Hilton Head Island is the ideal place to make memories that will last forever. Whether your idea of the perfect getaway is relaxing on the beach, teeing off at lush golf courses, perfecting your backhand, exploring the Island by bike, riding high on a parasailing adventure, trying your hand at shark fishing, spending the day with your peeps zip lining, sipping a frosty beverage on a sunset cruise, or walking/running 30 miles… you can do it all right here on the country’s #1 island (true story -we are ranked #1 almost every year!).
As a long-time local, I want to give you some suggestions on things/places you should absolutely do while you’re here.
The Tips
There’s no doubt about it – Hilton Head is gorgeous, in part because of our seriously strong environmental ordinances. As a result of these rules, the buildings blend into the landscape and signs are all small and muted. It is difficult to read the addresses and signs. At night, there are no street lights so getting lost is pretty easy… Bottom line, prepare to cuss and drive by your destinations a few times. Put the address in your GPS so you have a better chance of getting where you are going! Look for cross street names on the overhead street poles.
Getting Around the Island
- There are no golf carts allowed on the island - bicycle is the mode of transportation
- Bike racks are everywhere and most bike rental companies will supply you with a lock.
- Rent bikes if they don’t come with your house/villa rental. We are working on a bike sponsor now and will provide their info once we have them signed up!
Pretty much wherever you are staying on the island, you can get to Shelter Cove, Chaplin Park, or the Omni within 10-15 minutes (drive)
- Ubers are cheaper than taxis; rental cars really aren’t needed unless you have a big group that you can split the cost with. Uber from SAV is approximately $70
Beaches
- We have several great beaches all over the Island. Our main beach is called Coligny Beach and there is a free parking lot right across the street. It’ll be the most crowded beach on the Island but there’s a great restaurant and bar called the Tiki Hut right there with live music 7 days a week so it is a great place to watch people. Other favorite beaches with decent parking include Folly Beach (55 Starfish Drive) and Sea Pines Beach Club (87 N Sea Pines Drive); you’ll have to pay $11 to get into Sea Pines for the latter option but the Beach Club is jaw droppingly gorgeous and the beach is beautiful (you may want to plan on doing Harbour Town and Salty Dog while you’re in Sea Pines this day and get more bang for your $11 pass)!
- Daily tide schedule can be found at https://www.hiltonheadisland.com/beaches/tides
For people staying in gated communities
- If you are staying “behind the gates” somewhere (Palmetto Dunes, Sea Pines, etc) you are not allowed to decorate your house. You might be able to put some flamingos in the front yard but that’s about it. If you aren’t in a resort community (behind gates) then you can probably get away with house decorating.
- Entrance to a gated community will require a gate pass. You will receive a gate pass with your house rental information. Check with your rental agency to find out if you are allowed to request/pay for additional passes for any guests.