The Island of Hilton Head

Courtesy of the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce

"Hilton Head Island is a foot-shaped barrier island located off the Atlantic Coast of South Carolina, approximately 45 miles (72 km) north of Savannah, Ga., 90 miles (145 km) south of Charleston, S.C., and 30 miles (48 km) south of historic Beaufort, S.C. The 12-mile (19 km) long and 5-mile (8 km) wide island was the first Eco-planned destination in the United States.

GEOGRAPHY Lying on the Intracoastal Waterway, Hilton Head Island encompasses 42 square miles (68 sq. km) of semi-tropical, Low Country geography.The Island's pristine natural environment offers a relaxing, hospitable atmosphere with subtle signage and no neon lights. Fertile salt marshes, networks of lagoons and creeks, forests of moss-draped oaks, magnolias, pines, palmettos and 12 miles (19 km) of sandy beaches are interspersed with championship golf courses, tennis courts, fine restaurants and luxurious hotels, resorts and private villa accommodations.

CLIMATE Warmed year-round by the Gulf Stream, the Island's average daytime temperature is a mild 70°F (21°C). The average annual ocean temperature is 69°F (20°C). POPULATION Approx. 31,000 permanent residents 2.5 million visitors annually.

ACCOMMODATIONS Hilton Head Island has an array of accommodations, from luxurious resorts and full-service hotels to exclusive beachfront villas equipped with private swimming pools and tennis courts to a quaint bed and breakfast in the heart of town. Accommodation options include more than 6,000 villas; 3,000 hotel/motel rooms; 1,000 timeshare units; 22 properties offering meetings and convention facilities; two RV resorts and one campground (off-Island).

AIRLINE SERVICE Two airports service the Hilton Head Island area: Hilton Head Airport, located approximately 5 miles (8 km) from all Island resorts, and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, located approximately 45 miles (72 km) south of the Island. Air service providers and major gates include: Airlines Major Gates USAirways Express Charlotte, NC; New York/LaGuardia; Washington, DC Delta Air Lines Atlanta, GA Delta Connection/Comair Cincinnati, OH ; Dallas/Ft. Worth; Cleveland, OH USAirways Charlotte, NC United Express Chicago O'Hare; Washington, DC/Dulles AirTran Airlines Atlanta, GA Continental Express Newark, NJ; Houston, TX

Additional Hilton Head Information - Activities

Cultural Activities - Hilton Head Island boasts a flourishing cultural community of fine art, music and theatrical venues. Island offerings include cultural exhibits, galleries and performances at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Hilton Head Playhouse, Reperatory Theatre, Hilton Head Orchestra, Hilton Head Dance Theater, Coastal Discovery Museum and the Cole-Heyward House Historic Center in Bluffton, S.C.

BEACHES Hilton Head Island offers 12 miles (19 km) of beaches, with public access and metered parking available at the following locations: Coligny Beach, Alder Lane, Folly Field Road, Dreissen's Beach Park, Islanders Beach Park, Collier Beach Park.

RECREATION Golf Courses: 23 (5 private) on-Island; 40 in Lowcountry area Tennis Courts: 300 (8 clubs available for resort play) Marinas: 8 Activities: Biking, kayaking, sailing, surfing, scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, fishing and crabbing, horseback riding, nature-based tours/nature preserves, miniature golf, playgrounds, swimming pools, dolphin-watching cruises, historic tours, Gullah heritage tours, hayrides, arts and cultural activities, shopping, fine dining and sightseeing

DINING There are over 250 restaurants on Hilton Head Island, ranging from fast-food to gourmet. Dining venues include all types of major ethnic cuisine, including French, German, Italian, Caribbean, Japanese, Greek, Chinese, Thai and Mexican. For those with a milder palate, the Island also offers great All-American and southern-style fare as well as famous local seafood. SHOPPING More than 200 shops are located on Hilton Head Island, from elegant boutiques and art galleries to an indoor mall with major department stores and specialty shops. The Island also has two outlet malls featuring designer brands at a significant savings. For more information about the Hilton Head Island area facts, please Contact Us or visit www.hiltonheadchamber.org."