Here are 8 ways to spend Labor Day weekend in Beaufort SC area despite Idalia impact

Sarah Claire McDonald
·4 min read

Labor Day weekend has arrived, unofficially marking the end of summer and many may be looking for things to do this weekend following Idalia’s impacts on the Southeast and South Carolina’s Lowcountry.

While there aren’t many Labor Day-specific activities on the local calendar, there are no shortage of nearby things to do with your family.

Here are eight activities to try that are perfect for your Lowcountry Labor Day weekend.

Parrot Palooza Sunset Celebration

The Parrot Palooza Sunset Celebration with Shannon Tanner & the Oyster Reefers is a fun, Caribbean-style concert event for the family to enjoy this holiday weekend. Parrot Palooza offers an opportunity for attendees to dance and enjoy their evenings during the holiday weekend with shows starting at 7 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday featuring the Jimmy Buffet tribute band.

Children’s entertainment will also be present, featuring Cappy the Clown at the harbour, with further children’s activities from 6-9 p.m. The events are subject to change and are reliant on weather conditions. Any updates can be found at the Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina’s Facebook page. All activities for the event can be found at 17 Harbourside Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926.

Eat some BBQ

For those who prefer a more carnivorous diet, barbecue is quite popular during Labor Day weekend festivities. Beaufort County is filled with great barbecue options.

Rodney Scott’s BBQ ribs mopped in sauce as they are being prepared at the Charleston location, which can be found at 1011 King Street.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ ribs mopped in sauce as they are being prepared at the Charleston location, which can be found at 1011 King Street.

Previous Island Packet reporting detailed that Yelp’s 2023 selections for the best barbecue in the county included locales such as:

  • The Smokehouse at Paris Avenue: 914 Paris Avenue, Port Royal, SC 29935

  • Duke’s Barbeque of Beaufort: 1509 Salem Road, Beaufort, SC 29902

  • Island BBQ and Seafood Grill: 520 Sea Island Parkway, St Helena Island, SC 29920

  • Duke’s BBQ: 10190 S Jacob Smart Boulevard, Ridgeland, SC 29936

  • Bullies BBQ: 3 Regency Parkway, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Go to the beach

Despite Idalia’s hurricane force winds and flooding that took place just days ago, efficient cleanup efforts helped restore the county as weather began to calm. Blue, sunny skies are predicted for the weekend.

A cannonball jelly washed ashore on a Hilton Head Island, SC beach.
A cannonball jelly washed ashore on a Hilton Head Island, SC beach.

Heading to the beach for a relaxing Labor Day weekend could be the fun that the whole family needs after the recent tropical weather events. Hilton Head Island has 12 miles of white-sand beaches, and the Lowcountry as a whole has a large quantity of beautiful, unique beaches.

Head to Sea Pines

Sea Pines has a plethora of activities for your family to choose from this holiday weekend. Whether you want to relax or explore, there are options for everyone. Aside from Harbour Town and South Beach Marina, this area of the island’s south end has its own set of ruins, a nature preserve, Lawton Stables, aquatic tours and gear rentals, dolphin cruises, nationally-recognized restaurants, a PGA Tour golf course and more.

A partial look at the Quarterdeck restaurant and the base of the Harbour Town Lighthouse in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island, SC.
A partial look at the Quarterdeck restaurant and the base of the Harbour Town Lighthouse in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island, SC.

Find a local happy hour spot

For an adult group, find a local happy hour spot. Many local establishments offer happy hour specials and live music for over-21s to spend those end-of-summer Lowcountry evenings. Hilton Head Distillery, Poseidon, Aunt Chiladas and The Sandbar are just a few of the many places to enjoy an evening beverage in the surrounding area for this Labor Day weekend.

Get active

Are you in favor of some healthy, family competition? The Lowcountry is known for its award-winning golf courses. Set up a tee time and play one of the many courses available. Not a golfer? Mini golf, tennis or pickleball are also popular choices that are sure to bring a fun time and memories that will last.

Explore nature

Enjoy the local Lowcountry flora and fauna this weekend with sunny skies after a week of wind and rain. The region has a unique environment that can be explored through these nine local parks and trails in Beaufort County.

  • Pinckney Island National wildlife Preserve

  • Sea Pines Forest Preserve

  • Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve

  • New River Linear Trail

  • Widgeon Point Preserve

  • Altamaha Town Heritage Preserve

  • Hunting Island State Park

  • Port Royal Cypress Wetlands

  • Crystal Lake Park

Visit Hilton Head Island’s Hidden Gems

Whether you’re a long-time local, summer vacationer or part-time resident, you may have led yourself to believe that you’ve seen everything on the island.

Do you know for certain if that is actually true?

Hilton Head has several surprising treasures that you might not have known existed or thought to explore.

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, try visiting at least one of these six ‘hidden gems’ located around the island.