Palmetto Dunes · Hilton Head Island
Shelter Cove Harbour
Hilton Head's premier waterfront destination — a working marina, boutique shops, waterfront dining, nightly live entertainment, and Disney's only East Coast resort, all in one place.
The Heart of It All
A Working Marina on Broad Creek
Shelter Cove Harbour sits on the shores of Broad Creek, one of Hilton Head's most scenic tidal waterways. The marina accommodates vessels up to 120 feet and serves as the launching point for some of the island's most popular on-water experiences. Even if you're not on a boat, the marina promenade is one of the best places on the island to take an evening walk.
The iconic Neptune statue stands watch at the water's edge — a beloved landmark and the unofficial gathering point for summer evenings. Arrive around 6pm on any summer night and you'll find the promenade filled with families, live music drifting across the water, and the sky turning shades of pink and gold over the creek.
Eat & Drink
Waterfront Dining
Eight restaurants line the Shelter Cove promenade — from fine dining at ELA's to a quick slice at Top Dawg Pizzeria. Every table has a view.
ELA's On The Water
Award-winning fine dining with exceptional water views, fresh catch seafood, prime cut steaks, and a sophisticated atmosphere. Live music and special events.
843-785-3030Scott's Fish Market
Over 30 years of the freshest seafood, hand-cut steaks, and homemade pastas. Waterfront outdoor seating with nightly entertainment (weather permitting).
843-785-7575San Miguel's Mexican Cafe
A laid-back festive Mexican joint with an outdoor bar and deck overlooking the marina. Live music and Hilton Head's best margaritas.
843-842-4555Bistro 17
Comfy waterfront French cafe to the right of Neptune's statue. Indoor and outdoor seating with an extensive wine menu.
843-785-5517Top Dawg Tavern
Classic American fare in a family-friendly atmosphere with indoor/outdoor TVs for all the big games. Waterfront views, happy hour, Sunday brunch, and seasonal live music.
843-785-5600Top Dawg Pizzeria
Pizza, salads, and sandwiches on the covered patio or at the large outdoor bar. Grab a quick slice with an ice-cold beer and watch the boats go by.
843-785-5600Hilton Head Social Bakery
A lovely French bakery with savory pastries, warm croissants, artisan breads, chocolates, and custom cakes. Stop in for coffee, free WiFi, and daily newspapers.
843-715-3349Frosty's Ice Cream
A family-owned local favorite specializing in ice cream, Italian ices, and fresh fudge. The perfect stop after a sunset stroll along the promenade.
843-341-5423Boutiques & Gifts
Shopping the Promenade
A curated mix of coastal boutiques, galleries, and gift shops stretches along the harbour promenade. No chain stores — just local and regional finds.
Southern Tide Signature Store
Coastal lifestyle apparel and accessories for men, women, and children. The brand embodies a Southern state of mind and premium style.
843-842-7001Nash Gallery
Local gallery featuring handcrafted works from over 400 North American artisans — jewelry, blown glass, ceramics, furniture, and metal art.
843-785-3112Neptune's Niche
Hilton Head gift and souvenir shop featuring clothing, home and garden accessories, artwork, jewelry, pottery, and more.
843-686-2001A Coastal Christmas
A year-round Christmas shop with one-of-a-kind holiday collectibles and coastal-themed ornaments.
843-785-6748Treasure Island
Local surf shop carrying surf and beach wear for the entire family — t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and more.
843-686-9900Marina Ship's Store
Your stop for tackle, fishing gear, bait, snacks, refreshments, sun shirts, sunblock, souvenirs, hats, and Sperry shoes.
843-785-5600Summer Nights
Shannon Tanner — A Hilton Head Institution
For 36 seasons, Shannon Tanner has been performing his beloved family shows on the Shelter Cove waterfront. Part musician, part storyteller, part pirate — his shows are interactive, hilarious, and genuinely unforgettable for kids and adults alike. Families return year after year, and many visitors say it's the highlight of their entire trip.
Shannon performs two one-hour shows nightly at 6:30pm and 8:00pm, Monday through Thursday from late May through late August. Both shows are completely free — just show up and grab a spot near the Neptune statue.
Tuesday Nights in Summer
HarbourFest
Every Tuesday evening throughout the summer, Shelter Cove Harbour transforms into a full-on waterfront festival. HarbourFest brings together live music, arts and crafts vendors, kids activities, and the highlight of the week — Tuesday night fireworks over Broad Creek.
The restaurants set up outdoor stations around Neptune's statue, offering specially-priced appetizers, wine, and cold beer. It's the best free event on the island, and the fireworks reflect off the water in a way that's genuinely hard to top.
Right Next Door
Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
Tucked on a private 15-acre island within Shelter Cove Harbour, Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort is the only Disney Vacation Club property on the East Coast outside of Florida. The resort sits on a wooded island surrounded by Broad Creek, connected to the mainland by a private bridge — and it's just steps from the Shelter Cove promenade.
Guests stay in home-style villas ranging from Deluxe Studios to two-bedroom suites, with access to heated pools, a game room, and complimentary shuttle service to Disney's Beach House — a private beach club about a mile away with a pool, snack bar, and ocean access.
The resort is open to Disney Vacation Club members and their guests. Even if you're not staying there, the resort's proximity to Shelter Cove means you'll likely see Disney families mixing with the harbour crowd on summer evenings.
Disney Resort WebsiteGetting There
How to Find Shelter Cove Harbour
Shelter Cove Harbour is located in the heart of Hilton Head Island, off Highway 278 (William Hilton Parkway) at approximately Mile Marker 8. Turn at the light for Shelter Cove Lane and follow it straight back to the harbour.