Outdoor adventures, friendly competition, food experiences and unforgettable entertainment for your next Lowcountry outing.

By Madison McBride, Mary Bell and Chloe Knight

The best friendships aren’t measured by how long you’ve known each other. They’re measured by shared experiences: the spontaneous adventures, the traditions that become rituals and the stories that somehow get funnier every time they’re retold. The Lowcountry was made for those moments. Whether you’re chasing dolphins through winding tidal creeks, teeing off on one of America’s most iconic golf courses or laughing until your sides hurt during a comedy show, every outing offers another opportunity to reconnect with the people who make life richer. So call your favorite people, clear your calendars, and start checking adventures off the ultimate Lowcountry bestie bucket list.

Outdoor Adventures to Enjoy With Friends

Trade your routine for fresh air, scenic landscapes and adventures that are even better when shared with friends.

Play Harbour Town Golf Links With Your Favorite Foursome

If there is one golf course every golfer should play with their favorite foursome, it’s Harbour Town Golf Links. Home of the annual RBC Heritage, this legendary layout lets you follow in the footsteps of PGA Tour champions while enjoying one of the most beautiful courses in golf. Following a comprehensive restoration last year by Davis Love III and his team, the course reopened with rebuilt greens, restored bunkers and thoughtful updates that honor Pete Dye’s original vision while elevating playing conditions. The result is a course that’s in exceptional shape and more challenging than ever. Towering pines, centuries-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss and sweeping views of Calibogue Sound create a setting where the conversations between tee shots are every bit as memorable as the golf itself. Before heading home, stop at the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse for the perfect group photo.

Know before you go: Tee times book well in advance, especially during peak season, so reserve as early as possible. Morning rounds offer cooler temperatures and a faster pace of play. August greens fees range from $360-$414. 

Explore Broad Creek on a Tandem Kayak

The Lowcountry is best experienced from the water, and there’s no better way to explore it than from a tandem kayak. Paddle through the winding tidal creeks of Broad Creek, where bottlenose dolphins surface nearby, snowy egrets stalk the shallows, and great blue herons glide effortlessly overhead. Guided tours with Outside Hilton Head offer fascinating insight into one of America’s richest coastal ecosystems while giving friends the chance to unplug, slow down and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the marsh. After your paddle, keep the day going at nearby Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. Dockside restaurants and waterfront patios provide the perfect place to relive your favorite wildlife sightings over fresh seafood, cocktails or a leisurely lunch while watching boats come and go.

Know before you go: Morning paddles typically offer calmer water and the best wildlife viewing. Tandem kayak rentals start at $45 for the first hour, with additional time available for $10 per hour.

Go Parasailing Above Hilton Head Island

Ready to see the Lowcountry from an entirely new perspective? Strap in with your favorite adventure partner, and soar hundreds of feet above Hilton Head Island, where panoramic views stretch from the Atlantic Ocean across winding salt marshes, maritime forests and sparkling waterways. From high above you might spot bottlenose dolphins cruising the shoreline, rays gliding through the shallows and boats tracing their way across the island’s tidal creeks. Whether you choose Sky Pirate Parasail, Island Water Sports or Island Head, each operator offers tandem flights, making this an unforgettable experience to share with a friend. The ride is surprisingly peaceful, with little more than the sound of the wind and breathtaking views in every direction. It’s the kind of adventure you’ll be talking about long after your feet are back on the boat.

Know before you go: Tandem parasailing flights typically start at about $95 per person, with morning departures offering the calmest winds and clearest views. Reservations are recommended during the busy summer season. Wear clothing that can get wet, and bring a secure way to protect your phone or camera if you plan to capture the experience.

Cruise Broad Creek on a Pontoon Boat

Some of the best days on Hilton Head Island don’t follow an itinerary. Rent a luxury pontoon boat from Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, invite your favorite people aboard, and spend the day exploring Broad Creek and the surrounding waterways at your own pace. Cruise past waterfront homes, watch for bottlenose dolphins, sit at a quiet spot, or simply drift beneath blue skies with your favorite playlist setting the mood. Spacious enough for up to 12 passengers, premium Aloha pontoons are designed for a comfortable day on the water, featuring a 150-horsepower Yamaha outboard, Garmin GPS and depth finder, plus a large 9-foot Sunbrella Bimini top for shade. Pack a cooler, bring your favorite snacks, and enjoy the freedom to create your own perfect Lowcountry adventure. Before or after your cruise, stroll the marina and grab lunch, dinner or drinks at one of Shelter Cove Harbour’s waterfront restaurants to make a full day of it.

Know before you go: Pontoon rentals start at $315 for two hours, with full-day rentals available for $1,000. Reserve well in advance for summer weekends, and don’t forget sunscreen, plenty of water and a cooler for the day.

Ride Horses Through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve

Experience Hilton Head Island at a slower pace, with a guided trail ride through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve from Lawton Stables. This one-hour, Western-style ride follows peaceful trails beneath towering pines and centuries-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss, passing inland lakes where alligators often bask and a variety of native birds make their home. Along the way, knowledgeable guides share stories about the island’s wildlife, history and unique Lowcountry landscape, making the ride as educational as it is scenic. Gentle horses and a relaxed walking pace make the experience welcoming for first-time riders, while the preserve’s natural beauty keeps even experienced equestrians captivated. It’s a refreshing way to slow down, enjoy uninterrupted conversation and experience one of Hilton Head’s most treasured natural areas together.

Know before you go: One-hour guided trail rides are $100 per person during August and are open to riders ages 8 and older. Summer rides are offered Monday through Saturday, with early morning and evening departures providing the coolest temperatures. Reservations are required. 

Ride a Tandem Bike Around Palmetto Dunes

There’s no better reminder that the journey matters as much as the destination than riding a tandem bike. It takes teamwork, communication and a willingness to laugh through the occasional wobbly start, making every mile part of the adventure. Rent a tandem bike from Hilton Head Outfitters, and cruise along Palmetto Dunes’ miles of paved leisure trails beneath live oaks draped in Spanish moss, past sparkling lagoons and through one of the island’s most scenic resort communities. From there, pedal through the nearby underpass for easy access to Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina and Shelter Cove Towne Centre, where waterfront restaurants, cafés and shops make perfect stops for lunch, drinks or a little browsing. Or pack a beach towel, and ride to the ocean for a relaxing afternoon by the shore before making your way back.

Know before you go: Tandem bike rentals start at approximately $66 per day. Early mornings offer cooler temperatures and lighter trail traffic, making for the most enjoyable ride.

Plan a Camping Getaway at Hunting Island State Park

Sometimes the best way to reconnect is to unplug. Trade busy schedules for salty air, towering palmettos and star-filled skies with a weekend at Hunting Island State Park, one of South Carolina’s most spectacular coastal destinations. Spend the day exploring five miles of unspoiled Atlantic beach, climbing the Hunting Island Lighthouse for sweeping coastal views, kayaking through quiet marshes or hiking nature trails where deer, wading birds and other wildlife are frequent visitors. As the sun sets, gather around the campfire to roast marshmallows, share stories and enjoy the kind of uninterrupted conversations that only seem to happen outdoors. Wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore, brew a cup of coffee beneath the trees, and start another day of adventure together.

Know before you go: Oceanfront campsites are among the most sought-after in South Carolina and often book months in advance. Campsites range from $35-$80 per night, depending on the site type and season, with additional reservation and park entrance fees. Pack bug spray, sunscreen, plenty of drinking water, and reserve your campsite as early as possible.

Friendly Competition & Group Activities

Nothing brings people together quite like a little healthy rivalry. These experiences prove that winning is fun, but the memories you make along the way are even better.

Go Bowling & Play Arcade Games at Station 300

Some nights never go out of style. Head to Station 300 for a classic bowling night, where every strike earns high-fives, every gutter ball becomes a punchline and every frame is another excuse for a little friendly competition. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply enjoying the laughs, it’s the kind of outing that brings everyone together. When the last pin falls, keep the fun going in the arcade with air hockey, basketball shootouts, racing simulators, claw machines and dozens of other games. Cash in your tickets for prizes, grab dinner or drinks without leaving the lanes, and let one of Station 300’s robot servers deliver your food right to your table. It’s an easy recipe for an unforgettable night with friends.

Know before you go: Bowling starts at $13 per person for two hours Monday through Thursday and $19 per person on most weekends. Individual games start at $5, and shoe rental is $4. Check the Station 300 website for current specials and lane availability.

Put Your Teamwork to the Test at Hilton Head Escape Room

Put your friendship to the test at Hilton Head Escape Room, where the clock is always working against you. Race to crack codes, solve intricate puzzles, and uncover hidden clues before time runs out, relying on communication, creativity and teamwork every step of the way. Whether you’re investigating a mysterious medical experiment, unraveling a conspiracy or searching for a way out of a thrilling themed adventure, every room offers a different challenge that keeps everyone engaged until the final seconds. The best part comes afterward, when you’ll replay every clue, celebrate your biggest breakthroughs and debate the puzzle that nearly stumped your team all the way home. It’s the perfect activity for friends who love a good challenge and don’t mind a little pressure.

Know before you go: Each adventure lasts 60 minutes. Games start at $35 per person for groups of three or more and $48 per person for two players. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

Play Pickleball at Palmetto Dunes

Easy to learn and impossible to play just once, pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the country and one of Hilton Head Island’s favorite ways to spend time with friends. At Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, 24 dedicated pickleball courts create a lively atmosphere where friendly competition quickly turns into hours of laughter. One game inevitably leads to another as long rallies, improbable shots and plenty of playful trash talk keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, Palmetto Dunes offers clinics, private lessons, round robins and open play for every experience level. Surrounded by swaying palms and coastal breezes, it’s the kind of place where you’ll celebrate perfectly placed winners, laugh off unforced errors and leave already planning your next match.

Know before you go: Court rentals range from $20-$25 per hour, depending on the time of day, with walk-on rates as low as $15 per hour. Group clinics are $34 per person, while Round Robins are $20 per person. Private lessons are also available. Morning and late afternoon offer the most comfortable playing conditions, and reservations are recommended during the busy summer season.

Play Doubles Tennis at Sea Pines Racquet Club

Unlike singles, doubles is all about teamwork. Every point depends on communication, trust and anticipation, making it one of the best sports to enjoy with a close friend. Celebrate perfectly placed volleys, encourage each other after missed shots, and discover why some of the best conversations happen during a changeover. At Sea Pines Racquet Club, you’ll play on the same Har-Tru clay courts that have helped make the facility one of the nation’s premier tennis destinations. Home to 23 clay courts, the club offers daily clinics, private lessons and court rentals for players of every skill level. Whether you’re longtime doubles partners or picking up a racquet together for the first time, you’ll leave with a stronger game, some friendly bragging rights and another great day spent together.

Know before you go: Court rentals for non-resort guests are $50 per hour, with racquet rentals available for $5. Daily clinics, private lessons and special programs are offered throughout the year. Morning and evening provide the most comfortable playing conditions during August. Reservations are recommended.

Race Go-Karts at Indy Karting & Amusements

When friendly competition calls for a little more speed, head to Indy Karting & Amusements in Bluffton. Challenge your friends to a high-speed race on the state-of-the-art indoor electric kart track, where every corner is an opportunity to take the lead, and every lap fuels the rivalry. Once the checkered flag falls, keep the competition going with interactive axe throwing, duckpin bowling and a lively arcade packed with classic and modern games. Whether you’re celebrating the fastest lap, landing your first bullseye or settling the score over one more round of duckpin bowling, Indy Karting delivers the perfect mix of adrenaline and laughter. With food, drinks and multiple attractions under one roof, it’s an easy choice for a rainy day or an action-packed night out with friends.

Know before you go: A single seven-minute kart race is $26, while 30 minutes of axe throwing is $15, and 60 minutes is $25. Duckpin bowling starts at $18 per lane on weekday afternoons. Closed-toed shoes are required for karting, and evening visits offer the liveliest atmosphere.

Battle It Out at The Zone Laser Tag

The lights dim, the music cranks up, and the countdown begins. Inside The Zone’s two-level black-light arena, you’ll dodge around glowing obstacles, defend your base and work together to outsmart the competition. Quick reflexes and teamwork matter just as much as speed, making every match a fast-paced mix of strategy, friendly rivalry and nonstop excitement. Whether you’re celebrating a last-second comeback or immediately calling for a rematch, laser tag has a way of bringing out everyone’s competitive side. Afterward, keep the fun going with The Zone’s arcade, mini golf, duckpin bowling or ninja course to turn one game into a full afternoon or evening of adventure.

Know before you go: Laser tag is $13 per game, per person. If you’re planning to enjoy multiple attractions, the $31 Zone Pass includes five activity tickets that can be used for laser tag and several other attractions. Reservations are recommended for larger groups and busy weekends.

Food & Drink Experiences for Friends

Great friendships deserve great meals. These experiences bring friends together around the table to learn new skills, share unforgettable flavors and create recipes worth recreating.

Take an Italian Cooking Class at Michael Anthony’s

Skip the dinner reservation, and create the meal yourselves at Michael Anthony’s Cooking School, one of Hilton Head Island’s most popular culinary experiences. Working side by side with the chef, you’ll prepare three recipes from scratch while learning professional techniques, knife skills and the secrets behind authentic Italian cooking. Once the cooking is finished, everyone gathers around the table to enjoy a family-style lunch paired with wine, making the experience feel as much like an Italian dinner party as a cooking class. Best of all, you’ll head home with recipes, new skills and dishes you’ll enjoy recreating together long after the class is over.

Know before you go: Hands-on classes are $120 per person, begin at 11:30 a.m. and frequently sell out, so reservations are recommended well in advance.

Learn to Make Homemade Salad Dressings

Sometimes the simplest recipes make the biggest impression. Grab your favorite foodie, and head to Hilton Head Olive Oils & Balsamics for the popular Salad Dressing 101 workshop, where you’ll discover how just a few quality ingredients can transform everyday meals. During this interactive class, you’ll learn the art of pairing premium extra virgin olive oils with aged balsamic vinegars to create fresh, flavorful dressings that go far beyond a basic vinaigrette. Along the way, you’ll sample a variety of oils and balsamics, experiment with creative flavor combinations, gather expert cooking tips and receive a workbook filled with recipes to recreate at home. It’s equal parts tasting, cooking lesson and fun afternoon with friends.

Know before you go: Salad Dressing 101 is held Thursdays at 3 p.m. and costs $25 per person. Reservations are required, and each participant receives a recipe workbook. Arrive early to sample additional oils and balsamics before class begins.

Arts & Entertainment

End the day with a little culture, plenty of laughter or a few ghost stories. These unforgettable evenings prove that some of the best memories are made after the sun goes down.

Enjoy Live Theater in Hilton Head, Bluffton & Beaufort

There’s something magical about experiencing a live performance together. As the lights dim and the curtain rises, you’re swept into a story that sparks laughter, emotion and conversation long after the final bow. Whether you’re enjoying a Broadway-caliber musical at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, an off-Broadway-style production at Lean Ensemble Theater or a community favorite at May River Theatre or Sea Glass Stage Company, every performance offers a memorable night out. Make an evening of it by enjoying dinner before the show, then follow up with dessert or drinks afterward as you relive your favorite scenes, unforgettable performances and surprise plot twists. It’s a fun way to share an experience that simply can’t be replicated from the couch.

Know before you go: Tickets generally start at about $30 at May River Theatre, around $40 at Lean Ensemble Theater and about $50 at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, with prices varying by production and seating location. Purchase tickets in advance for popular performances, which often sell out.

Laugh the Night Away at Hilton Head Comedy Magic Cabaret

Few things bring friends together faster than laughing until your cheeks hurt. At Hilton Head Comedy Magic Cabaret, nationally touring comedians and award-winning magicians combine stand-up comedy, mind-bending illusions and audience participation in an intimate, Vegas-style showroom where every seat feels close to the action. The venue’s signature “Funny Not Filthy” performances make it an entertaining choice for couples, groups of friends and multi-generational outings alike. Catch traveling comedy magician James Brandon on Aug. 5-8, then make a full evening of it by enjoying dinner at a nearby restaurant  to relive your favorite jokes, illusions and surprise moments.

Know before you go: General admission tickets are $60, while VIP front-row seats and raised booths are $73. Seating is limited, so reservations are strongly recommended.

Take an Evening Ghost Tour of Historic Savannah

As daylight fades, Savannah becomes a different city. Gas lamps cast a warm glow across cobblestone streets, Spanish moss sways beneath centuries-old live oaks, and every historic square seems to hold another story waiting to be told. It’s the perfect setting for an evening of mystery with your favorite travel companion. On a walking tour with Ghost City Tours, you’ll explore some of Savannah’s most legendary locations, from the eerie gates of Colonial Park Cemetery to haunted mansions, hidden alleyways and historic squares where tales of restless spirits, infamous residents and unexplained encounters have been passed down for generations. Equal parts history lesson and ghost story, the tour is entertaining whether you’re a true believer or simply along for the fun. Either way, you’ll have plenty to debate on the drive back to Hilton Head.

Know before you go: Walking tours start at $30 per person, with specialty and adults-only tours starting at $35. Tours are offered nightly, but reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and arrive early to find parking.