If you would live anywhere in the world, what would this perfect place look like? Would you see yourself living in a laid-back community located on the coastline? How much would you appreciate the mild subtropical climate of such a place, that would allow you to explore the outdoors and soak up the sunshine on the gorgeous beachfront area?
You probably love the orange sunsets just as much as anyone living in a coastal city. How could you not appreciate the endless beauty of the natural landscape, and with a welcoming vibe coming from the friendly community, this couldn’t get any better, right? If this is the kind of place you would imagine living in for the rest of your days, then we have great news for you! The resort town of Hilton Head Island, located in South Carolina, is precisely how we describe it, and that is not all of it.
People argue that this is probably one of the top vacation destinations in the US. You are surrounded by some of the best-rated beaches in the country, and if you love golfing, you have a vast array of world-class golf courses, where you can swing it for the win or for the pleasure of playing. There is no shortage of things to do in the town of Hilton Head Island SC, from water activities and shopping to nature exploration and cultural attractions.
The island has something for everyone, and if you haven’t planned your next vacation yet, we got you covered. Stick with us to find out more about the unique resort town of Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Explore the Hilton Head beaches
It would only be fair to start our journey on Hilton Head Island by highlighting the beaches of the area, which is why the town is so renowned as a summer vacation destination. With more than 12 miles of South Carolina coastline, the town of Hilton Head Island is blessed with the blue waves of the Atlantic Ocean and the pristine sandy beaches.
Hilton Head is known for having beach areas that are highly desirable and popular amongst tourists as well as quiet retreats, which allow you to spend some quality time by yourself, away from the crowds. Here is what you can expect to find on Hilton Head Island.
Coligny Beach
Coligny Beach is probably one of the top-rated beaches in the US, and it is the most popular one on the island. Located on Pope Avenue and South Forest Beach Drive, Coligny Beach offers the perfect spot to lounge, rent bikes, or swim. The beach has volleyball nets, a splash pad for the kids, changing stations, lifeguards, sand showers, and free beach parking. It has everything you would expect from a top-notch coastal area, and you will be delighted to spend an entire day bathing in the sun or engaging in fun activities in Coligny Beach.
Folly Field Beach Park
Folly Field Beach Park has become a trendy beach for families and one of the most popular places on the island for surfers. Not only surfers enjoy the perfect waves since the water is also ideal for swimming or boogie boarding. The water is perfect if you want to play with the waves, and the beach has lifeguards, restrooms, water fountains, and sand showers.
Sea Pines Beach Club
Sea Pines Beach Club is one of the more exclusive Hilton Head beaches. If you feel a bit fancy and want to spoil yourself with a unique beach experience, this is the place for it. You can experience the good lifestyle of Hilton Head Island on this beach, especially since the patrons have done a great job in combining the excellent cuisine of Lowcountry with the coastal views. Located in Sea Pines plantation, this beautiful beach offers excellent amenities such as food service, bar, picnic tables, activities for children, and lots of entertainment.
Driessen Beach Park
Driessen Beach Park takes you to a quiet place, a sandy retreat easily accessible through a long boardwalk for a unique Hilton Head beach experience. The beach area features lifeguards, vending machines, a playground, grills, picnic tables, restrooms, and plenty of parking near the grill area. Seasonal beach rentals are also available in Driessen Beach Park, which includes umbrellas and watercraft.
Burke’s Beach
Burke’s Beach is not a familiar spot for tourists but very popular amongst locals because it provides an easy getaway from the crowds. Lifeguards will greet you on this tranquil escape, but parking space is limited. However, Burke’s Beach is known by locals to have some of the best waves for boarding or surfing on the Island. If that is what you are looking for, don’t hesitate to pay a visit to this fantastic Hilton Head beach.
A list of things to do in Hilton Head Island, SC
By now, you are probably tired of hearing only about the Hilton Head, SC beaches. Isn’t there anything else fun to do outside of the beach area? Of course, there is! You will be amazed to find out that some of the best attractions lie in the Heart of the town of Hilton Head Island, SC. Here is a list of some of the best things to do on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Explore the cuisine of the Island
Another great thing about the town of Hilton Head Island is that it holds some of the best dining spots in Lowcountry. Lining the streets of Hilton Head are wine cellars, distilleries, and brewing companies as well as a farmer’s Market, steakhouses, seafood restaurants, and eateries with Lowcountry and international cuisine.
On the Island, you can experience the beauty of casual dining and comfort food as well as fine dining at some of their top restaurants. If you don’t know where to get started, you can opt for a guided food tour in the town of Hilton Head Island. Throughout the tour, you will find out which are the best restaurants in the region, the local favorites, and some hidden treasures that otherwise you might’ve missed.
Ride the bike trails of Hilton Head Island
This great way to explore the ins and outs of Hilton Head Island is through its bike trail system. The expansive bike trail stretches for about 60-miles around the whole Island, and it takes you through some of the most beautiful places in Hilton Head. The well-maintained bike trails make it such a pleasure to pedal your way around the city and explore its beaches, parks, and other landmarks. Be ready to rent a bike and have the ride of your life in the town of Hilton Head Island.
Discover Hilton Head at the Coastal Discovery Museum
If you get tired and bored of the beach area, the Coastal Discovery Museum is ideal if you want to break the monotony and do something new. It is a fantastic place for families because you can bring along your children for an interactive experience to learn about the history and wildlife of the sea Island. Explore the fauna and flora of the island through a nature tour, or learn about Lowcountry history with one of their knowledgeable guides at the history tours. Labs, public art, crabbing pots, and lectures make it a fun experience for the young ones, and it is a place worth visiting.
Visit Sea Pines Forest Preserve
This 400-acre nature preserve is another way you can immerse yourself into the Lowcountry wildlife and explore its beauty. The elevated boardwalk provides a safe path for tourists to travel through the mushy swamps, where they can see different species of birds, and alligators or lizards. The area is a popular fishing spot as well, and you can always stop at one of their restaurants for a bite and enjoy the views while you’re at it.
The real estate of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
The real estate market in Hilton Head is no joke. You would expect a dream town such as Hilton Head to be on the pricey side of things, but more precisely, how expensive is it to live in Hilton Head Island? Transportation, food and groceries, and utilities are expenses that don’t come out as high as the housing market, which tilts the scale in favor of the upper class.
The median age of the population, which is around 57, suggests that the Island caters to the older community, and it is quite a popular retirement destination amongst seniors. The Hilton Head real estate market, has a wide range of homes, both for sale and vacation rentals. Since it is a very touristy place, you can expect to see plenty of oceanfront rentals, such as condos and villas, and vacation resorts.
Most of the housing on the Oceanfront offers a clear view of the Ocean, and in the background, you have a large green area covered with trees, which is the perfect combination of shade and sun, based on your preferences. The vacation rentals feature 2 to 7 bedrooms, and they can house 6 to 24 guests. All of the vacation rentals feature top-notch amenities, and most of them come with in-ground swimming pools.
The island is also a safe place to live, so you shouldn’t worry about the crime rates in Hilton Head Island. However, if you decide to live here as a tenant, the average rent is around $2300, which is relatively high. According to Rentcafe, more than 56% of household units occupied by tenants pay over $2000 per month for rent.
The real estate market in Hilton Head, SC, doesn’t get cheaper for anyone who wants to be a homeowner on the Island. The median home value in Hilton Head is close to $450,000, and there is no surprise that prices for homes go in the upper range. The gated residential communities pride themselves on having some of the most breathtaking natural beauty on the island. You are located close to the beach area, and the communities feature top-notch amenities, such as jogging trails, golf courses, bike paths, exclusive clubhouses, top restaurants, and community pools.
If you get in touch with some of the top real estate agents in Hilton Head SC, they will be able to guide you through some of these top residential communities, where you can find single-family homes and multiple villa complexes. The Hilton Head real estate market is unique, and the landscape combined with the beautiful homes creates what is known as the Hilton Head Island of South Carolina.
Conclusion
The possibilities on the Island of Hilton Head SC are endless, and the place becomes overwhelmed with tourists during the summer season. Everyone wants to taste the high-quality lifestyle that can only be witnessed in the town of Hilton Head Island. Tourist or local, everyone can have a memorable experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life in The Heart of Lowcountry.
What is your most memorable experience from Hilton Head SC? Let us know in the comments section below. If you enjoy our content, don’t hesitate to share it with your friends and family on your social media accounts and inform everyone about the fantastic Island of Hilton Head SC.
The one thing you did not even touch on was the most important thing to me and that is that the entire island is geared towards children… That is exactly what kept me coming for the last 27 years.. Now we own a condo on the island And I look forward to bringing grandchildren.
We’ve been vacationing at Hilton Head each summer for 20 years. Palmetto Dunes wasn’t mentioned in the article but it’s the nicest place and beach on the island. And it really is beautiful!
The rent for the beach front villas has been about $3500/week including substantial resort tax. I just called to reserve this year and rates have doubled or tripled since just last summer. We cant go there now.
There’s also several dozens of huge mansions for rent that used to be $10k – $15k / week. I don’t know what they go for this year.
Its a lot nicer than Florida.