Hilton Head Requests and Must Do Activities and Restaurants

[Lorana]

Hello, HHI lovers!

I'm 43 days away from our very first stay at Hilton Head Resort! We're flying into JAX, doing 1 night on Amelia Island, then driving up to Hilton Head for 4 nights, before heading home. Just a long 5-day weekend, but I'm super excited.

As this is our first time ever, how do I go about making room requests? And what requests should I make? We have a 2BR and we are nature lovers, so I think I've heard we want to have a Marsh view, yes? Our kids aren't big into pools, so we aren't worried about access there.

Where is a good place to buy/pick up groceries along the way?

What are your must-do activities at the resort, or locally around Hilton Head? Especially for mid-April? We all love animals, and we are big on nature walks (though maybe more us than our kids, lol).
Are there "ghost tours" nearby (my kids and DH love those)? Or Escape Rooms (as my boys really love those)?

Any restaurants we MUST eat at? I'm a seafood lover, but aside from my oldest son loving sushi, no one else in the family is. They are more burgers and BBQ and steaks (though my youngest son prefers chicken) to be honest!

Cannot wait! Thank you in advance!

 

[hhisc16]

Hello, HHI lovers!

I'm 43 days away from our very first stay at Hilton Head Resort! We're flying into JAX, doing 1 night on Amelia Island, then driving up to Hilton Head for 4 nights, before heading home. Just a long 5-day weekend, but I'm super excited.

As this is our first time ever, how do I go about making room requests? And what requests should I make? We have a 2BR and we are nature lovers, so I think I've heard we want to have a Marsh view, yes? Our kids aren't big into pools, so we aren't worried about access there.

Where is a good place to buy/pick up groceries along the way?

What are your must-do activities at the resort, or locally around Hilton Head? Especially for mid-April? We all love animals, and we are big on nature walks (though maybe more us than our kids, lol).
Are there "ghost tours" nearby (my kids and DH love those)? Or Escape Rooms (as my boys really love those)?

Any restaurants we MUST eat at? I'm a seafood lover, but aside from my oldest son loving sushi, no one else in the family is. They are more burgers and BBQ and steaks (though my youngest son prefers chicken) to be honest!

Cannot wait! Thank you in advance!

I recommend checking out this thread and posting this again on this thread for more interaction with DHHIR owners and lovers!
https://www.disboards.com/threads/hhi-owners-and-beach-lovers-group-thread.3836805/

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Kenny B's French Quarter Cafe and Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe for breakfast.

Lowcountry Backyard for casual dinner.

Fiesta Fresh Mexican Grill for quick service tacos.

 

[hhisc16]

Hello, HHI lovers!

I'm 43 days away from our very first stay at Hilton Head Resort! We're flying into JAX, doing 1 night on Amelia Island, then driving up to Hilton Head for 4 nights, before heading home. Just a long 5-day weekend, but I'm super excited.

As this is our first time ever, how do I go about making room requests? And what requests should I make? We have a 2BR and we are nature lovers, so I think I've heard we want to have a Marsh view, yes? Our kids aren't big into pools, so we aren't worried about access there.

Where is a good place to buy/pick up groceries along the way?

What are your must-do activities at the resort, or locally around Hilton Head? Especially for mid-April? We all love animals, and we are big on nature walks (though maybe more us than our kids, lol).
Are there "ghost tours" nearby (my kids and DH love those)? Or Escape Rooms (as my boys really love those)?

Any restaurants we MUST eat at? I'm a seafood lover, but aside from my oldest son loving sushi, no one else in the family is. They are more burgers and BBQ and steaks (though my youngest son prefers chicken) to be honest!

Cannot wait! Thank you in advance!

I forgot to mention that a local restaurant chain that offers a discount for people staying at DHHIR is SERG with many different options.
I highly recommend trying them out with a few of them near the DHHIR.
https://serggroup.com/

 

[Simba's Mom]

Hello, HHI lovers!

I'm 43 days away from our very first stay at Hilton Head Resort! We're flying into JAX, doing 1 night on Amelia Island, then driving up to Hilton Head for 4 nights, before heading home. Just a long 5-day weekend, but I'm super excited.

As this is our first time ever, how do I go about making room requests? And what requests should I make? We have a 2BR and we are nature lovers, so I think I've heard we want to have a Marsh view, yes? Our kids aren't big into pools, so we aren't worried about access there.

Where is a good place to buy/pick up groceries along the way?

What are your must-do activities at the resort, or locally around Hilton Head? Especially for mid-April? We all love animals, and we are big on nature walks (though maybe more us than our kids, lol).
Are there "ghost tours" nearby (my kids and DH love those)? Or Escape Rooms (as my boys really love those)?

Any restaurants we MUST eat at? I'm a seafood lover, but aside from my oldest son loving sushi, no one else in the family is. They are more burgers and BBQ and steaks (though my youngest son prefers chicken) to be honest!

Cannot wait! Thank you in advance!

From Building 31, Dolphins have been seen. Building 18 has a beautiful marsh view.
We're also big nature lovers. Behind the main lodge is a swinging wooden chair, where you can sit and watch water birds and perhaps dolphins there too (sorry the picture of it is sideways). We've gone out to Pinckney Island for a walk to see birds and alligators. Also, Sea Pines Forest Preserve (although you have to pay the gate fee there).
For seafood, there's the Sea Shack (VERY casual), Skull Creek Dockside and the Black Marlin (both are SERG restaurants), and Old Oyster Factory. For BBQ, I hear One Hot Mama's is good.

 

[sleepydog25]

I believe some of your questions have been answered on other threads, but quickly, I'd call the front desk about 3-4 days out and request top floor, marsh view. Of the two, the top floor would be my preference due to the possibility of having a family of 4-6 above you running around at all hours, and those floors don't have much sound insulation. 76 of the 123 rooms are 2BRs--none in the main Lodge building (11) or the connected Bldg 12. Of that 76, 40 rooms have some sort of marsh view. The others may not, but they have views of the serene and lovely resort grounds and landscaping. Either way, there is plenty of small wildlife which may pop into view including squirrels, raccoons, hawks, chipmunks, and even a bald eagle who nests nearby. The two easiest nature trails to access are Jarvis Creek Park (approx. 6 miles from the resort) and Pinckney Island Nature Preserve (about 8 miles from the resort). Of the two, the latter is far bigger and offers you plenty of miles of trail to walk and watch nature including alligators and all sorts of water fowl. However, Jarvis Creek is also nice and often has alligators sunning near the water.

As for groceries, Kroger is close to the resort, but it can be a zoo since it serves not only DHHIR but several other resorts and VRBO communities nearby. . .not that Wally World is any less of a zoo, and it's a few miles away--you pass it on your right on the way into the island proper. There is a Fresh Market that is a 3-minute drive away and a Harris Teeter about 5 miles away. Finally, there is a Publix near the Walmart.

Restaurants? Everyone, and I mean everyone, has his/her favorites. Here's a quick list for me:
Fishcamp on Broad Creek--takes reservations and has outdoor seating. Great menu and marvelous freshly shucked oysters.
Skull Creek Boathouse--does not take reservations but is a great local spot that is very busy during the high season from spring break (happening now) through Labor Day. Go early or be prepared to wait. Worth it though, and lots of outdoor tables.
Hudson's on the Docks--near SC Boathouse and also does not take reservations. Very local, very crowded, and ample outdoor seating on the water.
Scott's Fish Market--only mentioned because it is close to the resort, as in you walk over the entry bridge and it's right there. However, there are far better places for seafood, though it's good enough if you just want to walk, relax, and grab a bite/drink. Does have outdoor seating and often a live performers whose qualities vary night to night.
Ela's on the Water--keep walking past Scott's down the marina for another 5-6 minutes, and you'll find Ela's. Much better seafood options (and other things, too), and has some outdoor tables right on the marina's water.
Hilton Head Social Bakery--sits right next to Scott's, open roughly from 8-4, and is a genuine French bakery (the owner/executive chef) who tutored under his father who owned a bakery in France. Very good but very pricey.
We don't do much BBQ or burgers or steaks, so I can't help you there, but the typical recommendations are One Hot Momma's and Frankie Bones. Truly, there are so many good to excellent restaurants on the island, that it's hard to go wrong. If it sounds good to you, do it.

Two last recommendations for food. Although both are located in Bluffton--the community you drive through just before you hit the bridges to the island--Oddbirds Cafe and Alljoy Donuts are exceptionally good. The former is best known for browned butter blueberry muffins that are the best I've tasted anywhere, and I have tasted them all over the U.S. The latter is only open Fri, Sat, and Sun from 7-1 but make the best yeast-based glazed donuts around. Hands down, and there is no close second anywhere.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

I believe some of your questions have been answered on other threads, but quickly, I'd call the front desk about 3-4 days out and request top floor, marsh view. Of the two, the top floor would be my preference due to the possibility of having a family of 4-6 above you running around at all hours, and those floors don't have much sound insulation. 76 of the 123 rooms are 2BRs--none in the main Lodge building (11) or the connected Bldg 12. Of that 76, 40 rooms have some sort of marsh view. The others may not, but they have views of the serene and lovely resort grounds and landscaping. Either way, there is plenty of small wildlife which may pop into view including squirrels, raccoons, hawks, chipmunks, and even a bald eagle who nests nearby. The two easiest nature trails to access are Jarvis Creek Park (approx. 6 miles from the resort) and Pinckney Island Nature Preserve (about 8 miles from the resort). Of the two, the latter is far bigger and offers you plenty of miles of trail to walk and watch nature including alligators and all sorts of water fowl. However, Jarvis Creek is also nice and often has alligators sunning near the water.

As for groceries, Kroger is close to the resort, but it can be a zoo since it serves not only DHHIR but several other resorts and VRBO communities nearby. . .not that Wally World is any less of a zoo, and it's a few miles away--you pass it on your right on the way into the island proper. There is a Fresh Market that is a 3-minute drive away and a Harris Teeter about 5 miles away. Finally, there is a Publix near the Walmart.

Restaurants? Everyone, and I mean everyone, has his/her favorites. Here's a quick list for me:
Fishcamp on Broad Creek--takes reservations and has outdoor seating. Great menu and marvelous freshly shucked oysters.
Skull Creek Boathouse--does not take reservations but is a great local spot that is very busy during the high season from spring break (happening now) through Labor Day. Go early or be prepared to wait. Worth it though, and lots of outdoor tables.
Hudson's on the Docks--near SC Boathouse and also does not take reservations. Very local, very crowded, and ample outdoor seating on the water.
Scott's Fish Market--only mentioned because it is close to the resort, as in you walk over the entry bridge and it's right there. However, there are far better places for seafood, though it's good enough if you just want to walk, relax, and grab a bite/drink. Does have outdoor seating and often a live performers whose qualities vary night to night.
Ela's on the Water--keep walking past Scott's down the marina for another 5-6 minutes, and you'll find Ela's. Much better seafood options (and other things, too), and has some outdoor tables right on the marina's water.
Hilton Head Social Bakery--sits right next to Scott's, open roughly from 8-4, and is a genuine French bakery (the owner/executive chef) who tutored under his father who owned a bakery in France. Very good but very pricey.
We don't do much BBQ or burgers or steaks, so I can't help you there, but the typical recommendations are One Hot Momma's and Frankie Bones. Truly, there are so many good to excellent restaurants on the island, that it's hard to go wrong. If it sounds good to you, do it.

Two last recommendations for food. Although both are located in Bluffton--the community you drive through just before you hit the bridges to the island--Oddbirds Cafe and Alljoy Donuts are exceptionally good. The former is best known for browned butter blueberry muffins that are the best I've tasted anywhere, and I have tasted them all over the U.S. The latter is only open Fri, Sat, and Sun from 7-1 but make the best yeast-based glazed donuts around. Hands down, and there is no close second anywhere.

Enjoy your trip!

Sleepydog25, quick question. Have you found there is a difference in prices between the "Wally World" in Bluffton and the one on the island? I stated on another thread that we enjoyed doing a pickup at the one in Bluffton and that it was less expensive than groceries on the island, but honestly, I'm not sure if there is a difference in the Wal-marts. I do know we saved money over getting them at Kroger. Just curious if there is a difference after you cross the bridge.

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Bullies BBQ is super yum.
Rent bikes
Kayak rentals
We always grill one night- the front desk has all the tools but you have to buy charcoal

 

[sleepydog25]

Sleepydog25, quick question. Have you found there is a difference in prices between the "Wally World" in Bluffton and the one on the island? I stated on another thread that we enjoyed doing a pickup at the one in Bluffton and that it was less expensive than groceries on the island, but honestly, I'm not sure if there is a difference in the Wal-marts. I do know we saved money over getting them at Kroger. Just curious if there is a difference after you cross the bridge.

I don't know for certain, but I don't believe the prices on island are of any significant difference regardless of the business. We most often shop at the Publix closest to us in Bluffton, and the prices there are the same as the Publix on island. I will say the WalMart in Bluffton is easier to get into and out of and has far better parking than the one on island. It's also a bit larger. Hope this helps!

 

[Carol_]

Savannah is close enough to go there for a ghost tour. You can eat at the haunted Pirates’ House.
https://thepirateshouse.com/