10 Things You Need to Know About Hilton Head Before Visiting

Before you visit Hilton Head Island for the first time, there are a few things you should know. Here are ten (10) to note before making your trip to the island.

There are over 50 miles of paved paths for biking on Hilton Head. Easily ride to the beach or across the island and park it at one of 10,000 bike racks. If you don’t have your own bike, rent one from one of the numerous facilities in the area. Just remember to follow the rules of the road.

No pets allowed on the beach between 10am to 5pm from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Many places to stay allows dogs, but be sure to ask the facilities for their specific rules.

There are things to do even if it rains in Hilton Head Island. Here are some things to check out:

• Visit the public library. The Hilton Head Island Branch Library is a great one to visit.
• Catch a flick. Catch a flick at Northridge Cinema 10, Park Plaza Cinema Hilton Head Island, or Coligny Theatre.
• Pick up a movie from a kiosk at a local store.
• Visit the live theater. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina offers dramas and plays.
• Shop till you drop. Although not on the island, Tanger Outlets Hilton Head is only a few minutes away.
• Coastal Discovery Museum. Exhibits and special programs for all ages.
• Take your kids to The Sandbox, an interactive children’s museum.
• Hit some pins at Station 300. It’s off the island a little, but still close.

Source: IslandPacket.com

Hilton Head Island isn’t just for adults. There are plenty of things for kids, too. Check them out:

• Mini golf
• Dolphin or nature cruise
• Coastal Discovery Museum
• The Sandbox (good for kids under 8)
• Hilton Head Skate-Park
• One of the many nature preserves
• Ride a bike
• Visit a park
• Virtual reality at Atomic VR Arcade
• Helicopter ride at Hilton Head Helicopter

Harbour Town and the Lighthouse (the heart of The Sea Pines Resort). These tend to be the most memorable places when visitors think about Hilton Head.

Golf is probably one of the most widely played sports on the island (along with tennis). The island boasts of 24 championship courses designed by renowned golfers such Pete Dye, Arthur Hills, George Fazio Course, and Robert Trent.

RELATED: Golf courses in and near Hilton Head Island, SC

The roads in the Sea Pines resort are not owned by county or state. Instead, they are owned and operated by Community Service Associates (CSA) in Sea Pines. When you enter the gate ($9 for access) you enter a PUD (Planned Unit Development). Limited general visitors can enter the gate upon paying this fee. Sea Pines resort stayers receive a complementary access pass.

Hilton Head has free parks for you to visit. Take a look and stop by if you have some time to kill:

• Coligny Beach
• Gregg Russell Harbour Town Playground
• Folly Field Beach Park
• Shelter Cove Community Park
• Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
• Mitchelville Freedom Park
• Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
• Sea Pines Forest Preserve
• Shelter Cove Towne Centre
• Burkes Beach
• Jarvis Creek Park
• Hilton Head Island Beach
• Audubon Newhall Preserve

RELATED: The 8 public marinas on Hilton Head Island

American Alligators make their habitats around Hilton Head. During the summer when they’re out, start at least 60 feet away and don’t provoke the animal. During winter, they hibernate in freshwater ponds and lagoons, often digging down into the mud. As a tip, don’t swim in small freshwater bodies of water. Alligators are attracted to splashes thinking it’s an injured prey animal.