Your Hilton Head vacation wouldn’t be complete without exploring Shelter Cove. At the Shelter Cove community, you’ll find a wide range of shops, restaurants, entertainment centers, and parks. Festivals, water sports, incredible nightlife, and more are waiting for you. Read on to learn more about Shelter Cove in HHI and how you can make the most out of your vacation.

Old and New Shelter Cove

The Shelter Cove community includes popular spots like Shelter Cove Harbor, Shelter Cove Plaza, and Shelter Cove Towne Centre. However, did you know that Shelter Cove’s marina wasn’t a marina back in the day? The creation of the cove and marina started in 1980. More than 600,000 cubic yards of sand were removed and added to the beach at Palmetto Dunes.

Afterward, Shelter Cove buildings were constructed, and Shelter Cove has developed into a well-loved destination among locals and tourists. The Neptune Statue, which is around 40 years old, is a major icon of Shelter Cove that you shouldn’t miss.

One must-visit place in Shelter Cove is the Shelter Cove Community Park. It was renovated and relocated in 2014 and 2015 — just behind the Shelter Cove Towne Centre. Before, the park had a pond that made it easier for guests to visit the Veteran’s Memorial. The newly designed park offers a boardwalk that lets you enjoy the amazing views of Board Creek. There are picnic spots, a playground, a performance pavilion, and more. Various festivals and events are also in store for locals and visitors year-round.

Another development in Shelter Cove is the Shelter Cove Towne Centre. It was formerly known as The Mall at Shelter Cover, which was opened in 1988. In 2013, the Shelter Cove Towne Centre was built as an outdoor lifestyle center. It has multiple shops, restaurants, entertainment spaces, and living spaces.

Incredible Dining Experiences

Whether you love seafood, Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean food, or another cuisine, Shelter Cove has something that will tickle your palate. If you’re looking for a cozy waterfront French cafe, Bistro 17 is the place to go. The award-winning ELA’S On the Water at Shelter Cove Harbour is another must-try with its magnificent views, quality steaks, fresh seafood, live music, and various interesting events.

At The Plaza At Shelter Cove, Giuseppi’s Pizza & Pasta has you covered with its fresh and authentic ingredients. At the Shelter Cove Towne Center, one of the top places to eat and relax is Poseidon Coastal Cuisine & Rooftop Bar. Whether you’re craving seafood or steak, want to try satisfying cocktails, or simply enjoy live music at their rooftop bar, Poseidon gives you a remarkable experience.

Various Shopping Options in Shelter Cove

Want to go on a shopping spree while you’re on vacation in HHI? You have several shops to choose from! For instance, you have Belk, Coastal Bliss, Lululemon, and more at Shelter Cove Towne Center. At Belk, you can find comfy and stylish clothes, accessories, housewares, cosmetics, and more.

Coastal Bliss offers unique clothing, bold accessories, quirky gifts, and more. Meanwhile, Lululemon provides various types of clothes for men and women, accessories, and shoes.

You’ll also have fun shopping at stores like Southern Tide Signature Store and Marina Ship’s Store. You’ll love the calm coastal vibe of Hilton Head while checking out quality clothing for men, women, and kids, along with bags, hats, and other accessories.

Exciting Activities in Shelter Cove

For an unforgettable vacation in Hilton Head, try water sports and other thrilling activities at Shelter Cove. For instance, Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina allows you to go inshore and offshore fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding, water skiing, and sport crabbing. Various boat rentals and fishing charters are available.

You can also join dolphin tours to see dolphins playing with each other in the Hilton Head waters. One of the best activities to try is the fireworks cruise, wherein you can watch the amazing Harbourfest fireworks from the best angle and seat.

Harbourfest

Speaking of Harbourfest, it’s Shelter Cove Harbour’s popular summer event. Aside from the gorgeous fireworks, there will be face painting, carnival games, and more. You’ll also get to witness the much-awaited performances of Shannon Tanner and Cappy the Clown. This year, Harbourfest marks its 34th year and allows families and guests to enjoy a weekly celebration. You can explore different restaurants along the harbor too and even shop at the waterfront stores.

Music & Taste on the Harbour

Music & Taste on the Harbour also returns at the Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. Starting on March 30, you can make your Thursday nights more special and memorable by watching talented local bands perform and dancing to your heart’s content. Good food, cocktails, wine, and beer will complete your experience. The event, which runs from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM is also free, but seating is limited, so you might want to visit early.

Hilton Head Island Art Festival

Hilton Head Island Art Festival is another exciting event that you can look forward to on your Hilton Head vacation. Happening on May 28 and 29, the festival will showcase different types of artwork, such as jewelry, photography, and pottery. Nash Gallery will present the festival. Aside from seeing some masterpieces, you’ll have a weekend full of food, music, shopping, and entertainment.

Final Thoughts

Shelter Cove is indeed one of the best places to explore while on your HHI vacation with Beachside Hilton Head. From the redesigned Shelter Cove Community Park to the new Shelter Cove Towne Centre, there are several areas that let you unwind and enjoy. Don’t miss the Harbourfest, water sports, and other activities too! To find out more about Hilton Head’s special spots, check out our page.