Hilton Head Island beach vacation is the ultimate escape, offering the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and beauty. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a romantic retreat, golf with your buddies, a pickleball or tennis escape, or a solo adventure, we have compiled the ultimate list of what you should bring on your trip. As vacation experts on Hilton Head Island, these tried-and-true products are tested by real vacationers. Some recommendations will depend on your mode of transportation, but let this list serve as a checklist for your creating your perfect vacation on Hilton Head Island.
Packing for Your Hilton Head Island Vacation
What You Need for a Perfect Beach Vacation
Car Travel Items
Hilton Head Island is incredibly accessible by car for many East Coasters, as well as Floridians and Midwesterners, too. I-77 runs North/South and connects to I-26 and I-95, making it Hilton Head Island an easy to get to beach vacation from Ohio, West Virginia, Virgina, Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
Pack up your car and come down to Hilton Head Island. Don’t forget these items for your road trip!
Air Travel Items
Hilton Head Island is accessible by plane with two airports: Hilton Head Island (airport code HHH) and Savannah-Hilton Head International (airport code SAV). When making your airline reservations to Hilton Head Island, consider these items for your journey.
Beach Gear Items
What it is all about – Hilton Head Island offers miles of pristine beaches. With densely packed sand, many people choose to exercise or ride bikes on the beach and of course, beach goers love the ample space and beautiful water. Here are our suggestions for what you need on a beach day!
- Shibumi Shade
- BOGG Bag Extra Large Tote Bag for Beach
- Franklin Starter Bocce Ball Set
- JBL Boombox 2- Waterproof Speaker
- Toddler Water Shoes
- RTIC Portable Cooler
- Mesh Beach Tote (large)
- JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan
- Hooded Towel for Kids
- Waterproof Binocular
- Toss and Catch Ball Game
- JBL Go 4 - Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
- Backpack Cooler
Self Care Items
Whether you are driving or flying, these items can easily stash in your suitcase and are important for a beach vacation to protect yourself from the sun. Hilton Head Island offers plenty of sunshine all year round so no matter the time of year that you are visiting, be sure to protect yourself with these self-care items for the beach.
- Banana Boat 2 Pack SPF 30
- Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm 3 Pack
- Neutrogena Sport Face 70+SPF
- Sun Bum SPF 50 Kids Face Stick
- Banana Boat Kids 2Pack
- Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Gel
- Maui Island Secret After Sun Tan Sealer
- Unisex Wide Brim Straw Hat
- Rainbow Leather Sandals
- Self Care Kit for Women
- Liquid Hydration IV Multiplier
- Makeup remover travel pads
- Travel Journal
- Naturalists Guide To Hilton Head Island
Capture Your Memories
When visiting Hilton Head Island, you are sure to make memories that last a lifetime. Be sure to catch as many as you can using your digital camera or these memory keeper options that we love.
- 2 Pack Disposable Camera
- 3 Pack Underwater Disposable Camera
- FujiFilm INSTAX Mini
- The Best Day Ever Hilton Head Island
- The Mermaid of Hilton Head Island Book
- Hilton Head Island Wildlife Book
- A Short Story of Hilton Head
- 2024-2025 Travel Guide
- Folded Map of Hilton Head Island
- Smells Like Hilton Head Candle
- Hilton Head Island Jigsaw Puzzle
Tennis & Pickleball
Playing tennis or pickleball on Hilton Head Island? There is no shortage of courts available on the Island. Come prepared with your equipment so you don’t waste precious time renting items. Pack these recommendations for your tennis vacation or pickleball vacation on Hilton Head and go!
Golf Items
Hilton Head Island is a golfers paradise with many options from which to choose. There are 29 golf courses on the Island alone: 23 public and 6 private and another 39 golf courses within 20 miles of Hilton Head Island (14 of those are public). Here’s what you will need for your Hilton Head Island golf vacation and what we recommend you pack or bring.
Pool Gear Items
When vacationing on Hilton Head Island when you have your vacation rental with a pool, you may want to consider stocking up on some essential pool floats and pool accessories. Plus, it's all fun in the sun when you have games that please everyone, kids and adults alike! Here are some of our favorite games and pool accessories.