by Donna M. Houston

Created on: June 06, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Quick trip tips: Hilton Head South Carolina for a 3-day getaway

Hilton Head, South Carolina! Like a lazy southern drawl this eastern seaboard gem invites the visitor to slow down and set a spell'. An island retreat located just 20 miles north of Savanna, Georgia, or 95 miles south of Charleston, South Carolina it provides an idyllic setting for any type of getaway. Steeped in history the area has a lot more to offer than just soaking up the sun's rays. In fact the question for a three day weekend is just how laid back do you want to be?

The island's low-keyed ambiance brings a welcome respite to the most harried sojourner and with twelve miles of picture-perfect oceanfront for your beachcombing pleasure you could don little more than a bathing suit and flip-flops during your entire stay. Okay, maybe a cover-up for grocery shopping or dining out but you get the picture. While away the hours sunbathing, searching for seashells, building sandcastles and memoriesor for a little more adventure try boogie-boarding, surfing, or wind-surfing. These are just some of the surfside fun-in-the-sun activities at your disposal. Bicycles, beach buggies and chairs are also available to rent.

Access to the pristine seashore is not dependant on having beachfront accommodations either. There are several general public beach access areas including:
the Coligney Traffic Circle at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront;
Driessden's Beach Park on Bradley Beach Road;
Folly Field Beach at the end of Folly Field Road.

Once you've worked up an appetite you don't have to leave the beach to satisfy those hunger pangs. Many casual eateries can be found nearby and they cater to the quick bite crowd'. So eat, drink and be merry! Slake your thirst with an ice cold drink at the open-to-the-public Tiki-Hut Beach Bar and Pool Grill at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront. Fear not if you're taste buds are hankering for fare that's a little finer' though. There is no shortage of award winning dining establishments on the island.

As the sun sets the rhythm of life picks up and people head out to try and hold on to the day. Savor the lively nightlife in good company at popular hangouts such as The Jazz Corner at the Village at Wexford, Ste C1 or Callahan's Sports Bar and Grill at 49 New Orleans Road.

Hilton Head Island is much more than just sun and spirits. (Think ghostly!) A trip to Coastal Discovery, the Museum of Hilton Head Island at 100 William Hilton Parkway reveals the history of the Lowcountry through a delightful and informative array of indoor/outdoor exhibits, programs, activities and tours. At Baynard Ruins in Sea Pines, The ruins of Braddock's Point Plantation House, Steam Canon at Port Royal, Cotton Hope Plantation, and Fort Mitchell, which is situated on a bluff overlooking Skull Creek you'll learn about an island that was built on much more than sunscreen and sand dollars. The Baynard Mausoleum was built in 1846 and is the oldest standing structure on Hilton Head Island. The remains of Revolutionary War soldiers are interred here.

Even the briefest of summaries would be remiss if they failed to include golf as a main attraction. The golf courses are legendary and there are twenty-three to choose from. Designed by some of the sports biggest names, i.e. Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, architect Tom Fazio, to name just a few, they present some of the worlds most challenging and acclaimed greenways.

In short, even a short visit is long on memories at Hilton Head Island. Whether you plan an itinerary that includes a sampling of all the must sees' the island has to offer or revel in the just doing nothing cadence of a simpler life you wont' soon forget the time you've spent here.

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