Summer is just beginning and if you love a beach setting but want a change of pace (especially if you are from Miami) Hilton Head, South Carolina is perfect for you. Often when we think of visiting a Southern state we assume it only has country or swamp vibes, but I'm here to tell you Hilton Head is special. You have that "Southern Charm" on sandy beaches, perfect for a summer getaway in a much slower pace than say our hometown Miami, Fl. Hilton Head has become one of those staple places for our family and we look forward to our stays every couple of years.
1| Beach House | Where we ALWAYS stay. The Holiday Inn now owns it and it has great pricing and the location is perfect. You have a great pool, beach access and the Tiki Bar where there’s music all day and night. Pool movies for the kids at night and walking distance to Coligny Square – tons of shops and restaurants.
2| Coligny Beach at the end of Pope Ave. | There are fun fountains there that the kids can play on at the entrance and there are nice swings to sit on right before walking into the beach.
a. Coligny Plaza is filled with restaurants and shops and you can walk all over there, to and from the beach.
b. Once you get into the beach, turn right and you will see The Beach House, Holiday Inn, hotel is where we always stay because it’s so central to everything we do. You will see they have beach volleyball courts and a BIG tiki hut and bar in front of the hotel too, that you guys can at and drink at.
3| Sea Pines | $6 entrance fee for the entire day (you can go in and out). Sea Pines is a HUGE section of HH…rental homes, resort, restaurants, shops, the lighthouse, etc. We went to Sea Pines everyday for different things and it’s a 2-3 minute drive from the Beach House.
a. Lawton Stables - We go daily and stop to see and feed the horses at Lawton Stables. There are 2 main places to feed them. You can also pay to feed the office farm animals they have and for horse rides (there’s a Publix and other groceries, where we buy the carrots/apples from)
b. Harbour Town:
i. Greg Russell Playground – HUGE and so fun for the kids
ii. See/Tour the Lighthouse – lots of restaurants and little shops around. Cinnamon Bear Country Store has ice cream and icee’s and there are cute red rocking chairs all along the stores
c. South Beach Marina:
i. The Salty Dog is a nice place to eat. Tons of places to eat with a view. Lots of shops. We did a sunset dolphin cruise from this marina too. There are lots of family excursions to do.
4| Shelter Cove | there are weekly summer events here, so check their community calendar
a. Lots of restaurants, stores to see/eat at. There’s a big grassy area for picnics and anther playground there too.
5| Coastal Discovery Center | Lots of exhibits, butterfly garden, petting zoo, etc.
6| The Sandbox | Cute children’s museum that we go to every time we visit HH.
7| Movies | Really cozy boutique theaters you'll love to relax in.
8| Savannah | Is 40 minutes away and we spend a full day there. We park close to River street and walk most of the day.
a. Forsyth Park is gorgeous with a nice playground and splash area foe the kids
b. River Street has amazing shops and places to eat – we LOVE the River Street Sweets shop and always bring home their famous fudge and pralines!!!
c. We love to drive around and see all the gorgeous colonial homes
Hope you'll add Hilton Head to your list of places to visit next time you are considering South Carolina.
xo, Sylv
