About Hilton Head Island, SC
Where we are
Hilton Head Island is shaped like a foot and is a barrier island located off the southern most Atlantic Coast of South Carolina, approximately 45 miles north of Savannah, Ga., 90 miles south of Charleston, S.C., and 30 miles south of historic Beaufort, S.C. The 12-mile (19 km) long and 5-mile (8 km) wide island was the first community to be Eco-planned in the United States.
The Terrain
Located on the Intra-coastal Waterway, Hilton Head Island contains 42 square miles of semi-tropical geography that locals refer to as the Low Country. The Island works hard to preserve the pristine natural environment which offers a relaxing, hospitable atmosphere with subtle signage. Beautifully intertwined on the island you will find salt marshes, scores of lagoons and creeks, forests of elegant moss-draped oaks, magnolias, pines, palmettos and 12 miles of sandy beaches are interspersed with championship golf courses, tennis courts, fine restaurants, luxurious hotels, resorts and villa accommodations.
Just how wonderful is the climate?
Heated year-round by the Gulf Stream, the Island's average temperature during the daytime is a mild 70°F (21°C). The annual ocean temperature averages 69°F (20°C).
The People of Hilton Head
Approx. 33,800 permanent residents
2.5 million visitors annually
Places to Stay
How to you like to vacation? Hilton Head Island has many different places to stay, from full-service hotels and luxurious resorts to a quaint bed and breakfast in the heart of town to beachfront villas with private swimming pools. Hilton Head Island has more than 6,000 villas; 3,000 hotel/motel rooms; 1,000 timeshare units; 22 properties offering meetings and convention facilities; and two RV resorts.
Take me to the airports
There are two airports that service the Hilton Head Island area. Located 5 miles from all Island resorts is Hilton Head Airport and located approximately 45 miles south of the Island is Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
Things to do
Sunbathing, Kayaking, biking, surfing, scuba diving, parasailing, historic tours, windsurfing, fishing, crabbing, horseback riding, sailing, nature tours, nature preserves, miniature golf, playgrounds, swimming pools, dolphin-watching cruises, Gullah heritage tours, waterskiing, hayrides, arts, beaches, cultural activities, shopping, fine dining and sightseeing.
A Quick Count for Golf and Tennis
Golf Courses: 23 (5 private) on the Island with 40 in Low Country area
Tennis Courts: 300 (8 clubs available for resort play)
Marinas: 8
Culture Anyone?
Hilton Head Island is home to a large and ever growing cultural community of music, fine art, and theatrical venues. Call us to ask about how to experience galleries and performances, cultural exhibits and more at Hilton Head Playhouse, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Hilton Head Orchestra, Reperatory Theatre, Hilton Head Dance School, Cole-Heyward House Historic Center, and the Coastal Discovery Museum.
Beaches, Beaches and more Beaches
Hilton Head Island boasts 12 miles of pristine beaches with public access. Need to park? No worries, metered parking is available at the following locations: Coligny Beach, Alder Lane, Folly Field Road, Dreissen's Beach Park, Islanders Beach Park, and Collier Beach Park. Pay attention to hotel shuttles and area trolleys to make navigating the Island a little easier.
Places to eat
There are over 250 restaurants on Hilton Head Island, ranging from fast-food to gourmet. Experience all major ethnic cuisine, including French, German, Italian, Caribbean, Japanese, Greek, Chinese, Thai and Mexican. Don’t forget to enjoy some famous local seafood while you are here!
Shopping
200 shops and counting are located on Hilton Head Island. Choose from an indoor mall with major department stores to elegant boutiques to malls featuring designer brands, a wide array of major retail stores and independent shops to art galleries and specialty shops. Bluffton boasts the Tanger Outlet which is a must see for die hard shoppers!
