Hilton Head Island offers dining that feeds the soul as much as the appetite. Here, the water is part of the experience — shimmering just beyond your table while the scent of salt air drifts through. When you’re hosting a big gathering, the island’s best waterfront restaurants deliver the space, service, and scenery that turn a simple meal into a shared memory.
Whether you’re planning a family reunion, a company retreat, or a celebration among friends, Hilton Head’s waterfront dining scene combines Southern hospitality with the island’s breezy coastal style. These restaurants offer room for laughter, fresh local flavors, and views you’ll talk about long after dessert.
So gather your group, order a round of cocktails, and let the Lowcountry tides set the rhythm for a night that’s every bit as inviting as the view.
Skull Creek Boathouse
Lively Waterfront Dining with Lowcountry Charm
Skull Creek Boathouse is a Hilton Head institution. The open-air decks overlook Skull Creek, offering unbeatable sunset views and an easygoing energy that’s perfect for large gatherings. Groups can spread out across the spacious outdoor patios or book the covered Sunset Landing Pavilion, which comfortably hosts up to 150 guests.
The menu is a celebration of the coast — fresh-caught seafood, sushi rolls, and hearty Lowcountry plates served with cold craft brews and cocktails. Whether it’s a big family dinner or a casual company event, the staff at Skull Creek keeps things running smoothly while letting the vibe stay relaxed and fun. This spot is pure island magic at dusk, with the colors of the sky reflected in the water and the laughter of happy diners echoing across the marina.
Why We Chose This Spot: Skull Creek Boathouse combines great food with even better atmosphere. The space, the service, and the view make it a must for large groups who want the full Hilton Head experience — laid-back, flavorful, and unforgettable.
Skull Creek Boathouse
397 Squire Pope Road,
Hilton Head Island, SC
(843) 681-3663
https://www.skullcreekboathouse.com/
Skull Creek Dockside
Modern Coastal Dining for Groups with a View
Next door to the Boathouse, Skull Creek Dockside brings a fresh, bright take to waterfront dining. The interior glows with natural light, while the outdoor decks overlook the marsh and river, creating a serene setting for large group dinners.
The food is coastal comfort at its best — grilled fish, shrimp platters, and savory seafood dips that pair perfectly with Dockside’s craft cocktails. The open layout allows for large tables and easy movement, so even with a crowd, the atmosphere stays comfortable and connected. Between the sound of the water, the hum of conversation, and the sparkle of the sunset, Dockside is everything that makes Hilton Head dining feel special.
Why We Chose This Spot: It’s modern yet relaxed, scenic yet social. Skull Creek Dockside gives groups the best of both worlds — spacious seating and the kind of view that reminds you why everyone loves Hilton Head.
Skull Creek Dockside
2 Hudson Road,
Hilton Head Island, SC
(843) 785-3625
https://docksidehhi.com/
The Black Marlin Bayside Grill
Bayside Flavor and Group-Friendly Fun
Set within Palmetto Bay Marina, The Black Marlin Bayside Grill is a lively favorite for large groups looking for a balance of great food and casual atmosphere. The expansive outdoor patio and adjacent Hurricane Bar provide plenty of space for big parties to gather under the Lowcountry sky.
Here, the menu mixes coastal favorites with a Southern twist — fish tacos, seafood pasta, and their famous hushpuppies. Inside, the mood is energetic and inviting, with a friendly staff that makes every large group feel right at home. The Black Marlin hits that perfect Hilton Head note — breezy, social, and filled with flavor.
Why We Chose This Spot: It’s effortlessly fun. With plenty of space, great food, and waterfront views, Black Marlin is tailor-made for lively gatherings that stretch from dinner to drinks.
The Black Marlin Bayside Grill
86 Helmsman Way,
Hilton Head Island, SC
(843) 785-4950
blackmarlinhhi.com
Poseidon
Elegant Waterfront Dining in the Heart of Shelter Cove
Poseidon offers sophistication and space in equal measure. Located in Shelter Cove Towne Centre, this waterfront gem combines contemporary style with a menu that celebrates the sea. Its rooftop terrace, event rooms, and main dining space are designed to host large parties, from wedding groups to corporate dinners.
Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the restaurant with light, while the rooftop bar provides panoramic views of Broad Creek. The food is upscale yet accessible — fresh seafood, premium steaks, and craft cocktails that taste even better with a sea breeze. For groups that want to blend fine dining with a festive island vibe, Poseidon delivers effortlessly.
Why We Chose This Spot: Poseidon embodies modern Hilton Head — refined, lively, and unmistakably coastal. It’s the perfect choice when you want elegance without formality.
Poseidon
38 Shelter Cove Lane #121,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 341-3838
poseidonhhi.com
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks
A Hilton Head Classic for Big Gatherings
Hudson’s is where Hilton Head dining began — and it still delivers some of the island’s best waterfront meals. With massive decks perched over Port Royal Sound, this long-loved restaurant gives large groups the freedom to relax, laugh, and eat well.
Every seat has a view, every plate tells a story. The menu features shrimp straight from local boats, oysters shucked fresh, and classic Southern sides made from scratch. There’s nothing fussy here, just great seafood, cold drinks, and the kind of easy warmth that keeps people coming back year after year.
Why We Chose This Spot: Hudson’s captures Hilton Head’s heritage and hospitality in one place — it’s where the island’s dining story began, and it’s still the gold standard for big, beautiful waterfront meals.
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks
1 Hudson Road,
Hilton Head Island, SC
(843) 681-2772
hudsonsonthedocks.com
Fishcamp on Broad Creek
Casual Comfort with a Creekside Backdrop
Fishcamp on Broad Creek is where good food and good company meet in perfect harmony. The sprawling outdoor deck overlooks the water, creating a lively yet laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for groups.
The menu serves up Lowcountry favorites like shrimp and grits, fried flounder, and burgers stacked high. Fire pits and string lights add to the relaxed charm, making it an ideal spot for families or friends gathering after a day on the island. Whether it’s brunch, dinner, or drinks under the stars, Fishcamp feels like home by the water.
Why We Chose This Spot: It’s friendly, flexible, and fun — exactly what large-group dining should be. Fishcamp’s easy energy makes it a standout for casual gatherings with unforgettable views.
Fishcamp on Broad Creek
11 Simmons Road,
Hilton Head Island, SC
(843) 842-2267
fishcamphhi.com
Tiki Hut
Beachfront Dining for the Laid-Back Crowd
Tiki Hut is Hilton Head’s go-to spot for relaxed, sandy-foot dining. Just steps from the ocean, this open-air hangout delivers casual fare, live music, and the perfect coastal vibe for large groups who like to keep things easy.
The menu covers all the beach essentials — burgers, tacos, salads, and tropical drinks — with friendly service that makes even the busiest nights feel unhurried. With the sound of waves in the background and a sunset sky overhead, it’s pure island living. There’s no better way to cap off a Hilton Head day than with music, friends, and dinner under the palms.
Why We Chose This Spot: Tiki Hut captures the carefree side of Hilton Head — fun, approachable, and made for groups that want the full beachfront experience.
Tiki Hut
1 S Forest Beach Drive,
Hilton Head Island, SC
(843) 785-5126
tikihuthhi.com
The Taste of the Lowcountry, Served with a View
On Hilton Head Island, a great meal is only made better by a great view. These restaurants deliver both — serving generous helpings of Southern flavor with the kind of scenery that reminds you why the Lowcountry is magic.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or just gathering your favorite people, Hilton Head’s waterfront dining scene welcomes you with open arms and open skies. So raise a glass, watch the tide roll in, and let the island handle the rest.
