Hilton Head Island is one of the East Coast’s best all-around beach destinations: wide sandy shoreline, world-class golf and tennis, family-friendly activities, and an island layout built around distinct resort communities (often gated) that each feel like their own “mini destination.”

Quick Snapshot: Hilton Head at a Glance

• Best for: beach vacations, golf trips, tennis/pickleball getaways, biking, nature + wildlife, and multi-generational family trips
• Getting around: Hilton Head is bike-friendly with 64+ miles of public pathways and nature trails (plus many additional private community paths)
• Beach style: hard-packed sand at low tide can be excellent for long walks (and in some places, biking)

How to Choose the Best Resort Area

Use this quick filter:

• Choose Sea Pines if you want…
  • Iconic Hilton Head experiences, top-tier scenery, and a “resort-within-a-resort” feel (Harbour Town, marinas, forest preserve, beaches).
• Choose Palmetto Dunes + Shelter Cove if you want…
  • A central location, easy access to activities, big tennis/pickleball energy, and lagoons/marina vibes.
• Choose Shipyard if you want…
  • A quieter, convenient South End base near dining/shopping with strong golf/tennis and fast access to the beach.
• Choose Forest Beach / Coligny if you want…
  • Walkability, public beach access, restaurants/shops nearby, and an easy “classic beach town” feel.
• Choose Port Royal / Folly Field / Mid-Island if you want…
  • A laid-back beach week, less traffic, and a more residential, relaxed pace.

The Top Resort Areas on Hilton Head

Sea Pines Resort

Sea Pines is Hilton Head’s most famous resort community—best known for its scenery, beaches, and the postcard-perfect Harbour Town area.

Highlights

• Harbour Town: marina, shops, dining, and the Harbour Town Lighthouse area—one of the island’s biggest “must-see” stops.
• Beaches + outdoor recreation: miles of beach plus biking, nature, family activities, and more.
• Nature + trails: immersive Lowcountry landscapes and protected areas (great for wildlife spotting and peaceful bike rides).
• First-timers who want the “signature” Hilton Head experience
• Families who want lots to do without leaving the gates
• Couples who want sunsets, marina strolls, and scenic bike paths

Best for

• First-timers who want the “signature” Hilton Head experience
• Families who want lots to do without leaving the gates
• Couples who want sunsets, marina strolls, and scenic bike paths

Good to know

Sea Pines is large and spread out—your exact neighborhood matters. Plan for biking or driving inside the resort.

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort + Shelter Cove

Palmetto Dunes is a central, activity-rich resort area known for golf, racquet sports, and its lagoon system. It also sits adjacent to Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina—a major hub for dining, shopping, and waterfront activities.

Highlights

• Tennis + Pickleball: extensive racquet scene and robust pickleball infrastructure (including dedicated courts and lighted options).
• On-the-water activities: marina access plus excursions and waterfront experiences around Shelter Cove.
• Central location: easy drives to both the South End (Coligny/Sea Pines) and Mid/North Island.
• Tennis/pickleball-focused trips
• Families that want “do everything” convenience
• Groups who like marina dining + sunset walks + watersports

Best for

• Tennis/pickleball-focused trips
• Families that want “do everything” convenience
• Groups who like marina dining + sunset walks + watersports

Good to know

A strong all-around choice when your group has mixed priorities (beach + activities + dining).

Shipyard Plantation

Shipyard is a gated South End community that’s quieter than Forest Beach/Coligny, but very close to it. It’s known for trails, beach access, golf, and racquet options.

Highlights

• Golf + tennis balance plus trails for biking and jogging
• Convenient South End location near dining, shopping, and popular beaches
• Travelers who want a calm home base but easy access to the action
• Golf + tennis groups
• Families who want trails and a “resort neighborhood” feel

Best for

• Travelers who want a calm home base but easy access to the action
• Golf + tennis groups
• Families who want trails and a “resort neighborhood” feel

Good to know

Shipyard tends to feel more peaceful and residential—great if you want to avoid the busiest foot traffic.

Forest Beach + Coligny (South End)

Forest Beach/Coligny is a popular public-access vacation zone—known for walkability, a lively beach scene, and convenience.

Highlights

• Coligny Beach Park: a major public beach access area with strong amenities; accessible and family-friendly
• Walk-to options: restaurants, shops, and classic beach-town energy
• Families who want to walk everywhere
• Travelers who prefer public beach access over gated communities
• Anyone who wants a lively, “classic vacation” atmosphere

Best for

• Families who want to walk everywhere
• Travelers who prefer public beach access over gated communities
• Anyone who wants a lively, “classic vacation” atmosphere

Good to know

This area is popular—expect more activity and foot traffic in peak season.

Port Royal (North End / Beach-Oriented)

Port Royal is a quieter beach-and-nature style community toward the northern end of the island. It’s popular for relaxation, trails, and easy beach time.

Highlights

• Beach access, scenic trails, and a laid-back pace
• A calmer beach week
• Couples or families that value quiet mornings and long walks
• Repeat visitors looking to “slow it down”

Best for

• A calmer beach week
• Couples or families that value quiet mornings and long walks
• Repeat visitors looking to “slow it down”

Good to know

The North End generally feels less commercial than the South End—great if you want a more laid-back pace.

Getting Around Hilton Head

Hilton Head is one of the most bike-friendly beach destinations in the U.S., with 64+ miles of public pathways and nature trails.

Transportation tips

• Biking: ideal for beach access, casual dining runs, and exploring resort communities
• Driving: easiest for grocery runs and moving between north/mid/south island
• Walking: best in Forest Beach/Coligny, Shelter Cove, and marina districts

What to Do on Hilton Head (Top Activities)

Beach Days

Plan around tides: low tide often gives you a wide shoreline for long walks (and in some areas, biking).

Golf

Hilton Head is famous for golf culture and variety—from resort courses to club-style experiences.

Tennis + Pickleball

Palmetto Dunes is a standout if your trip revolves around racquet sports.

Water + Wildlife

• Dolphin cruises and nature tours
• Kayaking/paddleboarding in creeks, marshes, and lagoons
• Marina-based activities (especially around Shelter Cove and Harbour Town)
• Best views, highest demand, easiest “vacation wow”
• Higher expectations: parking logistics, boardwalks, and noise considerations in busy zones
• Often the best value mix: close to the beach without the premium price tag
• Great for families who want easy beach access with more budget flexibility
• Quieter, scenic, and perfect for longer stays
• Great for golfers, cyclists, and relaxed evenings
• Day 1: Beach + sunset dinner
• Day 2: Bike paths + Harbour Town marina stroll
• Day 3: Shelter Cove waterfront + water activity day
• 2–3 beach days
• 1 “big activity day” (dolphin cruise / kayaking)
• 1 resort amenity day (pool + bikes + easy dinner)
• 1 South End day (Coligny-style walkability)

Where to Stay: Picking the Right Home Style

Oceanfront

Oceanside / Ocean-oriented

Golf course + lagoon views

Sample Itineraries

3-Day First-Timer Trip

5–7 Day Family Week

Golf + Tennis Trip

Base in Palmetto Dunes (racquet hub) or Shipyard (golf/tennis balance).

FAQs

Is Hilton Head good without a car?

Yes in the right area—Forest Beach/Coligny and Shelter Cove are easiest for walk + bike convenience.

Which area is best for families?

Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, and Forest Beach/Coligny are popular family picks depending on your priorities.

Which area is best for a quieter trip?

Port Royal and many Mid/North Island pockets are typically calmer than peak South End zones.