5 Things to Do on a Winter Day in the Lowcountry

While the weather might not be ideal for sunbathing, a stroll along one of Hilton Head Island’s stunning beaches is a must. With fewer crowds, the coastline will feel like your private beach—especially at mid-island destinations like Burkes Beach, Driessen Beach, and Folly Field Beach.

Time your walk just right, and you’ll be treated to spectacular scenery. Cooler days create some of the most colorful sunrises and sunsets of the year, painting the skies in vibrant purples, oranges, and pinks. Early risers, sip a coffee to-go from Carolina Coffee and Crumbs, located across the street from Coligny Beach, and watch the sunrise over the horizon. For those arriving for the evening show, plan a picture-perfect picnic on the sand as the sun sets.

Taking your furry companion along? In the summer, dogs are restricted from visiting the beach between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. But during the low season (November through March), pups are welcome to enjoy the fun in the sun all day.

Hilton Head Island is always synonymous with seafood, but lower temperatures welcome something special — oyster season! Fresh oysters are a Lowcountry favorite, delicious served on the half shell, fried with hush puppies on the side, or steamed over an open fire at an oyster roast. Check our upcoming events for the opportunity to participate in this seasonal tradition. You could easily spend your entire trip sampling fresh seafood all over Hilton Head Island. To start, settle into a table at the family-friendly Old Oyster Factory for classic oyster dishes, an impressive raw bar, and a dedicated kids’ menu. Like oysters, shrimp is served up dozens of ways in the Lowcountry — from Cajun creations like étouffée to Latin-inspired tacos. But for a true Southern staple, try the shrimp and grits at A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant.

For an unpretentious and authentic experience, head to The Sea Shack, just up the road from Coligny Beach. It's where locals go for a true seafood feast. From wahoo and mahi-mahi to triggerfish, flounder, grouper, snapper, swordfish, and conch — you'll find a variety of fresh catches on the menu.

Winter is the perfect time to grab a paddle or a racket and hit the courts. The Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center, named the #1 Tennis Resort in the Carolinas by Tennis Magazine, has 24 dedicated courts ready for action. Its award-winning Tennis Center is home to 12 clay courts and 24 pickleball courts — all lighted for night play — and a busy schedule of tennis and pickleball clinics and activities. If you’d prefer to fine-tune your swing, head to the renowned Sea Pines Racquet Club for clinics and lessons designed for all skill levels on 23 clay courts and six pickleball courts.

For a distinctive way to take in the natural beauty of the Lowcountry, consider renting a bike from one of 30 local shops. With over 60 miles of leisure pathways — and as a certified Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community as named by the American League of Bicyclists — it’s easy to get almost anywhere you want to go on two wheels. The refreshing weather makes for comfortable rides, whether you're cruising beachside or winding through maritime forests.

Hilton Head Island's mild weather makes it a prime fishing destination year-round. If you're looking for lots of bites, low season is the best time to cast a line. It’s also peak season for redfish, trout, and flounder.

If you’re visiting with little ones, Jarvis Creek Park’s fishing dock is perfect for teaching kids how to bait, fish, and reel in their first catch. While many visitors head straight to the shores of our beaches to fish, some of the best fishing is found inshore. Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and The Sea Pines Resort each have lagoon systems home to several fish species, including redfish, trout, tarpon, black drum, and flounder.

For a taste of deep-sea fishing without hopping on a boat, venture to the picturesque Charles C. Haigh Jr. Fishing Pier. It's free to visit and offers an ideal vantage point for casting your line into deeper waters.

From misty mornings on the court or course to unforgettable sunsets on the sand, winter days in the Lowcountry are full of warm memories waiting to be made. So grab a light jacket, embrace the crisp air, and discover why a trip to Hilton Head Island never goes out of season. Explore our special offers and start planning your getaway today.