'America's Favorite Resort Island' Offers Something For Couples, Families, & Year Round Golfers

Jeff Walker, Travel Writer

Encompassing 42 square miles, including 12 miles of beachfront, Hilton Head Island aka Hilton Head is a South Carolina resort community like no other in the palmetto state. With an average mean temperature of 76 degrees (60 during winter months & 90 in the summer) Hilton Head welcomes visitors year round, especially those who love to play their two dozen world class golf courses, which expands to 40 plus when you include neighboring Bluffton SC.

However this remote island town of 38K often swells to over 150K during the summertime, not only for golfers, but with couples and families looking to relax and enjoy activities like biking (over 100 miles of trails), kayaking, fishing, and hiking, as well as spending quiet time on the beach. That's just a few of the activities. There's plenty of shopping, dining, and live entertainment to fill your days and nights while vacationing on Hilton Head. 

But first let's start our journey on some lesser known, yet interesting facts about this South Carolina low country getaway. Hilton Head is one of the few Sea Islands where the Gullah culture began to take shape. Cut off from the mainland, the Sea Islands freedmen developed their own culture, creating their own foods, language, art and more. Want to learn more about Gullah and Hilton Head's rich history, check out https://www.coastaldiscovery.org/

Furthermore, the iconic red and white candy-striped lighthouse in Harbour Town and Sea Island Resort has never been a functioning lighthouse. Easily one of the most recognized symbols on Hilton Head, it was originally built to be a gift shop and tourist attraction, with many dubbing it 'Fraser's Folly', after Charles Fraser the early developer who built it. Still, it's become an island landmark, gaining national exposure every year due to the PGA's RBC Heritage Golf Tournament. To fully appreciate visit https://harbourtownlighthouse.com/

Additionally, to maintain the overall serenity and harmony of the natural environment Hilton Head has to offer, there is not a single neon sign on the island, rather signage comes in neutral or natural colors to complement surrounding habitats. Much like Italy is often referred to as a boot because of its shape, Hilton Head is called a 'foot' with the south end where Sea Pines Resort is located as the 'toe'. I guess you could say the island has a lot of 'sole' (pun intended).

If you want to take a trip back in time, remnants of Daufuskie Island still reflect decades, as well as centuries old environmental preserves where oysters farming was the main economy. Located midway between Hilton Head Island and Savannah surrounded by the waters of Calibogue Sound, (intracoastal waterway) and the Atlantic Ocean, Daufuskie is only accessible by boat or public ferry.

Once home to late SC author Pat Conroy, approximately 500 residents, reside on Daufuskie, most living in private communities, including Haig Point Club with its membership only golf club. Longing to get far away, even for just a day? Retreat at https://www.daufuskieisland.com/

Aside from the pool at your resort or hotel, and activities related to the beach, like biking, there are a several things that kids might find entertaining. Conde Nast and Travel & Leisure Magazine rate Pirates of Hilton Head as the best pirate ship adventure on the island. Join the crew for 90 minutes on the open sea, as they look to take down the infamous Stinky Pete. Give your little ones a swashbuckling good time at https://piratesofhiltonhead.com/

For 20 years The Sandbox has become one of Hilton Head Island’s premiere family destinations. When your little ones tire of sand castles and wading in the ocean, they can have a lot of fun at this interactive children's museum, where kids are encouraged to play freely while discovering their surroundings. The Sandbox is a fun child-friendly environment where children learn through imaginative play and social interaction. The facility is completely indoors. Ideal for a rainy day. Reserve play and learning time at https://thesandbox.org/

Kids of all ages might enjoy Lowcountry Celebration Park a 10-acre city owned site near Coligny Beach, offering active and passive recreational activities, amenities, and scenic views. The park features an Adventure Playground with a wading pool, fitness stations, restrooms, and an open pavilion. For all Celebration provides visit https://hiltonheadislandsc.gov/parks/LowcountryCelebration/

 Celebration is just minutes away from Coligny Beach Park the island's most popular oceanfront park, which provides access to miles of beautiful beach from 6am-10pm. This city owned park is an ideal choice for spending a day at the beach. Amenities include free parking (always a bonus), beach chair rentals, restrooms, outdoor showers, swings, bicycling, seasonal lifeguards, and accessible wi-fi (in case you can' t totally tune out). Your boardwalk journey begins at https://hiltonheadislandsc.gov/parks/ColignyBeach/

If the little ones want to experience what mom and dad do for four hours and over 18 holes, parents can always take them to any of Hilton Head's three miniature golf locations. Legendary Golf, Pirate's Island Adventure Golf, and Adventure Cove provide a variety of themes and experiences, with Adventure hosting a video arcade as well.

Golf and golf related activities run the gamut on Hilton Head. Serious golfers might want to challenge themselves at Harbour Town Golf Links in Sea Pines, home of the PGA's RBC Heritage every April following The Masters. Or test your game at courses designed by legendary course architects such as Robert Trent Jones Sr., Pete Dye, and Jack Nicklaus.

Many courses provide exceptional golf packages (play & stay). Although all their 26 world class courses deserve attention, it's easier to tee it up (pun intended) at https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/golf

While Hilton Head is known for golf, it's just as renowned for tennis. And there’s no more complete destination for anyone looking to play, practice, or improve their game than Palmetto Dunes Resort, where you'll find 19 clay tennis courts, four of which are lighted for night play. 

Ranked among the Top 50 tennis resorts in the nation, Palmetto Dunes provide tennis packages, professional instructors and players nearly year round, not to mention their 24 pickleball courts. For the love of tennis visit https://www.palmettodunes.com/things-to-do/tennis For more game, set & match check out https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/see-do/tennis

If you enjoy being out on the open water, then there is a ton of things to do on just off Hilton Head. Whether you feel more comfortable on a jet ski, boat, kayak, or paddle board Sea Monkeys rents them all. Enjoy lowcountry history via one of their guided kayak or paddleboard tours which includes nearby Pickney Island National Wildlife Refuge. This family owned Christian company is open six days a week, closed Sunday to honor the Lord. Because life is better on the water ride the wave to https://www.seamonkeyshhi.com/

According to their website Vagabond Cruises is Hilton Head's original sightseeing and excursion cruise operator. They offer over a half dozen excursions catering to couples and family outings. The three dolphin tours are best suited for families including one at sunset. However the 9am Dolphin Donut Cruise complete with an indulgent selection of complimentary donuts, a delightful array of adult beverages, as well as coffee and hot cocoa, might be a nice way to jump start a family vacation. Their narrated Ghost Ship Cruise departs Thursdays at 8:45pm offering up haunted tales of the South Carolina low country. Both run 90 minutes. 

For spouses who want some quality time alone Vagabond provide lunch and dinner cruises, with their Sunset Dinner Cruise aboard the million dollar Spirit of Harbour Town easily the most preferred. Enjoy dinner from award winning chefs while sipping cocktails at their full-service bar, all while cruising the intracoastal waterway. Dine in their climate controlled cabin or outside under an upper level shaded deck. Customize your journey at https://www.vagabondcruise.com/

Seeking an alternative meal on the open water, check out Hibachi Dinner Cruise. Enjoy an unforgettable two hour dining experience indulging in delicious hibachi-style cuisine while taking in stunning views of lowcountry’s waterways, and a breathtaking backdrops. Food is served food truck style in a relaxed setting aboard their custom catamaran boat. Ideal for all ages, and provides memories that will last a lifetime. They offer parasailing, private charters, tubing, kayaking and more. Departs from Broad Creek Marina. Indulge all your water senses at https://islandheadhhi.com/hibachi-dinner-cruise/

For those who like to cast a line, Hilton Head has more than a half dozen reputable companies providing inshore and offshore fishing charters, lasting over 4 hours or more. Capt. Hook's five hour Offshore Fishing Charter is among the island's most popular where guests fish for black sea bass, weakfish, red fish, black drum, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and more, as well as the occasional shark. Everything you need is provided, included fish cleaning and ice to pack your catch.

Their 70-foot party fishing boat departs at 9am and comes complete with enclosed cabin, shaded & seated fishing area, clean restrooms, and an upper deck for those who just want to tag along and enjoy sun-bathing out on the open water. Voyages run late March through early December. If the ocean's deadliest predators are of interest to you, than consider their catch & release Shark Fishing Charter (May - August). Charter your expedition at https://www.captainhookhiltonhead.com/the-boat/

Less than two hours either side (north & south) of Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head are two vastly different vacation destinations. While both welcome families, Myrtle Beach due to its size and overall density of businesses caters more to families with middle and high school age kids. Myrtle Beach has more amusements, arcades, shows, and miniature golf, as well as mid scale and fast food restaurants that might be more appealing to older kids and budget friendly parents.

While Myrtle Beach is more fast paced, Hilton Head is more chill. There is plenty to do on Hilton Head, especially if you stay at any of the resorts that have access to the intracoastal waterway or the Atlantic Ocean. There are a handful of chain hotels on the island, but aside from free breakfast and a pool, they primarily do not offer the amenities the resorts do, nor do they have direct access to the water or the beach.

Again, your budget often determines where you stay. If you're financially secure or have saved for a really nice vacation then I recommend staying at any of the dozen or more resorts on Hilton Head. Many come with upscale restaurants, cafes, multiple pools (including adult only), hot tubs, poolside bars with service, and are pleasantly landscaped.

While not all, several of the resorts on Hilton Head are located off William Hilton Pkwy (US 278), which is the main thoroughfare on the island. Sea Pines is the most noted resort on Hilton Head and is a residential community unto itself, featuring the only four star hotel on the island, three championship golf courses, dining experiences, recreational activities, and some of the most epic views.

The Inn & Club at Harbour Town is the lone hotel on Sea Pines, with private homes and villas the only other option. Although they offer discounts various times during the year, and you can search online, whether you stay at the inn or a private residence, expect to pay more should you opt to vacation on Sea Pines. For memories that will last a lifetime  experience https://www.seapines.com/ 

Situated off William Hilton Pkwy at Queens Folly Road, the larger Palmetto Dunes community is home to Queens Grant Villas as well as the Palmetto Dunes Resort, the Hilton Hotel & Resort, and the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort. Just across the parkway is a Disney resort property on the intracoastal waterway. The beauty of these four resorts is their proximity to several of the marinas, water excursions, and perhaps two of the more trafficked shopping and dining areas.

I chose to stay at the Omni Oceanfront (23 Ocean Ln) which boasts some of largest resort rooms and suites on the island. Due their recent 26 million dollar renovation, each come with a soothing coastal beach décor, complete with mini kitchens, granite counter tops, dining areas, and private balconies where every guest has a view of their magnificent landscaped courtyard and at least a partial view of the ocean. 

In partnership with the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort Community, a stay at the Omni allows for access to 11 miles of lagoon trails, tennis courts, private beach access, sparkling swimming pools and wellness areas. Anything and everything you would expect to do on Hilton Head can be found by staying at the Omni. Three championship golf courses are just minutes away, as are all the tennis and pickleball courts at Palmetto Dunes.

While the men are golfing perhaps the ladies can over indulge at the Ocean Tides Spa where specially trained therapists provide exotic Paradise Glow Body Treatments or an Ocean Tides Signature Facial. You're on vacation, so pamper yourself. When couples re-unite or the family is all together maybe rent bikes and hit the scenic trails or ride along the Atlantic coastline. Ideal just after sunrise or as the sun is setting. The answer is yes, child seats are available.

Just hanging out on the property, the Omni hasn't got just one pool, but three, with the family and adult only pools both heated. There's also a splash pad, ideal for toddlers. Hungry or thirsty? The Breeze and the Buoy Bar serve up tropical cocktails and lite bites throughout the day. The beauty of the pool area is they open at 8am and stay open until 10pm. Plenty of time for a late day swim or to relax and rejuvenate in any of their three hot tubs. Ahhh!

The Palmetto Market serves breakfast, lunch, & dinner cafe style, as well as carries specialty items you might want to take back to your room. XO Sports & Spirits is where you gather to watch the big game. Every Tuesday their menu features Boozy Shakes and Burgers, including the 'Old Skool Burger', voted the best in Hilton Head by the writers of Eat It and Like It. 

Dinner is where the Omni shines. Surprisingly, HH Prime is regarded as one of the best steak and seafood experiences on Hilton Head. Enjoy your meal in their grand exterior where culinary masters prepare awesome plates in an open kitchen, or dine outdoors listening to the sounds of the waves next to exterior fireplaces. You can dine at HH Prime whether you're an Omni guest or not. To celebrate all this ultimate oceanside destination has to offer visit https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/hilton-head

Whether you decide on the Omni and its eateries, you'll have to fill your belly while staying on Hilton Head. The aforementioned resorts are all close to Shelter Cove Towne Centre (literally five minutes away), offering ten very different dining options. If you're just out browsing their retail shops and develop a sweet tooth then Crumbl Cookies or Kilwin's Ice Cream & made-in-store confections might satisfy. Shelter Cove Towne Centre has almost everything you need including a supermarket. For a full list begin here at https://www.sheltercovetownecentre.com/

If you're up early and want to enjoy breakfast, or sleep in and prefer brunch, locals and vacationers follow the alluring aroma to the French Bakery in Shelter Cove. Soups, salads, sandwiches, omelets, French toast, crepes, as well as fresh made bread, desserts and scrumptious pastries all made to perfection. Enjoy some of the most robust coffees and fresh squeezed orange juice you'll ever taste anywhere. 

Every tart, muffin, danish, macaroon, croissant, crepe, and signature bread made by their skilled artisans. They are every bit a full-service bakery. Need a cake for a special occasion, consider their Red Velvet Chocolate, Tiramasu, or Cappuccino flavors. Just a few of their 14 signature creations aside from wedding and specialty cakes. Simply put, the French Bakery is like dining at a Paris cafe with a view of the intracoastal waterway. A Hilton Head staple since 1998. Open 7am-3pm daily. Experience the 'wow' at https://frenchbakeryhhi.com/

Tio's Latin American Kitchen serves up authentic cuisine alongside traditional Mexican restaurant favorites, with daily lunch specials 11-4pm Mon-Fri. Relish in their white melted queso & warm tortilla chips made fresh daily, while deciding on tacos, burritos, and chimis wrapped or in a bowl. Vegan and gluten free options available. You can't go wrong with their Cuban sandwich. Save room for fried ice cream of churros for dessert. Happy hour specials everyday 4-7pm and Girls Night Out (BOGO offers) Tuesdays 4-9pm. Savor the flavor at https://tioshhi.com/

After finishing the 18th hole, locals and vacationers have become acquainted with island's most recent watering hole. Hilton Head Tavern combines the ultimate sports bar atmosphere with an adult arcade. Don't get me wrong, kids are welcome and they offer a kid's menu under $10, but Hilton Head Tavern caters to patrons who love burgers, wings, and appetizers with a cold brew. Their Reuben Sandwich and Philly Cheesesteak will please the most discriminate northerner. Aside from a few, most menu items under $20. 

Lost to your partner during a round of golf, maybe best him or her at skee-ball, pool, or shooting hoops. Plenty of fun & games to complement awesome mouth-watering dishes. And you'll never miss the game, because Hilton Head Tavern have 60 (that's not a typo), 60 various big screen TVs to keep up on all the action. Regional and local beers on tap including several from Charleston and quality beers from Hilton Head's Side Hustle Brewing. Hilton Head Tavern at Shelter Cove is the very essence of a neighborhood tavern. Savor the flavor at https://hiltonheadtavern.com/

Okay when it comes to dinner at Shelter Cove Towne Centre there are two clear choices. However, while incredible they couldn't be any more different, with one focusing primarily on seafood and the other catering to all out beef lovers.

 Poseidon is Shelter Cove's triple threat dining destination. While they offer Sunday brunch featuring coastal and southern dishes, and serve lunch entrees that include Shrimp & Grits, Lowcountry Jambalaya, and Frogmore Stew, Poseidon rise to the occasion during happy hour (4-7pm) at the NautiBar, an outside covered bar overlooking Broad Creek. Step inside their main dining room and enjoy their 'Coast to Coast' menu covering a wide selection of seafood treasures, including an amazing raw oyster bar, complete with fresh sushi, stone crab claws, and clams. 

After dinner or cocktails at NautiBar venture upstairs to the Rooftop Bar, 'where weekends start on Wednesday'. Whether it's live music or a DJ, dance the night away at the Rooftop, where they offer up country music, Top 40, & Latin music on any given night. Enjoy Dueling Pianos on select Thursdays, as well as comedy jams. The Rooftop is where you go mid island to be thoroughly entertained. Have a large group, reserve a booth for up to 10 people. Start the party here  at  https://www.poseidonhhi.com/entertainments/

We're not done yet. Poseidon and Serg Hospitality Group even host Coastal Provisions (right next door), your go to resource for everything you need to live the coastal lifestyle. Check them out at https://www.coastalprovisionsco.com/ For a complete list of all that's happening at this unforgettable dining, entertainment, and shopping experience visit https://www.poseidonhhi.com/

For years island steak lovers as well as regular visitors to Hilton Head have been torn between several locales, including Alexanders, Bowdie's Chophouse, WiseGuys, and Crane's Tavern. However, step back in time at Chophouse 119, where the ambiance, decor, and exemplary table service resembles a 1950's era New York City supper club, with songs of Frank Sinatra and his fellow crooners playing softly in the background.

 Since opening at Shelter Cove Towne Centre in 2022, Chophouse 119 have become the go to destination for prime steaks sourced from the finest meat purveyors, served up alongside extensive wines from around the globe, as well as distinct signature cocktails. Love to sip a velvety drink with dinner, then I recommend their Old Fashioned 119, an ideal blend of Woodford Reserve Bourbon (sweet w/ hints of oak), Angostura Orange Bitters, and simple syrup, served over a king cube. Ooh that's smooth!

Aged liqueurs and fruit of the vine are one thing, but a perfectly cooked ribeye, filet, or porterhouse steak is as pleasing to the palate, as is the presentation is to the eyes. Hey, you're on vacation. It's okay to treat yourself. Order the 30 day aged NY Strip, and enjoy your meal with Whipped Potatoes in a swirl of butter and chives. Or maybe feast on Roasted Brussel Sprouts impeccably seasoned in a medley of bacon, red onion, and balsamic. 12 mouth-watering steaks and chops to complement 10 incredible sides. Going all out, perhaps kick start your meal with Clams Casino (baked w/ prosciutto) or Oysters Rockefeller. Their $50 'prix fixe' dinner (5-6pm) menu will thoroughly satisfy even the hungriest member in your party, with the wedge salad a meal unto itself. Begin your culinary journey to yesteryear at https://www.chophouse119.com/

Guys, looking to surprise that special someone with a little bling, or ladies, just hoping to add to your collection. Family owned and operated Heritage Fine Jewelry is Hilton Head's jeweler of choice since 1990. With their combined 75 years of experience, expert sales associates will help you find just the right gift. Offering full sales and service for all your jewelry needs. Mine for gold and silver at https://www.heritagejewelershhi.com/

 Lose your shades? When you're lying by the pool, on the beach, enjoying a bike ride along a sunlit path, or just want to look cool, a nice pair of sunglasses are essential. Open since June of 2014, family owned Woody's Sunglass Shop have been offering up a wide selection that caters to fun and funky to casual and high end. Whether you're searching for an affordable pair of Goodr and Blender shades, or looking to replace your Gucci sunglasses, Woody's carries a decent variety. Begin your ride on Woody (you'll see) at https://www.woodyshhi.com/

While Belk's and TJ Maxx border the outer edges of the half mile stretch of Shelter Cove Towne Centre, there are a few locally owned boutiques women might find of interest. Birdie James and Coastal Bliss sell fun, classic, and contemporary styles of clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories for discerning ladies. Keeping locals and visitors looking fabulous at https://www.coastalblisshiltonhead.com/  and https://thebirdiejames.com/ 

Players World of Sports is where the ladies find colorful and stylish high-quality tennis and pickleball apparel, including athletic shoes for the court, as well as racquets and accessories. Independent and family owned Players World of Sports has proudly been serving Hilton Head for over 40 years. Game, set, and match at https://playersworldofsports.com/ 

If you're a serious runner, than your shoes are your most important tool. And when runners need new shoes they often visit Palmetto Running Company, where their PRCs (performance, recovery & comfort) experts individually fit shoes to you using bio-mechanics and a 3-D scanner. Achieve excellence at https://palmettorunningcompany.com/

Finally, if you're looking to take home a unique Hilton Head memento or gifts for friends or family, then pop in ArtWare Design, where you can find one of a kind souvenirs created with love by local craft-persons. Whether it's Crazy Golf socks, quirky apparel, silly stuff for your kitchen, garden, or pet, toys for the grandkids, Hilton Head collectibles, or neighboring Savannah Bee products, ArtWare Design offers up eclectic finds meant to memorialize your vacation. Color your world at https://www.artwaredesigns.com/

For any and all things happening at Shelter Cove Towne Centre, including summer jams, family movie nights, and sunset celebrations featuring live music visit https://www.sheltercovetownecentre.com/events  There's even a Kroger supermarket located in the middle of the centre where you can pick up items for your resort suite or rental property.

Nearby Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina host fireworks displays every Tuesday during the summer beginning Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. For more on Hilton Head Island's premier location for fishing, watersports & boating, including their nine restaurants, and five shops offering surf and beach wear, trinkets, treasures, and year round Christmas collectibles cruise online at https://www.sheltercovehiltonhead.com/

Parting shots:

Unless you're flying directly to the Hilton Head Island airport, serviced by three major airlines, it's almost impossible to get on the island without driving east on Route 278 (exit 8 off I-95) through beautiful Bluffton SC. You'll pass an endless array of shopping centers, restaurants, 55 & older active living communities, and golf courses. Bluffton is a thriving town connecting 278 to the heel of Hilton Head Island where it becomes William Hilton Pkwy.

There are a decent amount of public golf courses in Bluffton. You'll find a variety of mid and deluxe restaurants such as Frankie Bones, serving up American-Italian cuisine surrounded by a 1960's vibe, as well as Farm Bluffton, the town's preferred steakhouse that serves up locally sourced, seasonally inspired dishes using the freshest ingredients and products from local farmers and fishermen.

Residents who are transplants from up north (basically Yankees), as well as vacationers from NY, NJ, PA, and greater New England regularly flock to family owned Nantucket's Meat & Fish Market because it combines five of their familiar back home shops under one roof. On the retail side, Nantucket's is an upscale butcher shop providing customers fresh seafood and select cuts of prime meats.

They also reflect a deli and gourmet food market offering up prepared foods, fresh produce, and groceries, not to mention groceries hard to find in the south. If you're renting a house or villa, and want to host a lavish dinner, perhaps bring back some marinated steak, chicken, or fish, including pre-made kebobs and burgers for the grill. Whatever you meal entails, a trip to Nantucket's should be on your short list. 

While the meat and grocery market take up approximately two thirds of their overall space, in partnership with Lincoln & South Brewing Company, Nantucket host Pizza and Pints, an in-house modern pizzeria serving up NY style thin crust pizza, sub sandwiches, and fire roasted wings. You can order a slice, have a whole pie, or call ahead and take one back to wherever you're staying. If you're dining in enjoy your favorite cold beer or sample a few of the local craft breweries. Take in all this market provides at https://nantucketsmarket.com/hilton-head

For the ladies, a trip to Nantucket Meat & Fish Market comes with a bonus, because they are a free standing building sitting in front of Tanger Outlet 2, which surprisingly is less than a mile from the original Tanger Outlet in Bluffton. You can have lunch, pick up foods for the villa, and shop some of your favorite retail stores, all at the same location. Both outlets are located on Hwy 278, right over the bridge from Hilton Head Island. Talk about convenience.

Wrapping Up:

Spending a vacation or a long weekend on Hilton Head Island offers a relaxing time. There are experiences to be shared and memories to make that you, your spouse, and or your kids will cherish for years to come. Hilton Head is less about moving at breakneck speed and more about embracing the moment you're in. You can golf, play tennis or pickleball, lounge by the pool, sunbathe, ride the trails, walk along the beach, and 'shop til' you drop', all at your leisure.

The beauty of all that is, you can do several of those things before you savor an incredible meal, and still be entertained for several hours before you call it a day. If you want to discover a wide range of things you can explore on 'America's Favorite Island', whether on land or water than visit https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/