Why Visit Hilton Head Island, South Carolina?
Hilton Head Island, also known as Hilton Head, is a resort town in South Carolina, located 95 miles away from capital city Charleston. The island sits on a 12-mile stretch along the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean. Once occupied by Native Americans, Hilton Head has developed into a popular vacation destination, famous for its beaches and golf courses.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Hilton Head, SC is shaped like a foot? Don't be surprised when people refer to different parts of the foot when giving directions.
The Best Time to Visit Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head, SC experiences a humid subtropical climate. Summers are warm and humid, and winters are mild and wet. The hottest months fall between June and August, with highs averaging at around 93°F. The coldest months are temperate, with lows averaging at 42°F. Hilton Head, SC is driest in October, November and May, and wettest in August.
Hotels and flights are most expensive between March to July. The cheapest month to visit Hilton Head, SC is in November.
Getting Around Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head Airport (HHH) serves the town, and is conveniently located within a 5-mile radius from all of Hilton Head's island resorts. Flying in through Hilton Head Airport (HHH) is accessible via American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines.
Hotel and resort airport shuttle service is not available to guests arriving from Hilton Head Airport. If you're not driving, consider taking a taxi upon arrival. Taxis can be found lined up at the taxi stand, located on your right once you exit the terminal. Taxi fares range between US$18–US$36.
If you prefer to get around and to Hilton Head, SC via car, consider renting a car. Car rental agencies have desks conveniently located within 200 feet of the terminal building of Hilton Head Airport (HHH). Alternatively, Trip.com offers a wide selection of cars to book, with free cancellation and no credit card fees. You can explore car rental options here.
The Breeze Trolley service is the cheapest way to get around Hilton Head, SC. The trolley runs daily during the season, at 30-minute intervals, from 13:00–22:00 on Sundays to Thursdays, and from 13:00–00:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, between April and October. Single fares cost US$1.
Hilton Head, SC has nearly 60 miles of bike trails. Visitors are recommended to rent bicycles to explore the island.
Things to Do in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
With 12 miles of velvety-white sand, the first thing you have to do when you visit Hilton Head, SC is park yourself at the beach! All of the beach is public and accessible from 7 entry points. The more popular access points include: Coligny Beach Park, Folly Field Beach Park, and the family-friendly Driessen Beach Park. If you're looking to stroll along a peaceful, non-swimming beach, head down to Fish Haul Creek Park, located at the "heel" of the island. Find the island's widest shorelines at the quiet Alder Lane Beach Access.
Get close to the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse, located at Hilton Head's Sea Pine Plantation. The lighthouse was built as a key landmark for the island's Heritage Golf Tournament, and is most notable for its signature red and white stripes. It takes approx. 110 steps to climb up the 93-foot tower. Check out the historic photos and read about Hilton Head's history on your way up.
The Zion Chapel of Ease cemetery, built in the 1846, is home to the Baynard Mausoleum, the island's oldest standing structure. The chapel was a place of worship for cotton planters who lived on the island, and disappeared after the Civil War. Only the graves of 4 Revolutionary War Patriots remain alongside the mausoleum.
If you're up for a spooky, historic adventure, visit the remains of wealthy cotton planter, William Baynard's grand antebellum-style home. Burned down shortly after the war, all that remains is the foundation and a corner wall of the main house, and chimney remnants of some slave quarters.
Very Good
99 Reviews