Welcome to America’s Favorite Island

This isn’t your average coastal destination: Hilton Head Island is an island for people in the know. The pristine coastlines and unique geography of this South Carolinian gem provide a backdrop for the warm Lowcountry lifestyle, world-class cuisine and poignant Gullah culture.

Located in the southernmost part of South Carolina, Hilton Head Island is one of the state’s beloved barrier islands. This lovely Lowcountry destination is bursting with diversity, offering endless options for first-time and longtime visitors alike. Historic sites – the striking red-striped Harbor Town lighthouse overlooking the marina, dazzling white beaches, smart restaurants and hotels – spread across the 12-mile island give the place instant glamour, but dig deeper and you’ll find an atmospheric place full of hustle and bustle.

Spanish moss-draped trees, salty creeks, maritime culture and a heavy history add weight and wonder to this place. Less than an hour from downtown Savannah, Hilton Head Island is accessible and yet its location along the East Coast feels like a frontier where you’ll find nature and cuisine-centric adventures. With so much to do and this setting in the background, it’s no wonder some people have named Hilton Head Island “America’s Favorite Island.”

a dose of nature

This barrier island is a mix of pristine beaches, maritime pine dunes, bays, wetlands and lush forest. To the east, a 12-mile stretch of white beach outlines the meeting with the Atlantic, and is a natural draw for people coming to Hilton Head Island for a dose of coastal charm. Coligny Beach Park provides a lush green beach gateway, packed with entertainment and amenities, and equipped with restaurants and amenities.

Sea Pines Forest Preserve is home to a 605-acre protected nature reserve, featuring wetlands and unique archaeological sites such as the Sea Pines Shell Ring. All this can be explored by boat trips, horse riding or fishing expeditions. Throughout the island you’ll find creeks that intersect the landscape, teeming with activity and wildlife. With all this on offer it’s little surprise that the outdoor culture is strong here and there are plenty of activities through which you can immerse yourself in the landscape.

get active outside

Hilton Head Island has made its name as a picturesque hub for golf, tennis, fishing, cycling, sailing and much more: sporting and leisure activities make the most of the landscape of green, blue and everything in between.

Iconic greens include Harbor Town Golf Links and the Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes, where world-class tees impress guests and locals. Saltmarsh paddle tours showcase the island’s unique geography; Dolphin-spotting excursions bring you closer to the ocean’s wildlife; And gentle cycling paths criss-cross the destination, linking these experiences together.

low country hospitality

The South Carolina Lowcountry is not only a geographical designation (the maximum elevation here is a mere three meters), it is also a cultural one. Let’s call it a state of mind in these parts. There’s something about this low-lying, seaside barrier island destination that appreciates a relaxed mindset, beautiful surroundings and generous, welcoming nature.

The hospitality-focused approach lends itself to celebration and there is a culinary celebration for almost everything they produce: from shrimp to wine. Restaurants across the island also celebrate local produce. The Old Oyster Factory – a waterfront institution located on Broad Creek that has been in operation for more than 30 years – serves freshly caught seafood and the eponymous oyster platter, while at Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks you’ll dine in an oyster processing facility built in 1912, which is still partially used to process the catch from their hyperlocal, sustainable fishing methods. Is done.

Sitting on the dock, enjoying the salty breeze and view of the dayboat, diners can immerse themselves in the Lowcountry rhythms, and contemplate the many ways to enjoy the good life served on Hilton Head Island.

Honoring Gullah Culture and Heritage

Hilton Head Island is a place with an important history that is honored in a group of significant sites throughout the island. The Gullah community (Gullah in South Carolina and Geechee in neighboring Georgia) are direct descendants of enslaved African communities who were brought to the southeast of the United States.

Dive into history and heritage at historic Mitchellville Freedom Park, the first self-governing city of formerly enslaved people. Here you’ll find a site dedicated to the plight and progress of the people working on more than 20 plantations across the island, filling a void in the telling of the island’s story. The Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island also exhibits poignant history preserving the customs, traditions, language, stories and songs of the important community of the island and region.

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