Hilton Head Island

Travel Guide
Hilton Head showing a sunset, landscape views and a sandy beach
This South Carolina barrier island attracts visitors for its laid-back atmosphere and activities, including beachcombing, golf, nature hikes and fine dining.

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 kilometres). 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 kilometres) 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 Centre 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.

Where to stay in Hilton Head Island

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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.

Sea Pines
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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.

South Forest Beach
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North Forest Beach

If you're spending some time in North Forest Beach, Coligny Beach and Coligny Plaza are top sights worth seeing.

North Forest Beach
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Oceanside

If you're spending some time in Oceanside, Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III and South Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Oceanside
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South Beach

If you're spending some time in South Beach, South Beach and Tybee Roads are top sights worth seeing.

South Beach
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Harbour Town

If you're spending some time in Harbour Town, Harbour Town Lighthouse and Gregg Russell Harbour Town Playground are top sights worth seeing.

Harbour Town
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
2 Grasslawn Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC
The price is RM1,081 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
RM1,081
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this beach hotel in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, 2 restaurants, and a golf course. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Food was excellent in the dining room."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
4 out of 5
130 Shipyard Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC
The price is RM1,236 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
RM1,236
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this beach hotel in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a beach locale, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"The hotel is very clean and staff friendly. The room was recently renovated and was very nice!"

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2024

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
4 out of 5
23 Ocean Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC
The price is RM1,577 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
RM1,577
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this beach resort in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Beautiful 1st rate resort on beautiful Hilton Head Island, SC.Very caring staff. When I came down one morning to ask that housekeeping disinfect the bathroom, because my friend had gotten sick, the mgr immediately ran for a bottle of Gatorade for my friend. So sweet and thoughtful! I was reassured ..."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Marriott's Barony Beach Club
Marriott's Barony Beach Club
3.5 out of 5
5 Grasslawn Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Barony Course at Port Royal ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (226 reviews)
"Excellent check in and unit very clean and spacious."

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024

Marriott's Barony Beach Club
Coral Sands Resorts by Palmera
Coral Sands Resorts by Palmera
3.5 out of 5
66 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC
Stay at this 3.5-star golf aparthotel in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (497 reviews)
"I stayed at coral sands for my birthday celebration. The resort was beautiful my room was amazing very clean very spacious. All bars and restaurants are in walking distance. The trolley will carry you for free. I will definitely be back"

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2024

Coral Sands Resorts by Palmera
Island Links Resort by Palmera
Island Links Resort by Palmera
3 out of 5
1 Coggins Point Road, Hilton Head Island, SC
Stay at this 3-star golf aparthotel in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Palmetto Dunes Club and Coligny ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (221 reviews)
"The ladies from the Phillipines at the front desk were very helpful and accommodating!"

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024

Island Links Resort by Palmera
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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