Hilton Head, or Hilton Head Island, is a barrier island resort on the Atlantic coast of the USA. The island’s sandy beaches cover over 12 miles (19 kilometers). Many say these are among the most attractive resort beaches in the country. Sports are a big part of life in Hilton Head and there is wildlife to be seen too, including dolphins and alligators. Rent a bike and travel between the beaches and other attractions by making use of the 50 miles (80 kilometers) of bicycle trails.Golfers will appreciate the resort’s large number of courses. George Fazio Course at Palmetto Dunes Resort is a championship course open to the public. You’ll find numerous tennis clubs, as well. The Sea Pines Racquet Club at the Sea Pines Resort is managed by former U.S. Open and Wimbledon champion Stan Smith. Go to Audubon Newhall Preserve to see snowy egrets, ospreys and other birdlife. Cross over to Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge between the north shore and the mainland. While here, look for the white-tailed deer and alligators. Go horseback riding through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, or join a bottlenose dolphin cruise from the marina. Hilton Head has an interesting cultural history, which you can explore at the Coastal Discovery Museum. This site has some of the island’s oldest buildings and a Southern red cedar tree dated from 1595. Find work by local artists and photographers in the Greer Gallery at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. Don’t miss out on a night of live music. Hear the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra at the First Presbyterian Church, or head to the Jazz Corner, a venue that has hosted well-known musicians, including Freddy Cole and the George Shearing Quintet.Locally caught seafood is a specialty of Hilton Head’s culinary scene, which includes more than 250 dining establishments. Sample traditional dishes, including shrimp gumbo and sweet creek shrimp cooked in beer. The love of food and drink is celebrated at the Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival and annual Chili Cookoff.
Hilton Head Island, SC
Where to stay in Hilton Head Island
Sea Pines
While visiting Sea Pines, you might make a stop by sights like Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III and Harbour Town Golf Links.
South Forest Beach
If you're spending some time in South Forest Beach, Sea Pines Forest Preserve and Coligny Beach are top sights worth seeing.
North Forest Beach
While visiting North Forest Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Coligny Beach and Coligny Plaza.
Oceanside
If you're spending some time in Oceanside, Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III and South Beach are top sights worth seeing.
South Beach
While visiting South Beach, you might make a stop by sights like South Beach and Tybee Roads.
Harbour Town
While visiting Harbour Town, you might make a stop by sights like Harbour Town Lighthouse and Gregg Russell Harbour Town Playground.
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Getting around Hilton Head Island
There isn’t much in the way of public transportation on Hilton Head Island; however, a handful of private bus companies connect the island to Bluffton, Beaufort and other towns nearby. Do as the locals do and jump on a bike. The island’s coastline is very scenic and small enough that it’s easy to cycle around. Find cycle paths and bike rental companies across the island. Visit the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority website.Browse Hilton Head Island rental cars.
Best time to visit
For the perfect combination of blossoming trees, warm weather and reasonable hotel rates, visit Hilton Head in the spring, when you can be sure of a spot on the island’s beautiful white-sand beaches. Summer is more crowded and expensive and can get very hot, while fall is another great season to visit, with many festivals to enjoy. Winter is cheaper, but many hotels and restaurants close at this time of year.
Popular places to visit
Shelter Cove Harbour
Explore the waterfront of Shelter Cove Harbour and enjoy other activities such as golfing in Hilton Head Island. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.
Sea Pines Forest Preserve
Explore the lovely green spaces of Sea Pines Forest Preserve and enjoy the golf courses in Hilton Head Island. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.
Harbour Town Golf Links
Enjoy a round of golf in Hilton Head Island at Harbour Town Golf Links. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.
Palmetto Dunes Club
Enjoy a round of golf in Hilton Head Island at Palmetto Dunes Club. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.
Coligny Plaza
You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Coligny Plaza during your stay in Hilton Head Island. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.
Harbour Town Lighthouse
You can find out about the history of Hilton Head Island when you stop by Harbour Town Lighthouse. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.
Things to do
Hilton Head Island: Search for Dolphins at Sunset
Hilton Head Island Guided Water Tour by Creek Cat Boat
Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise
Read travel guides and advice on visiting Hilton Head Island
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Other places like Hilton Head Island
- Coligny Beach
- Palmetto Dunes Club
- Coligny Plaza
- Shelter Cove Harbour
- Harbour Town Lighthouse
- Sea Pines Forest Preserve
- Harbour Town Golf Links
- Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center
- Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III
- Shipyard Golf Course
- The Golf Courses of Palmetto Dunes
- Folly Field Beach Park
- Palmetto Hall Golf and Country Club
- Port Royal Golf Club
- Heron Point by Pete Dye at Sea Pines Resort
- Van Der Meer Tennis Academy
- Mitchelville Freedom Park
- Adventure Cove
- Coastal Discovery Museum
- Robert Trent Jones Golf Course
- Golden Bear Golf Club
- The Sandbox
- Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course
- Driessen Beach Park
- Barony Course at Port Royal Golf Club
- Pirate's Island Adventure Golf
- George Fazio Golf Course
- Stoney-Baynard Ruins
- Fort Howell