12 AWESOME Things to Do in Hilton Head at Night (Not Just Golf!)

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Sure, Hilton Head’s beaches are packed with sunbathers until sunset. But once those umbrellas fold up? That’s when this island really gets interesting! The beach bars light their tiki torches, fresh seafood hits the grills, and the whole island shifts from lazy day mode to pure Carolina coast magic.

I’ll show you the best things to do in Hilton Head Island at night, from barefoot beach bars to hidden spots where locals gather for the island’s best live music. Let the golf crowd have their early tee times – the real fun starts after dark!

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend this sunset dolphin cruise in Hilton Head! They take you through the scenic salt marsh to spot local dolphins, plus you can bring your own snacks and drinks on board. The 90-minute timing is perfect for capturing stunning Lowcountry sunset photos. This evening cruise is absolutely a must-do on a Hilton Head itinerary in my opinion.

Best Things to Do in Hilton Head Island at Night (Updated 2025)

Are you ready to explore the most unique things to do in Hilton Head at nighttime? As mentioned earlier, there’s a wide range of exciting activities in this Southeast US gem after dark. Keep reading to find where to go in Hilton Head at night.

Whatever you’re planning to do once the sun sets, Hilton Head, one of the top places to live and visit in South Carolina, can accommodate your needs. Here are all the best things to do in Hilton Head at night that you should know about.

1. Party at The Rooftop Bar at Poseidon with fireworks and views

The Rooftop Bar at Poseidon is where you’ll want to spend your Tuesday nights in Hilton Head – that’s when they shoot off fireworks from the rooftop, and honestly, it’s pretty spectacular. I was skeptical about how good the view would be, but this place sits right above Shelter Cove and you can see everything.

The bar opens Wednesday through Saturday starting at 4pm, and their happy hour from 4-7pm is actually worth showing up early for. Wednesday nights they do line dancing and country music, which sounds cheesy but it’s way more fun than you’d expect. Fridays and Saturdays get packed with live music until 11pm, then it turns into a full DJ dance party that goes until 2am.

Show tickets run $10-25 depending on who’s playing, but you have to get dinner too – that’s just how they do it here. The cocktails are solid and the food is better than typical bar fare. I’d recommend getting there right when they open if you want a good spot on the rooftop, especially on fireworks nights.

• Plan your Hilton Head visit: Hilton Head Island Tourism Board

2. Drink beachside at The Tiki Hut with your toes in the sand

The Tiki Hut is literally the only bar sitting directly on the beach in all of Hilton Head, and USA Today voters just ranked it the #3 best beach bar in the country for 2025. That’s not marketing fluff – this place actually delivers on the whole beach bar experience.

They’re open every single day from 10am to 10pm, and here’s what makes it special: they have live music 365 days a year with two different acts daily. I’ve been here when it’s reggae in the afternoon and country at night, and the variety keeps it interesting. The frozen drinks are legitimately good (not just sugary slush), and you can grab $5 Coors Lights if you want something simple.

The food comes in little lunch boxes which is pretty clever since it keeps everything warm in the ocean breeze. Buffalo fries are solid, and the location right at Coligny Beach means you can walk straight from your beach chair to a cold drink. Just expect crowds – this place stays packed for good reason, and finding parking can be a pain during peak hours.

3. Climb Harbour Town Lighthouse for sunset and stargazing

Harbour Town Lighthouse costs $7.50 to climb (kids 5 and under are free), and it’s open daily from 10am until sundown. The 114 steps aren’t too brutal, and each level has different historical displays so you’re not just trudging up stairs.

What surprised me is how much there is to see inside – artifacts from 3000 BC, Civil War photos, and golf memorabilia from the RBC Heritage tournament. The top has a gift shop called “Shop at the Top” which sounds gimmicky but actually has some unique stuff.

The real payoff is the view from the wraparound balcony. You can see the Harbour Town Golf Links 18th hole, Daufuskie Island, and the whole marina spread out below. Sunset up there is legitimately beautiful, and after dark the stars are incredible since you’re away from most of the island’s lights. They even have a live webcam if you want to wave to people back home. Pro tip: get there at least an hour before sunset to avoid the rush and make sure you get your money’s worth.

• Check current hours and special events: Official Harbour Town website

4. Catch live jazz and Southern food at The Jazz Corner

The Jazz Corner has been doing the same thing since 1999, and they’ve got it down to a science. This isn’t some tourist trap – it’s actually considered one of the top jazz clubs in the Southeast, and the musicians they book are legitimately talented.

Shows run at 6:30pm and 9:00pm, with tickets ranging from $10-25 depending on who’s playing. Here’s the catch: you have to order dinner, and reservations fill up fast. I’d call at least a few days ahead, especially for weekend shows. The venue only holds about 65 people, so every seat feels intimate.

The Southern cuisine is better than I expected for a music venue. Their menu changes but the quality stays consistent. What I appreciate is that they actually care about the acoustics – you can hear every note clearly without any of that muffled sound you get at a lot of live venues. If you’re into jazz at all, this place is worth the dinner requirement and the advance planning.

5. Hear live music and try frozen drinks at The Salty Dog Café

The Salty Dog Café has been an island tradition since 1987, and pretty much everyone ends up here at some point. It’s located in South Beach Marina (you’ll pay a $9 gate fee to get into Sea Pines), and they’re open daily from 8am to 10pm with live music every night.

The frozen drinks are their thing, and they’re actually pretty good – not just syrupy tourist traps. Their famous hush puppies are legitimately addictive, and the seafood is fresh since they’re right on the water. I’ve eaten here multiple times and the service is consistently solid, even when they’re slammed.

What makes it special is the setting – you’re literally dining on docks overlooking Braddock’s Cove. The round outdoor bar gets busy during happy hour, and the live music ranges from local bands to surprisingly good solo acts. Don’t skip the merchandise shop – those Salty Dog t-shirts you see everywhere actually come from here, and they print them on-site.

• Read next: Vacation Rentals in Hilton Head

6. Watch comedy and magic shows at Hilton Head Comedy Magic Cabaret

Hilton Head Comedy Magic Cabaret is one of those places that could easily be terrible but actually isn’t. The venue is small enough that every seat feels like the front row, and the performers they book know what they’re doing.

I went in with pretty low expectations for a tourist-area magic show, but the guy we saw was genuinely funny and the magic tricks were legitimately impressive. It’s not just pulling rabbits out of hats – there’s real skill involved. The comedy part works because they interact with the audience without making anyone feel awkward about it.

The shows run regularly (check their website for the current schedule), and tickets are reasonably priced for what you get. It’s about an hour and a half of entertainment, and I found myself laughing more than I expected to. If you’re looking for something different from the usual beach bar scene, this place delivers on being both surprising and entertaining.

7. Eat award-winning wings and craft beer at The Lodge

The Lodge calls itself more than just a bar, and they’re not wrong. This place has been around long enough to earn a local following, and their wings have actually won awards – not just marketing claims.

Their craft beer selection is legit, with a rotating lineup of drafts that’ll make beer nerds happy. I’m not usually a wings person, but theirs are genuinely different – crispy and flavorful without being drowned in sauce. The burgers are solid too, and they’ve got multiple screens for watching games.

What I like about The Lodge is that it feels like a neighborhood spot that happens to be in a tourist area. Local bands play regularly, and the crowd mixes locals with visitors in a way that doesn’t feel forced. The atmosphere is old-school sports bar meets craft beer spot, and it works. Service is friendly and efficient, even when they’re busy during game nights.

8. Take a nighttime nature walk at Sea Pines Forest Preserve

Sea Pines Forest Preserve after dark is completely different from the daytime experience. The trails are well-maintained and safe for walking, and being away from the main island lights makes the stars incredible.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from a nighttime nature walk, but the sounds are amazing – you hear everything from owls to the distant ocean. The preserve has several trail options, and even the shorter ones give you a good feel for the Lowcountry ecosystem at night. They sometimes offer guided tours that teach you about nocturnal wildlife.

The star-gazing opportunities here are legitimately impressive. Without all the light pollution from the main part of the island, you can see constellations clearly and sometimes catch shooting stars. It’s peaceful in a way that’s hard to find elsewhere on Hilton Head. Just bring a flashlight and stick to the marked trails – it’s safe but definitely darker than you’d expect.

• Read next: Enchanting Places in Southeast USA to Add to Your Bucket List

9. Find cheap drinks and live music at Cool Cats Lounge

Cool Cats Lounge is where locals go when they want good drinks without paying resort prices. The atmosphere is laid-back, and their happy hour specials actually make a difference in your bill.

Their beer selection includes both craft options and cheaper standards, and the bartenders know what they’re doing with cocktails. The live music varies – sometimes it’s jazz, sometimes pop covers, but it’s usually pretty good. What I appreciate is that it doesn’t feel like they’re trying too hard to be trendy.

The crowd is a mix of locals and visitors who found out about the place from word of mouth rather than guidebooks. Service is friendly and fast, and the vibe is more “neighborhood bar” than “tourist attraction.” If you’re looking for somewhere to hang out without breaking the bank, Cool Cats delivers on both the atmosphere and the prices.

10. Eat fresh seafood with waterfront views at Skull Creek Boathouse

Skull Creek Boathouse sits right on the water, and the views are legitimately spectacular, especially during sunset. The seafood is fresh and local, and they know how to prepare it without overcomplicating things.

Their signature cocktails are creative without being gimmicky, and the wine selection pairs well with the seafood menu. I’d recommend getting there early enough to snag an outside table – the indoor dining is fine, but you’re really here for the waterfront experience. The shrimp and grilled fish are consistently good.

What makes dinner here special is watching the sun go down over Skull Creek while you’re eating. The gentle water sounds and the changing light make it feel like vacation even if you live here. Service is professional, and they handle the sunset rush well. It’s pricier than some options, but the combination of good food and great setting makes it worth it for a special night out.

• For more waterfront getaways: 13 Lake House Rentals in South Carolina

11. Dance after dinner at Daniel’s Steakhouse and Nightclub

Daniel’s Steakhouse and Nightclub is an interesting concept – upscale dining that transforms into a dance club as the night goes on. The steakhouse side serves solid food with international influences, and the atmosphere is sophisticated without being stuffy.

Wednesday nights are ladies’ night, and Thursdays bring Latin dancing and music, which gets surprisingly energetic. If you want the VIP treatment, they offer bottle service and private tables, but the regular experience is fine too. The transition from dinner to nightclub happens gradually, so you don’t feel rushed through your meal.

I was skeptical about how well the combination would work, but they actually pull it off. The music and lighting change as the evening progresses, and by 10pm it feels like a completely different place. The crowd tends to be a bit older and more dressed up than typical beach bars, which some people prefer for a night out.

12. Play arcade games and mini golf at Adventure Cove

Adventure Cove stays open later than you’d expect, and it’s surprisingly fun even for adults. The arcade has both classic games and newer high-tech stuff, and the mini golf courses are well-designed with actual obstacles and challenges.

The prize system for the arcade games actually works – you can win decent stuff, not just plastic junk. The mini golf has multiple courses with different themes, and they’re challenging enough to keep adults interested. There’s a snack bar with the usual suspects – popcorn, nachos, and drinks.

What I didn’t expect was how much fun it would be to play here after dinner. It’s not just a kids’ place – plenty of adults come here for date nights or group outings. The atmosphere is upbeat and the games are well-maintained. It’s a good option when you want something active but not too intense, and it’s definitely different from the typical Hilton Head evening scene.

• Find more indoor entertainment options: Visit South Carolina