Exploring Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island with Kids

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As we continue our Hilton Head travel tips, I must tell you about Shelter Cove on Hilton Head Island. This enchanting waterfront community makes up 6 of my 30+ Family-Friendly Things To Do in Hilton Head with Kids, making it a must-see kid-friendly destination on Hilton Head. 

What is Shelter Cove?

Composed of 285 acres, Shelter Cove truly has it all.  Shopping, dining, parks, boating, residences, and entertainment.  This unique waterfront area is composed of Shelter Cove Harbour (also referred to as Shelter Cove Marina), Shelter Cove Plaza, and Shelter Cove Towne Center. 

Where is Shelter Cove?

Shelter Cove is located about mid-island, on the eastern side overlooking Broad Creek.  Parking is free at Shelter Cove and we had no trouble finding a spot, even during prime summer months at dinner time.  There are many bike paths and pedestrian walkways, so feel free to walk or bike if you are staying nearby.

Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina

The Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina area is incredible, with beautiful views and walkways along the water.  There are 8 waterfront dining locations in Shelter Cove Marina, offering cuisines from fish markets to taverns and, of course, ice cream. 

The Harbour area houses unique stores such as the Southern Tide Signature Store, Christmas on the Harbour year-round Christmas store, and the awe-inspiring Nash Gallery featuring handcrafted items from North American crafters. If you are shopping for souvenirs be sure to check out Neptune’s Niche gift and souvenir shop and Tradewinds Trinkets and Treasures. 

Shelter Cove Town Centre

Shelter Cove Town Centre offers retail, restaurants, and entertainment, along with more residential spaces.   Big names such as Belk and Lululemon can be found in the Town Centre, alongside local retailers like Palmetto Running Company. 

Shelter Cove Plaza

Shelter Cove Plaza is a strip of businesses located to the right as you enter Shelter Cove. There are restaurants, specifically Giuseppi’s Pizza and Hickory Tavern, a wine and spirits store, a real estate office, and a nail salon to name a few.  TJ Maxx and Whole Foods are also in the Plaza area, along with the offices of Outside Hilton Head, a tour and adventure company.

Shopping at Shelter Cove

Shelter Cove Shopping Hours

As I noted above, there is plenty of shopping at Shelter Cove. While the Marina and Harbour opens at 7 a.m. for those early risers hitting the seas, most shops do not open until 9-10 a.m. with closing times ranging from 5-8 p.m. 

Unique Women’s Clothing Stores in Shelter Cove

I need to give a quick shout-out to several unique women’s clothing boutiques in Shelter Cove Town Centre that aren’t your typical chain stores.

Four shops come to mind, Birdie James whose flagship store is located in Shelter Cove, Coastal Bliss contemporary women’s boutique, South Carolina-based Copper Penny, and fab’ rik store are worth stopping by for Moms in search of retail therapy in Shelter Cove.

Entertainment and Family Nightlife at Shelter Cove

Movie Nights in the Park

If you are visiting Hilton Head in the summer months, you may be able to catch a Night Night in the Park at Shelter Cove Towne Center. On Thursdays from June to August, bring your beach chairs, blankets, and snacks for a fun family evening watching a movie under the stars on their giant 24-foot screen.

Movies start at 8:30 pm and the 2023 lineup includes Frozen 2, Shrek, and the original Willy Wonka, so definitely a kid-friendly activity. Admission to Movie Nights in the Park is free. Check the Movie Night in the Park schedule for more information. 

Family-Friendly Events in Shelter Cove Town Centre

Shelter Cove Town Centre is home to the  Shelter Cove Community Park, which hosts a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year.  Hilton Head’s Island Recreation Center events calendar looks to have the most up-to-date information on these events from a Pumpkin Patch to a Snow Day winter event and even an Easter Eggstavaganza!

Dining in Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island

Waterfront Dining at Shelter Cove Harbour

Shelter Cove offers multiple waterfront dining options in the Marina area.  With everything from the waterfront French cafe Bistro 17 to the upscale ELA’s on the Water featuring fresh catch seafood and prime cut steaks, there is something for everyone. 

My top choice for a kid-friendly waterfront restaurant offering delicious food is San Miguel’s Mexican Cafe.  I highly recommend this gem for your family’s next visit to Shelter Cove. 

San Miguel’s Mexican Cafe

San Miguel’s offers inside and outside seating.  The restaurant is located on the marina, with beautiful water views.  There is an outside bar and frequent live music outside in the summer months.

The restaurant is first come, first served, which stressed me out a little bit, but ended up being no problem. We arrived by 5 p.m. and had about a 10-minute wait. You can get drinks at the outside bar also while you wait.  Between checking out the boats, and enjoying the live music, my kids didn’t even complain about the short wait!  I would imagine the wait becomes significantly longer the later it gets into dinner hours, so keep that in mind. 

San Miguel’s won the Travelers Choice award from TripAdvisor in 2022 and is well-rated by their travelers, especially the margaritas! From a Mom standpoint, the kids’ menu had a variety of choices ranging from hamburgers and chicken fingers to enchiladas and tacos, so everyone was happy in my family.

Family-Friendly Activities in Shelter Cove

In addition to Movie Nights at the Park and eating at San Miguel’s, other kid-friendly activities in the Shelter Cove area include HarbourFest, live music by Shannon Tanner, and the golf cart train. 

HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Harbour

HarbourFest is an annual summer festival that is great for kids and families.  There are fireworks at Shelter Cove every Tuesday evening (and on the 4th of July), along with live music, arts & crafts, and kids’ activities. 

My kids enjoyed the bounce house and hair wrap stations the most.  Be warned hair wraps have drastically increased in price since we were kids.  My daughter’s hair wrap cost over $40! There was also make-your-own slime, face painting, and other arts and crafts available.  

Shannon Tanner Show at Shelter Cove

During the summer months, Shannon Tanner plays family-friendly live acoustic music twice each evening, multiple days per week.  Be sure to check out Shannon Tanner’s schedule on his website.  My kids knew all of the songs he played while we were there and had a blast dancing, definitely a kid-friendly event.  

Golf Cart Train at Shelter Cove Harbour

I have not found a mention of this on any website, so I am starting to wonder if it was a fluke but I swear there is a train, pulled by a golf cart that looks like a locomotive, and it takes you around the Marina.  It costs $5 per person and lasts about 5-7 minutes.  The train plays fun music and the kids truly loved it.  The ride also allows you to get your bearings in the area.

Where to Stay in Shelter Cove

Loving the Shelter Cove area so much you’d like to stay there? Perfect!  VRBO offers vacation home rentals right in Shelter Cove. 

Specifically looking for waterfront vacation rentals in Shelter Cove?  Here is a link straight to waterfront options in Shelter Cove on VRBO.  

If you prefer a more traditional hotel setting, there is the Marriott Harbour Pointe and Sunset Pointe at Shelter Cove for you to check out. The resort offers 2 pools and is located in Shelter Cove for easy access to the above adventures.

Of course, there are many other nearby hotels on Hilton Head Island, including beachfront options so pick your favorite and book your trip to family fun!

Other Kid-Friendly Activities on Hilton Head Island

So, have you added visiting Shelter Cove to your Hilton Head Island vacation itinerary yet? I sure hope so! For more vacation activity ideas for your next family trip, be sure to check out my 30+ Family-Friendly Things to Do in Hilton Head with Kids where we explore kid-friendly activities on Hilton Head Island for your family’s next vacation.