1. BEACHES With 12 miles of pristine beaches and beautiful blue water from the Atlantic Ocean, it’s easy to see why nearly 2.5 million people visit Hilton Head each year. All the beaches are public, but often access to them is private. All guests of Getaway Society have access to Palmetto Dunes Beach. Coligny Beach is the largest, most popular beach. At nearby Coligny Plaza, you’ll find plenty of dining, entertainment, and shopping. Other beaches with public access include Alder Lane, Burkes Beach, Folly Field Beach, Islanders Beach, and Driessen Beach.
2. GOLF Hilton Head is home to 24 world-class golf courses with more than one million rounds of golf played annually. Two of the top five courses are located in Palmetto Dunes resort: Robert Trent Jones Course and George Fazio Course. Rounding out the top five are Harbour Town Golf Links (home of the Heritage PGA Tour event), Heron Point, and Atlantic Dunes.
3. BIKING Some may suggest that there’s really no need for a car on this island that’s twelve miles long by five miles wide, with relatively flat terrain. One can travel from place to place on the 60 miles of designated bike lanes and more than 200 miles of shared paths. Sometimes you can see much more when you go slowly and take it all in.
4. RESTAURANTS AND FOOD There are far too many to name, but some of our favorites include Ruby Lee’s, The Jazz Corner, Java Burrito Company, Hudson’s Seafood House, and The Salty Dog Café.
5. HARBOUR TOWN A must see stop during your Hilton Head vacation, Harbour Town has shopping, top-rated restaurants, casual cafes, art galleries, and the historic and iconic red and white striped Harbour Town Lighthouse. Recreational activities such as dolphin watching excursions, dinner cruises, kayak tours, and fishing trips are also available at the Harbour Town waterfront.
6. SHELTER COVE TOWNE CENTRE An exciting new destination and lifestyle village featuring excellent shops, great restaurants, entertainment, and picturesque views of Broad Creek.
7. EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS You’ll find no shortage of activities to keep you busy outdoors. Aside from biking, hiking, and golf, there are over 350 tennis courts, preserves, wildlife refuges, zip lining, numerous water activities, and neighboring islands to visit. Explore Daufuskie and Pinckney Island. Embark on a catamaran or dolphin cruise. Parasail at H20 Sports. Check out the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. The opportunities are endless.
8. CULTURE AND ARTS There is so much more to do than just enjoy the beach and outdoor activities. For culture and arts ranging from museums, dramas, musicals, art galleries, and kids’ activities, check out Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Coastal Discovery Museum, The Sandbox Children’s Museum, Mitchelville Freedom Park, and the Gullah Heritage Trail.
9. FESTIVALS Hilton Head is host to many festivals throughout the year. Make a special visit to attend a festival or stumble upon one while on vacation. Either way, you won’t be disappointed!
10. RELAX AND DISCONNECT Take a walk, ride a bike, BBQ with friends, layout by the pool, swim in the ocean, or just enjoy nature… anything to soak in “Lowcountry living.

BONUS Savannah and Bluffton: If you have some extra time before or after your visit to Hilton Head, check out Savannah, a coastal Georgia City separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River. You can also visit Bluffton, which you pass on your way onto Hilton Head Island. Bluffton is a cute, little town with a downtown area known as Old Town.