27 Jun How To Explore Coligny

You’ve spent weeks planning this year’s family vacation to Hilton Head Island.  Regardless of whether or not it is your first trip here or your 50th, a lot of time and organization goes into planning your travel to our beautiful Island.  We know you’re excited to arrive and we can’t wait to see you all here!

Now that the planning is over, it’s time to enjoy your stay on the island.  Come with us and explore Coligny Plaza at Coligny Beach.  It’s Hilton Head Island’s Downtown since 1955, on the bustling South-End of the island.  

If possible we recommend lodging down this way as well.  The Beach House would be our personal choice.  It could not be more convenient for you!  Wake up, walk just steps to the beach, take a break for lunch, visit Coligny Plaza, relax by the pool, ride bikes, have dinner, and catch a show ALL within steps of each other.  We have everything you need!  You never have to leave the area if it suits your fancy.  This makes it easy for everyone to do things as a group or split off and go their own way.

Coligny Plaza is ready to please the entire family.  It is easy to get here by foot or on bike…and lock up at one of our cool shark and alligator bike racks if need be.  If you’ve just left the beach chances are you are going to be looking for something cool to take the edge off.  Let us help you navigate the plaza, and enjoy a full day of fun!

First stop.  Find a cold treat for every member of the family.  You have a multitude of options to choose from.  If you’re coming from the beach side you’re going to bump into Rita’s Italian Ice first.  It’s a great choice!  Shaved ice is refreshing, sweet, and oh so delicious.  It can be served straight up, with custard, or in a Blendini.  They even have kiddie sizes.  If you’re arriving from the West side of the plaza stop into Frozen Moo for an ice-cream cone or a delicious oreo milkshake.  Staying in a condo by the North side? Stop into the Ice Cream Cone!  It’s up to you whether you’d like to sit and enjoy your treats or take them on the go.

Second stop.  It’s always a good idea to please the kiddos first!  Just a few steps to the right of Rita’s you’ll find Boomerang Toys and their eclectic selection for all ages.  Pick up Apples to Apples, or classics like Mouse Trap, to have a nice evening in if the weather decides to rain on your parade.  Go a few steps further and run into Hilton Head Hardware.  Find all your “water-fun” needs…squirt guns, floaties, beach balls.  All the good stuff to keep them entertained while you perfect your summer tan.  Just through the plaza are Hilton Head Candy Company and The Fudge Shoppe.  Sure to be kid favorites.  Grab a bag of scoop candy as a reward for good behavior throughout your adventure in the plaza, or a chocolate alligator to keep them quiet while the mama’s do some shopping.  If it’s all just a little too much sugar, stop into Black Market Minerals.  With something mesmerizing in every direction it will be sure to hold their interest.  

Third stop.  After the kids have had their fare share of fun you might be feeling a little worn out.  Probably time for a cold craft beer, or cocktail for mom and dad.  Join the party at Frosty Frog!  It’s the perfect choice because it’s kid friendly.  They have a wonderful outdoor patio…shade or sun you take your pick, live music, fire pit, legendary daiquiris, and fantastic specials.  Best thing about drinks in the plaza?  You can take your drink with you, in a ‘to go’ cup while you explore the surrounding shops.  Just please don’t leave the property or then it’s out of our hands.  

Fourth stop.  Dad’s stop into Coligny Kite & Flag Co. and pick out a cool kite for some flying fun at Coligny Beach!  On your way back take the kids to the splash pad over by the pavilion and boardwalk while mom gets an hour to shop in the plaza.  The splash pad is just across the road, chances are you’ve already located it if you’re staying at The Beach House.  If the kids aren’t so little give the teenagers a bit of freedom and let them roam the plaza alone.  Moms, aunts, and all the women… now it’s your time to browse away.  Visit Fresh Produce for high end handbags from Vera Bradley, Spartina 449, and Brighton and colorful coastal apparel.  Head back towards Rita’s and you’ll find Island Girl, one of our favorites!  Carrying Lauren James, Hobo, Rails LA, Splendid, Frye, Mantraband, Lily Pulitzer and more.  We know it will be loved amongst your group.

Fifth stop.  Return to the Coligny Beach pavilion, collect the family and get cleaned up and ready for a wonderful night out.  Pop back across the street and visit the plaza for dinner.  We weren’t joking when we said we have everything you need.  If you’re looking to find dinner, drinks, and music head to The Big Bamboo.  Carolina seafood, sensational salads, build your own burgers and a wonderful selection of Carolina craft beers can all be found right here.  Finish diner and stick around for a performance from the hottest local talent on the island.  Rather have an early dinner and catch up on sleep for tomorrow?  Check out Market Street Cafe for a fantastic Happy Hour.  Their pita and hummus platter is to die for.  Kids will love classic favorites like cheese pizza, while you can dive into a Lamb Souvlaki wrap!  If that still isn’t up your alley head over to Steamer’s.  Corn fritters, Kickin’ crab spread, oysters, crab legs, and shrimp all served to your liking, are just a few of their phenomenal menu items.  You might be visiting the plaza without kids.  If so, treat yourselves to a romantic dinner at Vine.  One of the island’s top restaurants.

Sixth stop.  Head over to center stage for some family fun entertainment.  Monday-Sunday we feature nightly concerts and performances from local acts.  Check out Trivia night if you’re here on a Saturday or 2SONS rock n’ roll on a Wednesday.  Whatever night it may be you’ll be entertained for sure!  

7th stop.  Depending on your group’s age range… for the “of agers” head back to The Frosty Frog or Big Bamboo to continue your nights adventure.  Catch performances from hot local talent such as Cranford Hallow, Native, Levi Moore, SonderBlue and more or call it a night and come back and see us in the morning for breakfast.  

8th stop.  Start your morning off right with a hot cup of joe from Caretta Coffee Co.  Enjoy a delish local pastry, grab a seat at the outdoor picnic tables and experience some of the best beachside people watching at Hilton Head’s downtown!  If you’re in the mood for brunch, visit Skillet’s and load up on a delicious stack of pancakes, or some tasty local shrimp and grits.  Take it all in and then skip on over to the beach! 

Whether you’re heading back home this morning or sticking around for a few more days, we hope you enjoy exploring Coligny Plaza.  Let us know your thoughts on Yelp and TripAdvisor.  We love hearing your feedback.  Thanks for visiting us this year.  We hope to see you again very soon!