A good book does many things — it pulls you into another world and makes you laugh or cry (or both). Imagine pairing these experiences with the soft crash of waves and your toes in the sand. Pure vacation magic! If a Hilton Head getaway is on the horizon and you’re craving an adventure within your adventure, there are some fantastic bookstore options to check out. Let’s take a stroll through the island’s bookish spots.
Barnes & Noble
Address: Indigo Run, 20 Hatton Place, Suite 200, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Phone: (843) 342-6690
Of course, we’re starting here. Barnes & Noble is a classic, and Hilton Head’s location doesn’t disappoint, especially with a cozy café and an impressive vinyl section for music lovers! It’s open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday and 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays. Swing by and take home a bag of new titles and then some.
By Hand, Ink
Address: 71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 816-0860
By Hand, Ink started as a tiny calligraphy studio in 2014, tucked upstairs in The Shops at Sea Pines Center. Today, it has blossomed into a full-on boutique with carefully curated gifts, greeting cards, letterpress paper stuff, and yes — books. Think of it as a blend between a bookstore, a stationery heaven, and a treasure chest. Have fun browsing the many shelves!
Friends of the Hilton Head Library
Address: 11 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Phone: N/A
Come read good books and do a good deed! The Friends of the Hilton Head Library bookstore is run by a non-profit group that helps fund extra programs and resources for the local library. Pick up bargain-priced books, even rare and signed editions. There’s something extra satisfying about finding a gently-loved book and giving it a second life… On the beach.
Church Mouse Thrift Store
Address: 78 Arrow Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 785-2322
The Church Mouse is a boutique-style thrift shop serving the Hilton Head community since 2004. Their inventory (that’s constantly changing) includes — you guessed it — books! You never know what gem you’ll discover between vintage cookbooks and novels. Bonus: shopping here supports charitable efforts, so your beach read comes with a side of good karma.
Walmart Supercenter #728
Address: 25 Pembroke Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Phone: (843) 681-3011
Let’s say you run into Walmart for sunscreen, a towel, or flip-flops. While you’re in there, head to the books section! Sure, it’s not your typical bookstore experience, but sometimes, convenience wins, and you might just walk out with a bestseller under your arm and a soda in your hand. Walmart Supercenter #728 carries plenty of popular titles, too.
Bookmark Your Hilton Head Plans Now!
What’s better than the scent of saltwater in the air? How about the papery smell of a book to go with it? Get both from the bookstores in Hilton Head! Don’t stress about packing your whole shelf; the island has you covered.
When your beach day winds down, turn a few more pages in your Beachside Hilton Head vacation rental. Stretch out and savor every chapter in our comfortable, stylish spaces. Book your stay now, and get ready to read, relax, and repeat.
