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Hilton Head Island, often referred to simply as Hilton Head, is a Lowcountry resort town located on the Atlantic coast of South Carolina. With a population of around 40,000 permanent residents, it is one of the largest barrier islands on the East Coast. Located about 20 miles north of Savannah, Georgia, Hilton Head Island is known for its expansive beaches, championship golf courses, upscale resorts, restaurants, nature preserves, and coastal charm. Though it attracts a significant influx of tourists and vacation home owners throughout the year, the island retains a family-friendly and quiet atmosphere compared to many other beach destinations.

History of Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island has a long and interesting history. Archaeologists have found evidence that Paleoindians lived on the island as far back as 10,000 BC. The sea level was much lower at that time, and the island was connected to the mainland. Native American tribes, including the Cusabo and Yamasee, settled on Hilton Head and used it for hunting and fishing. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers became the first Europeans to encounter the island. They named it "Cabo de Santa Elena" after a settlement they had established nearby.

For more information on the history of Hilton Head Island, visit the Hilton Head Island Wikipedia page.

Hilton Head Island saw very little development until the mid-20th century. In 1956, Charles Fraser purchased 19,000 acres on the island and established the Sea Pines Resort. He built a harbor, golf course, hotel, and roads, pioneering the master-planned vacation community concept. Rapid growth occurred through the 1980s and 1990s as more resort communities like Sea Pines were constructed and vacation homes and retirees flocked to the island. Today, tourism is the driving force behind Hilton Head's economy.

Demographics and Population

According to 2019 census estimates, Hilton Head Island has a year-round population of around 40,000 residents. However, this swells dramatically during the spring and summer beach season, with the population sometimes topping 150,000 on peak weekends. The racial makeup of Hilton Head Island is approximately 80% white, 15% African American, and 5% Hispanic or Latino.

Hilton Head Island is primarily a resort and retirement destination. Over half of households consist of people over the age of 65. The median age on the island is around 63. Many retirees are attracted to the warm climate, beaches, golf courses, amenities, and relaxed pace of island living. Nonetheless, Hilton Head retains a significant working population in hospitality, construction, retail, healthcare, education, and other service industries.

Attractions and Activities

Hilton Head Island offers an abundance of things to see and do for visitors of all ages and interests:

Beaches

With 12 miles of coastline, Hilton Head is renowned for its broad, sandy beaches. Popular public beach parks include Coligny Beach, Burkes Beach, Folly Field Beach, and Islanders Beach. These parks offer beach access, parking, restrooms, lifeguards, restaurants, shopping, and in some cases, seasonal events and kids activities.

Golf

Hilton Head Island is a world-class golf destination, with over 24 championship courses on the island. Many of these courses are located within private resort communities, like Harbour Town Golf Links inside Sea Pines Resort, designed by Pete Dye and host of the PGA Tour's RBC Heritage tournament. Public courses are also available, such as the Arthur Hills and Robert Trent Jones courses at Palmetto Dunes.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

In addition to beaches and golf, Hilton Head Island offers abundant opportunities for biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, sailing, and more. It has over 50 miles of hiking and biking trails, 300 tennis courts, 25 environmental preserves, and plenty of companies offering guided excursions and equipment rentals. Popular locations for outdoor recreation include Sea Pines Forest Preserve, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, and the coastal waters of Calibogue Sound.

Resort Communities

Hilton Head is comprised of dozens of gated resort plantations, many with golf courses, restaurants, pools, community centers, and private rentals. Some of the most well-known communities include Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, Shipyard Plantation, Port Royal Plantation, and Long Cove Club. Vacationers often rent villas or stay in hotels inside these resorts to enjoy the amenities and on-site activities.

Shopping and Dining

The island offers no shortage of places to shop and dine. Coligny Plaza near the public beach contains 60 stores, services, and eateries. There are also unique boutiques at Harbour Town and Shelter Cove Towne Centre. Grocery stores include Piggly Wiggly, Harris Teeter, Kroger, and Whole Foods Market. With over 250 restaurants, Hilton Head offers everything from five-star fine dining to casual beachfront bars and family-friendly cafes.

For more details on things to do, visit the Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau website.

Economy and Major Employers

As mentioned previously, tourism is the dominant industry on Hilton Head Island. According to the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, travel and tourism contribute over $1.5 billion annually to the local economy. The service sector - encompassing lodging, food service, recreation, retail, and healthcare - accounts for about 85% of the jobs on the island.

Major employers on Hilton Head Island include:

For more economic data, visit the Hilton Head Island website.

Transportation

The primary means of transportation on Hilton Head Island is by automobile. South Carolina Highways 278 and 170 provide access to the island via two toll bridges. There is limited public bus service (Palmetto Breeze) between the island, Bluffton, and Savannah Airport. Taxis, shuttle vans, limousines, bike rentals, and water taxis offer alternate means of getting around. The Hilton Head Island Airport serves private and chartered airplanes.

Government

Hilton Head Island operates under a council-manager style of government. The town has a Mayor and 6 Town Council members elected at-large. The Town Manager oversees daily operations and town services. See the Town of Hilton Head Island website for more information.

Hilton Head Island Town Hall
One Town Center Court
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 341-4600

Location and Geography

Hilton Head Island is located in the southernmost part of South Carolina, approximately 30 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia and 90 miles southwest of Charleston. It is situated in Beaufort County along the Atlantic Coast. Hilton Head comprises the southern tip of a sea island defined by the Port Royal Sound to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

The island has a land area of 42 square miles. It is approximately 12 miles long north to south, and 5 miles wide at its widest point. Sea Pines Resort occupies the southern third of the island. The marshy grasslands and pine forest are reminiscent of southern lowcountry environments. The climate is humid subtropical, with hot, humid summers and short, mild winters. The ocean helps moderate temperatures, making Hilton Head relatively comfortable year-round.

Education

Public education on Hilton Head Island is managed by the Beaufort County School District. Schools located on the island include:

See the Beaufort County School District website for more information on schools.

Higher education options include USCB Center for Excellence in Collaborative Learning, a branch of the University of South Carolina Beaufort located on the island.

Points of Interest

Some of the top landmarks and points of interest on Hilton Head Island include:

Harbour Town Lighthouse

This iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse overlooking Calibogue Sound inside Sea Pines Resort is one of the most photographed landmarks on Hilton Head. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views.

149 Lighthouse Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Coligny Beach

The most popular public beach on Hilton Head, Coligny Beach has convenient parking, shops, restaurants, and full amenities. It hosts many free events and concerts.

1 Coligny Circle, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

One of the island's most popular natural attractions, this preserve offers hiking, bird watching, and access to secluded beaches.

US-278, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Coastal Discovery Museum

This museum explores the natural history, cultural heritage, and ecology of the South Carolina lowcountry through interactive exhibits.

70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926