Hilton Head Island: Our Family Vacation

This was our second year traveling to Hilton Head Island, SC for a family vacation and we are already planning to go again next year! We've now stayed twice at the SeaCrest hotel and it's the perfect location, right on the beach and across the street from Coligny Plaza where there are a variety of shops and restaurants. There is the cutest street just outside the grounds with gorgeous private beach homes that makes for a nice morning walk after grabbing coffee from Caretta Coffee. 

Our favorite family attractions are a short drive away in nearby Sea Pines and you can even rent bikes to get there. My sister left her phone at the Quarter Deck in Harbor Town, a restaurant right underneath a lighthouse with gorgeous sunset views of the marina and the Calibogue Sound. So we decided to bike back to get it the next afternoon and it was so much we did it again the next day with my dad, Chris and Fallon in tow! There are child seats and "princess houses" as Fallon called hers for little ones to enjoy the ride too. The scenery is beautiful and you may even spot a gator or two! We rode to The Salty Dog for a late lunch/early dinner but they have live music in the evening and some cute shops right next door. 

I think our favorite family friendly restaurant would have to be Coast. It's beautiful and looks like a pretty fancy place but there's an outdoor bar with beach access and you will find most people dressed casually. There is also live music, which Fallon loved dancing to and a great menu full of choices for everyone. A close second favorite is Skull Creek Boathouse which arguably has the best views in town. I love the twinkle lights strung under the big trees and the tables all look out onto the water. Fallon was most impressed by the light up cup that came with her kiddie meal!

But if hanging around the hotel is really your thing, you also will not be disappointed. The SeaCrest has 2 pools and a hot tub on beautiful grounds and direct beach access. We have taken both of our trips in late September, outside of the busy season, and really enjoyed the smaller crowd. There weren't so many people we were fighting for seats at the pool but not so few that it felt odd to be the only ones around. If it's possible I would especially recommend going around this time with little ones. It can be hectic enough just traveling with kids and it worked out nicely having a few kiddos around for Fallon to play with but so many that it was overwhelming. 

We had such a great time and made so many memories we will all fondly look back on for years to come. Getting back to reality is always a little rough but we are already looking forward next year's trip!