Hilton Head, South Carolina

Hilton Head, South Carolina, can be considered one of the premier East Coast beach areas to visit. It's full of luxurious resorts, noted golf courses and fine dining. In high season, you won't find many lodging specials. But, it may be time to finally visit.

 

Baynard Plantation Ruins, Harbour Town, Hilton Head, South Carolina

1. Check out the offerings on the major search engines and read the reviews carefully. You'll be able to find something in your price range but be prepared to use your car or other wheels (bicycle?) to get around in case you're headquartered near Bluffton.

 

2. Make sure the hotel has a pool in case the beach experience gets crowded, a guarantee. Also, after the ocean area has closed, a nighttime dip can be refreshing. 

 

Red Roof Inn, Hilton Head, South Carolina

3. Get used to William Hilton Parkway, a major thoroughfare for the island. A car is definitely required if one wants to take advantage of the sights. For those who would be flying in, I would recommend staying at a beach front resort if you don't rent a car. 

4. Bicycling around the island is also a great option. The flat terrain, bike lanes and bike racks almost command you to park the car for your entire stay. You can bring your own or rent one. 

 

Bicycling around Harbour Town, Hilton Head, South Carolina

5. If you're a golfer, you're in absolute heaven. If you just want to sit on the beach, you could do that, too, until it rains. If you want to eat, there are all types of options from fine dining to Dunkin' Donuts. If you want to get in shape, you can jog or bike ride around US 278 for miles. 

6. The relaxing ambience of the island is due to the low-key physical appearance. Town ordinances specify how construction is done resulting in the entire island looking like it was decorated by the same interior designer in varying shades of sage and taupe. Also, some buildings are behind trees to preserve the forest look of the island. 

 

Harbour Town Lighthouse

7. There are plenty of beaches. Coligny Beach Park, is a public beach. It's clean, yes, popular, but accessible. Parking is not the best and you need to read every single sign. There are paid parking lots, it's better to pay to park rather than to risk a ticket and tow.
 

Always plan for inclement weather when staying near the shore. Hilton Head, South Carolina, Coligny Beach Park.

8. As ritzy as the place is, one might be surprised to learn it is actually the home to descendants of slaves and those of Gullah background who stayed after the Civil War. The island celebrates its place in U.S. history and you can visit relics of a plantation on the Sea Pines Resort (Stoney-Baynard Plantation). You can pay for a day pass to explore Sea Pines.


 

Stoney-Baynard Plantation, Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head, So. Carolina.

9. If you want Vegas-y style nightlife or a noisy, lit up Time Square-like boardwalk, this is not for you. Hilton Head is a place to relax, retreat, get in some recreation and to refresh. Go on down, it just might do you some good. 

10. No vacation area would be incomplete without shopping. There are the charming boutiques, an actual Piggly-Wiggly and outlets in Bluffton.

Happy Travels.