HILTON HEAD ISLAND
Located off the coast of South Carolina, HHI is an East Coast treasure. The entire Island is only 12 miles long and 5 miles wide. The relaxed atmosphere, clean beaches, and friendly people make it a destination everyone should visit! There are plenty of access points to the beach, shopping centers to find new treasures, and delicious food to try out. My family and I first went when I was in elementary school, and continued to visit almost every year since! Its a destination that you can visit for a weekend or stay for a week.
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There are many public beach access points. Click here to see the list.
what makes hilton head island unique
bike the island.
HHI is very bike friendly with over 50+ miles of bike paths. You can also take your bikes for a cruise on the beach. There are endless bike shops to rent from, but my favorite is Forest Beach Surf and Cycle. The island has little to no elevation gain making it a fun family activity for all ages. Almost any place you go has bike racks available. One of my favorite bike routes, aside from the beach, is Coligny to Shelter Cove. While you’re biking, be on the lookout for Alligators in any of the bodies of water/lagoons you pass. You’ll usually see warning signs, make sure to keep your distance! :)
when to visit.
HHI is absolutely gorgeous. When you walk around your surrounded by Live Oak, Spanish Moss, and a refreshing atmosphere. You’ll notice there is little to no lighting at night. This is to help preserve the environment, like the Sea Turtles who lay their eggs May-October. The beach is also very clean, with soft sand, and warm water. My favorite time to visit is in the Spring and Fall. Summer is great but between the mass amounts of tourists and humid hot temperatures, the off season draws me in.
How to get there.
The island is accessible by car or plane through the Hilton Head Island Airport. You can also fly into Savannah (45 min drive), or Charlotte airport (4 hour drive.)
where to go
shop
Coligny Plaza
Quiet Storm Surf Shop
Coligny Hardware Store-Buy a Jake’s White Dog shirt and 20% of proceeds go to Morris Animal Foundation. Click here to read the full story.
Shelter Cove
Harbour Town
The Shops at Sea Pines
*Both Harbor Town and Sea Pine require payment to get into via car
Eat
Stu’s Surfside Subs
Al’s Aloha Kitchen
Hot Mama’s BBQ
The Sandbar
Amigos Cafe Y Cantina
Old Oyster Factory
Poseidon Seafood
Giuseppi’s Pizza & Pasta
Ruan Thai
adventure
Bike
Boogie board
Surf
Sail
Fish
Kayak
Golf
Tennis
Day trip to Savannah
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