Perhaps our favorite place to go for a quick, rejuvenating trip is Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. I believe I’ve been there 15 times, maybe more. Every trip I discover something I didn’t know about before. Only five hours from Raleigh, NC, this quiet little island offers much more than golf! From the beach to dining to exploring, there’s something for everyone at Hilton Head!
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| Sunset over the marsh |
The island resembles a foot, and once you understand the main roads, you can easily find your way.
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| Map of Hilton Head Island |
Places to stay:
- Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. Though we have stayed elsewhere on the island, Disney’s HHI resort is by far our favorite. This resort, tucked away in Shelter Cove Harbor, offers all the quality of Disney without going overboard on Mickey. No rides, either. Instead, the resort’s rec staff will entertain you with poolside parties, campfires (with camp songs and s’mores), and other phenomenal family friendly offerings. The resort offers two pools, one with a great slide. Accommodations range from traditional hotel rooms in the lodge to large, three bedroom condominiums suitable for family reunions.
- The Inn at Harbour Town. Consistently ranked high by travelers for its incredible amenities, the Inn at Harbour Town offers the perfect getaway for golfers. It offers tennis, complimentary bike rentals and valet parking as well. For the luxurious weekend away, this might be the place to stay!
- Red Roof Inn. On Hilton Head, even the budget hotel gets a nod! With so many lodging options, it seems that everybody offers quality accommodations. This budget and pet friendly motel offers a convenient location in the heart of the island. Close to dining, shopping and the beach, you won’t miss a thing while staying at Hilton Head Island.
Things to do:
- Golf. There are dozens of golf courses on Hilton Head Island and in the surrounding communities. Discount golf packages are available year round. Just a little research online can save hundreds of dollars.
- Beaches. Hilton Head is protective of its dunes. The island restricts pet access to the beaches during the summer season between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Alcohol and glass is never permitted on the beaches.
- Public Parks. With 15 public parks, plus the beaches, everyone can find a great place to relax on the island. Crossings Park, near Arrow Road and Palmetto Bay Road, offers a free skateboard park and many other amenities. Jarvis Creek Park, the largest on the island, offers walking trails, picnic facilities and much more.
- Other things to do on the island. The island offers so much more that every visit can be different. Putt putt golf, guided dolphin tours, kayak tours offer adventure. Spas located throughout the community offer pampering and rejuvenation. The art galleries, museums, orchestra and art center offer arts enjoyment throughout the year.
Dining on the Island:
- Restaurant savings. Hilton Head restaurants offer discounts year-round. A little research might lead you to discover a new restaurant favorite while saving money at the same time.
- One Hot Mama’s. Orchid, season seven of Next Food Network Star competitor, offers great low-country favorites, BBQ and small town charm at her laid back restaurant. Not just a talented cook, she is the “real deal,” warm and gracious, greeting guests old and new like friends. Portions are huge! Enjoy.
- Pino Gelato. Hilton Head’s 2010 small business of the year, this quaint little place offers more than gelato (though I never get further than the gelato… it’s so creamy and flavorful). Their pizza cones have been featured on Food Network, and they offer crepes, milkshakes, smoothies and more. For a quick bite or sweet snack, Pino Gelato in the Village at Wexford is the place to go.
- Mangiamo’s. True confession, every time we go to Hilton Head, we eat at Mangiamo’s. This Ohio State pizza place is a Buckeye’s home away from home. Michigan fan? They’ll still feed you great pizza and Italian dishes… but you might take a bit of a ribbing.
- The Old Oyster Factory. Located at 101 Marshland Road, this family friendly restaurant offers great seafood and steaks. Beyond that, it offers a great panoramic view of Broad Creek, including sea birds and the occasional dolphin (at high tide). The restaurant opens for dinner at 4:45 each day and reservations are strongly encouraged.
Shopping in Hilton Head:
- Outlet mall: Tanger Outlets 1 and 2 are located just across the bridge in Bluffton. The outlet malls offer special discounts so check the customer service desk before you plan your day!
- The Village at Wexford: Offering a variety of specialty shops, set among tree lined sidewalks, the Village is a shopper’s paradise. You’re bound to find the perfect reminder of your low country vacation here.
- The Harbourtown Shops at Sea Pines. Located near the Harbour Town Golf links, the Shops at Sea Pines offer more than 20 boutiques, galleries and gift shops. Located on the Calibogue Sound, the shops offer that slow low country pace that encourages browsing and relaxing in red rocking chairs. Unhurried and unique, you’re bound to find that perfect gift at Harbour Town.
- Second Hand Stores. Of all the places I’ve shopped second hand, Hilton Head Island offers some of the best finds! If you’re looking for a unique item or resort beachwear bargains, it’s here. Enjoy the hunt. AND the savings!
What I truly like most about Hilton Head Island is the overall atmosphere. You won’t find kitschy, cheap souvenir items (except at Walmart or the drug store). No neon signs either. It’s a quiet, uncluttered place to shop, golf, sun, bike and boat. Residents and vacationers alike are relaxed and friendly. A weekend getaway to Hilton Head offers a wonderful break from fast-paced living.
Happy travels! Please share your favorite Hilton Head recommendations!
Family Travels on a Budget says
Adam,
I sure hope you'll stop by our place in Raleigh, North Carolina for some down-home cookin' and sweet southern hospitality! I'm a sweet tea expert, courtesy of my dear friend from Savannah! And my husband can BBQ like nobody's business!
Karen
Adam says
Hilton Head sounds like a great place. Thanks for this fantastic post. Another destination in my bucket list for whenever I get to South Carolina!
lovely_micah says
A traveler can choose a hotel that suits his requirements and enjoy the courtesy and hospitality extended by the hoteliers. No matter how compact or lavish your budget accommodation is, you will find a hotel that can appeal to your taste.
Jennifer Wolfe says
I've never been to Hilton Head, but certainly have heard of its charms! Sounds like a great place for the family!
beachdreaming says
Looks so beautiful there. After your post, I will have to look into going there. We have been to Myrtle Beach many times. Always thought of Hilton Head as the rich peoples place to vacation. LOL
Familytravelsonabudget says
Joy,
I took that sunset photo with my phone!!!! I never get tired of sunsets over water. FYI: HHI is about 30 minutes east of I-95. We sometimes stay there for a weekend either heading to Florida or on the way home to break up a long drive, especially when we venture to the gulf coast (Tampa and south). A couple days of rest and relaxation in a familiar locale seems to do wonders preparing us for the big adventure or bringing us back to reality.
Familytravelsonabudget says
Sarah,
If you venture to HHI, I hope you'll go to One Hot Mama's AND meet Orchid. She's fabulous!!!
Happy travels!
Joy says
Seriously? How gorgeous is that first pic! Never stayed in SC, only ever driven through, but may just stop and spend the night now!
Warmest regards,
Joy
https://www.PardonMyPoppet.com
Familytravelsonabudget says
Beachdreaming,
You can definitely afford a trip to Hilton Head. Some of the golf courses are expensive, but otherwise, you'll find everything you want for a budget vacation! And peace and quiet too!!! Though, the excitement is there if you want it. So far, it's my favorite destination in the States. (I have a few thousand places to check out before I can say it's absolutely my favorite, though).
Happy travels!
Familytravelsonabudget says
Kenya,
I agree! We celebrated Christmas at Hilton Head a couple years ago. Pleasant weather, quiet beaches, uncrowded restaurants. The summer, though, compared to Myrtle Beach is still quiet! The extra couple hours drive is always worth it (from here in NC).
Enjoy those Charleston and HHI memories.
Sarah says
That looks like tons of fun. The Disney hotel sounds great, probably because I love all Disney. haha 🙂
The dining sounds interesting too. One Hot Mama, made me laugh (never seen the show), so I was like “huh?”, but looks yummy. 🙂
Great info on this place! If we ever go, I'll have to come back to this page, as the break down of info is great! 🙂
Kenya G. Johnson says
I'm grew up in SC, so Charleston and Hilton Head were summer weekend spot. I don't remember the site seeing of Hilton Head as much. But I do remember one of the nicest times I enjoyed going was in the winter. I think my dad was on a business trip and it worked out that we could go. It was pretty deserted and totally different look from the “summer” Hilton Head. Looking at the beach in the winter is just as beautiful – even if you can't get in.