2020 OFFICIAL VACA T I O N P L A N N E R
H I LTO N H E A D I S L A N D • B LU F F TO N • DAU F US K I E I S L A N D
L AY O F T H E L A N D • N AT U R E / W I L D L I F E
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It is so go o d that we ca n develo p an area a nd still have these speci e s th a t are no t o nly an ins p i ra ti o n and a great sigh t, but als o play a ro le i n the enviro nm e n t.
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ilton Head Island, awardwinning for its inviting beaches, topflight recreation and premier resorts, also holds the outstanding designation as one of the country’s first resort destinations to account for preservation of the natural environment in its master design plan. Moreover, it’s one of the country’s few municipalities to be named as an Audubon International Certified Sustainable Community. As a guiding principle of development, the town government, developers and planners are dedicated to the guardianship of all natural resources — water, land and wildlife. Amid Hilton Head Island’s sand dunes, freshwater wetlands, salt marshes and maritime forests, some of the resident wildlife includes bottlenose dolphins, alligators, loggerhead sea turtles and a rich variety of more than 220 species of birds. You’ll spot manatees in the
summer and bald eagles in the winter, and you’re likely to see white-tailed deer, egrets and sea otters. Bird watchers come to Hilton Head Island just to catch a glimpse of the neotropical migrant birds known as painted buntings. Other migratory birds, such as the endangered red knots, use the island as a stopping point along their journey. Callawassie Island, a nearby Lowcountry river island with hundreds of Backyard Wildlife Habitats, was the first Certified Wildlife Habitat Community in the state. Great egrets and great blue herons abound, and bald eagles have nested on Callawassie for many years. “It is so good that we can develop an area and still have these species that are not only an inspiration and a great sight, but also play a role in the environment,” says Carlos Chacon, manager of natural history at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn.
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V I E W F R O M T H E WAT E R Discover the natural beauty of Hilton Head Island with Outside Hilton Head. Family friendly offerings include guided kayak tours, dolphin watching trips and fishing excursions. The island’s successful management of loggerhead sea turtle nesting season has led to loggerheads nesting in record numbers in recent years — in fact, 2019 saw 463 nests, the highest number of sea turtle nests in the island’s history. Dawn Brut, the museum’s curator of education, encourages everyone to be aware of the nesting season. To help hatchlings along their journey “home” to the ocean, follow the Turtle Tips listed on the next page.
TO THE RESCUE The Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island are on a mission to protect the island's loggerheads. Just after dawn, a bevy of baby sea turtles scoots across the beach, rushing from their nursery in the sand toward their ocean home. Every year, their mothers lay about 120 eggs in their nests and return to the ocean off of Hilton Head Island. These tiny endangered hatchlings find protection and care on our beaches, thanks to the volunteers of the Hilton Head Sea Turtle Patrol. The volunteers say that they feel called to a purpose — to help these beautiful animals retain their habitat, to survive and thrive. To educate the public about the endangered and threatened sea turtles, The Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn offers Adopt-A-Nest program where residents and visitors can become sea turtle “parents” and follow the progress of their adopted baby turtle from hatching to their home in the ocean.
TURTLE TIPS Re si d e n ts a n d v i si tors he l p b y follow i n g th e se “ tur tl e rul e s ”: • Keep flashlights, cell phone lights and other white lights off the beach after 10 p.m. • Turn off outside lights of beachfront residences at 10 p.m., and cover interior lights that can be seen from the beach. • Stand far back from sea turtle nests and hatchlings. • Throw away all trash on the beach. • After your day at the beach, stow away your tent and fill in any holes in the sand.
Photography courtesy of Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island
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L AY O F T H E L A N D • N AT U R E / W I L D L I F E Charles Fraser, the island’s original resort developer, had a vision of establishing Hilton Head Island as an exceptional resort community while maintaining the natural beauty of the Lowcountry surroundings. Since the development of The Sea Pines Resort, his vision has been preserved over the past five decades. Thanks to that foresight, visitors today and in the future can experience this unique island that marries development and conservation.
Many of our island’s native animals are especially active at dusk, dawn and nighttime. If you spot wildlife in the roadway, slow down, blink your lights several times and beep your horn.
Dolphin Cruise Mermaid of Hilton Head offers the Dolphin Experience Boat Tour to see dolphins in their natural environment. Learn how to identify them, see props like a dolphin skull and touch a replica dolphin fin to experience what a dolphin feels like. You can also enjoy this experience at sunset with a Sunset Dolphin Cruise. All tours take place on a covered boat that sits low to the water. mermaidofhiltonhead.com 843.271.6441
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Explore the Island Island Explorer guides guests on personalized dolphin and nature ecotours. Visit Vanishing Island™ to comb the sandbars for shells and sand dollars. See nature up close on our 2-Hour Dolphin Encounter or our affordable 1-Hour Discovery Experience. Soak in the beauty on our Sunset Dolphin Cruise. Dolphins on every excursion! DolphinToursHiltonHead.com/BestDeals • 843.785.2100
Connect by Water See Hilton Head Island and exciting nearby locales from the water on an Outside Hilton Head destination tour. The Daufuskie History and Artisans Excursion includes a round-trip interpretive dolphin and nature cruise to the island, along with a golf cart tour of historic sites and artists’ studios on Daufuskie. Old Town Bluffton is the destination on The Bluffton Experience, where you’ll visit nineteenth-century homes and churches, the popular Bluffton Farmers Market, historic Bluffton Oyster Factory and enjoy a relaxing round trip boat ride from Hilton Head Island. Looking for something totally different? Explore the Savannah River on a boating tour of the Georgia Port Terminal or Savannah National Wildlife Refuge with one of Outside’s professional captain guides. outsidehiltonhead.com • outsidesav.com • 843.686.6996
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• NIGHTLIFE
A f te r a day at the b each, Hilto n Head Island’s nigh tli fe is just the rig ht mix o f relax atio n and fun. By Justin Jarrett
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f you’re looking for a lively night out, there’s no better place than “The Triangle” on the island’s south end. Here, several restaurants and bars converge to form Hilton Head Island’s most happening spot for after-hours fun. Revelers can bounce between the outdoor bars at One Hot Mama’s and Reilley’s. Beer lovers flock to The Lodge, which offers 36 craft beers in addition to a full complement of craft cocktails like the Gummy Bear Martini. For a sophisticated evening, explore WiseGuys’ list of more than 200 wines from around the world. Or sidle up to
the bar at Lucky Rooster, where expert mixologists create unique cocktails. On draft, they offer “speakeasy” cocktails, featuring a wide range of Kentucky bourbons and local Bulrush Gin, a Lowcountry favorite. For the best views, grab a drink by the water. Your best bets? Skull Creek Boathouse and Skull Creek Dockside, which overlook Skull Creek (naturally!). The Ocean Lounge at Coast offers an extensive collection of specialty cocktails and a selection of Lowcountry craft beers brewed from Charleston to Ridgeland. Should you find yourself on Hilton
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Head Island during the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing, pay a visit to Harbour Town, where you just might find yourself clinking glasses with a PGA TOUR golfer at The Quarterdeck or The Crazy Crab. When you’re on island time, you don’t have to wait until dark to find a good time. Happy hour is a way of life, with afternoon specials just about everywhere. Check out the $5 specialty organic cocktails from Java Burrito Co. every day from 4-6 p.m., or visit Poseidon’s Rooftop Bar to watch the sun disappear over Broad Creek.
Where Nightlife Shines ENJOY THE BEACH VIBES ALL NIGHT LONG, WITH TWO GREAT SPOTS SERVING UP BREWS, BARS AND BANDS.
Porch Southern Kitchen and Bar The perfect blend of delicious food, genuine hospitality and a laidback atmosphere, inside and out. Enjoy the casual menu of Southern and Lowcountry favorites with the beach as the backdrop to indoor and alfresco dining. Come evening, the outdoor firepit is perfect for gathering with family or friends. beachhousehhi.com • 843.785.2900
Legendary Tiki Hut An icon since 1977, Hilton Head Island’s legendary barefoot beach bar is the place to go for relaxing and socializing. Kick back with toes in sand, drink in hand, and watch pros play beach volleyball. Groove to live music and entertainment year round, from reggae and funk to country and Top 40 cover bands. Monthly, themed Full Moon parties and holiday events on the beach keep things lively year round. For beach and bands, it doesn’t get any better than this. beachhousehhi.com • 843.785.2900 HILTO NHE AD I SLAN D.ORG •
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• OUTDOORS/ACTIVITIES
ON TWO WHEELS To f u lly take in th e n a tura l side of Hilton Hea d Is l a nd , pack a p icn ic a n d hop on a bike .
NEED A BIKE? Island vacationers can find bikes at Hilton Head Outfitters, LowSea Bike, Beach & Baby Rental and Hilton Head Bicycle Co.
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H I LT O N H E A D I S L A N D B E AC H A N D B I K E M A P MULTI-USE PATHWAYS GATED COMMUNITY TRAIL Skull Creek Area Marinas
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*SEA PINES TRAILS All bikers have to pay an entrance fee and bikes must be transported into Sea Pines on a vehicle. Exceptions: guests with passes, renting or staying inside The Sea Pines Resort.
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ooled by island breezes and shaded by a canopy of trees, Hilton Head’s pathways make it easy to get to any of the eight public-access beaches. There are 60+ miles of public pathways and also 12 miles of bikeable beach to explore. Use this map to find your closest beach — and the trails to get you there. For more on each destination, turn the page for our eight-beach roundup. HILTO NHE AD I SLAN D.ORG •
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YO U R S P O T O N T H E S A N D
FISH HAUL BEACH PARK 124 Mitchelville Rd. Strolling down this park’s secluded trails, birders find migrating and local shorebirds before spying crabs in the salt marshes.
ISLANDERS BEACH PARK 94 Folly Field Rd. This family-friendly destination features a shady playground, picnic pavilion, bike racks and walking paths.
FOLLY FIELD BEACH PARK 55 Starfish Dr. Centrally located in the middle of the island’s beaches, Folly Field Beach Park is an ideal access point for surfers. Get in on the action, or enjoy watching long- and short-boarders.
DRIESSEN BEACH PARK 64 Bradley Beach Rd. Here, visitors meander down a winding boardwalk that opens to a wide-shoreline beach. Great for groups, the site features vending, a picnic pavilion and outdoor showers.
BURKES BEACH 60 Burkes Beach Rd. Here, you have it all: Bikers enjoy wide, firm beaches that open up at low tide; surfers love the waves; and walkers can stroll over to the adjacent Chaplin Community Park.
CHAPLIN COMMUNITY PARK 11 Cast Net Dr. With access to Burkes Beach, Chaplin Community Park has amenities ranging from nature trails, tennis and basketball courts to a dog park, where your furry friend can run off-leash.
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COLIGNY BEACH PARK 1 Coligny Cir. One of the island’s most popular destinations is a quick stroll to restaurants, unique shops and bars. With beach volleyball, a kids’ splash pad, swings and Wi-Fi, this beach is a stay-all-day option.
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ALDER LANE BEACH 2 Woodward Ave. Those who discover this south end beach, next to Marriott Grande Ocean Resort, say fewer people are its largest draw. You’ll find amenities like restrooms, outdoor showers and accessibility matting.
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FALL LOWCOUNTRY 2020 CELEBRATION PARK 102 Pope Ave. With a ship-themed playground, this is sure to be a kid-favorite when it opens in fall 2020. Explore walking trails, exercise stations and The Sandbox Children’s Museum — just a block from the beach.
For more detailed information on our beaches, visit hiltonheadisland.org/see-do/beaches.
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Metered Parking
Illustrations by Steve Stankiewicz
Dog illustration by iStock
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B I K I N G T I P S O N H I LT O N H E A D I S L A N D Wi th our la i d - b a ck v i b e a n d specta cul a r s ce ne ry, i t ’s eas y to get lost in the beauty of the moment. Be sure to keep your e ye s on th e ro a d . S a fe ty f i rst, pi cture s la te r ! • Obey all traffic signals and pathway markings, including stop signs.
flashlight. Bicycles must have a red rear reflector and a headlight.
• Yield to pedestrians on pathways. • Ride single file and keep a safe distance from other bicyclists. • When biking at night, wear light-colored clothing or carry a
• When biking on the beach, check the tides and be sure to bike during low tide. • For more information on places to explore by bike, visit culturehhi.org/ cultural-trail-map/.
Head to the Coast South Carolina’s coastal state parks offer plenty of ways to get outdoors. Hunting Island State Park has many activities that put visitors in touch with the state’s natural beauty. Hike or bike along eight miles of trails, go for an ocean swim, or fish from Johnson Creek or the beach. Try bird watching, paddling, climbing the lighthouse, camping and special programs and events for even more fun. Come out and play! southcarolinaparks.com
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• OUTDOORS/ACTIVITIES
Water Play Family-owned outfitter Sea Monkeys Watersports offers activities and excursions that put you in touch with the Lowcountry’s aquatic paradise. Choose from half- and full-day boat rentals, kayaks, jet skis, paddleboards and dolphin tours. For a fun family outing, try a Sea Monkeys guided nature tour by kayak, paddleboard or jet ski. Their location on Skull Creek is accessible to Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge and explorations of local waterways and wildlife. seamonkeyshhi.com • 843.842.4754
Mermaid Magic Mermaid of Hilton Head brings the charm of these mystical creatures to life. Go out on an adventure with Pinky Plankton and find a real mermaid in the wild, then help save Mermaid Nina from Professor Al G on the Mermaid Encounter Boat Tour. You'll get to see dolphins and other wildlife on this educational and magical experience. You can turn into a mermaid on the beach with the Mermaid Experience and Photoshoot to capture your mermaid memories forever. mermaidofhiltonhead.com • 843.271.6441
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PA L M E T T O D U N E S OCEANFRONT RESORT
Hilton Head Outfitters Hilton Head Outfitters, home to the island’s largest bike rental fleet, is conveniently located in Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort on the bank of an 11-mile lagoon. Choose from beach cruisers, geared bikes, tandem bikes, youth bikes, kid carts, jogging strollers, three-wheeler bikes and bike equipment. Additional items for rent include kayaks, canoes, fishing equipment, surfboards, ocean paddleboards and chairs and umbrellas. No-hassle delivery is also available for stays three nights and longer. hiltonheadoutfitters.com • 877.567.6506.
Less Pack, More Play LowSea Bike, Beach & Baby Rental wants its customers to make the most of island time. Vacationers choose from a host of high-quality bike, beach and baby gear — from cribs and high chairs to towels and tandems — all clean, quality-tested and with free delivery and pick-up to most locations. hiltonheadbikerental.com • 843.384.9322
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• OUTDOORS /ACTIVITIES
Big Fun for All Ages The Sandbox Children’s Museum offers a carefully prepared, stimulating environment where children up to age 12 and their caregivers can play and learn together. Interactive exhibits and programming inspire creativity while fostering hands-on learning. Join the fun at their Hilton Head Island and Bluffton locations. thesandbox.org • HHI: 843.842.7645 • Bluffton: 843.705.6235
Wheel Around See the island up close with Hilton Head Bicycle Company. Combine fun and fitness and enjoy the beautiful natural settings of the island’s parks and preserves. The entire family can join in — adult tricycles, training wheels, Weehoo attachments and more are available. Weekly and threeday rentals can be delivered to your accommodations. hiltonheadbicycle.com • 843.686.6888
Ultimate Family Adventure One of the area’s leading outfitters for more than 40 years, Outside Hilton Head connects visitors and locals to exceptional places, products and experiences. High quality tours, clinics and programs are offered daily from several convenient locations. “Your Day, Your Way” is the motto for their signature program, The Ultimate Lowcountry Day. This customized excursion offers endless options for your family, including backwater boating, dolphin watching, kayaking, paddleboarding, tubing, fishing, dock jumping, beachcombing or exploring Page Island, Outside’s private island. There’s no better way to experience the Lowcountry’s nature, history and culture. outsidehiltonhead.com • 843.686.6996
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Ride in Style Hilton Head SpeedBoat Tours delivers an ecotour to remember. You and a guest will captain a snappy two-person racing boat, while an experienced guide leads you on a 30-mile marine adventure. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including dolphins, wading birds, sea otters and bald eagles in their natural habitats. It’s an intimate glimpse into a fascinating ocean environment, punctuated by tales from your guide of local island lore. hiltonheadspeedboattours.com • 843.715.1453
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• DINING
Immersive Adventures From lighthouse tours spanning multiple islands to magnificent eco-adventures, Hilton Head Helicopter Tours has been taking vacations to new heights for more than 20 years. Last year, the Adventure Center leveled up by adding a new way to explore: a virtual reality arcade. Whether you’re spotting fauna from the air or battling zombies in 3-D, adventure is the name of the game. adventurehhi.com • 843.505.7182 HILTO NHE AD I SLAN D.ORG •
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• G O LF
LOWC OU NT RY ’S LE GACY H ilto n H ead Isla n d’s un ique se n se of p lace ex tends to the golf course . By Ron Green Jr.
Harbour Town Golf Links at The Sea Pines Resort, 18th hole
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RBC Heritage at The Sea Pines Resort
Photo courtesy of Heritage Classic Foundation
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ike fingerprints and snowflakes, golf destinations are unique. Some bustle with energy, others move like a slow afternoon in a hammock. Then there is Hilton Head Island, where golf and a sense of place come together to create a mossdraped tapestry that brings together the best the game offers — beautiful and beguiling courses that cater to players of all skill levels for a day, a week or a lifetime. Whether it’s an iron shot over a lagoon or a tee shot threaded between parallel canopies of live oaks, golf on Hilton Head Island brings together the game’s most endearing elements in a setting like few others. Golf on and around Hilton Head Island comes with a built-in vibe, a Lowcountry rhythm that practically pulses through the salt-scented air, whether it’s at the world famous (and justifiably so) Harbour Town Golf Links, at one of the three courses at the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort or any of the other 20 nearby courses.
The golf world tunes in every April when the PGA TOUR’s RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing is played at Harbour Town, and the game’s best players come not just for the tournament but for the feeling that comes with being on Hilton Head Island.
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Golf on and around Hilton Head Island comes with a built-in vibe, a Lowcountry rhythm that practically pulses through the salt-scented air.
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The image of the red-and-white striped Harbour Town lighthouse has become an instantly recognizable image to golf fans around the world who have become acquainted with Hilton Head Island through television
coverage over nearly 50 years. “This is probably my favorite event to come to of the year,” says PGA TOUR pro Kevin Kisner. “It's so relaxing after the Masters. It's a cool place to come, bring your families, and just hang out.” Ditto from Davis Love III, a five-time winner at Harbour Town. “There are so many things that make this a special place,” Love says. Depending on what you want from a golf perspective, the Hilton Head Island area offers it. No two courses are alike and no two communities are the same. The first golf course on the island – the Ocean Course at Sea Pines – opened in 1962, just 10 years after electricity had come to Hilton Head Island. It was followed soon with further golf development at Palmetto Dunes and Port Royal Plantation, gradually weaving golf into the Hilton Head Island lifestyle. Like seashells and beach walks, golf is near the heart of the Hilton Head Island experience. HILTO NHE AD I SLAN D.ORG •
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P L A N YO U R T R I P O n H i l t o n H e a d I s l a n d , t h e re ’s a g o l f c o u r s e t o s u i t e v e r y p r e fe r e n c e . B e s t o f a l l , m o s t o p t i o n s a re a v a i l a b l e t o e v e r y o n e , g i v i n g y o u p l e n t y o f c h o i c e s a s y o u s e a rc h fo r t h e b e s t f i t fo r y o u r n e x t o u t i n g .
Plantation Golf Club at The Sea Pines Resort
Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
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THE HILTON HEAD ISLAND EXPERIENCE
The Sea Pines Resort: For groups or individuals intent on getting the full Hilton Head Island golf experience, nothing beats a round at the Harbour Town Golf Links at The Sea Pines Resort, home of the PGA TOUR’s annual RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing. “It’s funny, every Tour player I play with says, ‘I wish we had more places like it,’” says PGA TOUR star Kevin Kisner. Don’t miss Harbour Town’s sister courses — Atlantic Dunes, which was recently revamped by Davis Love III, and the Pete Dye-designed Heron Point. Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort: Palmetto Dunes’ three courses are among the most popular collections on South Carolina’s golf-rich coast. The Robert Trent Jones course is annually ranked among the state’s top courses. The George Fazio course is a stern test, while the Arthur Hills course offers a true Lowcountry experience. Heritage Golf Collection: If you’re looking for choice and variety, this is your answer. With a total of 81 holes, you and your group can choose between six courses across three clubs – Shipyard, Port Royal and Oyster Reef – not to mention relaxing dining options to start or end your game.
T H E 1 9 TH H O L E
Brigantine Course at Shipyard Golf Club
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• Brickyard Pub – At Shipyard Golf Club, don’t miss daily Happy Hour specials. Try the signature wings paired with a pint of Guinness. For heartier fare, consider fish and chips or a bowl of house-made chili.
FUN FOR ALL
Hilton Head National Golf Club: Just off the island in Bluffton, this is a long-time favorite among golfers, thanks to its playerfriendly greens. Old South Golf Links: Just over the bridges in Bluffton, this course graces the Intracoastal Waterway, offering striking views along with a fair, fun test. Other courses worth a visit include Oyster Reef, Bear Creek Golf Club, Dolphin Head, the Country Club of Hilton Head and Golden Bear Golf Links.
Illustration by iStock
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Old South Golf Links
• Fraser’s Tavern – At the Plantation Golf Clubhouse, Fraser’s offers a selection of craft beers, a tavern inspired menu and great golf views. • LagerHead Tavern – A seasonal menu features Southern food with a twist at this Oyster Reef Golf Club spot. Try the grilled oysters, plucked from the nearby May River and shucked fresh for every order.
HOME COURSE ADVANTAGE
If Hilton Head Island is more than a getaway spot, the area offers a rich assortment of golf-oriented communities, many of which feature private clubs. Long Cove Club and Sea Pines Country Club are in the heart of the island, while Colleton River, Berkeley Hall and Belfair are among the top neighborhoods in the Bluffton area. Ron Green Jr. has covered golf for more than 30 years, including nearly 90 major championships, and is the president of the Golf Writers Association of America.
Lo o ki ng for a way t o cel eb rat e a good rou nd ? C o n s i d e r t hese local fa vo r i t es.
Golden Bear Golf Club at Indigo Run
• Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers & Pizza – At the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course in Palmetto Dunes, sit at an outdoor table overlooking the course and focus your attention on the wide-screen TVs showing the day’s can’t-miss games.
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• GOLF
PA L M E T T O D U N E S OCEANFRONT RESORT
World-Class Golf For more than four decades, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort has been a favorite place to play on Hilton Head Island. Renowned for pristine course conditions and challenging layouts, the three golf courses at the resort have been rated four stars or more by Fodor’s Golf Digest and ranked among the World’s Best Golf Resorts by Travel + Leisure. Home to one of only three oceanfront holes on Hilton Head Island, the Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course appeals to novices and experienced players alike. As breezes roll in from the Atlantic, holes play differently each time the wind changes at this Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Golf carts equipped with Visage GPS enhance your game on the course with 3D graphics, yardage figures and real-time tournament tracking. Widely regarded as the most challenging public golf course on Hilton Head Island, the George Fazio Golf Course is relatively young, with state-of-the-art Diamond Zoysia greens, tree-lined fairways on the front nine and a tighter, more strategic back nine.
Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course
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Arthur Hills Golf Course
Palmetto Dunes’ third course, Arthur Hills Golf Course, takes full advantage of the Lowcountry’s coastal beauty. Spot one of the area’s most historic lighthouses, plus thick palmettos, a network of lagoons, deer and dozens of species of birds along this precision-play layout. Named one of Golf Digest’s top-10 destinations for buddy trips, Palmetto Dunes’ courses and amenities are great for groups. The Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy is a leader in lessons, clinics and hands-on programming. Buy custom, handbuilt clubs thanks to the data-driven SwingFit. Plus, pro shops at each of the resort’s courses carry golf apparel and gear to ensure a great game. Start planning your golf getaway at palmettodunes.com. 877.567.6506
George Fazio Golf Course
Arthur Hills Golf Course
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• G O LF
Oyster Reef 6th hole, par 3
Unforgettable Game Home to 81 holes of award-winning, championship golf throughout six courses and three distinctive and scenic clubs, The Heritage Golf Collection on Hilton Head Island offers something for avid golfers and beginners alike. Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club is nestled along the coastline, with courses featuring newly resurfaced greens, multiple water hazards and Civil War battle history. Savvy locals have dubbed Oyster Reef Golf Club the “Dream 18” for its Rees Jones–designed course, and golfers of all skill levels enjoy the three nine-hole courses of Shipyard Golf Club. Each club has its own pro shop with large selections of all the latest golf equipment, apparel and accessories needed to round out a first-rate golf experience. hiltonheadgolf.net • 843.681.1750
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A Fine Round The secret is out: Just a mile from the bridges to and from Hilton Head Island is a gem of a golf course. Hilton Head National Golf Club is one of the most player-friendly courses in the Lowcountry. But that doesn’t mean easy. Locals know not to overlook — or underestimate — its charms. Designed by Gary Player with an assist from former PGA design consultant Bobby Weed, the front and back nine offer fun for the weekend warrior, with challenges for serious golfers. Ample greens are fringed by tall pines and live oaks, with enough marshland to keep things interesting. The signature feature? Number 6 — one of Weed’s ultimate risk/ reward opportunities. Celebrate — or commiserate — after a round at The Player’s Pub. hiltonheadnational.com • 843.842.5900 HILTO NHE ADI SLAN D.ORG •
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VisitHiltonHead
Photo courtesy of Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course, 10th Hole Edward C. Robison III, Photographer
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