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A Comprehensive, Thirst-Quenching Hilton Head Brewery Guide

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close up of amber beer with umbrella and table in background

October is the month for beer and there’s no better way to celebrate than on Hilton Head Island

The ever-expanding craft beer industry continues to thrive on South Carolina’s sunny Hilton Head Island, a sandy, picturesque haven for travelers from all across the East Coast. Palmetto Dunes, a golf mecca, a vacation rental mainstay, and an all-encompassing oceanfront resort, is only a short drive or bicycle ride away from three crowd-pleasing, thirst-quenching Hilton Head breweries. Whether you’re craving a dry-hopped hazy IPA, a sessionable hard seltzer, a fruited smoothie sour, or a balanced pilsner, you’ll quickly find a taproom that perfectly suits your unique palate here in coastal South Carolina paradise.

The Top 3 Hilton Head Island Breweries

While you’ll rarely need to pedal or motor off of Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort’s expansive campus, there’s nothing wrong with craving an ice-cold craft beer on a particularly warm afternoon. Thus, when you’re not putting for birdie at the Robert Trent Jones Course, serving an ace on one of our world-class pickleball courts, or devouring upscale seafood at Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, you’ll unquestionably want to slip into one of these top-rated Hilton Head breweries.

1. Side Hustle Beer Co.

bartender pouring draft beer under tap

Address: 144 Arrow Road, Hilton Head Island, SC
Distance from Palmetto Dunes: 2.6 miles
Untappd Rating: 4.1
Why Choose Side Hustle? While Side Hustle prides itself on being the “smallest craft brewery in South Carolina,” its eclectic offering of craft ales and lagers feels destined for the limelight. A handful of our favorite pours as of late range from the fruitalicious ...and There’s Your Mother sour, the uniquely unfiltered South Island New Zealand pilsner, and the New England-style Refraction IPA. Stop in to nab a crowler or two, or enjoy a pint on their quiet, albeit small patio. 

2. Lincoln & South Brewing Company

glass of beer with lights and bar in background

Address: 138 Island Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC
Distance from Palmetto Dunes: 2.9 miles
Untappd Rating: 4.03
Why Choose Lincoln & South? Without question, Lincoln & South boasts the premier taproom and patio area amongst breweries here on Hilton Head Island. The interior features head-turning repurposed butcherblock tables, local art, and even a collection of rawhide stools. Meanwhile, the growing outdoor patio area remains a peaceful, dimly-lit refuge for those looking for even more fresh air. Locals seem to gravitate toward the creamsicle-esque Hearts & Arrows Vermont-inspired IPA, a Lincoln & South staple.

3. Hilton Head Brewing Company

flight of beer light to dark

Address: 1 Cardinal Road, Hilton Head Island, SC
Distance from Palmetto Dunes: 4.2 miles
Untappd Rating: 3.6
Why Choose Hilton Head Brewing?  The aptly-named Hilton Head Brewing Company is a stellar pit spot on the way out of town as it’s practically a stone’s throw away from the island’s airport. Travelers appreciate inexpensive pub grub, especially when a rumbling tummy is ruining a perfectly divine day at the beach. However, we still very much enjoy their classic brews, including the CRAB Pilsner (a Czech-style lager) and the citrusy Tropical Lager, which pairs beautifully with a day in the sand. If you’re traveling with a large group, Hilton Head Brewing’s sizable indoor and outdoor spaces come in handy!

Are you searching for a few bonus pints outside of Hilton Head? We also recommend a brief day trip to Lot 9 Brewing Co. and Southern Barrel Brewing Co. in Bluffton.

Private, Upscale Hilton Head Vacation Rentals

hilton head vacation rental pool overlooking ocean

We couldn’t think of a better place on the island to polish off a crowler or growler of your favorite Hilton Head beer than at Palmetto Dunes on your oceanfront balcony or beside your private pool. We manage dozens of top-rated Hilton Head vacation rentals at various locations on our 2,000-acre resort, including spacious homes, neighborhood villas, and pet-friendly condos. The resort features three world-class golf courses, a brand new Toptracer driving range, four dining options, a beloved marina, and so much more!

Please don’t hesitate to browse through our vacation packages and offers to see if something matches your group’s wish list! Call us today at 800-514-0085 with any questions.


Hilton Head Vacation Packages & Deals Designed to Inspire
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