Pre-Arrival Checklist
Get Ready for Hilton Head!
Get ready for your vacation on Hilton Head Island with this pre-arrival checklist from the pros! From transportation to activities, maximize your vacation by following these pre-arrival steps.
- Book airport transfer by cab or shuttle
- Order grocery delivery
- Reserve bikes, paddle boards, or surf boards
- Book tee times, reserving pickleball courts, or tennis courts
- Secure dinner reservations
- Schedule activities like boating, fishing charters or dolphin cruises
Bike Rentals
Hilton Head offers an extensive network of bike paths all over the island. Paired with firm-packed sand and gorgeous beaches, Hilton Head is a beach cruiser paradise. Book your bikes well in advance so they are ready for your arrival. Unisex bikes can be added to any Beachside Getaway order. Contact Forest Beach Surf and Cycle directly for your biking gear.
Paddle Boarding & Surfing: Hilton Head waterways offer surfing and paddle boarding opportunities. Small waves make for a great learning experience for surfers and a variety of water ways allow for unique paddle boarding experiences. For your watersport needs for stand-up paddle boarding and surfing rentals, Forest Beach Surf & Cycle can also help. Click on these links to book surf lessons, surf boards, paddle lessons, or paddleboard rentals on Hilton Head during your vacation on Hilton Head.
Dinner Reservations
Hilton Head has been on the food scene for years! With Southern roots, Gullah heritage, an abundance of seafood in our waters, you are likely to dine well at all price points on Hilton Head. Make sure to make a reservation! Visit our dining page to see all of our dining recommendations on HHI.
Book Tee Times and Court Times
To guarantee your favorite course, book tee times well in advance! Here are some popular ones:
Harbour Town Golf is one of the most prestigious golf courses in the South, home of the RBC Heritage PGA Tour Tournament, this golf course requires that you book in advance.
Robert Trent Jones – Located in Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head, this highly-sought after golf course requires reservations.
Palmetto Dunes Racquet Club – Though this pickleball and tennis court mecca has a lot of courts, they fill up quickly especially if you want an early time before it gets too hot. Make sure to claim the early-morning court times for tennis or pickleball, before it gets too hot!
Schedule Food Delivery
Order groceries! Lowcountry Grocery Delivery has been your exclusive vacation home grocery service in Hilton Head for 17 years! Since their inception, they have been providing concierge-level grocery delivery to HHI & Daufuskie. Place the order on their online store, they will deliver to the vacation rental, and the best part? They will unpack your groceries before you arrive. Unlike Instacart, they will coordinate with Beachside Getaway to gain access to your rental before you arrive and even put it away for you.
What a great way to start your vacation!
Book Your Water Activities
The Intercoastal Waterway surrounding Hilton Head Island should not be missed and is a great alternative to being outside and in the sun, but not being on the beach. Plus, you get to see Hilton Head from another perspective and are almost guaranteed to see wildlife like dolphins! Book your fishing charter, dinner cruise, dolphin cruise, boat rental, sailing rental, kayak rental or cruise to Daufuskie or Savannah before you arrive. Visit our “Recommended Things to Do” for more information.
Our favorite boats:- The Shadow at South Beach
- Vagabond Cruises
- Off the Hook Charters
Reserve Cab Service
Book airport transportation by cab or shuttle. If you are flying into either Hilton Head Airport (HHH) or Savannah/Hilton Head Airport (SAV) and you are not renting a car, it is a good idea to book a cab or shuttle service in advance. Cabs are not always available at the airport and Uber can be very unreliable off-hours around our area. Both airports have witnessed a dramatic increase in demand over the last few years. Due to this increase, you need to plan ahead!
Our favorites: Yellow Transportation of Hilton Head and Diamond Transportation.
Surfing
Surf lessons and board rentals. Hilton Head isn’t known for big waves, which is great for those looking to learn! Call to schedule a lesson with a local professional or schedule a time for a board to be dropped off at your rental to use at your leisure.
Reach out to Forest Beach Surf and Cycle for rentals and lessons.