Hilton Head, South Carolina, home to the Hilton Head Seafood Festival, is one of our favorites in the entire Carolinas. The destination is perfect for anyone looking for a tranquil, yet adventurous getaway. It has so many beautiful natural elements, from stunning beaches to lush nature trails. In addition to offering a variety of amazing outdoor activities, Hilton Head also boasts an array of cultural and culinary attractions that make it a favorite amongst travelers. From art galleries and performance venues to the freshest seafood, there is something for everyone in this beautiful Lowcountry destination.
We’re so very excited to head there in February for one of our favorite events in the entire South, the Hilton Head Seafood Festival. This annual event features local seafood favorites, live music, fun tours and much more. It’s the perfect way spend a week in February!
The Hilton Head Seafood Festival is one of the most popular events on the island.
Every year, Hilton Head Island celebrates the flavor of fresh seafood and local culture with The David M. Carmines Memorial Foundation’s 16th annual Seafood Festival. This 501c3 non-profit event honors the legacy of a beloved son while raising money for noteworthy organizations including Coastal Discovery Museum, Waddell Mariculture Center, Gullah Heritage Museum and Medical University of South Carolina — making it a truly meaningful feast in true Lowcountry style.
People of all ages enjoy delicious eats, toe-tapping music, arts and crafts, and other entertainment, games and more. It’s a great activity to do in Hilton Head for couples. Many look forward to the event year after year for its warm hospitality, abundance of enjoyable activities and celebration of Hilton Head’s culture. The Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival also serves a purpose beyond pleasure-seeking: each year it honors South Carolina’s seafaring heritage with educational opportunities that pass this knowledge down to future generations.
The festival features fresh seafood from local restaurants and vendors
Attendees will be delighted with the variety of fresh seafood deliciousness on offer. The restaurants, chefs, and vendors have worked hard to provide an abundance of delicious dishes, tantalizing taste buds with traditional favorites as well as experimental creations. Everything from delectable fish tacos to sizzling grilled shrimp is available for explorers of all palates, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re looking for a fun way to enjoy the best of Hilton Head Island, this is it!
Over the course of seven days, from February 20-26th guests will be able to experience celebrity guest chef dinners, the best of southern barbecue pitmasters, cooking demos, wine tastings, mixologists, and more. This festival is one of the best unusual things to do in Hilton Head. The festival explores the South’s evolving food culture, which has been returning to its roots in recent years by honoring its rich native agriculture. Guests will also be able to experience our coast’s rich fishing heritage during the weeklong festival. Here you can sample restaurants’ fresh catch specials, try fresh oysters and even learn how to fish yourself. From incredible seafood meals to rustic barbecue and bonfires – world-class talent and southern charm collide on one gorgeous Island setting.
Tours During The Hilton Head Seafood Festival
Go with Captain Christopher Shoemaker and his team on a a delightful Lowcountry excursion. Learn about shrimping, oystering, and crabbing on this two hour trip. Then eat what you caught for lunch. The tour is $125 per person, a great option to do in Hilton Head for couples, and runs from Monday to Friday at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM.
There’s also a tour to Callawassie Island for the Tour of Homes event on February 22. You will see some of the areas most beautiful houses. Guests will also get to try different wines and foods at each stop. Book soon, because there’s just 50 tickets available.
New in 2023, the Holy, Moles and Olea dinner will share Mexican culture through food. Chef Fernando Olea, who won the James Beard Best Chef of the Southwest award in 2022, is joining Chef Tim Nelson from Holy Tequila for this event. Chef Olea has been making unique contemporary and traditional Mexican dishes in Santa Fe since 1991. He creates sophisticated flavors using ingredients from Old Mexico as well as from all around the world. One dish that is special to Mexican cuisine and that showcases Chef Fernando’s skills is mole. Mole is a dish from the heart of Mexico and it can be made with more than thirty different ingredients. Some recipes have five different types of chile peppers alone!
The Zero Forks Given event on February 23 held at the Omni Oceanfront Resort is special because it has seafood creations with flavors from all over the world. Celebrity Chefs will make each course and it will be paired with one of the wineries’ best wines. There will be a 100 person max at the dinner, so if this interests you book soon.
Where To Stay When Visiting during the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival
There are two amazing options we recommend when visiting the Hilton Head area. First is the Omni Oceanfront Resort. Not only does it have luxury rooms and beautiful sand beaches, but it’s also where some of our festival events will be taking place. If you book a trip with the hotel, you’ll also get tickets to some of the best events.
Secondly there’s the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, a premier vacation spot for those seeking a tranquil retreat. With stunningly scenic ocean views and lush foliage, this resort embodies the Lowcountry and is the perfect place to unwind and relax.
How To Get Tickets To The Much Anticipated Event
The Hilton Head Seafood Festival is a much-anticipated annual event that shouldn’t be missed, and is one of the best things to do in Hilton Head for couples. If you’re looking for fresh seafood, a pig pickin’, oyster roast, live music, cooking demos, and more, this is the place to be. The festival takes place in February, so make sure to add it to your calendar now. And if you’re looking for a fun way to enjoy all that Hilton Head Island has to offer, this is definitely the event for you! Buy your tickets here: https://www.hiltonheadseafoodfestival.com/tickets
