The Best Dock And Dine Restaurants On Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Only boaters understand the unique joy of docking at a trendy, waterfront restaurant and grabbing a bite. There are few greater pleasures than easing into a dock after a day of cruising and enjoying a meal alfresco

If you haven’t joined the dock and dine club, trust us when we say you’ll want to, especially on Hilton Head Island, a veritable boater’s paradise.

Whether you’re on a date, dining out with family and friends, or a local looking for a place to eat dockside, Hilton Head Island has something for everyone.

Want to take your boat date to dinner but aren’t exactly sure where to start? No worries. Below is a list of the best dock and dine restaurants on Hilton Head Island.

While some restaurants offer complimentary onsite docking, others are situated at or near marinas where you can dock for a fee. Call ahead for details.

Boathouse Dock

Docking: These restaurants offer complimentary onsite dockage to diners along with spectacular views.

 

Skull Creek Boathouse

You’ll likely want to linger for hours at Skull Creek Boathouse thanks to the scenic location (on the banks of Skull Creek) and fun ambiance.

The Boathouse is known for having some of the best seafood on the island. Apart from multiple dining areas, there’s also an indoor sushi bar with raw oysters, ceviche, and sashimi, and an outdoor bar with Adirondack chairs and killer sunset views. Don’t leave without trying the famed salt and vinegar crab cakes.

Skull Creek Boathouse
397 Squire Pope Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 681-3663
www.skullcreekboathouse.com/ 

Skull Creek Dockside 

Enjoy the breathtaking views of Hilton Head Island and Skull Creek in a family-friendly environment. Menu items include premium seafood, prime steaks, BBQ and daily specials as well as an extensive wine list.

The restaurant, which resembles an old-style river house, is full of reclaimed wood and nautical accents. The covered patio dining area and large outdoor bar, The Sharkbar, allows diners to enjoy the lowcountry climate and amazing sunset views of Skull Creek. 

Skull Creek Dockside
2 Hudson Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 785-3625
https://docksidehhi.com/ 

Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks 

With history dating back to 1912, Hudson’s is a fixture on Hilton Head Island’s culinary scene. Originally an oyster factory and seafood processing plant, more than 90% of its seafood is caught locally, much of it by Hudson’s own fishermen, shrimpers, and crabbers. Stone crabs, white shrimp, and oysters are likely to be just hours old.

Always order the specials, which can change multiple times a day depending on what’s being unloaded from the boats. 

Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks
1 Hudson Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 681-2772
www.hudsonsonthedocks.com 

Broad Creek Marina

Docking: This scenic marina on Broad Creek has 53 wet slips, two of them able to accommodate 100-foot vessels.

Fishcamp on Broad Creek 

This historic waterfront setting is magnificent surrounded by ancient moss-draped oaks, old fishing boats, and outdoor seating by the Creek.

Don’t sleep on the lightly battered Calamari and pickles served crisp with zesty lemon aioli and spicy tomato sauce. Another winner is the Daufuskie Blue Crab Cake made with lump blue crab, slaw, fire roasted red pepper remoulade, and topped with crispy thin potatoes.

The setting, service, and food makes for one memorable dinner on the creek.

Fishcamp on Broad Creek

1 Simmons Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 842-2267
https://www.fishcamphhi.com/

Up the Creek Pub & Grill 

Up the Creek Pub & Grill offers casual waterfront dining with a deck that overlooks the waterfront, marshes, and the daily parade of boats.

It’s a family-friendly restaurant with affordable prices. Must-try menu items include seafood, smoked wings, salads, beer selection, and the famous Creek Burger

Up the Creek Pub & Grill
18 Simmons Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 681-3625
www.upthecreekpubandgrill.com 

Harbour Town Yacht Basin

Dock: Designed in 1969 with Italy in mind, the world class docking spot boasts 100 slips and easy access to The Sea Pines Resort. Call ahead to reserve dockage.

CQ’s 

CQ’s located in easy-to-find romantic Harbour Town, and is itself harbored in a beautifully restored inn. The restaurant offers friendly and thoughtful service, a wine- and food-knowledgeable staff, a creative menu, fine cuisine, and a cozy bar area.

Dine on a menu brimming with seafood, steaks, and other dishes inspired by regional flavors.

 CQ’s

140 Lighthouse Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 671-2779
www.cqsrestaurant.com 

Quarterdeck 

Long a favorite destination for food and views in Sea Pines, Quarterdeck underwent a complete renovation in early 2022 with a new nautical menu and decor, as well as 270 degree views, a rooftop oyster bar, and the Quarterdeck Market, which features a raw seafood market and grab-and-go items. Fresh local shrimp shines here.

 Quarterdeck

160 Lighthouse Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 842-1999
www.seapines.com/dining/restaurants-bars/quarterdeck 

Harbourside 

Harbourside is an outdoor, seasonal operation serving up burgers, hot dogs, steamed seafood, brews, kiddie mocktails, and more.

Harbourside
147 Lighthouse Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 842-1444
www.seapines.com/dining/restaurants-bars/harbourside

 

 Crazy Crab Harbour Town 

The mighty crab takes centerstage at this restaurant with a stunning view of Harbour Town Marina. Other seafood favorites like oysters, shellfish, and lobster are delicious, but the crab legs are the highlight. Meaty alternatives are available, and don’t miss the Cajun seasoned fried gator bites. 

Crazy Crab Harbour Town
149 Lighthouse Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 363-2722
thecrazycrab.com 

Shelter Cove Marina

Docking: 178 boat slips for boats up to 145 feet in length. Call ahead to reserve dockage.

ELA’s on the Water 

This award winning restaurant with exceptional Shelter Cove views features fresh catch seafood, prime steaks, and a sophisticated atmosphere.

The wine offerings are impressive and the extensive food menu doesn’t make it easy to choose but that’s where a helpful, knowledgeable server makes the difference.

If you’re looking for a fine dining restaurant in Shelter Cove Marina, ELA’s is your place

 ELA’s on the Water

1 Shelter Cove Lane
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 785-3030
www.elasgrille.com 

Hilton Head Social Bakery 

After a long walk on one of Hilton Head’s pristine beaches, you can reward yourself with a truly Parisian pastry experience. Chef Philippe Feret has polished his culinary skills at some of the world’s finest restaurants (Taillevent, Tavern on the Green, and Windows on the World to name a few).

Indulge in chocolate chip brioche, croissants, fruit tarts, fougasse, baked baguettes, and artisan breads. Savory crepes, croque-monsieur, and quiche make for a perfect brunch or lunch. Amazing coffee drinks for when you need a pick-me-up. 

Hilton Head Social Bakery
17 Harborside Lane
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 715-3349
www.hiltonheadsocialbakery.com 

San Miguel’s 

Laid-back festive Mexican cantina with an outdoor bar & deck overlooking the marina plus live music. Known for its margaritas and affordable prices, this is a place to spend some relaxing time enjoying friends and family and great food. 

San Miguel’s
9 Harbourside Lane
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 842-4555
www.sanmiguels.com 

Scott’s Fish Market Restaurant & Bar 

Seafood grill items with island spice served in a marina-side spot with a sprawling outdoor deck. 

Scott’s Fish Market Restaurant & Bar
17 Harbourside Lane
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 785-7575
www.scottsfishmarket.com 

Hilton Head Harbor Marina

Docking: This marina has 101 slips and 126 feet of transient docking on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Sunset Grille 

Established in 1996, Sunset Grille is a casual fine dining restaurant that has remained as one of the island’s most popular dining destinations. Celebrated Bloody Marys, scrumptious shrimp and grits, upscale Southern fare, and a thoroughly curated wine list make for refined waterfront dining.

Sunset Grille features one of the best sunset and water views on Hilton Head Island. And locals eat here too, so you know it’s good. 

Sunset Grille
43 Jenkins Island Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 689-6744
www.sunsetgrillehhi.com 

Palmetto Bay Marina

Docking: 140 boating slips, can accommodate boats up to 150 feet. Deepest marina on Hilton Island.

Black Marlin Bayside Grill and the Black Marlin Hurricane Bar 

Whatever you do, be sure to try a cup of the seafood chowder at the Black Marlin Bayside Grill; it’s what they’re known for. The fish tacos are delicious too, although the expansive menu also includes seafood entrees, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and various pastas.

There’s ample indoor and outdoor seating. Make sure you have a cocktail at the popular Hurricane Bar. 

Black Marlin Bayside Grill
86 Helmsman Way
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 785-4950
blackmarlinhhi.com 

Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe 

If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then a stop at Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe is essential. It’s a charming neighborhood spot that is easily one of the best breakfast spots on Hilton Head Island.

Everything is from scratch on site, and they have been feeding the morning masses for decades. Be prepared for a wait, but we promise it’s well worth it.

Pro tip: Try the crab cake benedict. 

Palmetto bay Sunrise Cafe
86 Helmsman Way
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 686-3232
www.palmettobaysunrisecafe.com 

 

Carolina Crab Company 

Located in Palmetto Bay Marina, Carolina Crab Company offers excellent seafood in one of the original fishing marinas on Hilton Head Island. A cozy and intimate spot, the menu offers an array of seafood  from light and healthy to Southern fried.

Carolina Crab Company
86 Helmsman Way
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 842-2016
www.carolinacrabco.com

Final Thoughts 

No one can argue that sunning yourself on the deck of a boat beats sweating in traffic. And throwing a line over a cleat beats trolling the streets for a parking spot. Dock-and-dine restaurant service has its perks. Luckily for visitors and locals, Hilton Head Island’s waterways have a number of lovely places to drop anchor and have a bite to eat. Nearly anywhere there’s water, there’s a restaurant with a dining room just steps from the dock.