straight out of a magazine? If Disney World comes to mind, then consider Habersham the neighborhood equivalent. This place was designed to uphold the title of “Southern-Living Inspired Communities” and it surely fits the part.

The coastal town was developed in what feels like the middle of nowhere. Upon arriving, you’ll see a “Main Street Marketplace” that appears historical, but is actually designed as part of this master development to encompass the charm of places like Beaufort’s Bay Street, with all the amenities of brand new construction. Restaurants and shops complement the stunning homes also built to embody classic southern style. Woodland and waterfront parks, nature trails, boating, fishing, swimming, and more await.

• Travel time (one way): ~60 minutes

Beaufort, SC Day Trip

Hilton Head is uniquely a Beach Town. If you’re looking for something totally different, head to Beaufort. The downtown area of Beaufort includes Bay Street and the offshoots, as well as Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Whether you’re a foodie, a shopaholic, a history-buff, an adventurer, a boater, or all of the above - there’s something for you to love in Beaufort.

One of our favorite things to do is a day trip to Beaufort for an afternoon and a sunset. Mosy around the blocks of downtown enjoying shops like Cook on Bay, Bathe in Beaufort and Scout Southern Market. Grab an appetizer to hold you over at Q on Bay or Hearth, or maybe get a sweet treat from YoYos. When it’s time for sunset, enjoy the views from the rooftop of Anchorage 1770 Inn at Ribaut Social Club, or on a bench swing at the waterfront park. 

• Travel time (one way): ~60 minutes

Charleston, SC Day Trip

On one of your day trips from Hilton Head Island, be sure to plan for a longer excursion with a day of dining and exploring in Charleston, South Carolina.

If your party is up for it, register for a haunted tour like the Ghost and Dungeon Tour from Bulldog Tours. There are plenty to choose from year-round, and they are especially popular during the fall and Halloween time. 

For a less spooky outing, how about a Gullah Tour to learn more about the history of Charleston and the Lowcountry? And there is nothing better than spending a summer afternoon at a peaceful art museum like the Gibbes Museum of Art. 

For brunch or lunch, you can’t go wrong with a meal at Poogan’s Porch in an old home from the late 1800s. Between your exploring and dining options, plan to spend time at the Charleston City Market to peruse the local makers’ goods. 

• Travel time (one way): about two hours

Tybee Island

Tybee Island is a small beach town near Savannah, GA. It’s rich with history, like most of the Lowcountry, and has some wartime-era buildings you might love to see. Fort Screven has 19th-century concrete gun batteries!

The Tybee Island Light Station and Museum can also be enjoyed. The still-functioning 18th-century lighthouse has been rebuilt many times and the museum will walk you through the local history of the island.

We all know there are plenty of hidden locals-only beaches in Hilton Head, but if you’re itching for something different, Tybee Island beaches are just as beautiful and quite serene. 

Conclusion

There is so much to discover in the Lowcountry on day trips from Hilton Head Island. The next time you are longing for a new adventure, consider a nearby town including: 

1. Visiting the Thursday Farmer’s Market in Bluffton,

2. The perfectly curated neighborhood of Habersham,

3. Incredible food and views on waterfront park in Beaufort,

4. Historical tours and sightseeing in Savannah, 

5. Dive into art and culture tours during your trip to Charleston, or

6. Explore the unique historical lighthouse on Tybee Island.

Which day trips to Hilton Head do you want to do this summer? Did we miss any great destinations?

Share with us in the comments below!