Twelve miles of beach. Twenty-four golf courses. Fifty miles of bike paths. And alligators in every lagoon.
Hilton Head Island sits at the southern tip of South Carolina, where the Lowcountry meets the Atlantic — 12 miles of wide, hard-packed beach, 24 golf courses, 50+ miles of bicycle paths that make the island genuinely navigable without a car, and a wildlife population that includes alligators in nearly every lagoon and loggerhead sea turtles nesting on the beaches from May through October.
Is Hilton Head Right for Your Trip?
The Southern beach that quietly does everything right — especially for families.
Ride the Bike Paths
50+ miles of dedicated bicycle paths connect virtually everything on the island. Rent bikes and cover the whole island without a car. The best bike destination on the East Coast — and that’s not an exaggeration.
Search RentalsAlligators in Every Lagoon
The lagoons throughout the island’s golf courses and plantations have significant alligator populations. A slow bike ride along any lagoon edge will almost certainly produce sightings. Keep 60 feet distance. Never feed them.
Search RentalsSavannah — 40 Minutes South
Savannah is 40 miles from Hilton Head — an easy day trip that dramatically expands what a Hilton Head week can be. Historic squares, antebellum architecture, River Street, excellent restaurants. Every Hilton Head trip should include at least one Savannah day.
Search Hotels → Search on ExpediaPlantation Villa or Rental
Plantation villas within Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, or Shipyard — private beach access, pools, tennis. For families, a plantation villa is the classic Hilton Head experience. Book 4–6 months out for summer.
Search RentalsGetting There
Savannah/Hilton Head Airport (SAV) is the primary airport — about 35 miles from Hilton Head, roughly 45 minutes. Well-connected with direct flights from most major East Coast cities. From Charlotte: about 3.5 hours south via I-26 and I-95. From Atlanta: about 4.5 hours northeast.
You need a car or bike. The island has no public transit. Given the 50 miles of bike paths, a bicycle legitimately works for most people most of the time — but you’ll need a car for the Savannah day trip and grocery runs.
Where to Stay
Hilton Head lodging falls into plantation properties (villas, condos, and houses within the gated communities), independent hotels, and vacation rental houses. For families, a villa or house within one of the plantations — with pool, beach access, and tennis — is the classic Hilton Head experience.
Search Hilton Head Rentals and Hotels
Plantation villas, oceanfront houses, and Sea Pines cottages. Book 4–6 months out for summer weeks — the best plantation inventory goes fast.
The Beaches
Coligny Beach
The most accessible and most social beach — shops, restaurants, lifeguards, the central meeting point for the island. The beach is wide enough that it never feels genuinely crowded even when it’s busy.
Driessen Beach
Family-focused with good facilities including a large playground adjacent to the beach access. Best choice for families with young children who need more than just sand and water.
Things to Do
Golf
24 courses, including Harbour Town Golf Links at Sea Pines — home of the RBC Heritage PGA Tour event. Public and semi-private courses available to visitors at all price points.
Dolphin Watching
Bottlenose dolphins are a year-round presence in the Port Royal Sound and the waters around the island. Guided boat tours run daily from the marinas and sightings are extremely reliable.
Harbour Town and the Lighthouse
Sea Pines’ marina village — the candy-striped lighthouse, restaurants on the water, shops. Climb the lighthouse for the best views of the island. Sea Pines day passes available to non-guests.
Where to Eat
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks
The landmark seafood restaurant on Skull Creek — shrimp boats dock nearby, the seafood is fresh by definition, and the sunset views from the outdoor deck are extraordinary.
The Salty Dog Cafe
The Hilton Head institution at South Beach Marina — casual, iconic, the T-shirts are everywhere on the island. The shrimp burger and grouper sandwich are the moves.
Quick Reference: Hilton Head Island
| Category | The Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | Savannah/Hilton Head (SAV) — 35 miles, 45 min |
| From Charlotte | About 3.5 hours via I-26 and I-95 |
| Best activity | 50+ miles of bike paths — the best bike destination on the East Coast |
| Wildlife | Alligators in every lagoon; sea turtles nesting May–October |
| Day trip | Savannah — 40 minutes south, one of the best day trips in the South |
| Best for | Families, golfers, cyclists, anyone who wants more to do than most beach destinations offer |
| Book ahead | 4–6 months for summer plantation villa inventory |
| Alligator rule | Keep 60 feet distance. Never feed them. Keep pets and small children from lagoon edges. |
Hilton Head wins the family beach week comparison so consistently because it genuinely has more to offer than anywhere else at this latitude. The beaches alone would be enough. The bike paths alone would be enough. The alligators in the lagoons alone are enough for most families with kids. The fact that Savannah is 40 minutes away is almost unfair.