7 Best Hilton Head Restaurants with a View

One of my favorite parts of visiting Hilton Head is finding great meals that also come with unforgettable scenery. There’s just something about enjoying fresh seafood at Hilton Head restaurants with a view, whether it’s Broad Creek, Skull Creek, or the open ocean, that makes the experience even more special. In my last blog about Hilton Head in the fall, I shared why September and October are my favorite times to visit. This time, I want to share another reason the island keeps pulling me back—the dining spots where the views are every bit as memorable as the food.

Fishcamp on Broad Creek (Broad Creek Marina Area)

Fishcamp is one of those places that makes you instantly feel like you’re on island time. Set right on Broad Creek, it’s the kind of spot where I love to linger over dinner, watching boats drift in while the sun sinks low. The view is reason enough to go, but the food makes it even better.

I always start with a couple of apps to share; my go-tos are the Calamari & Pickles, the Fried Green Tomatoes, and the Jalapeño Hushpuppies. They’re perfect for passing around the table while you sip a glass of wine and ease into the evening.

For mains, it’s hard to beat the Daufuskie Island Blue Crab Cakes, which come packed with flavor and just the right sear. I’ve also fallen for the Parmesan-Crusted Grouper, which feels a little more elevated while still being classic Low Country. And on nights when I just want something casual and fun, their Peel ’n’ Eat Shrimp Boil hits the spot—messy, delicious, and made for sharing.

Fishcamp also has a surprisingly solid wine list, and they often feature live music outdoors. There’s nothing quite like listening to a local band while you enjoy a plate of fresh seafood, the marsh stretching out in front of you, and the Low Country breeze rolling in. Fishcamp is one of the most popular Hilton Head restaurants with a view, thanks to its marshfront setting, live music, and seafood favorites.

Quarterdeck (Sea Pines / Harbor Town)

Quarterdeck is one of those must-visit spots in Sea Pines, not just for the food but for the setting. Sitting right at the base of the Harbor Town Lighthouse, it has some of the best views on the island. You can watch sailboats glide by as the sun sets in fiery colors. I love coming here in the late afternoon and lingering through golden hour—it’s pure Hilton Head magic.

The menu has plenty to tempt you, but a few dishes always stand out for me. I usually start with the She-Crab Soup, rich and velvety, or the Charcoal-Roasted Local Oysters, smoky and indulgent. If I’m in the mood for something fun, the Cajun Fried Gator Bites are a quirky but surprisingly tasty starter.

For mains, the Local Catch served over Sweet Corn-Blue Crab Chowder is as Low Country as it gets, fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. I also can’t resist their East Coast Shrimp and Grits, which is hearty and comforting, especially with that waterfront backdrop.

And while the seafood is fantastic, the cocktails here deserve their own spotlight. The Lavender Mojito Spritz is refreshing with a floral twist, and the Island Dream is just what it sounds like: bright, tropical, and the perfect sip at sunset.

Skull Creek Boathouse (Skull Creek / North End)

Skull Creek Boathouse just feels like Hilton Head. The vibe is lively, the views over Skull Creek are beautiful, and the outdoor bar and patio make it a spot I could sit for hours. It’s the kind of restaurant where you can show up in flip-flops after a beach day and still have an unforgettable meal.

The menu here is huge and has a little bit of everything, from sushi rolls to their build-your-own poke bowls. I’ll admit, I’m not much of a sushi person, but I love that it’s an option if you are. For me, I usually start with a cup of the SCB Seafood Chowder—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—or the Boat “House” Salad, which I love for the hearts of palm and fresh, crisp veggies.

When it comes to mains, I’m all about their fried seafood baskets. I almost always go for the Fried Local Shrimp Basket, which is exactly what I crave at a place like this. My husband, on the other hand, swears by the Fried Atlantic Flounder Fillet, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and a true Low Country classic.

What makes Skull Creek stand out is the atmosphere. Their outdoor space is one of the best on the island, with plenty of seating, a bar that stays buzzing, and those unbeatable water views. Grab a drink, order your favorite seafood basket, and settle in. It’s Hilton Head at its most relaxed.

Black Marlin Bayside Grill & Hurricane Bar (Palmetto Bay Marina / South End)

If I had to pick a single favorite happy hour spot on Hilton Head, it would be Black Marlin and the Hurricane Bar. The energy here is always fun and relaxed, with water views that set the perfect backdrop for unwinding after a day on the island. Their happy hour is hands-down the best deal around, $2 off cocktails, wine, and apps, plus Peel ’n’ Eat Shrimp for just $.50 each.

I usually kick things off with a margarita, they make a solid one, and an order of their Shrimp Nachos or a pile of Peel ’n’ Eat Shrimp. Both hit the spot, especially when paired with that happy hour pricing.

When it comes to mains, I’ve got a couple of favorites I rotate between. The Baja Tacos are light, fresh, and full of flavor, while the Sweet Heat Mahi Mahi balances just the right amount of spice with a tropical sweetness. If you go earlier in the evening, they also offer a great early dining menu, which is a nice option if you want a deal without missing out on the full dining experience.

Between the unbeatable happy hour, the water views, and the fun, casual vibe, Black Marlin is a must on any Hilton Head trip. I always leave thinking, yep, this is exactly how an island evening should feel.

Coast (Sea Pines / Oceanfront)

Coast is one of those spots I love to wander up to after a beach day. It’s casual enough for a late lunch in sandy flip-flops, but also makes a great choice for dinner when you want a little more polish with your ocean view. The setting is unbeatable, you’re right on the beach in Sea Pines, with the sound of waves rolling in as your soundtrack.

The menu has plenty to choose from, but I always start with a couple of apps. The Short Rib Empanadas are rich, flavorful, and perfect for sharing, while the Chili Lime Shrimp Skewer is light and zesty with just the right kick.

When it comes to mains, Coast surprises me with how versatile it is. They do a really solid cheeseburger, which hits the spot when you want something classic. But if I’m leaning toward seafood, I usually go for the Seared Scallops. Delicate and beautifully cooked, or the Pan Roasted Shrimp Cavatappi, which is hearty and packed with flavor.

And I can’t leave Coast without dessert. Their Coconut Cake is honestly one of the best I’ve had, light, moist, and just the right amount of sweet. Pair it with something off their good drink list (I tend to lean toward a crisp white or a cocktail), and you’ve got the perfect ending to a Hilton Head evening.

Scott’s Fish Market (Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina / Mid-Island)

Scott’s Fish Market feels like the full package: waterfront views, live music, a fun happy hour, and a menu full of Low Country favorites. It’s a great spot to settle in for the evening, especially if you time it with their happy hour and enjoy the lively atmosphere along the marina. I’m a big fan of their cocktails; the Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita is the perfect balance of sweet heat, and the Scott’s Pain Killer is as tropical as it sounds.

When it comes to food, I usually kick things off with the Down Under Shrimp, which are crispy and flavorful, or the Bacon-Wrapped Scallops, a classic pairing that never disappoints. For mains, it’s hard to pick just one favorite. The Hot & Spicy Sautéed Shrimp packs plenty of flavor, while the Down South Chicken is hearty comfort food with a Southern twist. And if you’re in the mood for seafood done a little differently, the Baked Stuffed Flounder is a standout, rich, savory, and perfect with a cocktail in hand.

With the combination of good food, waterfront seating, and live music drifting through the air, Scott’s always feels like the kind of place where a simple dinner turns into a night to remember.

Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks (Skull Creek / North End)

Hudson’s isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a Hilton Head institution. Perched right on the docks, it’s one of the most authentic places to enjoy seafood on the island, with water views that stretch out forever and fishing boats unloading their daily catch just steps away.

I usually start with a few favorites from their appetizer list. The Local Fried Green Tomatoes are a Southern classic, the Reel Deal Shrimp is always fresh and flavorful, and their Seafood Gumbo is rich, hearty, and full of Low Country comfort.

For mains, I love keeping it simple. The Fish n’ Chips is always a winner, crispy, golden, and perfectly satisfying. And of course, you can’t go wrong with Local Shrimp, prepared fresh and full of flavor. Whatever you order, don’t forget to grab a basket of their hushpuppies, they’re sweet, crispy, and absolutely addictive.

Hudson’s also shines with its cocktails. The Seasonal Fruit Mojito is light and refreshing, while the Sweet Heat brings a little kick that pairs perfectly with the seafood. Pair a drink with the dockside view at sunset, and it doesn’t get more “Hilton Head” than this.

Tips for Dining with a View in Hilton Head

With so many Hilton Head restaurants with a view, a little planning makes the experience even better.

• Make reservations early. Waterfront seating fills up fast, especially at sunset. Not all my spots take reservations, so it’s good there’s a nice view to enjoy if you have to wait!
• Aim for golden hour. Arriving just before sunset lets you enjoy daylight and the evening glow.
• Order shareable apps. Small plates let you try more without missing the scenery.
• Bring a light sweater. Even in fall, the breeze off the water can be cool.
• Be patient. The best views may take a few extra minutes of waiting, but they’re worth it.

Food, Views, and Low Country Charm

Hilton Head has no shortage of great restaurants, but the ones that keep me coming back are the ones where the view is as much a part of the meal as the food itself. Whether it’s marshes glowing at sunset, boats bobbing in the marina, or the open ocean stretching out beyond the deck, dining here always feels like an experience, not just a meal.

These seven spots are my personal favorites, each with its own unique personality and setting, yet all share that unmistakable Low Country charm. If you’re planning a trip, don’t just think about where you’ll stay or what you’ll do; plan a few meals with a view. They’re the moments that stick with you long after the plates are cleared. These seven are my personal favorites, but they’re also some of the most memorable Hilton Head restaurants with a view, combining Low Country charm with unforgettable settings.

And if you want to see why this time of year makes dining here even more magical, check out my blog on Hilton Head in the Fall. It’s my favorite season on the island, and the perfect backdrop for meals like these.v