There’s nothing quite like a meal by the water on Hilton Head Island — the hum of the docks, the shimmer of the sunset, and the gentle salt air that turns every bite into an experience. Whether you’re out for fresh seafood, cocktails at sunset, or an elegant evening with a view, Hilton Head’s waterfront restaurants deliver the perfect blend of flavor and scenery.
And when it comes to dining with a view, no one sets the standard quite like the SERG Restaurant Group. Their restaurants combine top-notch cuisine with unbeatable Lowcountry ambiance, capturing the heart of what makes Hilton Head dining so unforgettable.
Here are the best waterfront restaurants on Hilton Head Island, starting with the SERG favorites that define the island’s dining scene.
Skull Creek Boathouse
An Island Icon With a View You’ll Never Forget
If there’s one place that captures the soul of Hilton Head’s waterfront dining, it’s Skull Creek Boathouse. A proud member of the SERG Restaurant Group, this landmark delivers panoramic creekside views, live music, and some of the best seafood in the Lowcountry.
Whether you’re sipping cocktails on the patio, enjoying sushi from their Dockside Bar, or sharing fresh-caught fish with friends, every visit feels like a true island escape.
We recommend: Try the Fresh Catch of the Day or Signature Shrimp & Grits, then finish with the Warm Apple Crisp à la Mode — vanilla ice cream melting over caramel drizzle as the sun dips below the horizon.
Why we chose this spot: Skull Creek Boathouse is more than a restaurant — it’s a Hilton Head tradition. From the views to the menu to the energy, it’s a dining experience that defines coastal living.
Skull Creek Boathouse
397 Squire Pope Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 681-3663
https://www.skullcreekboathouse.com/
Skull Creek Dockside
Southern Comfort and Waterfront Charm
Just steps away from its sister restaurant, Dockside offers a more relaxed, family-friendly take on Hilton Head’s coastal dining. The sprawling patio, open-air bar, and laid-back vibe make it the perfect spot for an afternoon cocktail or a casual evening meal.
Families gather around wooden tables while kids play on the grassy lawn overlooking the water. The menu highlights Southern comfort favorites — from creamy shrimp and grits to fried flounder — served in generous portions that make sharing easy.
We recommend: The Crab Cake Sandwich or the Shrimp & Grits paired with a cold local beer or tropical cocktail.
Why we chose this spot: Dockside brings the best of the island together — great food, waterfront breeze, and that unmistakable feeling of being right at home.
Skull Creek Dockside
2 Hudson Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 785-3625
https://docksidehhi.com/
Black Marlin Bayside Grill
Coastal Comfort, Island Style
Located in Palmetto Bay Marina, Black Marlin Bayside Grill embodies the carefree essence of Hilton Head. This spot is all about bold flavors, bright cocktails, and a lively atmosphere that feels like a beach vacation every day.
Inside, it’s vibrant and social; outside, the Hurricane Bar buzzes with laughter and live music. The menu brings together coastal classics with Caribbean flair — think fish tacos, shrimp po’boys, and frozen margaritas under the palms.
We recommend: The Grouper Sandwich or the Key West Shrimp & Grits for a taste of island indulgence.
Why we chose this spot: Black Marlin is pure waterfront joy — relaxed, flavorful, and impossible not to love.
Black Marlin Bayside Grill
86 Helmsman Way,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 785-4950
https://blackmarlinhhi.com/
Beyond the SERG Scene: More Waterfront Favorites
While SERG defines much of Hilton Head’s dining excellence, several independent restaurants also bring unforgettable waterfront charm. These local favorites deliver authentic coastal cuisine, Southern hospitality, and their own kind of island magic.
ELA’s On the Water
Elegant Dining on the Marina
Tucked within Shelter Cove Harbour, ELA’s On the Water is one of Hilton Head’s most refined waterfront experiences — a perfect choice for couples, celebrations, or anyone who loves dinner with a view. From the moment you walk in, floor-to-ceiling windows frame the marina like a living postcard, while soft lighting and coastal décor set the mood for an unforgettable evening.
The menu is a love letter to coastal cuisine, artfully blending seafood and steak with fresh, local ingredients. Each dish feels both sophisticated and comforting — perfectly paired with a glass from their carefully curated wine list. It’s the kind of place where conversation flows easily, and every meal feels like a memory in the making.
We recommend: Start with the Crab Cake Appetizer, then savor the Pan-Seared Scallops with lemon beurre blanc, followed by a silky Crème Brûlée for dessert. It’s a sequence that captures the elegance, freshness, and coastal soul of Hilton Head dining.
Why we chose this spot: ELA’s combines marina views, polished service, and perfectly plated seafood to create a dining experience that feels effortlessly special — timeless, intimate, and true to the island’s romantic charm.
ELA’s On the Water
1 Shelter Cove Ln,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 785-3030
https://www.elasgrille.com/
Scott’s Fish Market
Seafood Classics With a Front-Row Marina View
There’s something timeless about Scott’s Fish Market. Perched along the docks at Shelter Cove Harbour, this waterfront staple has been serving Hilton Head locals and visitors for decades — and with good reason. It’s the kind of place where the view does half the talking: sailboats bob in the water, string lights flicker overhead, and the golden glow of the marina at sunset casts everything in a relaxed, Lowcountry light.
The menu leans into seafood classics — think broiled scallops, fresh-caught grouper, and Lowcountry boils stacked high with shrimp and sausage — but there’s a subtle elegance to every dish that keeps regulars coming back. On warm evenings, guests gather at patio tables just steps from the water, clinking cocktail glasses as live music drifts through the air. Inside, the atmosphere is casual but refined, with white tablecloths, marina views through wide windows, and a quiet hum of satisfied conversation.
We recommend: Go for the Grouper Piccata or the Seafood Pasta loaded with shrimp, scallops, and mussels in a garlic white wine sauce. Pair it with a crisp sauvignon blanc or a frozen cocktail for full vacation mode.
Why we chose this spot: Scott’s Fish Market is classic Hilton Head — fresh food, unforgettable views, and that warm, coastal spirit that turns dinner into a memory.
Scott’s Fish Market
17 Harbourside Ln,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 785-7575
https://scottsfishmarket.com/
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks
Where Tradition Meets the Tide
Since the 1960s, Hudson’s has defined Hilton Head seafood dining. Overlooking Port Royal Sound, it’s a place where the day’s catch goes straight from boat to table — and the view is as iconic as the food.
Guests dine on weathered docks, seagulls drifting overhead, as the sun fades over the water. The food is honest, fresh, and full of soul — oysters, shrimp, flounder, and all the Lowcountry staples cooked with pride.
We recommend: The Oysters Rockefeller or a classic Lowcountry Boil. Both are island traditions that taste even better when paired with a cold beer and a breeze.
Why we chose this spot: Hudson’s isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a Hilton Head legacy. Every bite tells the story of the sea.
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks
1 Hudson Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 681-2772
https://www.hudsonsonthedocks.com/
The Crazy Crab – Jarvis Creek
Family Dining With a Waterfront View
For a fun, casual night on the water, nothing beats The Crazy Crab – Jarvis Creek. Overlooking the peaceful creek and surrounded by oak trees draped in Spanish moss, this long-time local favorite has been bringing families together for decades.
The menu is everything you want from a classic Lowcountry seafood house — generous portions, bold flavor, and a little bit of Southern flair. Kids can dig into fried shrimp or mac and cheese, while adults enjoy platters piled high with crab legs, hush puppies, and steamed oysters. It’s easy, relaxed, and pure Hilton Head hospitality.
We recommend: The Lowcountry Boil — a hearty mix of shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn — or the Snow Crab Legs with butter and lemon. End the meal with a slice of Key Lime Pie for the ultimate island finish.
Why we chose this spot: The Crazy Crab isn’t trying to be fancy — and that’s exactly why locals love it. It’s honest, welcoming, and filled with the simple joys that make dining by the water feel like home.
The Crazy Crab – Jarvis Creek
104 William Hilton Pkwy,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 681-5021
https://thecrazycrab.com/
Fishcamp on Broad Creek
Southern Charm Beneath the Oaks
Fishcamp delivers everything you dream of in a Lowcountry evening — live music, southern cooking, and a view framed by centuries-old oaks. It’s a setting that feels both timeless and inviting, perfect for an easygoing dinner that still feels special.
The menu offers a balance of comfort and refinement, with dishes like grilled salmon, fried flounder, and crab cakes made with care. Add a sunset cocktail and the sounds of laughter drifting across Broad Creek, and you’ll see why Fishcamp has become an island favorite.
We recommend: The Fried Flounder Plate or the Grilled Salmon with lemon butter. Pair it with a crisp white wine or bourbon cocktail for that true Hilton Head ease.
Why we chose this spot: Fishcamp feels like the best of both worlds — relaxed yet refined, and deeply rooted in Southern soul.
Fishcamp on Broad Creek
11 Simmons Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 842-2267
https://www.fishcamphhi.com/
Old Oyster Factory
Timeless Taste, Endless Views
For more than three decades, Old Oyster Factory has stood as one of Hilton Head’s most beloved landmarks. Overlooking Broad Creek, it offers a dining experience that’s both classic and elegant, with sweeping waterfront views and a menu that celebrates tradition.
Inside, sunlight filters through wide windows onto tables filled with seafood platters and She-Crab Soup. It’s the kind of restaurant that makes every occasion feel like a celebration — intimate, familiar, and beautifully Lowcountry.
We recommend: The She-Crab Soup and Shrimp & Grits — a duo that perfectly captures the coastal South.
Why we chose this spot: Old Oyster Factory is the gold standard for timeless waterfront dining — beautiful food, lasting memories, and a view that never disappoints.
Old Oyster Factory
101 Marshland Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 681-6040
https://oldoysterfactory.com/
Up the Creek Pub & Grill
Hilton Head’s Hidden Gem on the Water
Up the Creek Pub & Grill proves that casual can still be incredible. Tucked along the Broad Creek Marina, this unpretentious spot serves hearty food with a side of sunshine.
It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day on the water — burgers, tacos, and seafood baskets served on the open deck with views that stretch across the marina. The vibe is cheerful and easy, the kind of place where strangers become friends over cold drinks and good food.
We recommend: The Fish Tacos or Fried Shrimp Basket — both local favorites for a reason.
Why we chose this spot: Up the Creek captures the heart of Hilton Head’s laid-back lifestyle — simple food, fresh air, and unbeatable views.
Up the Creek Pub & Grill
18 Simmons Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 681-3625
https://www.upthecreekpubandgrill.com/
A Toast to Hilton Head
On Hilton Head Island, dining by the water is more than a meal — it’s a celebration of everything the island stands for: good company, great food, and a view that makes you slow down and savor the moment.
From the lively energy of Skull Creek Boathouse to the candlelit calm of ELA’s On the Water, each restaurant offers a window into the island’s spirit — welcoming, flavorful, and timelessly coastal.
Because here, by the water’s edge, every plate tells a story — and every sunset is the perfect reason to stay for just one more drink.
