Hilton Head Travel Agent Expert

Hilton Head Island

One of the most beautiful destinations in South Carolina, Hilton Head Island, is very special to me. Growing-up my family took a vacation to South Carolina at least once a year.  This is where I learned to golf as a child, and fell in love with the amazing southern hospitality of every local I met.  For those of you looking for a great vacation in the U.S., Hilton Head Island is in the top 5 of my must visit locations.

Hilton Head Island (more commonly referred to as Hilton Head), is justifiably famous for its incredible beaches and world-class golf courses.  It's regularly voted one of the best vacation destinations in the world.  Dotted with world-class golf courses, renowned restaurants, superb shopping and white-sand beaches as far as the eye can see, this resort island just right for relaxing.

Hilton Head is renowned for its pristine beaches and championship-grade golf courses.  Nestled between Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, this 12-mile barrier island is the ultimate retreat.  Hilton Head has been voted #10 on the list of Best Golf Resorts in the World by readers of Golf Digest, and was named America’s Best Island by Travel Pulse, making it the ideal place for relaxation and recreation.

Hilton Head was designed in harmony with nature to carefully preserve the coastal environment with its pristine tidal creeks, expansive stretches of marshlands and centuries-old oaks.  Hotels, homes and condos are inconspicuously tucked among the lush landscape, preserving the unspoiled feel of a maritime forest.

Whatever your travel plans, you'll find just what you need on Hilton Head.  Choose from two dozen hotels and inns - among them five AAA Four Diamond Award winners and one earning the elite Five Diamond rating.  There are also more than 6,000 private residences with everything from one-bedroom golf course condos to eight-bedroom oceanfront homes. Some vacation rentals even welcome the family pet.

If an ocean view is your preference, pamper yourself at one of the island's oceanfront resorts, each with its own sumptuous spa, expansive pool, luxurious guest rooms and exclusive recreational amenities.  Though there are a total of seven beaches on the island, with soft, white sand and gorgeous coastal surroundings, Coligny Beach is a favorite for locals.  Before hitting the beach, you can peruse the shopping area with surf stores, bars, and restaurants.  Once on the sand, you can sip a cool drink from the beachside bars or partake in a lively game of volleyball.

For you fans of sea life, every year between May and October, sea turtles visit the beaches of Hilton Head.  In 2021, 283 nests were laid on the pristine beaches.  Two volunteer organizations, Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island and Turtle Trackers, work hard every morning and evening during nesting season to protect sea turtle nests and ensure the hatchlings can make a safe journey from the beach to their ocean home.

If you’re not visiting Hilton Head for the beaches, you’ll certainly want to visit for the golf courses.  The island is repeatedly named a top golf destination in the state and throughout the U.S. with more than two dozen courses.  Hilton Head facilities are perfectly manicured and encompassed by majestic Lowcountry scenery.  Tee off amongst palmetto trees, surrounded by marshland and scenic ocean views. 

For all you nature lovers, Hilton Head has no shortage of parks, recreation areas, and historical landmarks. The natural conditions of the Lowcountry breed a particularly unique ecosystem teeming with wonderful wildlife.  A must visit is The Sea Pines Forest Preserve, home to many outdoor attractions like walking trails, fishing docks, boardwalks through the wetlands, and even guided excursions. The Shell Ring, a 4,000-year-old shell deposit composed of oysters, mussels, and clams, is the oldest archeological finding on Hilton Head.

In addition to its premier accommodations and scenic beauty, Hilton Head also offers an exciting cultural scene, from the rich history of the Gullah people to the authentic Lowcountry cuisine.  Bike through Coligny Plaza, tour the trails of Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort or venture out on two wheels to eat like a local at one of Hilton Head's fantastic restaurants.  For more than 30 years, Hilton has also hosted the Wine & Food Festival every March.  

The island is not only perfect for romantic getaways, golf weekends and outdoor adventures, it's also one of the best family vacation spots in the country.  After a day in the sun and sand, take the kids to get dressed up as pirates and embark on a cruise to hunt for sunken treasure at Pirates of Hilton Head. 

With nothing but fond memories, every trip I took Hilton head during childhood and as an adult has been amazing.  If you're looking for the perfect place to unwind and spend time with the people who matter most, Hilton Head is the luxurious retreat you've been searching for.  I look forward to creating the perfect vacation for you to remember forever.