Want amazing views with your meal? Here are 10 of the best waterfront restaurants in Hilton Head

It’s no secret that Hilton Head Island is full of beautiful views from its shoreline.

Whether you are a local resident or just visiting, many diners try to find local restaurants with the best views, especially for when the sun begins to set.

If you’re looking for the best places to catch a glimpse of the local scenery, here are some of the best waterfront restaurants on Hilton Head Island.

Coast

Coast, Oceanfront Dining is a beachfront establishment on Hilton Head Island in Sea Pines that offers guests stunning ocean views and an outdoor patio to enjoy the salty sea breeze. The popular establishment can be found at the Sea Pines Resort and is open to the public daily.

Coast’s Lowcountry menu features a variety of local seafood, a raw bar, cocktails and more while guests also enjoy the nearby live music at this family-friendly restaurant. Although reservations are recommended, attire while attending the locale can be casual. The 2023 “Travelers’ Choice Award” receiver can be reached by phone at 843-842-1888, but reservations can also be made online for your convenience.

Skull Creek Boathouse

Skull Creek Boathouse offers a waterfront experience with scenic views of Skull Creek, a relaxed atmosphere, an indoor sushi bar, local seafood, multiple dining areas, an outdoor bar and sunset views.

Guests are urged not to leave The Boathouse without trying the salt and vinegar crab cakes, according to Southern Living.

The popular restaurant is located at 397 Squire Pope Road and is open daily.

Ocean Lounge

Ocean Lounge is a wonderful choice with coastal views for anyone over 21 years old. Here, guests have the opportunity to take in the scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean from the second floor of the Sea Pines Beach Club at the Ocean Lounge restaurant, which is open daily from 4 to 9 p.m.

The establishment is only open to adults 21 years old and older, where attendees may enjoy a full dinner menu from Coast, Oceanfront Dining in an upscale dining destination admired by locals and guests for its captivating scenery and extensive bourbon list, detailed Ocean Lounge’s website.

Guests will be able to make a selection from more than three dozen bourbons, a collection of cognacs and cordials, as well as gins, ryes, single malt scotches, blended scotches, whiskeys, tequilas and mescals.

Quarterdeck

The Quarterdeck is a favorite staple for many who frequently visit Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island. The destination restaurant can be found in Harbour Town next to the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse and offers waterfront dining, sunset views, a restaurant, a first-floor bar and dining area as well as a rooftop oyster bar with 270-degree views of Harbour Town and Calibogue Sound.

Quarterdeck is open daily from 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. with bar service from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Live entertainment is seasonal from 4 to 7 p.m. Reservations are recommended.

A partial look at the Quarterdeck restaurant and the base of the Harbour Town Lighthouse in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island, SC.
A partial look at the Quarterdeck restaurant and the base of the Harbour Town Lighthouse in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island, SC.

Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks

Hudson’s is located at 1 Hudson Road on Hilton Head and is open daily from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Sundays.

Diners get the opportunity to experience scenic, waterfront views of Port Royal Sound at this iconic seafood joint, which has been around for over 50 years.

The establishment uses local fishing fleets on Hilton Head Island to bring in freshly caught seafood straight from the docks to the table and has been serving locals and tourists alike for over 50 years. Over 90% of their seafood comes from fishing boats that fish local waters for some of the freshest seafood available

Hilton Head Social Bakery

Hilton Head Social Bakery originated at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina with waterfront views and later opened a second site near the Sea Pines Circle following the high demand and adoration for the locale.

The bakery is owned and operated by award-winning French chef Philippe Feret and serves a variety of camera-ready pastries, desserts and breakfast items. Day-to-day hours of operation vary by location.

Fishcamp on Broad Creek

Fishcamp on Broad Creek allows guests to have the option to enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner at this historic waterfront setting.

Located at 11 Simmons Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. Fishcamp on Broad Creek has bonuses that the whole family can enjoy such as seasonal, outdoor live music, oyster roasts and other family-friendly games and entertainment throughout the year.

Bistro 17

Bistro 17 is a standout waterfront locale along for its view of Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. The popular locale is open Monday through Saturday and offers both lunch and dinner menus.

Sunset Grille

Sunset Grille is a casual, waterfront fine dining restaurant established in 1996. Guests can enjoy lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch at the establishment voted by Garden & Gun magazine as having one of the best Bloody Marys in the South.

Sunset Grille offers sunset and water views perfect for a romantic fine dining experience. It’s located at the Hilton Head Harbor Marina on the Intracoastal Waterway and overlooks Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The Crazy Crab Jarvis Creek

The Crazy Crab Jarvis Creek provides waterfront views of Jarvis Creek. The establishment offers multiple seafood options for guests with their snow crab legs winning several local awards over the years. They host an onsite playground, a large saltwater fish tank, live music and crab races during the summer, with views of Lowcountry sunsets.

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating available. Outside you’ll find an expansive deck which is also pet-friendly.

The Crazy Crab Jarvis Creek is located at 104 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. The Crazy Crab has another location on the island as well, located in the Sea Pines community of Harbour Town, which can be found at 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928.