Author by : Caitlin Moore

Sometimes, when you have an idea in your head of what a vacation should be, you wish you could create the perfect setting by combining the best ingredients of all your past trips, making a sort of jigsaw puzzle of fun memories and pleasant diversions. Rarely does everything come together perfectly, but for a close approximation of an activity-filled and family-friendly getaway that doesn’t leave you disappointed, consider Hilton Head Island off the coast of South Carolina.

Its very existence seems to aid in the answering of vacationers’ entreaties for a place to go that will serve as an amnesiac, wiping away not just stress but memories of it as well. Perhaps there’s something about leaving the mainland and settling on a 12 mile stretch land that is just too cool to actually attach itself to everyone else. You’ll technically still be in South Carolina, but you’ll be in a whole new state of mind.

Just to get it out of the way, Hilton Head is known for great golf. It’s not fair to assume that everyone will be interested in this, but it’s worth noting that fantastic golf courses only sprout up in the most beautiful settings, so where there are greens, there will be other things. For the tee timers, remember the names Long Cove Club and Harbour Town and you’ll know where to sneak off to as soon as you get the chance.

You’ll want to spend plenty of time enjoying the outdoors here on Hilton Head. For a resort area, it’s pretty blessed with natural features that would impress explorers of all kinds. In the wildlife department, you’ll have the chance to glimpse otter, mink, deer, and if you’re quiet and lucky enough, bobcats and the endangered loggerhead sea turtle. Dolphins like to play along the shoreline, and tours regularly take curious visitors out to see for themselves these playful swimmers. For such a small place, Hilton Head has its fair share of animal activity, so keep your eyes peeled wherever you go.

Kayaking along the coast or renting a bike might give you a better chance to see such cool sights, and will encourage you to accomplish the ultimate feat of burning calories without even realizing it. Hilton Head has places to work out and work up a sweat, on tennis courts and in gyms, for example, but feel free to ditch the usual exercise routine and stay healthy while having a good time. To really do something new, try your hand at an aquatrike, which will allow you the grin-inducing experience of pedaling across the waves.

There are more than 250 restaurants within the perimeter of Hilton Head, so don’t worry about going hungry. Satisfy your fresh seafood deficiency by partaking of lobster, shrimp, and crab every night if you wish, and finish it off with a delicious dessert or a well-deserved nightcap as you watch the sun go down. All in all, you’ll never run out of choices in this department.

If you’re bringing the kids along for this one, you’ll probably become acquainted with the miniature golf courses, bowling alleys, children’s museum, and less structured activities like sandcastle building and hunting for seashells. The b-word (bored) won’t dare to be spoken during this trip, and you should be prepared to put every one to bed each night knowing that the day was well spent.

Speaking of going to bed, make sure to place the correct piece into this portion of the vacation jigsaw puzzle, as it’s one of the most important ones. There are dozens of vacation rentals on the island, and as we’ve established that there’s a lot to do within a fairly small area, it’ll work out well to unpack your bags in a spacious condo or bungalow that will afford some privacy without isolating you from anything. No matter which portion of the island you choose to stay, you’ll have golf courses, antique shops, beaches, or whatever it is you seek right at your fingertips.

It looks like everything has the potential to come together pretty well on Hilton Head Island. The earlier you start to plan, the better chance you’ll have of things really working out in the best possible way, so check out the selection of Hilton Head Vacation Rentals and get ready to complete the puzzle that’s been teasing your brain for so long.

[tags]hilton head vacations, hilton head south carolina, hilton head vacation rentals[/tags]

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Author by : Jennifer Weiss

Hilton Head Island is beautifully perched off the coast of South Carolina and is teeming with activities that are bound to excite and delight every member of your family. A popular tourist destination, Hilton Head is overflowing with pristine sandy beaches and gorgeous nature preserves that are perfect for outdoor adventures and exploration. Whether you are heading to Hilton Head for the gorgeous scenery or as a getaway from a hectic lifestyle, you are sure to find this island more relaxing than you ever imagined.

Hilton Head offers beachgoers more than twelve miles of sparkling white sand that borders on the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. You can find bustling beaches that are ripe for people-watching or more secluded areas that are perfect for a romantic stroll in the sand as the water gently brushes against your feet. One of the biggest differences between Hilton Head and other vacation destinations is that although the beaches are public, in most cases the access areas are private. Therefore, it is important to note in advance or ask a knowledgeable local where the best access points are so you do not end up wandering aimlessly in search of your desired beach.

There are quite a few beaches for such a small island, but two of the best for families and activities are Driessen Beach and Islander Beach Park. Driessen has the most amenities of all the area beaches, including a boardwalk, pavilion, playground, and easy to find metered parking. However, both of these beaches are great places to catch some sun, build sandcastles, and play in the waves of the ocean. Those who are looking for a more private beach experience will want to try Burkes Beach. It does not have any of the facilities the more popular beaches have but is great for anyone who wants a quiet afternoon for reflection near the water.

If you or anyone in your family is interested in marine life or wildlife, Hilton Head can certainly provide some interesting and worthwhile sights. Bottle nose dolphins are frequently spotted along the shore throughout the summer since this is where they come to catch their meals. For a more informative experience, outlets for dolphin-watching excursions can easily be found at several of the public marinas. Another local is the loggerhead turtle, which is an endangered species that buries its eggs in the soft sands of the Hilton Head beaches. Although it is rare to spot one of these giants, anyone with a strong interest can participate in a late night Turtle Watch that is offered by the Coastal Discovery Museum.

For views of the numerous four legged creatures that stalk the Island, make your way to the Sea Pines Forest Preserve for an informative, nature-based horseback or walking tour. Some of the animals you are likely to see include deer, minks, otters, and possibly even a few wild boar. It is unlikely, however, that you will see the elusive bobcat, which is usually only found in the forest preserves and the underdeveloped areas of Hilton Head Island.

While Hilton Head is a great place to escape from stress and relax on the beach, it is also the perfect place for duffers to hit some of the most beautiful links in the country. The scenic courses and rolling greens have been designed by some the games best, including Robert Trent Jones, Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, and George Cobb, so get ready for some interesting shots and difficult holes. There are an abundance of courses here, but one public course that certainly should not be missed is Harbour Town Golf Links, the most sought after course on the Island and the number one course in South Carolina.

Hilton Head Island is bound to have an attraction that suits your tastes and provides for a memorable and exciting adventure. For your next vacation to the Island, consider Hilton Head vacation rentals for your lodging needs. They are ideally situated not only near the sparkling sand and warm waters, but they are also close to the numerous attractions that are on your itinerary. Enjoy all the amenities of home in a location whose breathtaking beauty will melt all your stress away by staying in a vacation home or condo for your next trip to the coast.

[tags]hilton head,hilton,head,vacation,trip,travel[/tags]

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