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The intriguing Sea
Islands, separated from the mainland by expanses of estuaries and salt
marshes, make up more than half of South Carolina's coastline. Among
these islands lies tasteful, low-key Hilton Head, offering glorious
white sand beaches and superb golf courses. Biking, tennis, fishing, and
sailing are popular as well
Hilton Head Island
is located at the extreme southern tip of South Carolina,
about 30 miles
north of Savannah and 100 miles south of Charleston. At seven miles in
width and fourteen miles in length, it is the second largest Atlantic
coast barrier island. A toll expressway expedites traffic from the
mainland to the island's resort areas.
This
semitropical barrier island resembles an artistic masterpiece with its
oak and pine woodlands and meandering lagoons.
It is
part of the Low Country, the picturesque region of flat plains and tidal
salt marshes that stretches across the eastern expanse of South Carolina
and Georgia.
Hilton Head Island is almost bisected by Broad Creek, which is navigable
for most of its length and is home to several upscale marinas.
Hilton Head is shaped
roughly like a tennis shoe, with the ''toe" known as the south end, the
''ball" of the foot as Forest Beach, and the ''top" as the north end.
There is no ''downtown" on Hilton Head. Shopping and other activities
are spread throughout, although more heavily concentrated on the south
end of the island. Located in the heart of Hilton Head Island, the Self
Family Arts Center is a remarkable showcase for the visual and
performing arts.
Hilton Head Island is
separated from the mainland by the Calibogue sound and the Intracoastal
Waterway. Between Hilton Head and the mainland are two other islands.
Daufuskie Island is accessible only by water. Part of this island
remains in its natural state as a large wildlife preserve; and part has
been developed to a limited extent for tourism.
Pinckney Island is
accessible from the bridge linking Hilton Head to the mainland, and is a
National Wildlife Refuge popular among bird watchers. At the Penn Center
on St. Helena Island, freed slaves first found schooling. Neighboring
Edisto Island remains low-key, scenic, and a relaxing place to visit.
Hilton Head Island has
8 marinas, more than twenty- five golf courses, 300 tennis courts and
miles of bicycle and walking paths. The island also features two stables
and ample areas for horseback riding, including forest preserve and
waterfront. Fishing, parasailing, skiing, horseback riding, miniature
golf and, of course, dolphin watching and beach walking are also popular
with vacationers and residents alike. There are over two hundred
restaurants, eight art galleries, three movie theaters and many shops,
boutiques, and outlets.
Hilton Head welcomes
families with children. There are no “arcades” or amusement parks, but
there is a wealth of outdoor activity, in an ideal climate, for family
members to enjoy together. Whether you explore the woods and beaches on
horse back, take a dolphin-watching cruise, fish, sail, cycle or relax
in the peaceful surroundings, there are always just enough things to do
every day on this lovely island.
Visit
South Carolina's Treasured Coast for the vacation of a lifetime. |
