Hilton Head, South Carolina
Part One
HILTON HEAD, SC TRAVEL GUIDE
Setting the scene...
I love Hilton Head because you can be as busy or as lazy as you want to be.
That is my gold standard for a destination to rank for women traveling solo over the age of 50!
Hilton Head Island is a great all-round destination to travel to solo, with a girlfriend or girlfriends and even a spouse.
Iβve been twice and would happily go back again.
The first time was with my Travel Bestie who has been visiting Hilton Head since she was a teenager with her family.
So she finally gave into my pestering on βwhen are you going to take me thereβ.
I loved it so much I went back and took hubby with me.
As always I will only share details about places, activities, accommodation, eating etc. that I have personally experienced.
Itβs a community thatβs a combination of beach resort, retirees and a golfers haven.
So Where Is Hilton Head Island?
So where the heck is Hilton Head? It's about an hour from Savannah Georgia and about 2 hours from Charleston, South Carolina on the Atlanta Ocean.
Hilton Head is in what is termed "low country" referring to the the Atlantic coastal area running from mid Georgia up to North Carolina made up of salt marshes and coastal waterways, beaches and areas that are lower than sea level.
Hilton Head is interchangeably called Hilton Head or Hilton Head Island.
What's The Weather Like?
Both my visits have been in the spring during April and May.
With temperatures highs between 75Β°F (24Β°C) and 82Β°F (28Β°C) during the day and lows of between low is 55Β°F (13Β°C) and 63Β°F (17Β°C) its perfect in my book. Likewise September and October (planning my next visit in this time frame) have equally lovely temperatures and...
It's a little quieter during these periods people wise ;-)
If visiting during the summer you will find the temperatures in the 80s and lows 90s. And in the winter day time temperatures hover around 64Β°F but does get chilly at night.
Airports
If you are flying you have several options.
Hilton Head Island has a small airport that they are currently expanding to a longer runway so that they can take bigger planes from more destinations.
This ππ link will give you and idea what airlines and locations fly directly on to the Island.
Other options include ππ Savannah Airport which is about an hour drive depending on traffic. The airport is a cute little airport and my preferred option, I love this little airport.
ππCharleston Airport, SC is also an option which approximately a 2 hour drive.
Or you might choose to fly into ππ Atlanta Airport and drive but beware (Iβve done this) its about a 4-5 hour drive.
Itβs not a difficult drive just time consuming and you want to time your arrival or leaving Atlanta around Atlantas infamous commute hours (as in hours and hours lol).
Ground Transportation
Rental Cars
I do recommend having a vehicle to get around because there are so many great places to visit both on the island but also in the surrounding area.
Trolley Service
I have not used the ππ trolley service but wanted to mention it because I saw the trolleyβs as I walked and cycled around.
Also check their schedule as it is a seasonal service.
The trolley is a good option to consider for getting around if you go at a more busy time or donβt want to walk or cycle longer distances.
Just beware that finding parking spots at places like the public beaches or Harbor Town can be challenging on weekends and at busier times of the year.
Taxis
I've used the local taxi service and found them to be very friendly and will offer you tips and recommendations on the Island.
Alligators
Now I can already see the confused expression on your face... Why the heck is she talking about Alligators?
But bear with me because a number of your fellow traveling ladies are from countries around the world.
And while I live at the foot of the Canadian Rockies known for bears, moose, cougars and bobcats I have an extremely health respect bordering on paranoiaβ¦
Letβs not kid ourselves I am #$%^ scared π³ of the thought of the thought of alligators.
Hilton Head is a beautiful scenic setting with lots of pondsβ¦
Which means ALLIGATORS!!!
You will see signs well posted with warnings not to get to close to the edge of the water and they are serious!
I will put money on it that you will see at least an alligator or two during your visit.
So always be cautious and aware of your surroundings when out cycling or walking.
scared of the thought of the thought of alligators.
Cycling
Bike Rentals
There are plenty of options for renting a bike and the type of bike.
I like good old fashion pedal power so all I need is a bicycle, basket, helmet and bike lock and Iβm good to go.
I have rented from Sea Pines Bike Rental, hereβs the ππ LINK:
Plus depending on where you stay you may find that your hotel offers bike rentals also.
On my last visit we stayed at the Marriott Barony Beach Club and they offered ππ bike rentals.
And as always there's my trusty Vera Bradley backpack for my bike rides...
Here's the ππ link if you want to take a closer look.
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Not in any order by my other favourite activity is cycling and Hilton Head is a dream for me when it comes to cycling.
It is hands down a cycling community!
There are 60 miles (96 kilometers) of cycle paths on the island. Added to that Island is flat and the cycle paths wide are lined with oak trees dripping with spanish mossβ¦
So plenty of shade if you go in the summer and a great energy that canβt help put a smile on your face.
And you can also cycle on the beach if youβre up to it!
Added to the cycle paths its just fun to meander down the side streets and explore the different neighbourhoods and if youβre a looky loo like me its great to be able to ogle at the different styles of homes π
And bonus, if you happen to plan your stay for the spring you will be treated to amazing vistas and scents from azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and more.
And donβt worry about finding a place to park your bike, there are plenty of bike racks wherever you go including in the the beach parking lots.
Lawton Stables
Itβs often great to have a destination for your bike ride. I would add Lawton Stables as one of those destinations.
Here is the Lawton Stables ππ LINK
Next time I plan to go horseback riding there rather than just a selfie with a π΄ horse haha π€£
It is great to cycle past and you can pop in and check out the animals and they have a gift shop where you can grab a drink and sit on the front porch watching the horses and animals.
Beach, Pool and Hot Tubs
This is a big attraction if you love beaches.
The beach is 12 miles long of flat white sand beach.
My two visits were in May and then subsequently April.
This was perfect weather in my book not too hot but easy to get around, maybe wearing a light jacket or sweater in the evening.
As many of you know by now, much of my travel at some point needs to have an ocean element to it.
Walking the beach whether early in the morning or throughout the day is just wonderful.
If youβre traveling solo you will not look or feel out of place.
Nobody knows whether you are traveling solo or just having a nice quiet walk on the beach to yourself.
The people are very friendly and so lots of people nod hello and smile which is very welcoming.
Iβm a morning person so if you are too this is the perfect time to walk the beach, fewer people and often calmer with little to no wind.
π₯ π₯π₯ Hot Tip π₯ π₯π₯ There are well marked public beaches and if staying at a hotel/resort on the beach you will have access.
Hereβs a quick ππ guide to the beaches, access and parking
This ππ map is really useful to give you a full overview of the parks and beaches whether you are driving, cycling or walking.
If you are staying in the Sea Pines area there markers that denote a path to the beach. They are easy to spot if you are walking or cycling.
Pools & Hot Tubs
Now I love the ocean to puddle around in but if I want to swim I prefer a pool.
So my selection of accommodation will centre around a good swimming pool.
Most accommodations whether an AirBNB, hotel or Timeshare will have a pool and many also will have hot tubs.
Golf
Golfing Girls Weekend A "Must"
Now if you or your girlfriend(s) or spouse love to play golf then Hilton Head is definitely a place to put high on your βTravel Toβ list.
However, I DON'T play golf so cannot offer any personal insights.
Hubby tried to teach me how to play when we lived in New Zealandβ¦ that was a bad move, having your spouse teach you to play golf - what was I thinkingπ?
And secondly I am hypermobile (double jointed) in the elbows so Iβm just down right dangerous with a golf club in my hands... FOREποΈββοΈβ³οΈ!π«£
BUT given there are ~24 golf courses on Hilton Head if you do play or you're a golf widow between the golf and so many other things to do or chill out on it really is a must.
Clothing
Hilton Head is described as an upscale low-key luxury area but also affordable....
So when it comes to dressing casual dress it's fine but not so casual as to be in ripped cut-off denim shorts if you get my drift π
So casual chic, resort / beach casual, golf casual, keep it smart and you'll fit right in.
And besides ladies don't we like to dress up every now and again anyway?
As always my go-to sneakers Allbirds are perfect for running around...
Seeing things, cycling and keeping my feet warm in those heavily air-conditioned restaurants haha.
Here's the link ππ: Allbird White Tree Runner sneakers
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Accommodation
There is plenty of choice of accommodation in Hilton Head.
If you plan on visiting with a girlfriend an AirBnb (apartment, condo, townhouse or full house) or a Resort with suites are a great option.
You will hear the word "Plantation" used in reference to where you stay. At first I though everyone was referring to the Gone with the Wind type Plantation but not so.
Plantations are basically gated communities of homes, condos etc. and typically have a security guard in a little booth at the gate. I mention this because your rental home or condo may be in a Plantation.
Some communities are also anchored around a golf course.
Also a heads up donβt be deceived by the exterior age of many accommodations.
I find Hilton Head is a bit like Maui, a lot of the buildings were developed circa 1980βs and at first glance may look a little dated on the outside and with the architecture. But don't worry many have been renovated...
And there are many beautiful new homes being built to replace older homes as well.
π₯ π₯π₯ Hot Tip π₯ π₯π₯ When reviewing rentals you may see the term βX rowsβ from beach (X being 1, 2, 3 etc.). This indicates the number of house rows back from beach your rental is located.
The lower the number the closer you are to the beach, which may mean a view but also it means you donβt have far to take all your beach gear to get to the beach.
A βRowβ is literally 1 row of houses, not even a full block.
The larger houses are closer to the beach. The larger homes are great if you are planning a visit with a couple of girlfriends. You are likely to find the homes with a good ratio of bathrooms to bedrooms ;-)
When I visited with my travel Bestie we stayed in the Sea Pines part of the Island in an AirBNB community called Night Heron.
This is a circa 1980βs set of villas but our villa had been beautifully renovated. It had a great communal pool and we had a short 5 minute walk to the beach.
Our villa overlooked a pond so we could sit out on the deck for a happy hour watching the birds and looking for the odd alligator.
On my second visit I took hubby and we stayed at the ππ Marriott Barony Beach Club.
In a heartbeat I would be happy to stay her on a solo visit and likely will!
We had a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom villa. It was spacious, modern and well equipped if you wanted to eat in.
I would highly recommend this as an option for traveling solo or with a girlfriend. There are plenty of amenities and the staff are wonderful and yes, I have an absolute bias to Marriott...
And make no apologies for it.
One of my No. 1 travel priorities is always to have good accommodation for so many reasons...
See my blog on why ππ 5-Star Hotel Stays are a must for women over 50 traveling solo
Let me give you an example of why Iβm such a Marriott fan.
My husband and I arrived around 11:30 at night by Uber after traveling all day with 2 flights. My husband does not travel well or very far now physically so he was both very tired and anxious by the time we arrived.
It is a large property so the gentleman at the front desk personally went and got a vehicle and drove us over to our villa and helped us up with our bags.
So yes, Iβm biased for a reason.
I also think this is a great option if you plan to visit solo as there is a calendar of activities that you can choose to participate in as well if you want to get out and about around people.
Eating
You will definitely NOT go hungry here for two reasonsβ¦
The number and variety of places to eat and the ample servings!
And if you love seafood you will be in heaven!
Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe
Ok, hands down this is my favourite breakfast/brunch place on the island. So much so that we go more than once. I wonβt embarrass myself by telling you how many times.
It is a classic local breakfast place that serves great food (oodles of it) and the staff are amazing and colourful.
This ππ cafe is owned by a couple who were servers and cooks in their early career so they really know their stuff and their staff have been with them for years so that tells you something!
And⦠you will be totally comfortable eating there solo. And I love how they have heaters on the patio and blankets if you feel a bit chilly!
And on the food front if you have never really been in the south of the US you have to try the biscuits and gravy... just a half order!
It's basically a heart attack on a plate but travel is all about new experiences right?
Lowcountry Produce Market and Cafe
This is a great ππ breakfast and lunch spot. And you get to pick up some items including gifts if youβre in the mood.
There is seating inside and outside and you can either drive there its park of a little mini shopping strip or better still like we did cycle there.
Quarterdeck Harbour Town
This ππ restaurant is worth adding to your list because you get to do a little shopping sit on the side of the marina and watch the world go by and then have a drink and meal.
Itβs an upscale bright and airy two story restaurant right on the waterfront.
Definitely make a reservation and I would opt to be upstairs and outside on the patio if the weather is good. The view is nice and if it is busy you can get away a bit from the people.
It is a light airy restaurant and a varied menu but if it was me I would definitely go for any of the seafood dishes!
There is not a lot of parking at Harbour Town so depending where you are staying on the island I would consider making this part of a great bike ride.
Oh and you can also go up the lighthouse but there is typically a line.
Skull Creek Dockside
If Iβm staying in a location near the water I try my best to pick a few restaurants where I can also enjoy the view.
Iβve been to ππ Skull Creek Dockside twice once for sunset drinkies with my travel bestie and again for an early dinner with my husband.
There are plenty of seating options inside and outside. If you are driving there is a large parking lot so easy to get in and out of.
The menu has plenty of variety on it.
I would definitely feel comfortable eating here by myself.
Fish Camp
ππ Fish Camp is similar to Skull Creek Dockside but on the other side of the creek so you will drive a bit further...
I would feel fine eating here during the day or an early dinner but maybe not so much in the evening. It tends to get really busy with a lot of couples and families.
All Y'all's Bar & Grill - Marriott Barony Beach Club
If you are planning staying at the Marriott Barony Beach Club this is their onsite ππ restaurant so great if you just want a day at the beach or the pool.
It's right on the beach in the grounds and offers poolside service as well as indoor and outdoor eating.
Dining In
When it comes to picking up food to have in your AirBNB or resort villa you have plenty of options just minutes away.
There are two Publix supermarkets on Hilton Head to pick up food and wine along with a Harris Teeter, Kroger and a Wholefoods.
Wrapping Up
There is so much to pack into a visit Hilton Head and the surrounding area that I have a Part Two coming up for things to see and do in the area!
But I have included below a list of things to see and do from my travel bestie who has been going to Hilton Head since she was a kid.
They are definitely on my list for my next visit.
- Go see a movie, go to ππ Park Plaza it is owned by a nice old couple and do a great job on food, drinks, and atmosphere.
- Putt-putt at ππ Pirate Island
- ππ Jazz concert You have to book early because it is a small place and there is no bad seat.
- ππ Salty Dog Happy Hour Cruise
- The ππ Coastal Discovery museum
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