From its 12 miles of breathtaking beaches to its impeccable golf courses, Hilton Head is a vacationer’s dream. After (or even during) a day of cycling, water sports and golfing, you can kick back with an icy beverage, tasty snack and memorable view.
Whether pool, marsh or ocean-adjacent, these popular waterfront eateries have you covered.
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks
Open since the late ’70s, Hudson’s is a local treasure. A former oyster factory, the 1912 building overlooks busy Skull Creek and is still, at least in part, used to process fish. Hudson’s is synonymous with fresh seafood — they even have their own boat. Along with the complimentary hush puppies, menu standouts include the crab cakes, grilled fresh catch of the day and — not surprisingly — anything and everything involving shrimp, often caught just hours before. Watch the wildlife in the surrounding marsh while enjoying the bright flavors of a specialty cocktail like The Rocking Chair, made with vodka, peach schnapps, fresh mint and iced tea.
Loggerhead Landing
After an adventurous day on the island, seasonal Loggerhead Landing at Marriott’s Grande Ocean resort offers a welcoming spot to unwind. Recently expanded, this casual poolside pick takes its name from the Loggerhead sea turtle, South Carolina’s state reptile — fittingly, there’s a sea turtle nesting area next to the resort. Open March through November, Loggerhead Landing features sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and a welcoming fire pit surrounded by sturdy Adirondack chairs — the perfect setting for bar food favorites like barbecue pork nachos and blue crab cake sliders. Tropical classics, like Mai Tais, mojitos and margaritas anchor the cocktail menu, but don’t discount the Miami Vice, a 50/50 blend of piña colada and strawberry daiquiri.
Old Oyster Factory
As the name suggests, Old Oyster Factory occupies a one-story concrete building and former oyster cannery that operated for nearly 70 years. Since the late 1980s, the restaurant has offered diners panoramic views of Broad Creek and scenic marshland. Along with regional beers and creative craft cocktails, expect local seafood and specialties like Oysters Savannah, topped with shrimp, crab meat, bacon and cheese.
All Y’all’s Bar & Grill
Nestled in Marriott’s Barony Beach Club, this poolside eatery is all about relaxed dining and easygoing vibes. The grill menu features a wide range of family-friendly options, like burgers, tacos and flatbread pizza, as well as healthy selections like fresh salads and peel-and-eat shrimp. The adults in your group will want to cool down with one of All Y’all’s frosty libations. The Southern Belle, an easy-drinking cocktail with sweet tea vodka and lemonade, is sure to cure what ails ya. Tempting non-alcoholic options like fruit smoothies and creamy milkshakes are equally compelling.
Salty Dog Cafe
You’ve probably seen the legendary tie-dyed T-shirts from The Salty Dog Cafe — now’s your chance to get your own. This iconic waterfront stop also offers world-class views, which sometimes means lengthy lines and a bit of a wait. Home to the beastly Jake-Zilla burger (named for the “salty dog” himself, an intrepid pup who once saved his master at sea), this massive beef patty is topped with pulled pork, pimento cheese and fried onions. Seafood lovers won’t want to miss the signature Jake’s Lowcountry Boil, a local tradition uniting steamed, Old Bay-seasoned shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes in one pot.
Skull Creek Boathouse
Set on the northern edge of the island, Skull Creek Boathouse features regular live music, a summer beer garden and oyster roasts during months ending in “R.” (Allegedly the only months you’re “supposed” to eat oysters.) You may have seen it on The Travel Channel, The Food Network, Forbes, or National Geographic. Enjoy a Skull Creek sunset as you sort through an inspiring seafood-based menu that includes everything from a mix-and-match ceviche section to extensive broiled and fried offerings to create your own surf and turf combinations. The full bar and enticing cocktails make it all that much better. As befitting its island location, Hilton Head offers plenty of ways to enjoy a cold drink or fresh catch — or both — right on the water.
Sea Salts Beverage Company
This peaceful poolside spot boasts exquisite views of the glistening Atlantic Ocean. Soak in the ambiance while staying cool with a frozen daiquiri or piña colada, or take mellow to an all-new level with some Zombie Juice, made with four kinds of rum, plus cranberry, orange and pineapple juices. Should hunger strike, Sea Salts serves up options like mahi-mahi fish tacos and fried shrimp baskets.