Hilton Head Island, SC Information
Lowcountry Life Style
Hilton Head may be the best-known island in the southern Carolina Lowcountry.
It is famous for its many gated plantation communities, championship golf courses
and tennis courts, 12 miles of beaches, and the tasteful way in which
development has been harmonized with the environment.
In the early years, Hilton Head was primarily a lumbering island with
pine forests. Before that time, the major crops were indigo and sea island cotton. During the Civil War, the
island was used by the Union to block the Port of Savannah, preventing the South
from conducting commerce with Europe.
It's been less than 50 years since Charles Fraser initiated development of the island,
by developing Sea Pines Plantation.
Fraser’s vision was to develop the island in such a way
that residents and visitors could take advantage of the sea and the climate
while still protecting the natural appeal. Roads were gently curved,
architecture encouraged to blend with the environment. Commerce was partially
hidden from view.
Commercial building and commercial sign visibility was minimalized.
World Class Destination Resort
Hilton Head Island is ranked one of the ten
best for a golfing vacation.
Beyond golf there is every conceivable water sport,
with lessons and equipment readily
available. Hilton Head is also a top ranked tennis resort, with some 300 tennis facilities.
Hilton Head Island now attracts visitors and residents all year around.
The real estate market is hot, with people buying homes for primary residences
as well as for investment, rental or vacation use.
You'll find a range of homes from modest Lowcountry homes to
modern beachfront mansions.
Hilton Head has an active art league with its own gallery, music and theatric performances,
night spots with entertainment, great restaurants featuring every kind of
specialty cuisine, a big library, a branch campus of the University of South Carolina. There
is philanthropic and special interest organizations of all kinds. The
hospital and medical facilities are excellent.
Hilton Head Travel Options
Getting in and out of Hilton Head is easy.
The island has its own small airport with direct commercial flights to Charlotte, N.C.
and seasonally to Washington, DC.
The Savannah/Hilton Head airport is just 50 minutes away and offers non-stop flights to 17
destinations, most of them international hubs.
If you're traveling by car,
Hilton Head Island is only 22 miles off I-95 at Exit 8 in South Carolina. If you're traveling by boat, the Intracoastal Waterway brings boats traveling from both north and south.
Hilton Head offers a large variety of landscapes and living opportunites. Many of the Hilton Head communities are called plantations. Each has a unique
character and offers different lifestyle options.
Hilton Head Plantation
The largest purely residential plantation, Hilton Head Plantation, is on the
north end of the island and very close to the schools. And it's the home to The
Cypress retirement community. There are four 18-hole golf courses, numerous
bike trails and a number of tennis courts. The Plantation is also a haven for
wildlife, thanks to the preservation areas.
Indigo Run
Indigo Run is home to the Jack Nicklaus designed Golf Club of Indigo Run golf course
as well as
the Golden Bear golf course. It is located on 1700 acres on the north end of Hilton Head Island.
Long Cove Plantation
One of the more upscale of Hilton Head's communities, famous for its amazing
golf course. This is one fo the finest golf communities in the US. The Long
Cove golf course was featured in the top private golf communities in the USA.
There are also a wide selection of other amenities including fishing, swimming
and boating on the Broad Creek River.
Palmetto Dunes
One of the more popular plantations in Hilton Head, with a number of rental
properties. Palmetto Dunes is mid-island, and has everything from luxury
private homes to vacation villas and condos.
There are a number of World Class golf courses and first class tennis facilities
in Palmetto Dunes. The tennis resort is hugely popular. Palmetto Dunes is also
home to Shelter Cove marina and the accompanying villas, restaurants, and
shopping.
Port Royal Plantation
There are no short term/vacation rentals in Port Royal Plantation, just
permanent residents. There is beach access with a full service swimming and
recreation area on the oceanfront. Port Royal Golf Club has 54 holes of
championship golf and there is the Port Royal Racquet club, which is home to 16
tennis courts.
Sea Pines Plantation
The first of the island's communities, founded by Charles Fraser, SeaPines
covers most of the 'toe' of Hilton Head Island. It is the most touristy of the
plantations. This is perhaps the most varied of the communities, with both
residential and vacation properties. There is a $5 entrance fee for all
non-residents.
Amenities include more than 5 miles of beaches, Harbour Town and the famous
Hilton Head Lighthouse, an equestrian center, numerous restaurants, bars and
more. It is also home to the Verizon Heritage Golf Tournament, and home to 3
full golf courses.
Shipyard Plantation
Shipyard Plantation is an 800 acre community located in the center of Hilton Head
Island. There are three 9 hole golf courses, one of the best tennis clubs in
the country and it is the home to the Crowne Plaza resort of Hilton Head.
Spanish Wells
Home to a private country club and golf club, Spanish Wells offers fabulous
views of Broad Creek. A charming residential community, with shady oaks and
Spanish Moss in abundance.
Wexford Plantation
The most exclusive neighborhood on Hilton Head, Wexford is about 500 acres in
size. The Wexford facilities include the Wexford private golf course, tennis
and fine dining. Wexford also offers outstanding boating
facilities.
Windmill Harbour
Windmill Harbour is the first neighborhood that visitors to Hilton Head will
pass. It's located on the right just over the bridge to Hilton Head. It has expansive water
views, overlooking both the Intracoastal Waterway and the Calibouge Sound. It
is very popular with boat owners and is home to the South Carolina Yacht Club.