The Cambridge Dictionary has several definitions of the word “vacation,” and one of them is “a time to relax or travel for pleasure instead of doing your usual work or school activities.” A vacation can be anything from taking a road trip with friends to booking a weekend in a spa hotel with family. No matter your idea of a perfect vacation, there’s always a place that can satisfy your desire to unwind. However, if “vacation” means “sun, sand, and sea” to you, here’s a (strong) recommendation: Hilton Head Island.
Yes, you’ve heard of it before and might even have considered it for your past vacations. This time, you’ll finally make it happen. Let Beachside Hilton Head tell you why.
Hilton Head Island is a gem along the coast of South Carolina. It is about five miles wide and 12 miles long, and over 38,000 people lovingly call it home. From when William Hilton first caught sight of the island from his ship in the 1660s to the countless settlers, pirates, and soldiers who came and left, the island became a place to stay and establish.
Hilton Head was incorporated as a town in 1983, but even after all the changes it has gone through over the decades, much of it remains a natural preserve. Now, it welcomes millions of tourists yearly, and you are about to become one of them.
Without further ado, let’s paint a picture of Hilton Head and imagine your next vacation.
We’ll start with the obvious: beaches. Hilton Head has around 12 miles of sandy shoreline stretching as far as your eye can see. And it’s not just any old shore — the island has some of the world’s best beaches!
Coligny Beach, for example, is an award-winning oceanfront park that every local and tourist knows about. Here, the sand is soft, the water is crystal clear, and the warm South Carolina sun always shines. You can spend hours sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking without getting enough.
Other Hilton Head beaches you can look forward to include the Folly Field Beach Park, Islanders Beach (this one’s an open secret!), Driessen Beach, and Singleton Beach.
With miles of beaches comes perpetual adventures on the water. If you love everything to do with aquatics, you’ll quickly fall in love with Hilton Head. If you’re a little uneasy about stepping into the ocean, you’ll still find something to love about the water here.
H2O Sports is one of the many companies that offer a variety of water activities on the island. In the Sea Pines Resort, you can go kayaking, paddle boarding, or take yourself to new heights (literally) by parasailing. Alligator and dolphin tours are also available if you’d rather see what’s in the water than venture in yourself.
Drifter Excursions promise a different kind of water adventure, one that will have you catching fish in no time. Even if you don’t know how to fish, you’ll surely take home a catch or two with experienced anglers teaching you the ropes. You’re always a winner in Hilton Head’s waters!
Besides water activities, the island’s miles of beaches also bring stunning views you’ll never get tired of. Sunrises? They’re extra spectacular here; it doesn’t matter which beach you’re at! The Shelter Cove Towne Centre is a good spot for anything that involves sunsets, and you can head to the Harbour Town Lighthouse for panoramic views of the one and only Atlantic Ocean.
Be ready for countless moments of awe — and don’t forget to bring your camera.
Of course, if there’s a sea, then there’s seafood. Hilton Head knows how to serve up a good meal, and you won’t want to pass on the fresh seafood options. The island will spoil you with choices, from oysters and scallops to shrimp and crab (specifically the Atlantic Blue Crab).
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks is one of the island’s most popular spots for seafood. If you have more days and nights for seafood indulgence, try Skull Creek Boathouse, Skull Creek Dockside, and Fishcamp on Broad Creek.
Let’s leave the waters for a bit and talk about greens — golf course greens, that is. The best part? You don’t have to love golf to appreciate these courses’ stunning landscapes and challenges. As a golfer’s utopia, Hilton Head has 24 world-class courses and a total of 33 in the lush Lowcountry region.
You’re welcome to swing your clubs on courses by legendary architecture geniuses. If you need lessons, you can always find an instructor — and the high-end golf shops are a plus.
More about land: Hilton Head has iconic landmarks that even those who haven’t set foot on the island know. The Harbour Town Lighthouse, for example, is perhaps the island’s ID card, with its candy-cane-like stripes that you’ll see on countless island merchandise.
The Salty Dog Cafe, too, has a reputation that precedes it. This landmark sits on South Beach Marina, and you can spot it by the crowds of people waiting to dine at its famous restaurant or shop at its gift store. Their ice cream? We’re sure it has its own fan base!
These landmarks are a reason to visit Hilton Head because they’ve become woven into the island’s culture and bring distinct character to the area. What’s a vacation without meaningful sights and experiences, right?
Hilton Head defines “outdoors” in ways other vacation destinations can’t. The island truly has something for everyone, including biking, hiking, walking trails, and wildlife encounters.
The Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, for one, is a paradise for nature lovers. It lies between Hilton Head and mainland Beaufort County and is open for visitors to view its diverse wildlife. You can hike the trails or ride your bike on paths through the forested land.
The Coastal Discovery Museum, on the other hand, marries nature and education. The mission is to teach visitors about the natural and cultural history of Hilton Head and the Lowcountry through guided tours, exhibits, and educational programs for all ages. Take note: Spanish moss on live oaks is a true hallmark of this place.
Another great aspect of Hilton Head is its location. Making it your vacation destination means you’re never too far from other places worth taking a trip to. As mentioned, Beaufort County is a neighbor, with Bluffton being the closest town. Savannah and Charleston are also close by, and you’ll want to plan some day trips to make the most of your stay.
It’s not that Hilton Head isn’t enough; it’s just that these spots have something different to offer, and Hilton Head is the perfect launchpad to discover them. Your vacation can be even more memorable than you initially planned! Expect more historical sites and fun activities, as well as unique cuisine and breathtaking landscapes.
We’re on our last reason why Hilton Head should be your next vacation destination, and we’re ending with something that matters to many: family. The island is among the family-friendliest places across the nation, so you don’t have to doubt if it’s a good fit for your grandparents, parents, little ones, and furry friends.
All the activities we mentioned earlier? They’re all family-friendly! The restaurants? They have menus for kids and everyone with dietary restrictions. The environment? Safe and clean! And for the cherry on top, many hotels and vacation rentals are pet-friendly. Hilton Head also holds many events throughout the year, such as the HarbourFest, art festivals, and outdoor concerts.
You may not be staying for long, but your stay will absolutely be as cozy and homey as it gets. You’ll find everything you need and want, which means you can relax like you’ve always wanted to. And what does a vacation mean again? Relaxing, and then some.
Hilton Head is the perfect vacation destination. If you’re not 100% convinced, there’s only one way to find out: visit it yourself.
At Beachside Hilton Head, we welcome everyone who makes the right decision to come here. Our vacation rentals across the island are additional reasons to call Hilton Head home for a week or two. We have houses in different sizes and locations, so your vacation can be exactly as you want.
Hilton Head is waiting for you. When your most-anticipated vacation is around the corner, don’t resist your fascination with the island. Book your stay now, and we’ll see you soon!
