You’re at Hilton Head. What Should You Do

Every Disney Vacation Club member has their favorites. Today, I’ll discuss one of mine. Let’s say that you’re at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. What should you do?

Head to the Beach House

Let’s start with the one that everyone should and probably will do during a visit. Head to Disney’s Beach House, which is about five minutes from the hotel lobby. Disney offers shuttle service to this recreational area, or you can drive yourself. There’s parking at the beach house. You can also ride a bike here, as it’s only about 1.25 miles, giving you a relaxing bit of exercise on your way.

Once you arrive, you can live out whatever beachfront fantasy you have. The beach house features an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a sitting area. I definitely advise that you spend at least some time in the sitting area. It’s serene. 

This place is called Surfmen’s Station, and it features a fireplace and HDTV. Right by the pool, there’s also a covered area that includes a pool table and several more HDTVs. It’s a wonderful hangout spot on a warm summer day.

Disney also owns a piece of private beach here. So, you can also sit by the ocean and dip your toes in the sand. Most of the time, the water from the Atlantic Ocean is quite comfortable if you want to swim here instead. I tend to vacillate between the pool and the ocean, depending on the weather and my mood.

The reality is that most DVC members book Hilton Head with the plan of spending lots of time at the beach. So, the beach house is a genius concept. You really never need to leave this area since it has food, entertainment, and even shelter during inclement weather. 

Listen to Stories at Live Oak Lodge

When you check in at Hilton Head, you’re standing right by Big Murggie’s Den, a cozy spot to listen to pirate tales. Cast Members regale people visiting here with stories of daring heists on the Treasure Coast. Many of the most storied pirates of the region star in these tales. 

Remarkably, this is just one of the entertainment options at Live Oak Lodge, one of the two community hubs at Hilton Head. Disney recently reinvented this space, creating a more open atmosphere. They removed my beloved pool table, but the benefits are readily apparent.

You’ll find ample seating here, some of it at tables. There are also some sofas, one of which Disney has styled to look like a swing. There’s also a counter on one side that’s almost like a bar section without any beverages. I prefer the other side since it’s near the fireplace, though. 

No matter where you choose, you can listen to story time when available. Otherwise, it’s an excellent spot to relax, get your bearings, and enjoy the view. By the way, the hotel lobby features a coffee bar and often offers cookies. So, feel free to grab a snack before heading in and learning who Big Murggie is. 

Ride a Bike 

I’m wildly biased since I’ve honeymooned here, but I consider Hilton Head one of DVC’s three most beautiful properties. You’ll want to roam around the place whenever possible.

One of the best ways to do it involves a bit of exercise. You can and should rent a bike here. Hilton Head Island offers plenty of rental equipment beyond bikes. We’re talking about fishing gear, recreational equipment, and more. Note that Disney has recently updated its kayaking rules and recommends launches from Marshall Landing now. 

I recommend the tandem and single bikes because they offer the best views of Hilton Head’s campus. Also, you can ride them to and from the beach house, which is a glorious way to traverse Hilton Head. You’re riding a bike by the beach. How great is that?

Eat, Drink, Golf, and Be Merry

I’ve previously written articles about things to do in Hilton Head. The city seems a bit sleepy, but it hides a vibrant tourist community. This place has evolved into a culinary mecca, with people from the area often competing on Food Network, Gordon Ramsay, and Top Chef competitions. 

Meanwhile, the craft beer craze is in full force in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. So, you’ll have no trouble finding high-quality bars here, as well as some really fun dive bars. As far as nightlife goes, Hilton Head isn’t the best, though.

Why is that? All the tourists get up early to play golf instead. Per capita, you’d be hard-pressed to find another city on the East Coast with more golf than Hilton Head. Tennis is wildly popular here as well, giving you two excellent recreational activities when you leave the hotel. Frankly, there’s a ton to do in this area, more than you could possibly do during a weeklong vacation.

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