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Hilton Head Island is the largest barrier island on the southern Atlantic seacoast and sits just north of South Carolina’s border with Georgia. The Island sits on 42 square mile and is shaped like a foot which is why you will find locals refer to places as on the ‘toe’ or ‘heel’ of Hilton Head. The island has an eco-friendly point of view and a real appreciation for the environment offering 50 miles of paths for bicycling and hiking along the shore. With over 250 restaurants, 24 golf courses, spectacular beaches, and in excess of 200 shops, the Hilton Head Island offers something for everyone.
Hilton Head Island is renowned for preserving the natural areas of this barrier island. Their ecological focus really benefits our guests with the opportunity to explore the marshes, coastline and natural forests throughout the Lowcountry.
While visiting Hilton Head Island, you may have the opportunity to witness dolphins playing. The island also offers several guided boat and kayak tours to allow you an close-up encounter with these amazing mammals.
Hilton Head Highlights include:
Beaches and Golf
Hilton Head is a draw for those looking for a relaxing walk or bike ride on the beach. There are over 12 miles of beaches and an array of public golf courses. Together with more than 50 miles of bike paths and water sports such as kayaking, canoeing and sailing there is plenty on offer for those looking for outdoor activities.
Top beaches include the family friendly Coligny, Driessen and Folly Field Beaches as well as he quieter less crowded Alder Lane and Burkes Beaches.
Nicknamed ‘Golf Island’, Hilton Head boasts 24 championship courses – including public, semi-private and private. There are also 16 more in nearby outlying areas. Highest green fees tend to be in the morning with lower fees as the day goes on.
Gullah History
In this Lowcountry area of South Carolina, Gullah refers to several things – language, people and a specific culture. During colonial times when rice was king Gullah agricultural skills including basket-making were highly prized for household and agricultural use. Hand-made sweet grass baskets are intricate coils of local marsh grass and have a sweet, hay-like aroma. The Island is home to various museums and tours that explore and celebrate this fascinating and unique coastal culture.
Lowcountry Cuisine
A fusion between European, Caribbean and West African food – Gullah influenced Low Country Cuisine is a staple along the South Carolina coast. Examples of this unique culinary style include Shrimp and Grits (Grits is the official State food), She Crab Soup – Lowcountry’s answer to the Northern USA’s Clam Chowder – rich and creamy with lumps of crab and drizzle with sherry and Hoppin’ John – a New Year’s favourite amongst locals that comprises black-eyed peas, rice, onions and bacon.
There are plenty of great restaurants across the Island that offer this unique and delicious cuisine.
Where you stay is the heart of your holiday. Location reigns supreme but do you prefer resort facilities or unique and boutique? Historic and old world or modern and shiny?
We aim to present choices across the spectrum but there are many hundreds of places to stay and not room to feature them all. Do speak to your Bon Voyage travel consultant and click the video for our take on this important topic.