Destination: Hilton Head Island

In addition to world-class beaches and golf courses from some of the top designers in the business, Hilton Head Island offers accommodations in a variety of settings and ranges of affordability. Best of all, you'll experience Hilton Head's legendary hospitality following your day on the links and beaches. Select from hotels, motels, rentable private homes and luxurious oceanfront resorts featuring spectacular ocean views.

Hilton Head Island FAQ

Where exactly is Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island is a large island off the coast of southeastern South Carolina. It is just a few miles north of the Georgia state line.

Why is Hilton Head Island such a famous golf vacation destination?
Hilton Head Island has a rich tradition of golf that continues today. The area's first course was built on the island in 1961. Since then, the island has been a mecca for golfers who value quality over quantity. Opened in 1969, Harbour Town Golf Links anchors a small group of upscale designer courses that can now be found on the island.

What's the best golf course on Hilton Head Island?
The best and most famous golf course on Hilton Head is Harbour Town Golf Links. Part of Sea Pines Resort, Harbour Town is one of the country's most famous courses and home to an annual PGA Tour event. Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus' design brings with it everything you would expect. Small greens, pot bunkers, narrow fairways, railroad tie bulkheads, and sandy waste areas provide the challenges here. And when you get to the finishing hole you'll see the course's trademark red and white faux lighthouse.

What are some other courses that aren't quite as pricey as Harbour Town?
There are many great courses on the island, and some of them are actually quite inexpensive. Consider playing Hilton Head National, Oyster Reef Golf Club or any combination of the three nines at Shipyard Golf Club.

What else is there to do on Hilton Head Island?
It is an island, so watersports abound. Fishing, surfing, parasailing and deep-water diving are all possibilities. There's also sailing, water skiing and cruises to other nearby islands like Savannah and Beaufort where you can spend an evening or have a bite to eat.

What's the best way to get to Hilton Head Island?

There is an airport located on Hilton Head Island, but many visitors arrive by way of Charleston International Airport an hour away. There are the usual car and limousine rental counters at Charleston International.

If you are driving to Hilton Head, you'll probably end up taking either I-95 or I-16. If you're coming from the West you can take I-16 from Atlanta. Interstate 95 runs along the eastern Seaboard from Miami to Philadelphia and gets you within a short drive to Hilton Head Island. From the North, take I-95 South to Exit #8 for Highway 278. Signs are posted to get you to Hilton Head on 278. Driving distance is approximately 40 miles from I-95. From the South, take I-95 North to Exit #5 (Hardeeville - Highway 46) to Highway 170 to Highway 278. Follow the signs on 278 to Hilton Head. Driving distance is approximately 25 miles from I-95.