THIS CONTENT WAS PRODUCED FOR HILTON HEAD ISLAND BY the foundry @ MEREDITH CORP. TRAVEL + LEISURE EDITORIAL STAFF WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ITS CREATION OR PRODUCTION.
When you picture an “idyllic getaway,” you’re almost always imagining an island, and America’s Favorite Island® makes it abundantly clear why: Hilton Head Island is a place where nature sets the pace, surrounded by sun-kissed beaches, meandering salt marshes, bird-filled wetlands and clear, clean ocean views that stretch on forever—and the people who live here make it even better. Here are 10 reasons to make it your island in 2022.
Easy to reach… and a world away
Hilton Head Island lies at the southernmost tip of South Carolina, about 40 miles from Savannah, Georgia. All major airlines service the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), with non-stop service from 31 cities. For regional travelers wanting to road trip, Hilton Head Island is within an easy day’s drive from much of the South, Midwest, and East Coast. From Interstate 95, US-278 weaves across rivers and islands and delivers you right to paradise in about 20 minutes.
Outdoors in all seasons
Hilton Head Island sits right in the sweet spot for weather, with a mild, sunny, subtropical climate all year long. April or October, January or June…they’re all just right for your day outdoors, from an early-morning beach walk to an al fresco dinner under the stars.
An island of creativity
The arts scene on Hilton Head Island is a feast for the senses. The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina produces theater productions and presents a wide range of touring theater and dance performances. Musical venues range from the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, now in its 40th season, to an intimate jazz club and a growing number of outdoor live music events. Discover visual arts in galleries all across the island. And perhaps this beautiful place will inspire you to tap into your own creativity, with an in-person or online class through the Art League Academy. When it comes to art and culture, Hilton Head Island gets a standing ovation all year round.
Centuries of Gullah culture
The Gullah people have lived in the Lowcountry of South Carolina for more than 300 years; their culture is one of perseverance and preservation, as they have proudly retained much of their rich language, foods, and arts traditions unique to this coastal region. Fourth-generation Gullah family members lead Gullah Heritage Trail Tours through traditional Gullah neighborhoods and off-the-beaten-path historic sites. Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, located on Hilton Head Island’s Port Royal Sound, was the first town in America self-governed by formerly enslaved people. Descendants share their compelling story at the park, with walking tours and kid-friendly story times.
Fresh flavors, fresh air
You can quite literally taste your surroundings in the locally sourced dishes here: briny oysters, crab and shrimp just pulled from the nearby waters, produce cultivated on regional farms—Hilton Head Island has a rich community that truly embraces local resources and, in turn, touches its restaurants with local ingredients. Whether it’s classic Lowcountry cuisine or new dishes dreamed up by the island’s endlessly inventive chefs, fresh and local is always the ideology. You’ll find more than 250 Hilton Head Island restaurants—most locally owned. Many offer outdoor dining patios to take advantage of the balmy year-round climate and enticing island views. They’ll happily pack up your meal for a picnic, too, so you can add your own touch of flavor.
Wild places, green and serene
Hilton Head Island proudly protects its natural landscapes, an invaluable mosaic of sand dunes, sea grasses, salt marshes, and maritime forest cherished by locals and visitors alike. In fact, the island was one of the country’s first resort destinations to include the careful preservation of water, land, and wildlife into its master plan. Because of that stewardship, beachgoers might spot a manatee, a 200-pound loggerhead sea turtle, or a frolicking pod of bottlenose dolphins during their visit. Kayakers paddle among wetlands home to more than 220 species of birds. Learn more at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, a Smithsonian affiliate, which hosts exhibits, excursions, boat tours and visits to its historic 68-acre property.
Courses and courts for world-class sports
Hilton Head Island is almost synonymous with golf; avid golfers from around the globe relish taking a swing at the Harbour Town Golf Links at The Sea Pines Resort—where the PGA TOUR plays each April—and at the 22 other world-class golf courses on the island. Each offers its own style of play and signature way to enjoy the lush Lowcountry landscape. The island also boasts a world-class tennis pedigree, home to more than 300 tennis courts, plus academies led by some of the best instructors in the game, like Stan Smith. Now the nation’s fast-growing and family-friendly court sport, pickleball, is building its own legacy here; with 24 courts and a world-ranked teaching pro, the Palmetto Dunes Pickleball Center was recently named Pickleball Resort of the Year.
Lodging how you like it
Whether you’re planning a quiet couple’s getaway, rallying the golf group or planning a multi-generation family reunion, Hilton Head Island can come up with the perfect accommodations to meet your needs. Whether you’re looking for pet-friendly lodgings or ones with private pools, or deciding between oceanfront versus harbor views, with ample accommodations between resort properties and home and villa rentals, there is something just right for you.
Ready to explore Hilton Head Island? Start planning your trip here.
