Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Vacation Rentals
Explore 860 rental homes and villas in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina for your next vacation or business travel. With private vacation home rentals, enjoy a more personalized stay and a wide range of amenities such as Air Condition Homes, Best Affordable Homes and Great for Groups. With a wide range of homes to offer, pricing can start as low as $61 per night with homes containing as many as 10 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms. However you're looking to experience your stay, Homes and Villas by Marriott has your next vacation home waiting.
Types of vacation rentals in Hilton Head Island
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Hilton Head Island Overview
Nestled along the coast of South Carolina, Hilton Head Island beckons with its pristine beaches stretching across a sun-kissed shoreline that spans approximately 12 miles. This idyllic retreat is not only a paradise for beach lovers but also a sanctuary for those seeking the privacy and comfort of a home away from home. Imagine waking up in your own private rental, a cozy haven where you can savor your morning coffee on a sun-drenched patio, your faithful pet by your side in one of the many pet-friendly accommodations available on the island.
The allure of Hilton Head is further magnified by its luxurious homes, many of which boast private swimming pools, offering a secluded oasis where families and friends can unwind and create lasting memories. These homes provide the perfect blend of exclusivity and convenience, with easy access to the island's shimmering waters and soft sands, where days are spent basking in the sun or indulging in the gentle embrace of the Atlantic waves.
For the golf aficionados, the island is a veritable playground with more than 24 championship golf courses, each masterfully designed by legends such as Robert Trent Jones Sr., Pete Dye, and Jack Nicklaus. The temperate climate ensures that any season is the right season to tee off on these lush, meticulously maintained greens.
Nature lovers will revel in the island's commitment to conservation, with the Sea Pines Forest Preserve and Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge serving as gateways to the Lowcountry's diverse ecosystems. Here, you can meander through trails that weave through marshes and woodlands, catching glimpses of alligators basking and a symphony of bird calls filling the air.
The island's rich tapestry of history and culture is woven through its attractions, such as the Coastal Discovery Museum and the Gullah Heritage Trail Tour, which offer insights into the unique Gullah culture, a legacy of the island's early West African settlers.
For those seeking a blend of leisure and excitement, the charming enclaves of Harbour Town in Sea Pines Resort and Shelter Cove Towne Centre present a collection of boutique shops, delectable dining options, and vibrant entertainment that encapsulate the island's lively spirit.
In essence, Hilton Head Island is a destination that promises an unparalleled experience, where the serenity of private home living harmonizes with the allure of beachfront bliss, cultural enrichment, and recreational pleasures. It's a place where every traveler can find their slice of Southern charm and coastal luxury.
Cultural Attractions in Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, while not a cultural epicenter, does offer some appealing aspects for arts, history, and local customs enthusiasts. The island has a modest arts scene with a few galleries and art centers like the Art League of Hilton Head.
History buffs can delve into the island's past at various historical sites. The Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum provides an insight into the island's maritime history. Additionally, the Gullah Heritage Trail Tours offer some understanding of the Gullah people who were among Hilton Head Island's first inhabitants, although it should be noted that these tours may not provide an exhaustive understanding of this complex culture.
While live music can be found on Hilton Head Island at places like The Jazz Corner and during certain festivals such as the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival and Music & Taste on the Harbour, it is not necessarily a defining feature of this beach destination.
The food scene on Hilton Head Island does emphasize local seafood with many restaurants offering fresh catches daily. Farmers markets are also present where visitors can sample locally grown produce and artisanal goods. However, compared to other parts of the Lowcountry region, its food scene may not be as steeped in local customs and traditions.
In summary, while Hilton Head Island offers some elements of art, history, music and local flavors to enjoy, it is more renowned as a popular beach resort and golf destination than a cultural hotspot.
Family friendly activities in Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is indeed a haven of family-oriented activities that are sure to delight children across various age groups. The island's stunning beaches provide the perfect setting for constructing sandcastles, collecting seashells, and basking in the warmth of the Atlantic waters.
The Coastal Discovery Museum is an excellent venue for a day filled with adventure and learning. Here, children can delve into the island's natural history through engaging exhibits and outdoor trails. They can also partake in interactive programs such as crabbing and butterfly tagging.
Another must-see destination on Hilton Head Island is The Sandbox Interactive Children's Museum. This museum houses a range of captivating exhibits designed to ignite creativity and imagination. Children have the opportunity to pilot a plane, navigate a ship, or even produce their own artwork.
For those who love animals, Lawton Stables provides guided horseback rides through the picturesque Sea Pines Forest Preserve. They also maintain a small animal farm where children can feed and pet goats, pigs, chickens among others.
If your children are fond of outdoor activities, they will enjoy visiting one of the many parks on the island. Islanders Beach Park features a playground with swings and climbing structures adjacent to the beach while Jarvis Creek Park boasts fishing docks and nature trails for exploring local wildlife.
Lastly, ensure you take your kids on an unforgettable pirate adventure with Pirates of Hilton Head Island. This thrilling boat tour allows children to dress up as pirates, hunt for treasure, and even engage in water cannon battles with enemy pirates.
In summary, Hilton Head Island offers an abundance of fun-filled family adventures that will keep your young ones entertained throughout your visit.
Outdoor activities in Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island, located in South Carolina, is a haven for those who appreciate nature and outdoor activities. The island is celebrated for its breathtaking beaches, verdant maritime forests, and rich wildlife.
The island's 12 miles of immaculate sandy beaches are ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. For water sports enthusiasts, the warm Atlantic Ocean waters provide excellent conditions for kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing, and fishing.
The Sea Pines Forest Preserve is a must-see destination for nature lovers. This approximately 600-acre preserve features walking trails that meander through wetlands, forests, and fields. Visitors can explore the preserve's wildflower meadow or marvel at the ancient shell ring that dates back to around 4,000 years ago or enjoy a picnic by Lake Mary.
For bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge offers a diverse range of habitats that support over 250 species of birds as well as deer, alligators and other wildlife. The refuge has several walking trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty.
Harbour Town Lighthouse & Museum is another popular attraction on Hilton Head Island. Although not a natural wonder itself it provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding natural beauty from its observation deck.
For those who enjoy biking or hiking in nature should explore Hilton Head's extensive pathway network which covers more than 50 miles around the island including its beautiful beaches.
Lastly for golfers who love to play amidst nature will find Hilton Head Island an ideal location with its world-class golf courses set against picturesque backdrops of marshes, forests and the Atlantic Ocean.
In conclusion Hilton Head Island offers an array of outdoor activities set in diverse natural settings sure to satisfy any nature lover or outdoor enthusiast.
Weather in Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is renowned for its gentle subtropical climate, making it a favored destination all year round. The climate features warm summers and mild winters, with rainfall distributed evenly throughout the year.
The hottest months are from June to August, with average high temperatures ranging from the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. These months also have high humidity levels which can make it feel hotter than it actually is. However, the coastal location offers a cooling sea breeze that helps temper the heat.
The winter months from December to February are relatively mild compared to many other parts of the country. Average high temperatures hover in the low 60s Fahrenheit while lows can dip into the 40s. Snowfall is uncommon on Hilton Head Island but occasional cold snaps can occur.
Spring and fall provide especially agreeable weather conditions. From March to May and September to November, you can anticipate average highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s or 60s. These transitional seasons also display beautiful changes in nature with spring blossoms and fall foliage adding color to the island's landscapes.
Rainfall on Hilton Head Island averages around 50 inches per year, with no specific wet or dry season. Rain showers are often brief and followed by sunshine.
The most frequented time to visit Hilton Head Island tends to be during spring and fall when temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities such as golfing, biking, or beachgoing. However, each season has its own unique appeal making Hilton Head Island an enchanting destination year-round.
Transportation in Hilton Head Island
Visitors to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, typically reach the destination by air or car. The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is the closest airport, approximately an hour's drive from the island. Travelers can choose to rent a car or use a taxi or shuttle service from the airport to reach Hilton Head Island. Alternatively, driving to the island is also an option as it is conveniently accessible via Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 278.
Upon reaching the island, there are various modes of transportation available for getting around. The island boasts a comprehensive network of bike paths making bike rentals a popular choice among visitors. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available for those who prefer not to cycle.
For those who wish to explore further or simply enjoy having their own vehicle, there are several car rental agencies on the island. Public bus services operated by Palmetto Breeze Transit run across the island and extend into Bluffton and Beaufort.
The walkability of Hilton Head Island varies depending on location. Many resorts and vacation rentals are situated near beaches, restaurants, and shops making walking a feasible option in these areas. However, considering that attractions are dispersed over the 12-mile long island, some form of transportation will likely be required for most visitors.
In summary, whether one chooses to arrive by air or road and travel around by bike, car or foot once there; Hilton Head Island provides an array of transportation options catering to all types of travelers' preferences.