Bluffton + Hilton Head Island, SC Faves with Kids!

If you’re anything like me- you can’t stay still very long! I need a change of pace, a difference in scenery, and just adventure. What can I say, I’m a wanderer. Luckily, my husband too has caught the bug, and it’s something that our four girls love as well. We love adventures!

One of our all time favorite things to do is go to the beach. Beach days absolutely necessary AT LEAST monthly in our household. And this time, we found ourselves in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

A few fun facts about Hilton Head Island-

1. It is shaped like a running sneaker! That makes it easy for locals (& us visitors) to pinpoint spots there- Like “I’m staying near the toe” or “The beach at the heel”.
2. The island’s developers worked hard to preserve its natural look. That’s why street signs are low to the ground, billboards are banned, and many businesses have very subtle signage. I was not too surprised at this fact- the last time we were there I was mentioning to my husband how natural it all looked!
3. The island has a deep connection to Gullah culture, descendants of formerly enslaved West Africans. More to come on a free museum to learn more about this!
4. GOLF. Golf courses are everywhere!!! There are more than 23 championship golf courses.

Now on to the fun stuff! Being a family of six, who LOVE to go on these mini, often spur of the moment vacations, we are relatively frugal when it comes to our trips. SO. Things to do! Let’s begin!

We started in Old Town Bluffton at the cutest farmers market! It is held Thursdays from 10-2. There were so many vendors and plenty of space to walk around. An extra bonus- an amazing park right next to it for the kids (and parents) to play at.

Church of the Cross was a beautiful stop right on the Ashley River. During the Civil War, it was one of the few buildings to survive the Union’s 1863 burning of the town. It is said it was most likely spared because Union commanders saw its hilltop location as a useful landmark for navigation along the river.

Coastal Discovery Museum is a free stop with an art exhibit, pieces to learn about the low country, and finally an exhibit to learn about the Gullah people. Because the Gullah lived in relative isolation on the sea islands of South Carolina and Georgia for centuries, they were able to preserve many African traditions in their language, food, crafts, and spiritual practices more than almost any other African American community in the United States. I loved reading journal entries and feeling even more enriched by their culture!

One of my absolute favorite favorite spots was Pickney Island National Wildlife Refuge. I know I say that a lot. But you guys. Think about the south- the trees, the marsh, the spanish moss, the fiddler crabs. And it was all there on this little refuge. We were all pretty burnt and crisp, so we didn’t spend too much time there, but I cannot wait to go back and explore more! My kids faced their fears and now enjoy picking up those little crabs… me? ehhh. once was enough.

Now to the beaches!

Fish Haul Park. This is not your typical beach. Honestly, it’s hard to explain the feeling of this place. It was one of my absolute favorites. From the Sea Oats to the rock formations it was indescribable beauty. As silly as it sounds, a walk along the shoreline brought absolute peace to my soul. I know, I know. I just need that Vitamin Sea. 😉

Coligny Beach. This is a VERY popular spot with vacationers. Parking is free, so get there early if you want a spot. It is probably a solid .25 mile walk from the parking lot to the beach itself. We got there around 9am and didn’t have a problem finding a spot. By the time we left at 2 there were shoulder to shoulder tents. That being said, it is BEAUTIFUL and so worth it. And they have a fun little splash pad just outside of the beach!

Burkes Beach. Parking on the weekend was $5/hour. And this too was a bit less than .25 miles to the beach. We LOVED Burkes. Call me cheesy, there is something about walking over that little dune and seeing the ocean. It Is a fav. Burkes has a lifeguard station and plenty of beach to spread out. If you are searching for sea shells this probably isn’t the spot you want to go for. But if you are just wanting a good old southern beach, this is for you! My daughter and husband got stung by a Jelly Fish- first time in all the times we’ve been! The lifeguards had them just put warm salt water on it to help- so those tide pools were the best place to soak!

Now… If you’re looking for a foodie blog… well… this ain’t it. We ate at

1. Cookout
2. Sam’s Club
3. Mellow Mushroom
4. Bagels on the beach. No, that’s not a restaurant, that was our lunch meal.

BUT. If you are looking for a TO DIE FOR dessert spot, I have it.

HILTON HEAD SOCIAL BAKERY. oh.my.gosh. I am tempted to make the three hour drive to go back (well and a pit stop at the beach of course). The croissants-amazing. The Hazelnut Ganache Ball-So good. The Raspberry Mousse- I’m drooling. make a stop. You won’t regret it!!!

Bluffton and Hilton Head were SO much fun. I am so glad we pushed ourselves to do more than just the beach- which let’s be honest, for our simple family that would have been enough! What was even better was we got to see our friends from Arizona, take BEAUTIFUL family photos of them at the beach and celebrate our sweet Capri’s birthday! I love our life and the adventurers our kids are!

PS if you’re looking for a way to carry ALL your gear to the beach or how to pack it- I know a guy. 😉