From the ground, Hilton Head already knows how to show off. Think moss-draped oak trees, bike paths through maritime forests, calm marshes, and stretches of beach that feel downright cinematic. Did you know the island gets even better when you go up?
Once you leave sea level and grab a seat at one of the rooftop bars and restaurants, the views stretch farther. Drinking and dining become an experience! Let’s talk about the most popular spots where you should be cleaning your plate and raising your glass next.
If Hilton Head had a “party headquarters,” The Rooftop Bar at Poseidon at 38 Shelter Cove Lane, Suite 121 would absolutely be it. It’s the island’s premier entertainment and celebration destination, and it fully lives up to that title. You’ll find live music, dance parties, and legendary sunset happy hours.
The Rooftop Bar delivers unreal marsh sights thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows and a wraparound balcony. The garage-style windows open up completely, so you get that open-air fun, too.
Explore the birthday, bachelor, and bachelorette party packages! The Rooftop Bar is where locals bring friends from out of town and where visitors accidentally end up staying way longer than planned.
Some places feel trendy, while others feel timeless. Quarterdeck at 160 Lighthouse Road somehow manages to be both. It’s steps from the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse, offering first-floor dining, a wraparound waterfront deck, and a rooftop oyster bar with sweeping 270-degree vistas.
We’re talking Harbour Town, Calibogue Sound, and the 18th hole of Harbour Town Golf Links. Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.
Quarterdeck’s menu features Southern flavors, a full raw bar, and seasonal Lowcountry dishes that highlight South Carolina-grown ingredients. And the wine list? Thoughtfully curated. Stick with familiar favorites or splurge on something rare and impressive!
High Tide Rooftop Bar — Coligny Beach’s only rooftop bar and pool — is atop the Courtyard by Marriott at 79 Pope Avenue. It covers the entire top floor, revealing the beauty of Hilton Head Island and the Atlantic Ocean!
The pool is reserved for hotel guests, but the bar is open to everyone. Swing by for local brews, frozen concoctions (hello, vacation mode), specialty cocktails, and top-shelf spirits. Expect the place to be polished without being pretentious and relaxed without being boring. It proves that rooftop bars and restaurants don’t need to be flashy to be fantastic.
Have you tried a bowl of painted desert soup made from red pepper, corn, Mexican cream, and mole? Santa Fe Café promises bold flavors and Southwest-inspired dishes. Located at 807 William Hilton Parkway, #700, this spot has seating on two levels, with the rooftop area delivering a surprisingly intimate New Mexico vibe.
Head near the kiva fireplace, which adds warmth, ambiance, and just the right amount of drama. Whether you’re on a romantic date or out with a small group, this space feels cozy, stylish, and special, especially in the evening. It might not be the loudest, but it’s easily one of the most charming.
Welcome to one of the newest stars on the island: Benny’s Coastal Kitchen! Completed in early 2024 and sitting waterfront at 75 Shrimpers Row off Squire Pope Road, it brings breathtaking Skull Creek views into the spotlight. It was named in honor of seafood harvesting patriarch Benny Hudson, blending heritage with modern coastal style.
The restaurant itself is casually sophisticated, spanning over 9,600 square feet with multiple indoor dining areas, outdoor seating, and a stunning rooftop bar called 41 Up. See shrimp boats, the fish house, and the sun slowly melting into the water.
Benny’s is the newest member of the Coastal Restaurants and Bars family, and it’s already making waves as one of Hilton Head’s must-visit rooftop bars and restaurants.
Ocean Lounge at 87 North Sea Pines Drive is the epitome of rooftop elegance. It’s on the second floor of the Sea Pines Beach Club, guaranteeing incredible ocean views, a refined atmosphere, and a drink menu that deserves your full attention.
In 2024, MandoeMedia ranked Ocean Lounge as the best rooftop bar in the U.S. and the fifth best in the world. Many hold their marriage proposals here, because if you’re going to pop the question, you might as well do it with the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop!
Ocean Lounge has an extensive bourbon collection, along with world-class spirits. Enjoy shareable bites, savor the catch of the day, or order from the full menu from Coast, Oceanfront Dining downstairs.
Are you feeling excited yet? You should be. You’ll see and taste the island from a new perspective! Before you make your way to the rooftop bars and restaurants, keep these tips from Beachside Hilton Head in mind:
Did you think your time in Hilton Head couldn’t get any better? You thought wrong! Between unforgettable scenery, expertly crafted cocktails, and dining experiences that surpass the ordinary, the island’s rooftop bars and restaurants have a way of transforming great trips into exceptional ones.
At Beachside Hilton Head, we have gorgeous vacation rentals where you can start and end your every adventure. We selected and designed each home to be your own slice of paradise, filling it with modern comforts. As your personal guides, you may count on our team for more insider tips!
Come sip and dine above the island. Call (843) 983-6620 or book your stay with Beachside Hilton Head online.
