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an affordable place at the beach on Hilton Head
Island Things To Do:Arrival TipTo get oriented pick up a couple of the periodical visitor guides published by several companies. In addition to an island map, a listing of events, things to do around the island, suggestions for day trips, and tide tables, these guides include ads from local merchants. Many of these include money saving coupons. You can find these at a grocery store, the visitor center as you come on to the island, or next to the Goodies Market in the Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort Convention Center (that's the big white building just before you come to the security gate). BeachesThe beach is why most people come to Hilton Head. Hilton Head has 12 miles of beaches. The sand is extremely firm, providing a ideal base for biking, walking, jogging and beach games. On summer nights, the loggerhead turtles come ashore to bury their eggs. All beaches are public. However, the land bordering the beaches is private. Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort has 4 boardwalks providing direct access to one of Hilton Heads nicest beaches. A shower is provided next to each boardwalk to wash off the sand and salt. BikingIn addition to the firm beaches, the island has 25 miles of bike paths. Many renters have commented on how much they have enjoyed renting bike to ride the beach and the trails. Bike rental is available on site at the Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort (dial 2029 from the villa). Other companies rent bikes with free drop off and pick up at the resort. Check out the visitor guides that can be found at stores and restaurants around the island for ads from these companies. You'll often find coupons in their ads.
CruisesA number of short cruises depart from near by Shelter Cove Harbor and Broad Creek Marina. Other depart from Harbour Town (note: these will often refund the $5 Sea Pines gate pass) Possibilities include the following:
You'll find ads for these in the visitor guides that can be found at stores and restaurants around the island.
EventsAnnual events on the island include the following:
Fishing4, 6, and 8 hour charters for deep-sea fishing depart from several harbors on the island. The visitor guides that can be found at stores and restaurants around the island will have ads from these companies. Surf fishing on the beach is also popular. Kayak ToursA couple of companies run kayak nature tours of Broad Creek. One is located right next to the Old Oyster Factory Restaurant. Look for money saving coupons in the visitor guides that can be found at stores and restaurants around the island.
GolfHilton Head is justly famous as a destination for golfers. There are 20+ courses on the island, and another 9 or 10 within a half-hour drive on the mainland. Designers include Tom Fazio, Robert Trent Jones, Pete Dye, Gary Player, and Jack Nicklaus. Harbour Town is the most famous. It's a Pete Dye course and the site of the PGA tournament that occurs each year in April the week after the Masters. Every one remembers the Harbour Town lighthouse behind the 18th green. I mostly play the Country Club at Hilton Head and enjoy it. This is because I have a friend that is a member there. But there are some very pretty holes that go through the marshes and out near Port Royal Sound. A lot of locals have mentioned Hilton Head National as a great course that all ways is in great condition. Shipyards is the sight of a If you plan to play multiple times during the week, some courses sell a multiple play pass at a savings from the single play prices. The Port Royal Plantation courses, Shipyards and Oyster Reef are all run by the same folks. Their multi-play pass is good at any of the courses. To the best of my understanding, the courses in this table allow for public play.
Golf ArtIf you are visiting Harbour Town and you like golf, you might want to stop into the art galley of Linda Hartough. Linda is the official artist of the USGA and the R&A. She is recognized for her golf landscapes. Her gallery is adjacent to the CQ's Restaurant near Harbour Town. You can preview some of her art on her web site by clicking here. Historical Tours and Educational OpportunitiesThe Coastal Discovery Museum has a number of historical and ecology exhibits. A number of tours depart from here as well. The have a web site at www.coastaldiscovery.org. To learn about Hilton Head's Gullah culture, there is the Gullah Heritage Trail Tours. They operate 2 hour tours through 10 neighborhoods established during the Civil War. Tours are Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting from the Gullah Flea Market. Call 843-681-7066 for information. Horseback RidingSeveral guests have mentioned that they enjoyed horseback riding. Sea Horse Farms offers rides on the beach. Lawton Stables offers rides through a 600 acre forest preserve is Sea Pines Plantations. In spring and summer, these companies book up quickly. So if you find this interesting, call early to reserve your time.
Miniature GolfSomething the whole family can do together, night or day. Adventure Cove is near the resort at the intersection of Hwy 278 and Folly Field Road. Pirates Island is south of the resort on Hwy 278 just past Shelter Cove near the Hilton Head Dinner.
ShoppingHilton Head has a growing reputation for its shopping opportunities. Outlet shops can be found just off the island on Highway 278. Sea Pines hosts a number of small specialty boutiques. Well known names such as Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and Barnes & Nobles can also be found. Side TripsFor a off island day trip consider the following:
Tennis10 courts are available on site at Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort.
Todd Hill © 2008
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