Elevate your picnic with no-pack, no-fuss and pick up from some of Hilton Head’s favorites.
There’s something about a picnic on Hilton Head Island that just feels right. Maybe it’s the salty breeze rolling in off the Atlantic, the shaded parks tucked beneath live oaks, or the simple joy of spreading out a blanket with great local food while the sun starts to dip over the marsh. Fortunately, Hilton Head has plenty of restaurants that make grabbing delicious to-go food easy before heading to the beach, a waterfront park, or a quiet, scenic overlook.
Beach-Friendly Favorites
Beach food travels well, requires little setup, keeps utensils and litter to a minimum and pairs perfectly with a beach chair and cooler. And, when you are on Hilton Head, you will most likely go to Coligny Beach at least once, since it is our most popular. So let us help you plan your picnic before you plant your umbrella in the sand.
A great grab-and-go option in Coligny Plaza is Stu’s Surfside Subs. This laid-back sandwich shop is beloved for hearty subs made on house-baked bread. It’s an easy stop before biking to the beach or Lowcountry Celebration Park.
Other Coligny Plaza restaurant to get to-go is The Sandbar Beach Eats. Their “Beach Snacks” menu offers Soft Pretzels with Beer Cheese, Ultimate Mexican Street Corn Dip and Rajun Cajuns, which is bite-sized beef tenderloin marinated and blackened.
Takeout with a Lowcountry View
The Sea Shack is practically legendary among visitors and locals looking for casual seafood to-go. The small no-frills spot is known for generous portions and fast-moving takeout service, making it perfect for a picnic at the mid-island Burkes Beach or at nearby at Chaplin Community Park. Their portable Oyster Po Boy was featured in Only in Your State’s list of 9 sandwiches to try before you die, as well as being given the title of “Beast of the State Seafood” by O Magazine.
For a French twist for your picnic in Shelter Cove Community Park, head next door to the Shelter Cove Towne Centre’s Ditch the brown bag for baguettes with turkey, tuna, or smoked salmon and relax by Broad Creek.
Pizza and BBQ for the Whole Family
Sometimes the best picnic fare is comfort food. Smoky barbecue with Southern comfort classics and wood-fired pizza can really hit the spot and are perfect options for a large group.
Slowcountry BBQ & Grill is a favorite for pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and classic Southern sides. Their “Que To Go” menu options can feed two to eight people with pint and quart-sized sides to share. Slowcountry makes it easy to load up on family-style portions.
Local Pie cooks your pizza at over 800 degrees, guaranteeing the perfect crispy dough, and is similar to a traditional Neapolitan style with light toppings and sauce. Grab one, two, or ten pies with any conceivable topping, so no one goes unsatisfied. And their 10″ folded Wedge Sandwiches keep all of the toppings in the wedge, and not on your tank top. It’s a great choice to take to nearby Crossings Park, located off Arrow Rd. on Helmsman Way.
Perfect Picnic Spots Around Hilton Head
Once you’ve picked up your food, Hilton Head offers no shortage of scenic picnic locations. Coligny Beach is ideal for oceanfront lunches, while Lowcountry Celebration Park combines green space with walking trails and playgrounds for families. Shelter Cove Community Park offers waterfront views and breezy picnic areas, especially around sunset.
For something quieter, Fish Haul Beach Park provides a more natural setting with marsh views and fewer crowds. Another Lowcountry backdrop, Jarvis Creek Park’s oak trees, pavilion and lake views make a relaxing place.
Hilton Head’s laid-back atmosphere makes picnicking feel effortless. With fresh seafood, stacked sandwiches, Southern barbecue, and ocean breezes all within minutes of each other, it’s one of the easiest — and tastiest — ways to enjoy the island.
