There’s nothing quite like a Hilton Head evening spent outdoors — a plate of fresh seafood, a cool drink in hand, and the sound of the tide just beyond your table. From Broad Creek to the open ocean, Hilton Head’s restaurants make the most of their waterfront settings with wide decks, shaded patios, and breezy open-air spaces that let you soak in the Lowcountry light while you dine.
For locals, these patios overlooking the water are the best way to unwind after a long day. For visitors, sunset views and Southern flavors quickly become part of the island’s rhythm. These patios aren’t just about the view — they’re about the atmosphere, the food, and that coastal sense of place that makes Hilton Head feel like home, even if you’re only here for the weekend.
Here are the best waterfront patios on Hilton Head, where food meets sunset views and every seat feels tied to the water.
Black Marlin
Patio dining with marina views and breezy coastal charm in Palmetto Bay
Nestled in Palmetto Bay Marina, Black Marlin offers one of the island’s most scenic patio experiences. Overlooking Broad Creek, this relaxed yet refined spot lets you dine just feet from the boats and soft glow of the evening tide.
The menu features fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, and shareable starters designed for lingering outdoors. Whether you’re seated rail-side or inside near the windows, every view feels like a postcard from Hilton Head’s waterfront.
Why We Picked It: Sweeping marina views, a comfortable patio layout, and a menu that pairs perfectly with sunset dining.
Black Marlin
86 Helmsman Way
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843-785-4950
blackmarlinhhi.com
Poseidon
Open-air dining with a lively marina-side energy
Located at Shelter Cove Towne Centre, Poseidon boasts one of Hilton Head’s most inviting covered patios, overlooking Broad Creek and the waterfront park. The nautibar opens directly to the view, blending the island’s coastal energy with laid-back sophistication.
The menu centers on fresh seafood, raw bar favorites, and coastal classics — perfect for enjoying with the breeze at your back and sunlight glinting off the water.
Why We Picked It: Spacious covered patio and nautibar that truly connect you to Broad Creek’s atmosphere.
Poseidon
38 Shelter Cove Lane, Suite 121
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843-341-3838
poseidonhhi.com
Skull Creek Dockside
Large covered patio and Shark Bar with lively coastal vibes
Skull Creek Dockside delivers one of Hilton Head’s most scenic outdoor spaces, featuring the lively Shark Bar and decks that stretch right along the water. The patio captures that perfect mix of energy and ease — where friends gather, kids play, and sunsets turn golden over the creek.
Enjoy fresh seafood, hearty barbecue, or shareable platters while you take in the view. When the sky shifts to warm oranges and pinks, you’ll understand why this is one of the island’s most photographed spots.
Why We Picked It: A wide, shaded patio and unbeatable sunset views across Skull Creek.
Skull Creek Dockside
2 Hudson Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
843-785-3625
docksidehhi.com
Skull Creek Boathouse
Scenic deck dining that defines Hilton Head’s waterfront appeal
Perched directly on the banks of Skull Creek, Skull Creek Boathouse offers a deck where the view is as much a part of the meal as the food. The glass-walled dining room opens onto the water, and as the evening light fades, the setting becomes quietly romantic.
Enjoy fresh-caught seafood, sushi, and Lowcountry favorites that reflect Hilton Head’s coastal flavor. The open deck and rail-side seating invite you to linger as the tide drifts by.
Why We Picked It: Creekfront views, thoughtful menu, and that unmistakable Hilton Head calm.
Skull Creek Boathouse
397 Squire Pope Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
843-681-3663
skullcreekboathouse.com
Quarterdeck
Wrap-around patio and rooftop oyster bar overlooking Calibogue Sound
Situated beside the Harbour Town Lighthouse in Sea Pines, Quarterdeck sets the standard for waterfront dining with 270-degree views of Calibogue Sound, the harbor, and the lighthouse itself.
Enjoy fresh local seafood, oysters, and Lowcountry-inspired dishes while live music drifts across the deck. As the sun sets, the view turns cinematic — this is the spot for golden-hour dining on Hilton Head.
Why We Picked It: Iconic lighthouse backdrop, expansive patio, and an atmosphere that feels both lively and coastal.
Quarterdeck
160 Lighthouse Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843-842-1999
quarterdeckhhi.com
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks
Unmatched dockside patio with a true Lowcountry feel
At Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, every seat tells a story. Perched right at the edge of Port Royal Sound, the patio and deck offer panoramic views of the water — with fishing boats unloading just steps away.
Feast on locally caught shrimp, oysters, and soft-shell crab while the sun slips into the horizon. This is Hilton Head dining at its most authentic — simple, beautiful, and full of island flavor.
Why We Picked It: Dockside setting, unbeatable views, and the freshest seafood in town.
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks
1 Hudson Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
843-681-2772
hudsonsonthedocks.com
ELA’S On the Water
Garden terrace and marina-view dining at Shelter Cove Harbour
Overlooking Broad Creek and Shelter Cove Marina, ELA’S On the Water combines fine dining with breezy outdoor ambiance. The wrap-around patio and garden terrace provide open views of the harbor, where boats drift by as you sip a glass of wine.
The menu highlights fresh-catch seafood and prime-cut steaks — an upscale yet relaxed setting that captures the best of Hilton Head’s waterfront dining.
Why We Picked It: Refined patio setting, marina views, and a menu built for evenings outdoors.
ELA’S On the Water
1 Shelter Cove Lane
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843-785-3030
elasgrille.com
Closing the Day Outdoors
Patio dining on Hilton Head is more than just eating outside — it’s about connection. When you sit by the water with a gentle breeze on your face and the marsh glowing in golden light, you’re reminded why this island captures so many hearts.
For locals, these patios are the backdrop to everyday life — from casual happy hours to milestone dinners. For visitors, they’re the moments you remember long after the trip ends. Supporting these restaurants means celebrating the coastal charm that defines Hilton Head itself.
So take a seat by the rail, order something fresh from the sea, and let the island remind you to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor what makes this place so special.
