Pura Vida View
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island has a very special place in my heart, my family has been vacationing there for over a decade. We go every summer for two weeks and have fallen in love with the beach, the many things there are to do, and have created so many fun traditions and endless family memories.
Hilton Head
A few facts....
Known for it's beautiful white sand beaches, wildlife, miles of shady trails, tennis and world-class golf courses, Hilton Head is repeatedly voted one of the best vacation destinations.
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Located in Beaufort County South Carolina just 20 miles north of Savannah, Georgia
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The island encompasses 42 square miles
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40,000 locals and over 2 million visitors each year.
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12 miles of wide hard-packed beaches
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Huge twice a day tidal changes averaging 7.5 feet
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There are over 50 miles of nature trails and is one of the top 25 biking communities in the US​
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More than 23 island championship golf courses
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There are over 500 tennis courts and the island is home to 4 of the "50 Greatest U.S. Tennis Resorts" ~ Tennis Magazine.
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Known for the Harbour Town Lighthouse that has never actually been a working lighthouse
Getting There
With two nearby airports servicing flights to HHI and many airlines offering non-stop flights from major cities in the U.S., traveling to Hilton Head is easy and convenient. Up until this past summer (2022) we always opted to fly into the Savannah/Hilton Head International airport which is a short 35-40 mile drive. Most recently we flew into the Hilton Head airport, which was even more convenient, but it is a much smaller airport and offers fewer flights. I personally love flying into Savannah so we can explore that great city, but flying direct was so nice and allowed us to start our vacation with much less hassle!
With traffic on Saturdays when most everyone is coming or leaving, the drive can be long! Saturday is the turnover day for most rentals and it not only makes the drive long, but the grocery stores are insane! So plan accordingly.
Vacation Homes and Villas
Hotels / Resorts
Shannon Tanner
At Shelter Cover Harbour & Marina
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We love going to see the Shannon Tanner show at Shelter Cove at least once every year when visiting Hilton Head. We have been coming to see his shows since our very first summer on the island. He is a fun musician that actively involves the kids and parents in his shows. So many families make him a part of their summer vacation each year that he even sells Shannon Tanner spinner hats and signs them with a sweet message and the date you were there. My kids hats are full with messages over the years. In 2020 when he was not able to do his show we hired him to come perform a private show at our home, that's is how much we enjoy him and his music.
He also does a fun Parrot Palooza Sunset Celebration every Thursday in the summer, which is a Caribbean style concert.
Every Tuesday Shelter Cove hosts HarbourFest with live music by Shannon, arts & crafts, lots of kids activities and then fireworks at the end of the night. It is a lot of fun but can be very crowded. You don't want to miss getting your face painted by Cappy the Clown
Activities and Fun
There is so much to do on Hilton Head Island
If you get tired of long perfect days on the most beautiful flat beaches playing games, relaxing, reading, and swimming, have no fear there are endless activities to fill your days! I truly think Hilton Head is the most family friendly place I have ever visited and there is definitely something for everyone! Golf, Tennis, Fishing, Boating, Biking, Kayaking, Horseback Riding, Nature exploring, Sea Turtle Conservation, Day tripping, Shopping, and so much more!
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Sea Turtles
Every Summer on Hilton Head Island you will find the protected nests of sea turtles. The endangered Loggerhead and it's cousins emerge from the sea to lay their eggs and if you are lucky you might even see the hatchlings making their way to the sea. I have searched for years and one year I was lucky enough on two different mornings to see the babies. I have long been fascinated with this favorite sea creature of mine and seeing the babies making their way to the water was a highlight of my life. Hilton Head is committed to the protection and conservation of the turtles. The Sea Turtle Patrol volunteers patrol, mark and track the turtle's nests, they raise awareness and enforce pollution and light control. See how you can help!
Alligators
Gator Gator Gator
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Alligators live in the lagoons and ponds all around the island. It is very common to see them swimming, sunning on the banks or really anywhere they might want to go. They are fascinating and intimidating at the same time. Be careful not to get too close, do not feed them and keep your animals on leashes and at a safe distance. Also educate children on the dangers of these wild animals, this is their habitat too so it's important to respect that for their safety and yours. I love seeing them...from a safe distance.
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The iconic lighthouse has never actually been a working lighthouse, but it has stood in Harbour Town for over five decades and has become a symbol of the island and what most think of when they picture Hilton Head.
Inside the red and white lighthouse is a museum where you can explore the history of the island and surrounding areas as well as the history of the lighthouse. There is also a one of a kind coast guard exhibit. It is only $6.25 to climb to the top and experience the museum and spectacular views at the top. My daughter and I climbed to the top a few years ago and really enjoyed the museum and the unique gift shop! I definitely recommend experiencing this at least once.
Beach Gear
A few things we find essential
Over the years we have learned a few things about making the day at the beach more enjoyable. After years of wrangling flimsy umbrellas and trying different shade options we finally found something we love! Also, chairs are important...I have a favorite!
And, you will see people playing games all up an down the beach, I have listed some fun options we have enjoyed. Boogie Boards and kites are fun too, and of course sand toys!
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