couple biking on pathway

9 Reasons to Escape the Winter Blues in Hilton Head

According to CNN contributor Dr. Charles Raison, 15% of Americans experience seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, during the winter months. But as the cold approaches, there’s no need to fret. Hilton Head, and its temperate yearlong weather, has the ability to turn any frown upside down. Here’s nine good reasons to escape to the Island and chase away the winter blues.

#1: 110 Miles of Award-Winning Bike Pathways

Hilton Head was named one of the best biking communities in the United States, earning the gold award from the League of American Bicyclists.

#2: Mild Winter Weather

The cold season in Hilton Head lasts from November 26 to March 2 with an average daily high temperature below 64°F. The coldest day of the year is January 24, with an average low of 42°F and high of 58°F.

#3: Public Art Exhibit at Honey Horn

Showcasing 20 large-scale outdoor sculptures by local and national artists, the full exhibition is comprised of at least 20 pieces and takes the viewer “Around the Horn,” a nearly mile-long trail with panoramic Lowcountry views and historical landmarks.

#4: Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra

Music has the ability to brighten any mood. The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra’s line up this winter includes The Polar Express (Decemeber 6-7), Berliz Symphonie Fantastique (January 17-18), Richard Strauss’ Tod Und Verklärung and Beethoven’s 8th (January 31 and February 1), Valentine Romance (February 14-15), and Gilbert and Sullivan Night (March 20-21).

#5: The Coastal Discovery Museum

From lectures and exhibits, to hands on interaction with Lowcountry wildlife, there is always something fun and educational at The Coastal Discovery Museum.

#6: Hilton Head Food and Wine Festival

Foodies and winos will have their fill at the Hilton Head Food and Wine Festival at Harbour Town March 7-13. In addition to the Grand Tasting on Friday the 11th and the Public Tasting on Saturday the 12th, there will also be several wine dinners around the island and in Bluffton, as well as workshops and seminars led by experts in their craft.

#7: Waterway Excursion Cruise

Board the Tammy Jane and explore the waterways around Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge with a master naturalist during this two-hour educational cruise every other Saturday starting December 5 and ending February 27. Participants will learn about the salt marsh, maritime forest, barrier islands, and the history of Pinckney Island.

3 sailboats

#8: Boating in the Lowcountry

Boating abounds in Hilton Head. Whether you want to get a good workout paddleboarding or kayaking Skull Creek, or you want to catch your dinner from Port Royal Sound, or you’re up for a day sail, Hilton Head’s pristine and easily navigable waterways are perfect for any water sport you can think of.

#9: Daufuskie Island

Daufuskie and its cast of characters have the distinct ability to make anyone love life. Only accessible by boat or ferry, this Island is all about relaxing. Gullah descendants still make the best deviled crab and the Daufuskie Island Rum Company has started pouring a local brew.

Becca Edwards is the eco-wellness blogger for the Hilton Head Chamber and owner of b.e.WELL+b.e.CREATIVE.

Hilton Head Island

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Hilton Head is America’s favorite island, offering 12 miles of pristine beaches and everything you need for the ultimate retreat. Enjoy easy days relaxing in the sun, sand and surf on some of the best beaches in the country.
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