Dock and Dine: 8 Restaurants to Visit Via Boat in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island is a popular destination for boaters and foodies. Its extensive waterways and marinas offer numerous opportunities to dock your boat and enjoy a leisurely meal with scenic views. Whether you're craving fresh seafood, Southern classics or international flavors, Hilton Head's dock-and-dine restaurants provide the perfect blend of convenience and culinary delight.
Keep reading to discover a few restaurant ideas to check out after a day of offshore fishing and boating, cruising along the ICW or traveling on a Great Loop excursion.
1. Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks
With complimentary docking for diners, Hudson’s offers fresh and locally sourced seafood, including shrimp, oysters and soft-shell crabs. Enjoy waterfront views of Port Royal Sound while watching fishing boats unload the day's catch from this dock and dine destination, which has been a local tradition since 1967.
2. Skull Creek Boathouse
Skull Creek Boathouse, known for its vibrant atmosphere, serves a variety of seafood dishes, sushi and Southern favorites. The outdoor Buoy Bar and tree-shaded patio offer picturesque views of Skull Creek. Dockage is available at adjacent docks for those arriving by boat from marinas or private boat slips for rent.
3. Skull Creek Dockside
Sharing docks with Skull Creek Boathouse, Skull Creek Dockside features a menu filled with seafood, BBQ and steaks in a family-friendly atmosphere. The covered patio and outdoor bar provide stunning views of the water, making it an ideal spot for sunset dining excursions from private boat lift rentals.
4. Fishcamp on Broad Creek
Set in a rustic, cabin-like setting, Fishcamp offers Southern-style seafood dishes and a relaxed atmosphere. Guests can enjoy live music, outdoor seating, and fire pits overlooking Broad Creek. Dockage is available at Broad Creek Marina.
5. Up the Creek Pub & Grill
The laid-back Up the Creek Pub & Grill serves burgers, sandwiches and seafood baskets. Its deck offers views of the marina and marshes, providing a casual dining experience for boaters and locals alike. Dockage is available at Broad Creek Marina for those arriving by boat from private boat docks for rent or marinas.
6. Palmetto Bay Marina Restaurants
Palmetto Bay Marina is located at 86 Helmsman Way and offers several restaurants for boaters to check out from a private boat dock rental. There is designated dock space for diners, but it’s recommended to call ahead. Restaurants at Palmetto Bay include
- Carolina Crab Company - known for crab dishes and waterfront views
- Black Marlin Bayside Grill - fresh seafood and steaks
- Palmetto Bay Sunrise Café - popular for breakfast and brunch with items like stuffed French toast and quiche
7. ELA’s On the Water
An upscale bistro offering seafood and prime-cut steaks, ELA’s provides elegant dining with beautiful views of Shelter Cove Harbour. It’s located at 1 Shelter cove on Hilton Head Island. Dockage is available at Shelter Cove Marina.
8. Sunset Grille
Situated atop the Hilton Head Harbor Marina, at 43 Jenkins Island Road, Sunset Grille offers gourmet dining with panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway. It's renowned for dishes like crab cakes and filet mignon. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic evening on the waterfront. Dockage is available at the marina.
