Hilton Head Island is famous for its twelve-mile stretch of glistening sands. However, a visit here is much more than a day at the beach. There’s golf — perhaps more quality courses and programs than anywhere else on earth, including, of course, the legendary Worldcom Classic Heritage of Golf tournament, one of the top events on the PGA tour. And don’t forget tennis. Hilton Head Island is a tennis mecca of epic proportions. Then, too, there’s fishing, biking, boating, shopping, rollerblading, horseback riding, nature watching, and artistic activities to explore, and 101 ways to get wet.
History and nature are inextricably mixed on Hilton Head Island. The first islanders were Indians who lived here as early as 4000 B.C., supported by the rich bounty of earth and sea. In 1664, the fertile land of the New World drew English sea captain William Hilton to explore the Island on behalf of a syndicate of Barbadian planters. His report was enthusiastic, and in honor of his pioneering explorations, the Island was christened Hilton’s Head —a reference to the headlands that marked the way into Port Royal Sound. However, it was not until the threat of the Spaniards to the south and the Indians to the west was quelled in the closing years of the 17th century, that English colonists would settle permanently in the area.

As the 18th century dawned, the Island prospered with large indigo and, later, rice plantations. But it was sea island cotton — first successfully cultivated in the 1780s — that made the planters wealthy beyond their dreams. By the mid-1800s, at the height of the plantation era, more than a dozen large land-owning families divided the Island’s riches among themselves.

The onset of the Civil War brought an abrupt end to the cotton dynasties. The fine homes and fertile fields of the planters were destroyed by occupying Union troops after what would prove to be the largest naval engagement of the entire war: the Battle of Port Royal. A freedman’s city, Mitchelville, sprang up briefly, but its life was short, and when the Union troops left, the Island returned to a long period of bucolic quiet, with those who remained making a modest living farming, fishing and oystering.

Hilton Head Island has something for everyone: golf, tennis, beaches, watersports, cultural events, shopping, fine dinning, and sophisticated resorts. In many ways, it’s the perfect vacation getaway destination. It’s easy to see how a family whose interests vary widely can be accommodated in one vacation to South Carolina’s Lowcountry. The Island will please beach lovers, with its 12 miles of sandy coastline, perfect for sunbathing, jogging, and bike riding. It’s a sport enthusiast’s dream with its world-renowned golf courses and tennis courts, not to mention nature walks, horseback riding, deep-sea fishing, and miles of bike paths for rollerblading, strolling or biking. Those who enjoy fine dining, shopping at outlet malls and antique stores will find more than enough to entertain themselves.

Highly developed, yet in harmony with nature, Hilton Head has no billboards, neon signs, roller coasters or skyscrapers. In fact, no building can be higher than the trees. Signage ordinances keep signs low key and unobtrusive. Only 35,000 permanent residents live on the island, along with wildlife such as deer, osprey, pelicans, alligators, herons, and near­-shore dolphins.

First-time visitors are encouraged to visit Hilton Head Island Welcome Center and Coastal Discovery Museum of Hilton Head, both located on the right soon after you’ve crossed the bridge onto the Island on U.S. 278 (William Hilton Parkway). All visitors will benefit from a visit to the Welcome Center. View the Hilton Head Island video for a quick orientation to the Island. Stroll out on the deck and marvel at the spectacular marsh view so typical of the beautiful South Carolina Lowcountry. Enjoy the art displays by local artists. Friendly information specialists will answer your questions and you may pick up maps and more information on the Island’s lodging, dining, shopping, golf, tennis, water sports and more.

Be sure to visit the Coastal Discovery Museum located in the Welcome Center. The museum features historical and ecological exhibits of Hilton Head Island’s colorful history and lush natural beauty and varied wildlife. Museum staff can tell you about upcoming environmental lectures and beach walks. Browse through the gift shop and make reservations for one of the historic or environmental tours hosted by Museum.

The Self Family Arts Center sponsors many ongoing activities and events. For information or a calendar of events, call the Council at (843)686-3945. The Coastal Discovery Museum sponsors nature walks, lectures and classes. For information call (843)689-3945.

The Hilton Head Island Jazz Society hosts “1st Sunday Jazz” on the first Sunday of each month. For information time and location, call the Jazz Hotline, (843)842-HHJS(4457). The Hilton Head Art League sponsors ongoing exhibitions, lectures and workshops. For information call (843)671-9009 and (843)842-1477.

The Island Recreation Center (843)681-7273), S.H.A.R.E. Senior Center (843)785-6444) and Kreation Station/Beaufort County Recreation Commission (843)842-5738) offer ongoing activities for adults and children including sports activities, outings, and classes in painting, photography, dance and crafts.

For up-to-date information on Hilton Head Island events, call (843)785-3673 or 800-523-3373.

The phone numbers and addresses for the Lowcountry Tourism Commission, and the Hilton Head Island Convention and Visitors Bureau are listed on the last page of this guidebook.

Enjoy your visit to Hilton Head Island, an internationally known playground and family vacation spot.