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Hilton Head Island:  The Perfect Family Destination
By Tom Roberts, Freelance Writer

 

A trip to Hilton Head, South Carolina is an annual vacation for many peoThe 18th hole at Harbour Town Gold Courseple living in the mid-West.  I have been going there for my annual vacation since I was old enough to walk.  Just twelve miles long and five miles wide, this small, boot shaped island has only one bridge connecting it to the mainland.  Although most visitors drive to Hilton Head, there are several airlines that fly to Savannah, which is only 35 miles away, and a few that offer flights on small aircraft to the island's only airport.

The island has grown substantially over the years but all the development has been managed well.  Rapid growth of the Island began in 1970, with the population growing from 2,500 to some 37,000+ year round residents in 2002.  A toll road called the 'Cross Island Parkway' has been added to reduce the commute from the beginning of the island to the South end.  This also reduces traffic on the main highway (278) that starts off the island from I-95 and ends at the first traffic circle.  A traffic circle?  Instead of a 4-way interchange, traffic circles are used in 3 places on the island.  They tend to improve traffic flow but can be unnerving for first-timers.

With its red and white striped light house Harbour Town is a landmark of Hilton Head Island.  Located within Sea Pines Plantation, Harbour Town hosts the annual MCI Heritage Golf Tournament.  The plethora of bike trails circumnavigating the island makes renting bicycles a popular activity.  It's worth the ride to Harbour Town to see boats pull into the marina and play on the island's biggest (and best) playground.  There is also plenty of shopping and restaurants within a short walk.  

Many tourists are drawn to the Hilton Head by the numerous golf courses.  There are 24 on the island and another 22 located nearby on the mainland.  Several of these courses have holes that run along the beach, including the 'Famous 15th' of the Sea Marsh course in Sea Pines.  This par 3 hole gives the illusion that you are hitting your ball into the ocean.  For a golf course the whole family can enjoy, visit one of the five miniature golf courses on the island.

Hilton head boasts over 12 miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean Beach and numerous bays, creeks, riThe beach at Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort.vers and sounds.  When visiting, pay attention to the tide schedule as high tide eats up much of the beach at its peak.  Low tide, however, provides a large beach with plenty of room for throwing a Frisbee, bike riding, kite flying, and building sand castles.  Don't expect big waves while swimming, though. You'll rarely see anyone trying to surf but there's usually enough wind for sailing and windsurfing.  While enjoying the beach, keep your eyes open for dolphins which can often be seen within 25-50 yards of the shore. 

Don't expect to find many shells on the beaches of Hilton Head.  However, some beaches are perfect spots to go crabbing.  Crabs won't be found around beaches that are popular for swimming.  They tend to prefer the waters around marinas and piers.  A perfect spot is at South Beach in Sea Pines.  There is a rocky pier that marks the beginning of the South Beach Marina.  Preferably during low tide, it is easy to catch crabs by using kite string, a small weight, and a chicken neck as bait.  Simply throw the line out 10-15 feet and slowly pull the line in.  As it gets closer, you will feel a crab (or two) tugging on the bait.  As the crab comes into view, scoop it up with a net and do your best to drop it in a bucket filled with sea water.  The most difficult part could be untangling the crab from your net.   

Hilton Head Island is most popular during the summer months, between Memorial Day and Labor Day.  It is usually sunny but pop-up rain showers are common during any week.  The water temperature of the ocean is warm and comfortable during the summer months.

Whether you enjoy playing golf, riding a bike or simply relaxing on the beach, Hilton Head Island has something for everyone.

 

**All Photos by Tom Roberts

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