Hilton Head Island

 by: Jeff Palmer

Webmaster comments in bold red

If I had to pick one place to go on vacation for the rest of my life, this would be it.  I first saw Hilton Head in 1977 when I was stationed at Parris Island training Marine recruits. Whenever we got some down time, we would head off to Hilton Head.  At that time, it was a sleepy little island with a winding two lane road covered with Spanish moss. It had great beaches, great restaurants and felt like a different world.  It was as far removed from the stress and chaos of Marine boot camp as you could possibly get. I went there often, first with Marine buddies then later with my first wife, until we moved to Minnesota in 1995. By then, it had a four lane highway leading to it and a million people at peak season but it still had everything that I originally went there for.  Now, you can add geocaches to the list. The entire coastal Carolina area is steeped in history, mystery, varied cultures and geocaches. Savannah, Georgia is 30 minutes away and Charleston, South Carolina is 90.   I haven't seen Hilton Head since 1995, but my second wife and I are snowbirds now and Hilton Head is at the top of our list for escaping the Minnesota winters starting this year.

Hilton Head Island was the first ecologically-planned destination in The United States. Light pollution ordinances are in effect across the island to protect the habits of the loggerhead turtles which sometimes confuse the lights of dwellings and street lights with that of the ocean. Protections are in place to protect the beautiful live oaks and palmetto trees which cover the island. Salt marshes, beaches and lagoons remain in pristine condition across the island. While modern conveniences such as shopping malls and five star hotels are widely available; care has been taken to blend these structures into the native ecology as much as possible.

The 2.5 million travelers who arrive annually to Hilton Head Island find an infinite variety of activities and reasons for visiting. Whether they are searching for a world class golf vacation, relaxing on the miles of sandy beaches or enjoying the gentle sway of palm trees in unspoiled nature, a stay on Hilton Head Island is sure to please the most discerning of vacationers.

Hilton Head Island is home to the Heritage Classic golf championship and the Celebrity golf tournament. With an average yearly temperature of 70 degrees, visitors to the island are sure to enjoy year round golf on any of the 24 golf courses located on Hilton Head. There are also another 40 golf courses to be found in the surrounding area, just a short distance from the island.

Tennis enthusiasts can enjoy the many professional courts available on Hilton Head. With over 300 courts to chose from there is no shortage of playing opportunities. Professional tennis instructors are also available to those wishing to improve their games.

With over twelve miles of sandy beaches overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, water lovers will find that Hilton Head Island is a coastal paradise. Whether you just want to relax in the sun or try your hand at scuba diving, waterskiing or dolphin watching there's is something for everyone on the island. Fishing charters, kayak tours, wind-surfing, island cruises and all manner of water activities are available.

If you really want to see the island consider renting a bicycle from one of the numerous bike rental outfits. With miles of bike paths available, many of which take you through nature preserves, this is truly an enjoyable way to experience the natural splendor of the island. At low tide, the beaches of Hilton Head make an excellent bike riding surface.

Over 250 restaurants of every price range and cuisine dot the island. Fresh seafood abounds. From five star formal restaurants to fast food and everything in between, every taste and budget is catered to here.

There are a variety of accommodations available in several price ranges. From hotels to villas, condos to timeshares, you are sure to find lodging which fits your taste and budget.

If you a considering a vacation which includes gorgeous weather, miles of beaches, world class golf, entertainment and dining then explore the many offerings available on Hilton Head Island. For a complete directory of information about the island including accommodations, golf and dining visit http://www.hiltonheadislander.com.

About The Author: Jeff Palmer is a Search Engine Optimization Expert living on Hilton head Island, South Carolina.