Dreaming of the perfect family beach vacation? Look no further than Hilton Head Island. This charming South Carolina destination, while compact and easy to navigate, is brimming with activities and experiences that will delight both children and adults. From expansive beaches ideal for sandcastle building and bike rides to exciting off-beach adventures like summer fireworks, live music venues, and thrilling watersports, Hilton Head offers something for everyone. Crucially, the island boasts a fantastic selection of hotels and resorts designed with families in mind, providing spacious accommodations and convenient access to all the beach town action. If you’re ready to start planning an unforgettable getaway, discover seven of the best Hilton Head Resorts For Families that are highly recommended.
1. The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
Alt text: The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa aerial view showcasing the pool complex and beachfront location, perfect for family vacations.
Best for: Families seeking an upscale, beachfront experience on Hilton Head Island.
Why stay here: The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa seamlessly blends coastal elegance with warm Southern hospitality. Guests can indulge in farm-to-table and sea-to-table dining experiences, relax at three stunning outdoor pools, rejuvenate at the full-service spa, and enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities including bike rentals and engaging poolside games.
Key Features:
- Direct beach access to Folly Field Beach
- Three outdoor swimming pools
- Full-service Heavenly Spa by Westin™
- Multiple dining options with fresh, local cuisine
- Westin Family Kids Club and family activities
- Bike rentals and beach equipment available
Accommodation Options: Standard guest rooms comfortably accommodate families of four with king or queen beds, hardwood floors, and private balconies. Connecting rooms are available for larger families needing extra space.
Dining: Four on-site dining venues cater to every taste, from a hearty breakfast buffet to casual oceanfront dining.
Activities: Beyond the beach and pools, families can enjoy bike rides along the shore, explore the island, or participate in resort-organized activities.
Booking Information: For the best rates and packages, book directly through Marriott or utilize your preferred credit card travel portal.
Located on the quieter northern end of Hilton Head near Folly Field Beach, The Westin offers a serene beachfront setting. Private beach access, complete with chair, umbrella, and bike rentals, ensures a relaxed beach day. A large bin of beach toys and boogie boards is a thoughtful touch for families. The resort’s three pools are conveniently located near the beach access, allowing for easy transitions between the pool and the ocean.
2. Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
Alt text: Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort exterior showcasing beachfront access, palm trees, and resort grounds ideal for family beach vacations.
Best for: Families seeking a beachfront getaway with a wide array of on-site activities beyond the beach.
Why stay here: Situated within the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort Community, the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort provides access to a wealth of amenities, including golf, tennis, and shopping. Onsite, enjoy championship golf courses, a full-service spa, family pools, and a kids’ splash pad.
Key Features:
- Located in Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort Community
- Three championship golf courses
- Full-service spa
- Two family pools and a splash pad
- Private beach access with rentals available
- Omni Kids Crew program
Accommodation Options: Studio suites and traditional suites are perfectly suited for families, featuring private balconies, spacious layouts, kitchenettes, and dining areas. Luxury suites accommodating up to six guests are also available.
Dining: From the upscale HH Prime steakhouse to casual options like Palmetto Market and the beachfront Breeze bar and cafe, diverse dining experiences await. Kids receive a special Omni Junior Chefs welcome amenity at check-in.
Activities: Beyond the beach, families can enjoy golf, tennis, swimming, explore Palmetto Dunes, and participate in the Omni Kids Crew program.
Booking Information: Book directly through Omni for the best rates and package deals.
The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort offers seamless access to the broader Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort Community, enriching your family vacation with even more options for recreation and relaxation. The resort itself features two family pools, a dedicated splash pad for children, and private beach access where rentals and beach necessities are readily available.
3. Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
Alt text: Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort exterior showcasing lodge architecture and marshland setting, offering a unique Disney family vacation experience.
Best for: Families who desire the magic of Disney woven into their beach vacation.
Why stay here: Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort delivers the renowned Disney experience in a unique coastal setting. Situated on the marshy banks of Broad Creek, it’s a short drive or bike ride to the beach, offering a blend of South Carolina’s natural beauty and Disney’s exceptional service.
Key Features:
- Disney-themed resort experience
- Located on Broad Creek, near the beach
- Character meet-and-greets
- Mickey-shaped treats and Dole Whip available
- Pool access at the resort and Disney’s Beach House
- Daily activities and entertainment for kids
Accommodation Options: Ranging from studio suites to spacious two-bedroom villas, accommodations cater to various family sizes. Studios offer kitchenettes, while villas feature full kitchens, living areas, and laundry facilities.
Dining: Enjoy Disney-themed treats and classic favorites alongside local flavors.
Activities: Disney’s signature activities including character encounters, games, crafts, trivia, and campfires ensure kids are always entertained. Access to both resort pools and Disney’s Beach House pools expands swimming options.
Booking Information: Book directly through Disney or explore DVC rental sites like David’s Vacation Club Rentals for potential savings.
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort transports the enchantment of Disney to the serene landscape of Hilton Head. Themed as a 1940s-style lodge on Broad Creek, it provides a tranquil Lowcountry setting while remaining conveniently close to the beach (approximately a five-minute drive). This unique location allows families to appreciate both the peaceful tidal creek and the nearby Atlantic Ocean.
4. The Sea Pines Resort
Alt text: The Sea Pines Resort aerial view featuring Harbour Town Lighthouse, golf courses, beachfront, and extensive resort grounds, perfect for diverse family activities.
Best for: Families seeking spacious accommodations and comprehensive resort amenities that create a home-away-from-home experience.
Why stay here: The Sea Pines Resort is a sprawling 5,000-acre community offering everything a family needs for a complete vacation, from shopping and dining to boat tours and a private beach club.
Key Features:
- 5,000-acre resort community
- Three golf courses
- Beach club
- Harbour Town Lighthouse
- Boat tours and watersports rentals
- Extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment options
- Variety of accommodation types
Accommodation Options: From standard hotel rooms at The Inn & Club at Harbour Town to multi-bedroom vacation rental homes with private pools and beach access, Sea Pines offers diverse lodging to suit every family’s needs and preferences.
Dining: A wide range of dining options are available throughout the resort community.
Activities: The resort boasts an impressive array of activities including golf, beach access, boat tours, watersports, a pool complex, horse stables, cycling and walking trails, and exploring Harbour Town.
Booking Information: Book directly through Sea Pines Resort for the best rates and package deals.
The Sea Pines Resort transcends the typical beachfront hotel, offering a vast 5,000-acre community designed to provide all the comforts of home, along with many luxurious extras. It’s a destination in itself, where families could easily spend their entire vacation without leaving the resort grounds.
5. Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
Alt text: Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island exterior showcasing lush landscaping, pool area, and resort architecture, ideal for a relaxing family beach vacation.
Best for: Families seeking a charming oceanfront stay with convenient access to Hilton Head Island’s attractions.
Why stay here: Centrally located, the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island provides easy access to shopping, dining, and recreation. On-site, enjoy a large pool, comfortable rooms, and excellent dining.
Key Features:
- Central location near Coligny Plaza and Coligny Beach Park
- Zero-entry lagoon-style pool
- Full-service Arum Spa
- Multiple on-site restaurants
- Fitness center
- Free trolley service to Coligny Plaza
Accommodation Options: Guest rooms feature refined details, comfortable furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, and private patios or balconies. Garden or ocean view rooms are available.
Dining: Three on-site restaurants provide diverse dining experiences.
Activities: Families can enjoy the resort’s pool, spa, and fitness center, explore nearby Coligny Plaza and Coligny Beach Park via the free trolley, or utilize the shuttle to Shipyard Plantation.
Booking Information: Book directly with Sonesta for the best rates and packages.
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island is situated in a vibrant area of the island, close to popular destinations like Coligny Plaza Shopping Center and Coligny Beach Park. Despite its proximity to Hilton Head’s hotspots, the resort offers a relaxing retreat with its lagoon-style pool and on-site amenities.
6. Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
Alt text: Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort aerial view highlighting villas, lagoon system, golf courses, and beachfront, perfect for family-friendly villa vacations.
Best for: Families who prefer vacation villas with home-like comforts over traditional hotel rooms.
Why stay here: Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort fosters an upscale beach town atmosphere with a wide range of amenities and activities, making it a favorite destination for repeat family vacations.
Key Features:
- 2,000-acre resort area
- Vacation villas, condos, and home rentals
- Three golf courses
- Tennis and pickleball courts
- Pools
- Shopping and restaurants
- Lagoon system for kayaking and canoeing
Accommodation Options: Families can choose from villas, condos, or home rentals with up to six bedrooms, offering ample space and home-style amenities.
Dining: Various dining options are available throughout the resort.
Activities: Enjoy golf, tennis, pickleball, swimming, shopping, dining, beach activities, dolphin-spotting boat tours from Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, and exploring the lagoon system by kayak or canoe. Guests receive discounts on shopping and dining and preferred access to amenities.
Booking Information: Book directly with Palmetto Dunes for the best rates and packages.
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is a sprawling 2,000-acre destination that families love to return to year after year. Encompassing oceanfront, lagoons, and woodlands, it creates a diverse and engaging environment for a family vacation.
7. Beach House Hilton Head Island
Alt text: Beach House Hilton Head Island exterior showcasing colorful beachfront buildings, palm trees, and laid-back beach vibe for family relaxation.
Best for: Families seeking a hotel with a relaxed, laid-back beach vibe.
Why stay here: For the ultimate in beach relaxation and fun in the sun, Beach House Hilton Head Island is the ideal choice. Embrace the beachfront locale with coastal decor, beach access, a lagoon pool, and a tiki bar with live music.
Key Features:
- Laid-back beach atmosphere
- Beachfront access
- Lagoon-style pool
- Tiki bar with live music
- Outdoor yoga classes
- Coastal decor
Accommodation Options: Standard rooms and spacious Jr. Suites and Family Jr. Suites with bunk beds cater to different family sizes. All rooms feature private patios and coastal-inspired decor.
Dining: Enjoy casual dining and frozen drinks at the tiki bar and other on-site options.
Activities: Relax on the beach, swim in the lagoon pool, enjoy outdoor yoga, and soak in the live music at the tiki bar.
Booking Information: Book directly with Beach House Hilton Head Island for the best rates and packages.
If your family is looking for a quintessential beach getaway with a focus on relaxation and beachfront fun, Beach House Hilton Head Island delivers. Its charming coastal decor and relaxed atmosphere perfectly complement its prime beachfront location.
