As I’ve aged, I’ve gravitated towards calm and peace as much as possible. After all, drama will find you; there is no need to go looking for it.
I seek out happy places, and for me, Hilton Head Island is a true gem. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend this family-friendly destination. Whether you fly down to Savannah, Charlotte, or Hilton Head airport and rent a car or make the 14-hour drive from Fairfield County, Hilton Head does not disappoint. From the serene salt marshes to the extensive stretch of Atlantic Ocean beaches, opportunities for peace, calm, and low country goodness await you.
One of the things I love about Hilton Head Island is its family-friendly atmosphere. This year, we had four generations of family members staying in a rented house together, and we all had plenty to do.
The number of kid-friendly bike trails is incredible. You can thoroughly explore your surroundings by bike. Whether on their bikes or attached by buggy to the back of their bikes, toddlers and teens have miles of trails to enjoy, including ponds, marshes, beaches, and stores.
We stay in the Sea Pines area, where a short ride is rewarded by a trip to Harbour Town for some ice cream. Harbour Town has several great restaurants, including the Quarterdeck Market, Crazy Crab (with craveable hush puppies), and Harbourside, all offering options at varying price points with kid-friendly options. Just lock your bike up on one of the many bike racks, and you are on your way to a day of fun!
This year we also tried the Old Oyster Factory a 20 -minute drive. The sunset views from the outdoor deck were second to none, and my kids tried oysters for the first time! Another family-friendly area is Shelter Cove. The Shelter Cove area offers Tuesday evening fireworks and outdoor entertainment for families to enjoy. You can stroll along the marina, shop at local stores, and enjoy music and children’s musical entertainers. It’s a beautiful and safe setting for all, one that holds dear memories for my family. Be sure to take a picture with the King Neptune statue!
Shopping is also abundant on Hilton Head Island. From small local shops to the Tanger outlet centers, if you like to shop, you will find a plethora of options. Need a $5 magnet? You’ll find it. Want a $200 purse or a $300 vase? You’ll find that, too! The mix of shops is what makes it such a perfect place to shop for all generations.
The Hilton Head Shirt Co. has a wide selection of souvenir shirts and sweatshirts that my kids love to browse through. I love the southern hospitality of the local shop owners in Shelter Cove at Treasure Island and Neptune’s Niche. Since this year we drove down, there was plenty of room in the car for Hilton Head Island shopping treasures!
The beach is simply breathtaking, with miles of gorgeous views of the ocean, sand, and nature. In my opinion, it is much less crowded than other popular vacation spots, and the waves are mesmerizing and calming. Bring some sand toys, and your kids will have hours of fun. Ocean temperatures are refreshingly warm, and you can get to many beach access points by car or bike. New this year were small parking fees at some access points, but they were well worth it and probably overdue.
The wildlife and nature on Hilton Head Island are everywhere. The landscape is beautifully maintained and offers bird lovers, alligator enthusiasts, and nature lovers countless encounters with the best of what nature has to offer. We were blessed to have a deer family stroll through our backyard every night, and a wide variety of birds graced us with their presence.
Did I mention there is some golf there, too? I am not a golfer, but several of my family members are, and HHI is known for its top-notch golf courses and famous golf tournaments. Even though I don’t golf, the courses are still stunning to look at and enjoy.
I prefer to do some shopping, grab a delicious smoothie from Smooth (peanut butter and jelly was a family hit this year), and chill poolside until the golfers get home.
