South Beach Marina is a cornerstone of coastal charm on the scenic shores of Hilton Head Island. Anyone seeking a laid-back atmosphere and stunning vistas can head here and jump from one quaint shop and bustling eatery to another. Now, amid the salt-kissed air and the rhythmic lapping of waves, a buzz of excitement fills the air. A partial renovation is underway!
Yes, hard hats are bobbing alongside the trees, and the clink of glasses is echoing over the marina’s edge. The transformation in the works is set to breathe new life into the beloved locale. Let’s dive into what’s going on behind the scenes, shall we?
About the Renovations
Big things are happening at South Beach Marina in Sea Pines. It’s out with the old and in with the fabulous, so the iconic red, white, and blue walls on the northern end are taking their final bow. The marina will get a fresh look and feel, with a reimagined layout for shops and an updated aesthetic.
The plans include a cozy reduction in overall building space from 12,500 to 10,000 square feet, making way for a sleek vehicle drop-off area for effortless arrivals. After gaining the thumbs-up from the Sea Pines Architectural Review Board in May 2024 and conceptual approval from Hilton Head’s town board in July, the project is officially full steam ahead. But don’t worry; this renovation won’t touch all our favorite spots!
Land’s End Tavern, the General Store, Blue Water Tackle Shop and Harbor Master, the Salty Dog Cafe, and the t-shirt and ice cream shops are staying just as they are, still welcoming visitors with open arms. The focus is really on the northern side, starting near the Island Water Sports building and stretching to the marina’s edge.
Some buildings, like those housing South Beach Inn and Vacation Rentals, Wreck of the Salty Dog, Jake’s Cargo, and A Shore Thing, are getting a fresh start as spaces for restaurants and retail. While they will bid farewell to their lodging days, they are stepping into a bright new chapter of marina magic.
Remembering the Northern End of South Beach Marina
The northern end of South Beach Marina is packed with character. The colored walls, quirky staircases, and views of Braddock Cove have been the backdrop for countless vacation memories! Many have spent summers here grabbing a bite, hunting for the perfect souvenir, or soaking in the view.
If you are curious about this slice of Hilton Head, there is so much to discover about its past — and its future. With change on the horizon, it’s only right to stroll down memory lane.
South Beach Inn and Vacation Rentals
Once a vibrant hub for vacationers, the South Beach Inn and Vacation Rentals was a go-to for solo and group travelers looking for accommodations in South Beach Marina. The suites, homes, and villas available for nightly and weekly rentals were places to wake up to the sound of waves and the salty breeze of Braddock Cove. Staying at the South Beach Inn and Vacation Rentals felt like having front-row seats to Hilton Head’s best!
Though it has been closed for years, its legacy still lingers in the hearts of those who stayed there. With the demolition, the area is turning a fresh page, revamping spaces once filled with laughter and vacation vibes. The South Beach Inn and Vacation Rentals will not reopen as lodging, but the new retail and restaurant experiences should be a chance to honor its history.
The Wreck of the Salty Dog
First things first: the Wreck of the Salty Dog is not the Salty Dog Cafe. The Wreck had its own identity as a dining experience, promising casual vibes and a coastal-inspired menu. In 2024, it closed its doors for the upgrade, which marked the end of an era.
While its name and menu may be gone, the spirit of The Wreck lives on in the exciting future the demolition is creating. It’s a bittersweet farewell but also a thrilling opportunity to welcome new flavors. So, cheers to The Wreck of the Salty Dog, forever a part of South Beach Marina!
Jake’s Cargo
Who is Jake, you ask? Well, Jake is the lab who has been the heart and soul of the Salty Dog legend. As such, Jake’s Cargo was not your average shop; it was a treasure trove of fun finds. From nautical trinkets to quirky gifts and souvenirs, it was the spot to grab a little piece of South Beach Marina and the latest Salty Dog gear!
Jake’s Cargo is setting sail for a new adventure. It is currently operating out of Land’s End Tavern. The store, as everyone knew it, is no longer around, but its whimsy will come back in a new form. The Salty Dog team promises to keep Jake’s spirit alive, and you should be delighted to see what will be in store, literally and metaphorically.
A Shore Thing
Since opening in 1986, A Shore Thing has been a cherished t-shirt and sweatshirt store selling comfy, casual sportswear. When asked how the renovation might impact the iconic shop, owner Joe TeBrake admitted he was not sure yet. For now, it is a waiting game to see what is next for this staple of South Beach Marina.
What we do know is that A Shore Thing has been a part of the fabric (pun intended!) of this community for decades. It is a store that has dressed countless visitors in style and comfort. Whatever happens, its heritage will remain. Hopefully, everyone will get to see how it will continue to be a part of the marina’s story.
Exciting or Concerning?
The buzz around the South Beach Marina renovation is real, and Hilton Head residents and visitors are not shy about sharing their thoughts. On one side, you have got people bursting with enthusiasm. On the other, some can’t help but wonder if the change is too much. Which side of the fence are you on?
Why It’s Exciting
South Beach Marina has been a centerpiece of Hilton Head life for decades, with stunning waterfront views, one-of-a-kind stores, and restaurants you cannot help but rave about. With the planned renovations, there will be even more reasons to visit!
Add the touch of coastal flair Hilton Head is known for, and it’s easy to see why so many are elated. For frequent visitors, it’s a chance to fall in love with the marina all over again. For first-timers, it’s an opportunity to experience Hilton Head reimagined for the future.
Why It’s Concerning
Change is always a little tricky. Those who have grown up with the marina find it hard to imagine it without the things that have made it special for so many years, and those who have returned year after year wonder if the renovation might ruin some of that nostalgic magic.
There is the question of balance. How do you modernize without losing the charm that made South Beach Marina a favorite in the first place? It’s a tightrope walk, and it’s natural for those who cherish Hilton Head’s chronicles to feel a little cautious. Every brick, staircase, and storefront has a narrative, and that is not something you can replicate.
Our Thoughts
The good news is that many things we love about South Beach Marina are already set in stone. Land’s End Tavern, for example, will keep its place as one of the oldest restaurants on the island. Blue Water Tackle Shop is still open for fish-filled trips, which it has been doing since 1979. The General Store, too, will remain a spot of convenience and comfort. The Salty Dog Cafe, which opened in 1987, is also staying, along with the Salty Dog T-Shirt Factory and the Salty Dog Ice Cream Factory, much to the relief of fans.
Change can be a good thing when you do it with care. We are hoping the South Beach Marina is poised to become even more of a destination than it already is! The old will be missed, that is for sure. But the new might just strike the perfect balance between the past and the future. What you can do for now is stay tuned as the tide is turning! The Salty Dog Cafe broadcasts the demolition in real time through its live camera.
Experience the New South Beach Marina
Patience is a virtue, and it will definitely come in handy as we await the grand reveal of the new South Beach Marina. Transformations like this do not happen overnight, but that’s what makes the journey powerful! You can even watch this destination evolve, bit by bit, into a fresh take on everything you already love about Hilton Head.
Beachside Hilton Head’s vacation rentals offer the perfect home base for your adventures. Whether you want to be steps away from South Beach Marina or prefer a retreat elsewhere, we have beautiful homes across the island. Call us at (843) 342-9909 or reach out online to book your stay!
