Hilton Head Island

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau

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 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.

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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Mid Island

While visiting Mid Island, you might make a stop by sights like Shelter Cove Harbour and Singleton Beach.

Mid Island
Hilton Head featuring heritage architecture

South End

If you're spending some time in South End, Sea Pines Forest Preserve and Coligny Plaza are top sights worth seeing.

South End
Beautiful sunrise with a dolphin popping up to say hi.

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

While visiting North Forest Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Coligny Plaza and Coligny Beach.

North Forest Beach
Pathway to the beach. 😎

Oceanside

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

Oceanside
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island

4 out of 5
130 Shipyard Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $356 per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
CA $356
CA $457 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy a full-service spa, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,013 reviews)
"Nice Look"

Reviewed on Jul. 15, 2025

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
Beach House Resort Hilton Head

Beach House Resort Hilton Head

4 out of 5
1 South Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC
The price is CA $340 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
CA $340
CA $429 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (702 reviews)
"Great location so close to the beach!"

Reviewed on Jul. 14, 2025

Beach House Resort Hilton Head
Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Hilton Head Island

Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Hilton Head Island

4.5 out of 5
1 Hotel Circle, Hilton Head Island, SC
The price is CA $325 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
CA $325
CA $420 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,333 reviews)
"Great hotel. Everyone that works there is amazing. If you want chairs on the beach you have to pay through a third party that was great in my experience. The dinning options are what you would expect at a resort. Overpriced but good. The elevators are a problem for the hotel for sure. To the extent ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 15, 2025

Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Hilton Head Island
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.
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 helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (783 reviews)
"I liked the size of the condo we rented. Three nice size bedrooms and two bathrooms with a full kitchen was wonderful. The proximity to restaurants, walking and bike paths, CVS, coffee and grocery store were convenient. Also, we only had to walk across the parking lot to the pool area. I did not ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 12, 2025

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. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (306 reviews)
"You can never go wrong with Palmera. Always providing excellency. First class condos, pools, bars. The best. Top notch👌"

Reviewed on Jul. 6, 2025

Island Links Resort by Palmera
Lagoon-Front Retreat w/ Pool, Spa, Game Room & Private Dock Short Walk to Beach

Lagoon-Front Retreat w/ Pool, Spa, Game Room & Private Dock Short Walk to Beach

Hilton Head Island
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Palmetto Dunes Club ...
10/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
Amazing amenities!
"We stayed as a family and this house was in a great location and came loaded with extras like bikes, beach gear, pool floats, etc!"

Reviewed on Jun. 28, 2025

Lagoon-Front Retreat w/ Pool, Spa, Game Room & Private Dock Short Walk to Beach
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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