Ninety miles south of Charleston, South Carolina -- and connected by bridge to the mainland -- Hilton Head Island lies between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic.
What:
Hilton Head's 12 miles of beachfront are considered among the world's most beautiful, perhaps because they're ringed by forests of live oaks, palmettos, and tall pine trees.
Why:
Settled by planters in the 1770s, this low-key coastal community truly feels separate from the rest of the world. Whether it's the relaxed pace, wide beaches, congenial climate, or wealth of outdoor activities, Hilton Head has become a top year-round getaway for active honeymooners.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Whatever your game, Hilton Head is likely to play it. Tennis buffs can take to the courts night or day. The island has more than 300 courts -- greater than any other resort destination in the country. Golfers have a choice of 22 championship courses in Hilton Head. Equestrians can horseback ride on guided trails, while spectators can catch spring or fall polo matches in Hilton Head.
Bicycling and roller-blading are both popular pursuits on Hilton Head's hard-packed beach. On nature walks you may see a variety of birds, animals, and marine critters such as the snowy egret, sea turtles, or even bottlenose dolphins cavorting in the surf.
You can always go fly a kite!
With miles of sand dunes and blue waters warmed by the Gulf Stream, Hilton Head is perfect for sunbathers, sand-castle builders, and swimmers. Watersports include boating, fishing sailing, canoeing, aqua-cycling, and maintaining one's balance on boogie boards and Hobie Cats. If you haven't brought your own, rent equipment along the Hilton Head beach.
Savor the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of digging for your own oysters, clams, or crabs.
Shell-collecting is also a favorite Hilton Head pasttime. And with some 30 separate shopping areas, including a major indoor mall and three outlet malls, there are plenty of places to browse for shell and sand-dollar jewelry in Hilton Head.
From the Hilton Head marina, historic cruises, scenic tours, and even murder-mystery sails depart. If you're adventurers, you may want to arrange a kayak trip to unspoiled Daufuskie Island, which until recently was populated exclusively by the offspring of freed slaves.
When all the activity works up an appetite, choose from more than 200 Hilton Head restaurants.
Classic Lowcountry cuisine -- oyster pie, chicken fried steak with onion gravy, oysters wrapped in Smithfield ham -- makes diners' mouths water and sticks to the ribs in Hilton Head.
Where to Stay in Hilton Head
Accommodations on Hilton Head Island range from apartment motels to luxury rental properties to full-service resorts. Settings range from Harbour Town lodging to the secluded Shipyard area, friendly Forest Beach, and luxurious townhouses and villas facing the ocean or fairways.
Located on a choice spot at the southern end of the island, Sea Pines Check Rates Now was the first resort developed here. A place of natural wonder, Sea Pines boasts five miles of wide sandy beach, colorful marina villages, world-class golf, and smashing tennis. Rated a top tennis and golf resort, Sea Pines has multiple tennis courts, and its junior instructional programs accept children as young as four. The Hilton Head resort's 4,500 acres also hold three golf courses and a Golf Academy, stables, and shopping plazas.
Memorial Day and Labor Day, there's a daily camp for youngsters in Hilton Head ages 4-12. Programs are supervised by college student counselors, and Hilton Head activities include crabbing, pony rides, crafts, and tennis lessons. In Sea Pines Forest Preserve, a 605-acre protected wildlife habitat, Hilton Head visitors can follow walking trails or cast a line into the stocked fishing pond. Harbour Town, built around Sea Pines' scenic marina, features shops, restaurants, condominiums and the landmark Harbour Town Lighthouse.
Shoreline Rentals has oceanfront and close-to-the-beach properties to rent on Hilton Head Island. They range in size from one-bedroom villas to seven-bedroom homes. Island Rentals' three-to-six bedroom single family homes stand by the ocean or other prime sites; several are located on the golf courses of Sea Pines. Both firms offer guests free tennis and pool privileges.
