Discover Hilton Head Island
It’s time for the perfect vacation filled with world-famous golf courses, beautiful beaches,
and unique shopping and dining experiences. It’s time for Hilton Head Island.
Hilton Head Island Locations
Sea Pines
As a vast 5,000-acre oceanfront retreat, Sea Pines has enthralled generations of travelers and guests for more than 50 years.
Palmetto Dunes
Enjoy an island escape at one of the top family resort destinations on the East Coast—also home to world-renowned golf and tennis facilities.
North Forest Beach
North Forest Beach is a non-gated community located on a one-mile stretch of beachfront in Forest Beach. Located within walking distance to Coligny Plaza where you will find a vibrant village filled with many shops, bars and restaurants, and activities the entire family will enjoy.
South Forest Beach
South Forest Beach is situated on a one-mile stretch of beachfront in one of Hilton Head Island’s most highly sought after beach community, Forest Beach.
Shipyard Plantation
Escape to the south end of Hilton Head Island and experience a wonderful alternative to first-class living whether you desire to stay for a while or forever.
Bradley & Singleton Beach
Located along the Atlantic, these incredible oceanfront and oceanview homes offer elegance, comfort and charm—the ultimate package for the ultimate beach lover.
Harbour Town
The red and white striped Harbour Town Lighthouse will be your first welcome to this area filled with incredible views, shopping, dining and gift shops.
South Beach Marina
Reminiscent of a New England fishing village and the perfect place to people watch, relax, shop, sunbathe and enjoy a good meal.
Shelter Cove Marina
Home to Hilton Head's largest deep-water marina, this village is home to boutiques, dining and live entertainment every day of the week.
Things To See & Do
Hilton Head Weather & Tides
When it comes to fun in the sun, Hilton Head Island’s weather makes everything possible. With a balmy, subtropical climate year-round, the Island is ideal for anybody who wants to spend the day outdoors and soak up the sunshine. And when it comes to planning the perfect beach day, be sure to check out the Hilton Head Island tide chart for the best time to go for a dip or plan a bike ride at low tide.
Weather and Tide Information for Hilton Head Island on May 20, 2019
Tidal Charts
| <-- Slide | High | Low | High | Low | High | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Height | Time | Height | Time | Height | Time | Height | Time | Height | |
Historical Year-Round Weather
| <-- Slide | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature (High) | 59.6 | 62.8 | 68.8 | 75.9 | 82 | 86.6 | 89.3 | 88.4 | 84.4 | 77.1 | 69.4 | 62.1 |
| Temperature (Low) | 38.7 | 41.2 | 47.4 | 54.2 | 62.4 | 68.6 | 72.1 | 71.6 | 68 | 57.6 | 48.2 | 40.9 |
| Average (F) | 49.1 | 52 | 58.1 | 65 | 72.1 | 77.6 | 80.7 | 80 | 76.2 | 67.4 | 58.8 | 51.5 |
Getting To Hilton Head Island
By Car
Directions to Hilton Head: (Download PDF)
- Driving on I-95, take the Hilton Head Exit #8 (Hwy 278 East) in South Carolina. The exit is approximately 20 miles (driving on 278) to Hilton Head.
- Once you arrive on the Island, you can merge left on the Cross Island Parkway and go through the toll ($1.25), or merge right onto William Hilton Parkway/278 Business (see below destinations).
Directions to neighborhoods from the mainland bridge: (PDF)
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To Island Getaway: (PDF)
- Take the Cross Island Parkway through the toll ($1.25) and follow it until you reach the Sea Pines traffic circle.
- Take the third exit off the circle (3/4 of the way around the circle) to Route 278 (mainland).
- At the first traffic light turn right onto Arrow Road.
- Go to the stop sign and turn left onto New Orleans Road.
- Island Getaway is approximately 1 block on the left.
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To Palmetto Dunes/Shelter Cove: (PDF of Neighborhood) (Print Directions)
- Merge right onto William Hilton Parkway/278 Business.
- Drive approximately 6 miles.
- The Palmetto Dunes entrance will be on your left.
- If you are staying in Shelter Cove Harbor, this will be on your right at the same intersection.
- Please have your car pass displayed on your dashboard.
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To Sea Pines: (PDF of Neighborhood) (Print Directions)
- Take the Cross Island Parkway through the toll ($1.25) and follow it until you reach the Sea Pines traffic circle.
- Take the first exit off the circle onto Greenwood Drive.
- The Sea Pines Greenwood gate is straight ahead.
- Please have your car pass displayed on your dashboard.
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To Forest Beach: (PDF of Neighborhood) (Print Directions)
- Take the Cross Island Parkway through the toll ($1.25) and follow it until you reach the Sea Pines traffic circle.
- Take the second exit (half way around the circle) to Pope Avenue.
- Follow Pope Avenue approximately 1 mile until you reach the Coligny traffic circle.
- To get to South Forest Beach, take the first exit off the traffic circle on South Forest Beach Drive.
- To get to North Forest Beach, go 3/4 of the way around the circle to North Forest Beach Drive.
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To Bradley Beach: (PDF of Neighborhood) (Print Directions)
- Merge right onto William Hilton Parkway/278 Business.
- Drive approximately 4 miles.
- Turn left on Burkes Beach Road.
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To Shipyard: (PDF of Neighborhood) (Print Directions)
- Merge right onto William Hilton Parkway/278 Business.
- Drive approximately 8 miles.
- The Shipyard entrance will be on your left.
- Please have your car pass displayed on your dashboard.
Rental Cars
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Alamo: 1 (843) 689-9845
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Avis: 1 (843) 681-4216
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Budget: 1 (843) 689-3737
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Dollar: 1 (843) 689-9970
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Hertz: 1 (843) 681-7604
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National: 1 (843) 681-7368
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Thrifty: 1 (843) 689-9990
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Enterprise: 1 (843) 689-9910
Taxi/Limo Services
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Ferguson Transportation: 1 (843) 842-8088
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S & J Expressway: 1 (843) 686-3333
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BeeLine Transportation: 1 (843) 301-2240
By Air
Two airports service the Hilton Head Island area: Hilton Head Airport, located approximately 5 miles (8 km) from all Island resorts, and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, located approximately 45 miles (72 km) south of the Island.
Hilton Head Island Airport, 120 Beach City Road (HHH)
The Hilton Head Island Airport is serviced by US Airways Express. US Airways currently offers 8 arriving flights from Charlotte, NC and 9 flights departing for Charlotte, NC as well as 1 Saturday flight to and from Washington, DC. Please visit www.usairways.com for reservations and the most up-to-date flight information. You can also call US Airways direct at 1-800-428-4322.
Hilton Head has 24 hour taxi services (Yellow Cab 1 (800) TAXICAB)
Alamo, Avis, and Budget Car Rentals are on-site at the local airport.
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
This international airport is conveniently located near Hilton Head on the South Carolina state line. The travel time is approximately 45 minutes via airport shuttle, limousines, taxis or car rental. All major car companies are onsite. Continental Express, Delta, Delta Connection, US Airways, United Express, Northwest and American Eagle offer daily flights into Savannah, including direct non-stop service from over 17 US cities.
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport Shuttle Airport Express offers shuttle service to/from the airport terminals to 6 different stops in Hilton Head Island and 2 stops in Bluffton, SC. You can find more detailed shuttle information at www.kshuttle.com - 1 (877) 243-2050 or at yellowcabhhi.net/ - 843-686-6666.
Daily Flights from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport:
Allegiant
(702) 505-8888
www.allegiantair.com
- 2 - 3 weekly nonstop departures to Baltimore
- 2 - 7 weekly nonstop departures to Cincinnati
- 2 - 7 weekly nonstop departures to Cleveland
- 2 - 5 weekly nonstop departures to Columbus
- 2 weekly nonstop departures to Indianapolis
- 2 weekly nonstop departures to Louisville
- 2 - 3 weekly nonstop departures to Newark
- 2 - 4 weekly nonstop departures to Pittsburgh
- 2 weekly nonstop departures to Albany
- 2 weekly nonstop departures to Allentown
- 2 weekly nonstop departures to Grand Rapids
- 2 weekly nonstop departures to Nashville
- 2 weekly nonstop departures to Niagara Falls
- 2 weekly nonstop departures to Portsmouth
- 2 weekly nonstop departures to Providence
American Airlines
1 (800) 433-7300
www.aa.com
- 9 daily nonstop departures to Charlotte
- 2 daily nonstop departures to Dallas/Fort Worth
- 2 weekend nonstop departures to LaGuardia
- 2 weekday nonstop departures to Philadelphia
- 2 daily nonstop departures to Washington – DCA
- 1 daily nonstop departure to Miami MIA
Delta
1 (800) 221-1212
www.delta.com
- 11 daily nonstop departures to Atlanta
- 1 Saturday nonstop departure to Boston*
- 3 daily nonstop departures to New York LGA
- 2 daily nonstop departures to New York JFK
- 1 daily nonstop departure to Detroit
- 1 weekly nonstop departure to Minneapolis/St. Paul*
Frontier
1 (801) 401-9000
www.flyfrontier.com
- 2 weekly nonstop departures to Denver
- 2 weekly nonstop departures to Philadelphia*
jetBlue
1 (800) JETBLUE (538-2583)
www.jetblue.com
- 2 daily nonstop departures to New York JFK
- 1-2 daily nonstop departures to Boston
Sun Country Airlines
1 (800) 359-6786
www.suncountry.com
- Weekly nonstop departures to Minneapolis/St. Paul*
United
1 (800) UNITED-1 (864-8331)
www.united.com
- 3 daily nonstop departures to Chicago ORD
- 2 daily nonstop departures to Houston
- 3 daily nonstop departures to Newark
- 3 daily nonstop departures to Washington IAD
US Airways
1 (800) 428-4322
www.usairways.com
- 9 daily nonstop departures to Charlotte
- 2 Saturday and 1 Sunday nonstop departures to Washington Reagan
- 1 daily nonstop departure to Philadelphia
- 4 Saturday and 2 Sunday nonstop departures to Philadelphia
Daily Flights from Hilton Head Island Airport:
Delta
1 (800) 221-1212
www.delta.com
- 3 daily nonstop to Atlanta
- 1 Saturday nonstop to New York - LaGuardia
United
1 (800) UNITED-1 (864-8331)
www.united.com
- WashingtonDulles: Two flights daily
- Chicago/O'Hare: Saturday and Sunday service
- Newark, NJ: Saturday service
US Airways
1 (800) 428-4322
www.usairways.com
- 8 arriving flights from Charlotte, NC
- 9 flights departing for Charlotte, NC
- 1 Saturday flight to and from Washington, DC
Local Hilton Head Island Favorites
Are you looking for a bit of inspiration to help plan your vacation on Hilton Head Island? Or, perhaps you’re looking for a behind-the-scenes view on some of the best things the Island has to offer? See below, where we’ve asked past guests and locals to share with us their fondest memories of their time spent on Hilton Head Island, along with some hidden gems and tips for a true “local” experience.
Our favorite ice cream is Hilton Head Ice Cream. We ride our bikes from Palmetto Dunes and it takes away a little of the guilt. The cookies and cream are so loaded with cookies it’s sinful. Another favorite is Shannon Tanner at Shelter Cove. The girls have filled up their hats from all the visits to his show. Fun for the whole family. – D.T., Vacation Rental Owner
Our all-time favorite activity is a half-day trip on the Tammy Jane Charter. The Tammy Jane takes a small group out into Broad Creek to trawl for shrimp. It's a wonderful half-day run by a commercial shrimper and his wife (can't recall their names). The wife provides a comprehensive overview of the commercial shrimping industry on the island and the natural environment, and the husband shows the group how the net is cast. When the net is full, the passengers do all the sorting and cleaning and, whatever shrimp is caught, is split among the passengers. It's a great day for all ages. - E.M Morristown, NJ, Vacation Rental Owner
We can't wait to get on our bikes and ride! We especially enjoy being able to bike to the General Store for morning coffee or get an ice cream at the end of the day. Of course there is nothing quite like riding on the beach! We look forward to hearing Brian's corny jokes at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center's tennis showcase every Monday. It is a fun time and someone in our group always seems to win a prize! We get in a few restaurants each visit: Sea Shack on Executive Park Road. There's a feeling of accomplishment when you get to the front of the line and get called inside! Giuseppe's Pizza…anything on the menu is delicious. And a special treat is to dine at Alexander's. For me I look forward to ordering their very own "cold smoked"Smoked Salmon appetizer. We really love sitting at the Dune's House in the late afternoon for a burger. The view is spectacular. - S.S. Doylestown, PA, Vacation Rental Owner
Food
- Pino Gelato – J.S., Chicago, IL, Vacation Rental Owner
- Skull Creek Boathouse – K.T., Columbus, OH, Vacation Rental Owner
- Sage Room – S.C., Lititz, PA, Vacation Rental Owner
- Lunch at Phillys – L.T., Leawood, KS, Vacation Rental Owner
- Dinner at Giuseppis – L.T., Leawood, KS, Vacation Rental Owner
- Happy Hour at Aunt Chilada's – L.T., Leawood, KS, Vacation Rental Owner
- Sea Shack – B.K., Lee’s Summit, MO, Vacation Rental Owner
- Alexander’s would have to be #1 – S.V., Charlotte, NC, Vacation Rental Owner
- Giuseppe’s has the best burger and pizza in town – S.V., Charlotte, NC, Vacation Rental Owner
- Hilton Head Ice Cream or Sweet Frog for ice cream – Island Getaway Staff
- Hinoki or Kurama for Sushi – Island Getaway Staff
Activities
- Zodiac Boats – J.S., Chicago, IL, Vacation Rental Owner
- Bike riding is a must! – L.T. Leawood, KS, Vacation Rental Owner
- Pirate’s Adventure Mini Golf – S.V., Charlotte, NC, Vacation Rental Owner
- Canoeing in Palmetto Dunes – S.V., Charlotte, NC, Vacation Rental Owner
- Dolphin Cruises – S.V., Charlotte, NC, Vacation Rental Owner
- HHI is the "Golf Mecca" of the country – B.K., Lee’s Summit, MO, Vacation Rental Owner
- Walking on the Beach/Hiking – L.J., Aurora, IL, Vacation Rental Owner
- Bocce Ball on the Beach at Low Tide – Island Getaway Staff
- Paddle boarding the Intercoastal Waterways – Island Getaway Staff
- Horseback Riding in Sea Pines Forest Preserve – Island Getaway Staff
- Enjoying the beach/surf with our granddaughters – B.K., Lee’s Summit, MO, Vacation Rental Owner
Events
- Shannon Tanner at Shelter Cove – D.C., Vorhees, NJ, Vacation Rental Owner
- Wing Fest – S.C., Lititz, PA, Vacation Rental Owner
- Music at EP Lounge – K.B., Hilton Head Island, SC, Vacation Rental Owner
- Wine Fest – Island Getaway Staff
- Seafood Fest – Island Getaway Staff
- Live Music on Sundays on Daufuskie – Island Getaway Staff
- Visiting Historic Savannah – Island Getaway Staff
- Honey Horn Arts Fine Arts Fair April/ Bluffton Seafood Festival Oct. – L.J., Aurora, IL, Vacation Rental Owner
- Oyster Roasts - Island Getaway Staff
Shopping
- Tanger Outlets – Island Getaway Staff
- Coligny – J.S., Chicago, IL, Vacation Rental Owner
- Outlet Malls – K.T., Columbus, OH, Vacation Rental Owner
- The outlet malls in Bluffton – B.K., Lee’s Summit, MO, Vacation Rental Owner
- Shelter Cove – S.V., Charlotte, NC, Vacation Rental Owner
- CB Coastal Breeze – K.B., Hilton Head Island, SC, Vacation Rental Owner
- Fresh Market Shopping Center – K.B., Hilton Head Island, SC, Vacation Rental Owner
- Farmers Market on Thursdays in Downtown Bluffton – Island Getaway Staff
- Shopping the Design District in Savannah – Island Getaway Staff
- Caroline’s and Francesca’s – Island Getaway Staff