Have Some Fun Even When the Sun Doesn’t Shine!
While enjoying your stay on Hilton Head Island, you may find yourself with a rainy day situation. There are those brave souls who don’t mind walking on the beach while it’s raining (provided there’s no thunder), but here are a few ideas in the off chance that you’d prefer to explore other, dry options.
The traditional approach to rainy days is simply to stay indoors. If you are staying at one of the dozens of resorts, more than likely there are activities scheduled around the weather forecast. Many restaurants and shops are rainy day friendly though. You can even dine on a covered porch and enjoy a burger without a single raindrop on your toasted bun. Even if you’re in the mood to avoid the weather entirely, there are several options for rainy day fun in Hilton Head.
Restaurants with Great Indoors
Art Galleries and Museums:
Discover Hilton Head’s art scene or learn about the Island’s past and its flora and fauna.
Fun Experiences:
Harbour Town Lighthouse
Climb 114 steps of the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse to panoramic views, delve into maritime history at the museum, and shop for unique souvenirs.
Salty Dog Cafe
Grab a bite to eat under the awning or dine inside and enjoy the cool AC. Known as one of Hilton Head’s favorite dining experiences with food the whole family can enjoy. Don’t forget to pick up your souvenir Salty Dog T-shirt!
Sea Love Candle Bar and Boutique
A fun and interactive experience, you can discover the magic of scent by exploring 100+ fragrances and creating your own candle.
Movies:
Park Plaza Cinema
Whether you’re searching for evening entertainment or dodging summer showers in the afternoon, Park Plaza Cinema is the place to be. You can grab a bite to eat before or after the show at Parlez-Vous Lounge & Cine’-Cafe’.
Northridge Cinema
It’s no secret that the best movies are released as summer blockbusters; don’t miss out on the big premieres while you’re on vacation. Relax and enjoy the movie with state-of-the-art electronic recliners, complete with light-up cup-holders! Northridge Cinema offers FREE family-approved movies for children and families on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings.
Coligny Theatre
Coligny Theatre is Hilton Head Island’s first movie theatre and the only one specializing in “Art House” films by independent producers aimed at an upscale audience. The theatre has since expanded to become a general event space hosting many concerts and productions.
Get a mani-pedi:
A rainy day is a perfect excuse for a mani-pedi on Hilton Head. Here are a few good options that are open today:
- The Nail Studio – A boutique salon in The Village at Wexford with a calm atmosphere. It’s especially well-reviewed for gel manicures and pedicures, and appointments are recommended.
- Elegant Nails and Spa LLC – Known for relaxing pedicures, good massages, and a clean, welcoming environment. Great if you’re looking for a dependable classic mani-pedi. Located at 1 New Orleans Rd.
- Nail Talk and Spa – One of the larger salons on the Island with a wide range of pedicure options, nail art, and spa services. Open later than many others. Located at South Island Square Shopping Center.
- Le Spa of Sea Pines – If you’d rather have more of a spa-day experience, this is a relaxing choice with manicure and pedicure services in The Shoppes at Sea Pines Center. 71 Lighthouse Rd., #613. (843) 363-6000.
- Spa Soleil – Located in the Hilton Beachfront Resort and Spa Hilton Head Island beachfront resort, offering nail services in a more luxurious spa setting if you want to make a day of it.
Shopping:
Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina Shopping
Peruse a wide array of boutique shops all along the covered Shelter Cove Harbour promenade.
Coligny Plaza
Located in the heart of the south end of Hilton Head Island is Coligny Plaza, a shopping center the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re in search of the perfect souvenir or a delicious ice cream cone, this covered shopping center will keep you dry even when afternoon showers hit.
Shelter Cove Towne Centre Shopping
For the ultimate Shelter Cove Towne Centre shopping experience, start with their anchor department store Belk, and then make your way down Towne Centre Drive, where you’ll find an array of specialty shops and boutiques filled with classic fashion, casual couture, art, jewelry, technology, sports wear and gear, health supplements and supplies, and coastal living accoutrements.
Tanger Outlets
A 15-minute drive off Hilton Head Island will land you in the center of some of the best outlet shopping at the Tanger Outlets 1 and 2. Whether you need some new surf shorts or a great discount on back-to-school clothes, this is the place to be. Don’t lose a day of fun to the rain, walk around under covered walkways to your favorite stores.
