"Bikes, Boating and Beaches (plus Golf and Tennis)" Top 5 Page for this destination Hilton Head Island by grandmaR

Hilton Head Island Travel Guide: 260 reviews and 400 photos

Bikes, Boating and Beaches (plus Golf and Tennis) - Hilton Head Island

My sister won't stay at Hilton Head because of the "plantations", even though her husband would probably enjoy the golf.

As far as I am concerned the big black mark on Hilton Head is the signature lighthouse which masquerades as a real Aid to Navigation for mariners. It is not and never has been a real lighthouse. It is just a tourist attraction in the shape of a lighthouse.

I'm also against covenants and I think Hilton Head's are particularly egregious.

Fancy houses on Hilton Head from the ICS

Except for our first trip, when we stayed at the Outdoor Resorts for one night, we've gone from Beaufort to Thunderbolt on each trip on the ICW.

So in 2005, we stopped by Hilton Head for a week when we were traveling by car. The main Hilton Head activities at this time of year (winter) are biking, tennis, and golf. None of those were of interest to us, but I wanted to see something of the island other than what we saw at the marina.

Marina Christmas lights from restaurant at night

Hilton Head has been inhabited as early as 10,000 B.C.

It got its name when in 1663, it was surveyed by William Hilton, an English sea captain, sailing from Barbados. Hilton claimed it for the British crown, and named it for himself .. Hilton's Headland.

Pros and Cons

Cons:Huge Tides - Aground at Low Tide

Last visit to Hilton Head Island: Feb 2005
Intro Updated Aug 9, 2011
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Reviews (36)

Street and house from the tour bus - Hilton Head Island

Day Trip to Savannah GA Things to Do (4)

We drove to Savannah and took the Old Savannah Tours tour. We got a really good and entertaining driver. They gave us a... more travel advice

Crossing the bridge - Hilton Head Island

Day Trip to Beaufort, SC Things to Do (4)

Beaufort is not very far from Hilton Head. It makes a good day trip off the island. First we went to the official... more travel advice

Neptune Statue sundial at Harbortown - Hilton Head Island

Red Trolley Tour Things to Do (4)

The museum gives several tours, and even in the winter we could do the trolley tour. It is one way to get onto the... more travel advice

My Sister's Closet and a Texaco sign - Hilton Head Island

Shoppes in Sea Pines and Other Locations Shopping (2)

There are many different shops in Hilton Head. Photos 2, 3 and 4 are a few of the ones in Sea Pines. I didn't buy... more travel advice

Restaurants (11)
See All By the FAKE Lighthouse
Off The Beaten Path (4)
See All Pinckney Island National Wildlife...
Favorites (2)
See All Worship of Nature
Hotels (4)
See All Shipyard Plantation

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (6)

Keywest9 Nov 22, 2007 at 12:12 PM Report Abuse

Being in the dark on Hilton Head Island is my version of Hell! With macula degeneration I can't see in low light. l will never go there again. 2 nights on foot & car trying to find 1 simple restaurant on Pope down the street from the Holiday Inn.
MUPPETinMA Jul 30, 2007 at 3:08 PM Report Abuse

I grew up there and can tell you that pick-up trucks are certainly allowed, as are gardens. And there are reasons for the plantations. As a resident of an island with over 3 million visitors annually, it's nice to not have strangers in your back yard.
jasonslawn4 Feb 18, 2007 at 8:00 AM Report Abuse

Loveed your pictures. My family and I are planning a trip to Hilton Head. We have never been there. Your comments and pictures we very helpful. Thank you for sharing.
Wendy67 Feb 15, 2007 at 7:34 AM Report Abuse

Enjoyed your page. I was there years ago for a brief visit and didn't get to explore. Thanks for your suggestions on my forum thread!
VeronicaG Nov 15, 2005 at 4:14 PM Report Abuse

Maybe I'm real hungry right now, but those photos you showed from the restaurants were....so appealing! Your restaurant tips were very detailed! We love Hilton Head and have been there many times. I want to go back!!
BobbyMcGee Mar 29, 2005 at 9:14 AM Report Abuse

I am a boat capt. for Daufuskie Island Resort & Breathe Spa in Hilton Island Island and am wishing to know the storys you were told about how Daufuskie was named. We were told that it was given that name by the chechessee indains and means "sharp feather.