The Best Outdoor Activities and Sports to Play on Hilton Head Island That Will Keep You Fit on Vacation
If you're looking for a vacation that offers a great combination athletic and leisure activities, then Hilton Head Island is a fantastic option for you. Our resort town isn't just for laying on the beach inbetween 5-star meals (not that there's anything wrong with that). Those who wish to keep up an active lifestyle while on vacation will love the variety of fun activities and sports to play on Hilton Head Island.
Read on to see our favorite Hilton Head outdoor activities and sports to try on your vacation. Of course, there are also plenty of fitness centers and gyms if you want to get more conventional workouts in. To see those, head over to our Health & Wellness page.
1. Play Golf
Hilton Head Island boasts 24 championship golf courses and over 40 golf courses in the Hilton Head - Bluffton area. In fact, the RBC Heritage PGA Golf Tournament is held here at Sea Pines' gorgeous Harbour Town Links course. If you're even remotely interested in golf, then you've got to try playing a round here!
The island's top-tier golf courses boast meticulously curated landscapes that harmonize with the mesmerizing coastal backdrop, crafting a visual masterpiece at every turn. Designed by renowned architects, these courses cater to golfers of all levels, promising an engaging experience for beginners and enthusiasts alike. The blend of challenging holes and serene fairways, set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and salt marshes, creates an unparalleled golfing ambiance.
Hilton Head's welcoming atmosphere, coupled with the island's inviting weather, makes golf a quintessential activity here. Learn more about Hilton Head's many courses on our Golf page.
2. Play Tennis or Pickleball
In addition to Hilton Head's exceptional golf courses, the island also features several great tennis facilities. And, with pickleball on the rise as one of the top new sports in the country, most tennis facilities also include pickleball courts.
If you're staying in Palmetto Dunes, you'll be treated to one of the finest tennis centers in the world. The resort has 17 clay tennis courts and 24 pickleball courts which you can reserve for play anytime during your stay. You can also sign up for any one of the many adult or junior tennis clinics and round-robins, or book a private lesson with a world-class instructor. The same goes for pickleball at Palmetto Dunes.
Of course, there are plenty other spots around Hilton Head Island where you can take a swing at tennis or pickleball. Check out our Tennis and Pickleball page to find courts all over town.
3. Go for a Run or Bike Ride
Want to keep up a morning running or cycling routine on your vacation? Hilton Head Island has an extensive network of bike paths and trails that are excellent for biking or jogging. For a little added challenge, you can also run or ride a bike on the beach.
Check out a map of the miles of bike paths on the island by visiting the Hilton Head Outfitters website. There, you can also reserve bike and e-bike rentals.
4. Play Beach Volleyball
If you have enough people to play, then beach volleyball will be one of the best ways to break a sweat while vacationing at Hilton Head Island. Sprinting, jumping and diving over beach sand to set up or spike the perfect volleyball shot will certainly work you hard and fast. It's a tough game, but it's oh-so very fun!
The best place around town to play beach volleyball is at Coligny Beach Park. They have several volleyball nets available to play at, and they are right across from the Tiki Hut at Coligny Park. So, you can reward yourself with a refreshing beach beverage after the game.
If you want to learn more about volleyball in Hilton Head, then check out the HHI Beach Volleyball Club website.
5. Go Surfing
Surf's up in the Lowcountry! Hilton Head's beaches have small to normal-sized waves that are ideal for beginners and moderately experienced surfers.
If you have never tried surfing and want to give the activity a try, then be sure to sign up for surfing lessons with a company such as Hilton Head Outfitters. They have 90-minute group and private lesson options that will get you shredding waves in no time! You can also just rent surfboards from them if you want to skip the lessons and head straight out to the water.
6. Paddle a Kayak or SUP
Last but not least on our list of great activities to stay fit in Hilton Head is exploring the waters around the island by kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Although these options may sound like more of leisure activities, we guarantee that you'll feel the burn after an hour or two of paddling along our scenic shorelines, especially If you opt for the SUP.
All that effort is more than worth it though to see the island from a unique perspective out on the water. As you paddle and cruise around, you can spot plenty of marine and birdlife as well as admire the beauty of the landscape itself.
The best way to get the most out of your kayaking or SUPing experience is to book an ecotour with a company like Outside Hilton Head. They have a ton of great and unique options such as their Outback Tour and SUP Yoga Class.
That wraps it up for our list of the best activities and sports at Hilton Head Island to keep you fit on your vacation. You can find even more fun activities by browsing our Things to Do page, and find more insider travel tips by checking out our other blog posts.
Lastly, be sure to book your stay at Hilton Head with Island Getaway Rentals. Our luxurious vacation rentals provide the perfect home base for your trip. Click the button below to get started now!