Many romantic moments and winning photo opportunities can be realized at any time of the year.  However, the Lowcountry’s distinctive scenery combined with its mysterious light combine to make sunset viewing an enduring pastime.  Any place on the western side of the Island will give you a good sunset.  From South End locations such as Harbour Town, you will watch the sun set over Calibogue Sound and magical Daufuskie Island.  From North End locations, Skull Creek and Pinckney Island provide the scenery.  Mid-Island, western facing views are of Broad Creek and its marshes teeming with wildlife.

    A wonderful spot for sunset viewing is at the top of the charming Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum (843-671-2318), outside the Top Of The Lighthouse Shoppe (843-671-2810) with its breathtaking wrap-around view from the outdoor balcony. And don’t miss a chance to be on the Lighthouse’s very own webcam. The Lighthouse Museum and shop are located in Harbour Town (149 Lighthouse Road) in the Sea Pines Resort, and are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to sundown.

    Many of the Island’s premier restaurants have designed their seating to afford some of the best sunset views.  Crazy Crab (843-681-5021) on the North End (104 William Hilton Parkway, US 278, Mile Marker 1), the Old Oyster Factory (843-681-6040) mid-Island (101 Marshland Road), and Crazy Crab’s Harbour Town location (843-363-2722, 149 Lighthouse Road) all offer both indoor and outdoor dining areas oriented to maximize the views.

    The best vantage point for a sunset can be out on the water where nothing obstructs your view.  For those who want to dine while they watch the sun set, sunset dinner cruises are very popular.  They are offered by “Spirit of Harbour Town” (843-363-9026).

    Nature tours at sunset are offered by Adventure Cruises’ “Holiday” (843-785-4558), Calibogue Cruises (843-342-8687), Dolphin Nature Cruises’ “SS Pelican” and “Island Queen” (843-681-2522), Dolphin Seafari (843-785-2345 or 843-298-0661), Island Explorer (843-785-2100), Island Time Charters (816-261-2410), Live Oac (888-254-8362), Lowcountry Nature Tours (843-683-0187), Outside Hilton Head (800-686-6996), Sky Pirate Watersports (843-842-2566), and the “Vagabond” (843-363-9023).

    Sunset sails are offered by the two sailing catamarans “Flying Circus” and “Pau Hana” (843-686-2582),  the “Stars & Stripes” (843-363-9446), and the “Sumo” (843-671-4386). 

    Sunset kayak tours and rentals are offered by Kayak Hilton Head (843-684-1910), Outside Hilton Head (800-686-6996), and Palmetto Bay Watersports (843-785-2345).

    You can also rent pontoon or power boats as well as sailboats to combine sunset watching with your own private excursion.  Rentals are available through Island Water Sports (843-671-7007), Outside Hilton Head (800-686-6996), and Palmetto Bay Watersports (843-785-2345).

    For further information, see our Ad Directory under Boat Tours and Restaurants.

    Also see “Things To Do” #4, #29, #32, #35, and #82.

Photo courtesy of
Flying Circus Sailing Charters