There’s something timeless about dining by the water on Hilton Head Island — that shimmer of salt air, the way the light hits the marsh at sunset, and the first taste of freshly caught seafood that reminds you why this island is one of the South’s true treasures.
Here, seafood isn’t just a meal — it’s a way of life. And when paired with waterfront views, live music, and Lowcountry charm, it becomes an experience you won’t forget.
When it comes to seafood restaurants with a view on Hilton Head, few places capture the island’s coastal beauty and Lowcountry flavor quite like these waterside favorites — from the iconic SERG Group restaurants to beloved local classics, each one tells the story of the sea.
Skull Creek Boathouse
An Island Classic Where Every Seat Has a Sunset View
If Hilton Head had a heartbeat, it might sound like the laughter echoing across the docks at Skull Creek Boathouse. A true SERG flagship, this beloved waterfront icon blends island ease with a vibrant atmosphere that keeps locals and visitors coming back year after year.
Step onto the sprawling deck overlooking Skull Creek and you’ll find everything you want from a coastal evening — live music, tiki bar vibes, and seafood so fresh you can taste the tide. The menu offers it all: sushi, oysters, and local catches grilled to perfection.
We recommend: The Boathouse Mixed Grill — a perfectly balanced trio of shrimp, scallops, and mahi-mahi kissed by the grill. It’s the kind of dish that sums up Hilton Head’s character — simple, flavorful, and effortlessly coastal.
Why we chose this spot: No other restaurant captures the island’s rhythm like Skull Creek Boathouse. It’s where Hilton Head gathers to celebrate sunsets, seafood, and the good life.
Skull Creek Boathouse
397 Squire Pope Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 681-3663
https://www.skullcreekboathouse.com/
Skull Creek Dockside
Casual Sophistication and Creekside Flavor
Right next door to its sister restaurant, Skull Creek Dockside delivers a more relaxed but equally unforgettable experience. Also part of the SERG family, Dockside pairs southern hospitality with impeccable waterfront views that stretch across the marshes.
Inside, it’s airy and welcoming, with nautical touches that make you feel like you’re dining aboard a classic yacht. The seafood is fresh, local, and beautifully plated — from seared tuna steaks to blackened grouper sandwiches that melt in your mouth.
We recommend: The Seafood Platter for Two — a feast of shrimp, oysters, and fresh fish, perfect for sharing as you watch the boats drift by. It’s indulgent but never heavy, capturing the spirit of Lowcountry dining at its finest.
Why we chose this spot: Dockside feels personal — like you’ve been invited to dinner at a friend’s seaside home. It’s approachable luxury with a view that never fails to impress.
Skull Creek Dockside
2 Hudson Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 785-3625
https://docksidehhi.com/
Poseidon Coastal Cuisine
Modern Seafood, Elevated Style
At Poseidon, seafood goes upscale. Nestled in Shelter Cove Towne Centre, this SERG favorite offers a modern take on coastal dining, pairing fresh-caught flavor with refined presentation and impeccable service.
The interior feels sleek and contemporary, while the outdoor patio offers serene views of Broad Creek — the perfect spot for an early dinner that lingers into evening. Poseidon’s chefs craft each dish with an artist’s touch, combining global influences with Lowcountry soul.
We recommend: The Crab-Stuffed Grouper — tender and buttery, balanced by a citrus beurre blanc that’s pure indulgence. Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine and you’ll understand why Poseidon remains one of the island’s most sought-after reservations.
Why we chose this spot: It’s where classic Southern seafood meets fine dining sophistication. Poseidon is proof that Hilton Head’s charm can be both relaxed and refined.
Poseidon Coastal Cuisine
38 Shelter Cove Ln,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 341-3838
https://www.poseidonhhi.com/
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks
Decades of Dockside Tradition
Few restaurants carry the weight of Hilton Head history like Hudson’s. Open since the 1960s, this family-owned favorite sits right on Port Royal Sound — where fishing boats still deliver the day’s catch directly to the kitchen.
The atmosphere is old-school and authentic, with wood-paneled walls and a view that feels like stepping back in time. Every dish is rooted in freshness: local oysters, fried flounder, and peel-and-eat shrimp served with a smile.
We recommend: The Oysters Rockefeller — rich, briny, and baked with buttery perfection. Each bite tells the story of the sea, and you can almost feel the ocean breeze that brought them in.
Why we chose this spot: Hudson’s isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an institution. It’s the flavor of Hilton Head’s past and the warmth of its present — a reminder that true coastal dining never goes out of style.
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks
1 Hudson Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 681-2772
https://www.hudsonsonthedocks.com/
Old Oyster Factory
Marsh Views and Timeless Coastal Fare
Perched above Broad Creek, the Old Oyster Factory offers one of Hilton Head’s most cinematic dining views. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the marsh, and when the tide rolls in, the whole restaurant seems to float above the water.
Known for its seafood towers and oyster bar, this spot delivers elegance without pretense. It’s a place where you can linger for hours over shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, and a bottle of wine while the sunset paints the horizon gold.
We recommend: The Oyster Sampler — featuring raw, steamed, and Rockefeller-style oysters, showcasing the versatility of this coastal classic. It’s a tasting experience that perfectly captures Hilton Head’s maritime heritage.
Why we chose this spot: Because every visit feels like a special occasion. Old Oyster Factory is where locals celebrate life’s milestones — or simply another beautiful day by the creek.
Old Oyster Factory
101 Marshland Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 681-6040
https://oldoysterfactory.com/
The Crazy Crab – Harbour Town
Seafood and Lighthouse Views That Never Get Old
With the Harbour Town Lighthouse as its backdrop, The Crazy Crab offers that quintessential Hilton Head view — boats bobbing in the marina, the sun slipping below the masts, and a menu full of fresh, feel-good seafood.
It’s family-friendly, lively, and full of character. Whether you’re cracking into crab legs or savoring she-crab soup, it’s the kind of meal that feels like vacation from start to finish.
We recommend: The Snow Crab Legs Dinner — sweet, tender, and served with drawn butter and hush puppies. It’s not just a dish — it’s an experience that captures the island’s joyful spirit.
Why we chose this spot: Few restaurants balance fun and flavor as well as The Crazy Crab. It’s a place where families, friends, and travelers all feel at home — with a lighthouse view that’s pure Hilton Head magic.
The Crazy Crab – Harbour Town
149 Lighthouse Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 363-2722
https://www.thecrazycrab.com/
Up the Creek Pub & Grill
Easygoing Eats, Effortless Views
Up the Creek Pub & Grill proves you don’t need white tablecloths to enjoy world-class views. Overlooking Skull Creek, this local hangout is a favorite for casual dining with unbeatable scenery.
The atmosphere is laid-back — think picnic tables, cold drinks, and the best fried shrimp baskets on the island. It’s the kind of place where every meal comes with laughter and a front-row seat to Hilton Head’s marshes.
We recommend: The Fish Tacos — light, flavorful, and packed with that perfect balance of crisp and spice. Add a local beer, and you’ve got the recipe for the perfect Lowcountry afternoon.
Why we chose this spot: Because not every great seafood experience has to be fancy. Up the Creek celebrates the simple joy of good food and good company by the water.
Up the Creek Pub & Grill
18 Simmons Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 681-3625
https://www.upthecreekpubandgrill.com/
Quarterdeck Hilton Head
The Island’s Newest Jewel at Harbour Town
Completely reimagined in 2022, Quarterdeck has quickly become one of Hilton Head’s crown jewels. Located at the base of the Harbour Town Lighthouse, this waterfront showpiece offers panoramic views of Calibogue Sound and some of the most refined seafood dishes on the island.
Its open-air concept, raw bar, and second-floor lounge make it a destination in itself. Every meal here feels like a celebration of Hilton Head’s evolution — rooted in tradition but always looking forward.
We recommend: The Seared Scallops with Sweet Corn Purée — elegant, perfectly cooked, and bursting with freshness. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you how simple ingredients can shine when treated with care.
Why we chose this spot: Quarterdeck represents the new face of Hilton Head dining — sophisticated yet soulful, with views that define the island’s coastal beauty.
Quarterdeck Hilton Head
160 Lighthouse Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 842-1999
https://www.seapines.com/dining/restaurants-bars/quarterdeck
Tides & Tables
The tides change, but Hilton Head’s love for seafood never fades. From lively decks at Skull Creek Boathouse to candlelit dinners at Poseidon, every restaurant captures the rhythm of the island — the shimmer of the water, the hush of sunset, and the warmth of Southern hospitality that makes every meal feel like home.
Each bite tells a story of place and passion — of fishermen, chefs, and locals who know that good food always tastes better with a view. Because here on Hilton Head, seafood isn’t just served — it’s celebrated, savored, and shared against a backdrop of beauty that never grows old.
