3 Reasons Hilton Head Island Was Voted the #1 Island in the Continental US by Travel and Leisure

(Image by the Ussery Group)

We are excited to announce that Hilton Head Island recently had the honor of being voted the number one island in the continental US by Travel and Leisure! And with the plethora of activities and amenities on the island, it’s no wonder that nearly 40,000 people have decided to call Hilton Head home.

There are so many reasons as to why this Lowcountry island is so popular, but we’ve narrowed it down. Here are three qualities that make Hilton Head Island second to none in the continental US!

Great for Short and Long-Term Visitors

(Image by the Ussery Group)

Whether you’re just visiting for the holidays, planning a staycation, or looking to make the island your home, Hilton Head Island has everything you need:

• Stress-Free Travel – Less than an hour away from Hilton Head is the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. It has plenty of amenities that will make traveling a breeze, while its relatively small size will have you forgetting the hustle and bustle of larger international airports. (Not to mention this airport was ranked as one of the top domestic airports in the US!)
• Highly-Rated Lodging – Looking for a front-row seat to the Lowcountry’s signature sunsets? On Hilton Head Island, you’ll find plenty of great lodging options, most of which feature access to beaches and those picturesque views you’ve been dreaming of.
• Great Restaurants – Being on the coast, Hilton Head Island is home to seafood restaurants that serve up a diverse sampling of Lowcountry cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood to experience an oyster roast, participate in a Lowcountry boil, or spend your evening sipping cocktails in an outdoor bar, Hilton Head has plenty of options to add more flavor to your island experience!

Accessible from Nearby Communities

(Image by the Ussery Group)

Hilton Head’s close proximity to the surrounding communities makes it a popular destination for both residents and guests from the mainland. Being just a short drive from Bluffton and Palmetto Bluff, the island sees local visitors year-round who are looking to enjoy its plentiful amenities and stunning beaches for a relaxing getaway or day out!

Visiting Hilton Head and want to explore beyond the island? A quick jaunt to the mainland communities of Bluffton and Palmetto Bluff can give you access to even more restaurants, museums, activities, and more!

Endless Activities and Events

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You’ll find events happening on and around Hilton Head Island all year round, including some incredible concerts and festivals. Looking for activities that are a little less crowded? Try your hand at paddleboarding, hike down one of the Lowcountry’s popular walking trails, or take a local tour!

It’s also worth checking out any of these popular tourist spots:

• Harbour Town Lighthouse – This historic beacon has quickly become a landmark for Hilton Head Island–and makes quite the picturesque background! The lighthouse houses a museum where you can learn more about its rich history and climb to the lantern room to get a great view of the island and ocean.
• Coastal Discovery Museum – Fans of flora and fauna will enjoy all that the Coastal Discovery Museum has to offer! The site’s 68-acre property features walking paths, historical landmarks, coastal wildlife, and more.
• Harbour Town Golf Links – If you’re an avid golf fan, you may recognize this destination, as its golf course has been featured on the PGA Tour! Found at the Sea Pines Resort, the Harbour Town Golf Links presents a challenge for even the most experienced golfers thanks to the course’s par-4 18th hole, but dedicated players will enjoy the chance to get creative and advance their skills.
• Sea Pines Forest Preserve – Also at the Sea Pines Resort is the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, a protected habitat home to the 4,000-year-old Sea Pines Shell Ring, acres of flora and fauna, and more. Take a stroll or enjoy a nice picnic in the heart of Hilton Head’s unique coastal landscape.

(Source: Unsplash)

If you’re in Hilton Head, you can’t miss the chance to experience one of its public beaches. Each one has its own share of amenities, from showers and pavilions to nearby parks with tennis and basketball courts. Beaches to check out during your next visit to the island:

• Alder Lane
• Burkes Beach
• Coligny Beach Park
• Driessen Beach Park
• Fish Haul Beach Park
• Folly Field Beach Park
• Islanders Beach Park
• Mitchelville Beach Park

Note: Coligny Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island for visitors. You’ll find restaurants, souvenir shops, and more!

So, whether you decide to take a day trip or plan to stay on the island for a while, there is plenty to see and do around you in Hilton Head!

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There’s so much to love about Hilton Head—after all, that’s why many residents choose to make the island their new home. Contact us to learn more about how you can make this popular Lowcountry destination your home, too!