Where to Watch The Sunset on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island Sunsets

 Do you want to know where the best place to watch the sunset is on Hilton Head Island? There are a few places to be in the golden hour on HHI. Read on! 

Did you know that during a sunset, the light from the sun must pass through a greater area of the atmosphere, which results in an even greater scattering of blue light? And that because red has the longest wavelength of visible light, a greater proportion of red light reaches the Earth, thus making the sun and sky appear red in color? Well, you do now. And these vibrant swaths and hues of red, as well as other colors, set a soulful tone for the ending of our day. Equal parts awe-inspiring and energizing (in a peaceful way), sunsets are a nightly reminder that the best things in life are in fact free. Hilton Head, in particular, offers a beautiful backdrop to appreciating the sun setting. We asked locals about their favorite spots and compiled a short list of visually stunning hotspots for you.

The Quarterdeck or Hudson’s Seafood

The newly renovated Quarterdeck in Harbour Town is a tasty, as well as thirst-quenching, option for watching the sunset, especially if you can score primo seating outside. Plus, because the Quarterdeck overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway, you will see an array of watercraft, from yachts to fishing boats to cruisers, pass by.

For an old-school option, you have to go to Hudson’s Seafood. This north-end Island mainstay serves up Lowcountry classics like fresh from the fryer hushpuppies and seafood gumbo, as well as a hearty serving of salt of the earth people — from local fishermen to Hudson regulars to visitors enjoying their stay on Hilton Head.

South Beach

Hilton Head’s beaches are award-winning but most locals will say the best place to set up your beach chair and get your feet a little sandy is South Beach. Some people were even very specific and identified mile marker zero as the quintessential Hilton Head sunset viewing location. Anywhere along the coastline, you are likely to see a dolphin or two breaching the water, a Kamikaze pelican splash-landing into the water, or a carefree kid frolicking in the water.

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

What makes watching a sunset on Pinckney Island so special is the fact that you will also experience how the Lowcountry’s natural wildlife responds to dusk. Whether it is a hoot of an owl from a faraway tree, or a well-camouflaged deer grazing for dinner, or bats darting about the night sky, you get to truly witness nature at work.

On a Boat, Kayak or Paddleboard

Several people also commented on the immersive quality of watching a sunset on a boat, kayak or paddleboard. If you’re visiting the Island, you can rent watercraft or hire a captain or guide from outfitters like Outside Hilton Head and Island Water Sports. If you’re local, chances are you either have or know someone who has a boat, kayak or paddleboard. You do not need to put in much effort, just launch from a dock, marina or landing and sit back and take in the sunset!