A to Z Guide to Memorial Day Weekend on Hilton Head Island

Memorial Day kicks off the start of the summer season on Hilton Head Island. If you’re visiting over the long weekend, here are some ideas of fun things to do, from A to Z. Looking for even more things to see and do on Hilton Head Island? Island Getaway has you covered.

A is for American Sings!

The Americana Celebration Concert by the Hilton Head Choral Society honors military members and veterans.

B is for Beaches

Plan to spend at least part of your Memorial Day weekend on one of Hilton Head’s beautiful beaches.

C is for Coastal Discovery Museum

Learn about the history of Hilton Head at this fun and informative museum.

D is for Dolphin Watching

Rent a boat and explore the waters of Broad Creek in search of the island’s dolphins.

E is for Eating Breakfast at Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe

All of the dishes at Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe are delicious, but our favorite is the strata. This baked dish is made of layered egg, sausage, onion, and cheese with their own chilli sauce and served with hash browns or grits.

F is for fishing

Rent a fishing rod and head to the shore to see if you can catch a fish to put on the grill back at your Hilton Head Island vacation rental.

G is for Golf

The long weekend was made for golfing. Choose from over 20 championship courses on the Island.

H is for Harbour Town

A stroll through Harbour Town watching all of the yachts and boats pass by is a relaxing way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

I is for Ice Cream

Drop by Hilton Head Ice Cream for one of the Island’s best treats!

J is for Jarvis Creek Park Picnic

Pick up some local goodies and head over to the park for a picnic. There will be lots of children around, so your kids will likely make some new friends.

K is for Kayaking

Get out onto the water and kayak through the tidal creeks of Hilton Head.

L is for Lawton Stables

The entire family will love a weekend horse ride at Lawton Stables at Sea Pines.

M is for Music

Over the Memorial Day weekend, many restaurants feature live music. A great way to enjoy food and beverages with local entertainment.

N is for Nature Walks

Many of the parks on Hilton Head have walking and biking trails. Bring your camera and take photos of the views and wildlife along the way.

O is for Ocean Swims

When you hit the beach, don’t just work on your tan. Splash through the waves like you’re a kid again. Not only is it fun, it’s also a workout. It’s a win-win situation!

P is for Patio Drinks

Find an empty table at one of the many restaurants in Hilton Head that offer patio dining and order up a couple of ice-cold beverages of your choice.

Q is for BBQ

Okay, so this one’s cheating a bit, but BBQ’s are a big part of the Memorial Day experience. Many of our Island Getaway rental homes come with outdoor grills, perfect for a hotdog and hamburger lunch.

R is for relaxing by the pool

Sometimes, the best thing to do on a long weekend is nothing at all. Crack open a new book and enjoy reading it poolside.

S is for Shelter Cove

On Memorial Day, if you’ve got kids take them to see Cappy the Clown at Shelter Cove.

T is for Tennis and Pickleball

Hilton Head is a dream destination for everyone who loves tennis and pickleball. There are dozens of tennis courts and designated pickleball courts to choose from.

U is for Unforgettable Lowcountry Cuisine

Indulge in a little Lowcountry cuisine at one of Hilton Head’s local restaurants. Local Lowcountry favorites include a Lowcountry boil along with shrimp and grits.

V is for Village at Wexford

Feel the need to shop ‘til you drop? The Village at Wexford is home to over a dozen stores. Unlike a regular mall, you’ll find lots of local Hilton Head items here. It’s a great spot for souvenir shopping.

W is for WiseGuys

Getting a little peckish? A selection of small plates from WiseGuys is just the pick-me-up you need to get through the holiday weekend.

X is for eXcellent Biking Trails

Hilton Head is known for its bike trails, with a network of over 50 miles of bike paths. Hard-packed sandy beaches also make for a wonderful ride along the ocean.

Y is for Yoga

Jiva Yoga Center offers all kinds of yoga classes including morning yoga on the beach!

Z is fo Zipline Hilton Head

Get your adrenaline pumping with a visit to Adventure Hilton Head. Spend a couple hours sailing through the trees while having the time of your life. Looking for something more grounded? Take a spin around the go-kart track.