A lover of beach getaways and notorious for sticking to the obvious choice like Florida, one summer I decided to try something new. I heard Hilton Head, SC was a beautiful beach and so I abandoned my purist opinion of Florida beaches being the best and decided to explore further. I wasn't disappointed. Hilton Heads vibes were similar to those of Florida vibes but a little more refined with Southern charm. I stayed at The Sea Pines Resort. Sea Pines offers a number of different accommodations, but we opted for the villa because it combined the luxury of a resort stay with the comfort of being in a home which was perfect because we were a larger group. You can stay at a Sea Pines Villa for approximately $1,000 for the week before taxes. While you can rent bicycles from Sea Pines, if you plan on venturing past the resort, I recommend renting a car at the Savannah/Hilton Head, SC International Airport about thirty minutes away.
There is no limit to your restaurant options in Hilton Head. The whole area is practically geared towards tourism, so take your pick. One of my favorites was right within the Sea Pines Resort in their main building called Links. Links was a casual but elegant restaurant that boasted seasonal American cuisine ranging from risotto to burgers cooked to perfection and hand cut fries. Their wine selection was incredible as well. If you're looking for something more casual, try Salty Dog which is off resort premises but a ton of fun! Sit outside or on their patio next to the water and listen to locals play live music. Don't forget to stop in their t-shirt shop for one of their famed tees or tanks. If you're a seafood fan, definitely don't miss The Old Oyster Factory. Famed for their salty oysters The Old Oyster Factory seems to be the best place for them on the island. I personally hate seafood but still had an amazing skirt steak at The Old Oyster Factory. I definitely recommend for an evening of elevated but still comfortable family dining.
Like dining, there is a ton to do in Hilton Head from beach going to shopping and more. The beaches are amazing. You can even rent chairs and umbrellas if you prefer to be out of the sand. Check out Harbour Town local to the Sea Pines Resort for awesome shopping from Southern and beachy home decor to funny t-shirts to sweet trinkets and gifts. Don't skip their ice cream shop. The ice cream tastes homemade! If you're a lover of live theatre, visit Arts Center of Coastal Carolina for a guaranteed terrific show. If you're in Hilton Head this summer, you can catch a favorite, Mamma Mia! before August 6th. Directed by Casey Colgan, Mamma Mia is a ton of fun. Relive your favorite Abba hits in this romantic comedy with tons of twists and turns.
Whether you're enjoying the beach or catching a show, Hilton Head is an amazing summer destination and at the top of my visit-again-soon list. Share photos from your trip with me by tweeting @anie_delgado.
