Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island or Hilton Head is a town (located on an island of the same name) in Beaufort County, South Carolina, United States. It is 20 miles (32 km) north of Savannah, Georgia, and 95 miles (153 km) south of Charleston. The island features 12 miles (19 km) of beachfront on the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular vacation destination. In 2004, an estimated 2.25 million visitors pumped more than $1.5 billion into the local economy. The year-round population was 75,504 at the 2000 census, although during the peak of summer vacation season the population can swell to 275,000. Over the past decade, the island's population growth rate was 32%.

The island has a rich history that started with seasonal occupation by native Americans thousands of years ago, and continued with European exploration and the Sea Island Cotton trade. It became an important base of operations for the Union blockade of the Southern ports during the Civil War. Once the island fell to Union troops, hundreds of ex-slaves flocked to Hilton Head, which is still home to many 'native islanders', many of whom are descendants of freed slaves known as the Gullah (or Geechee) who have managed to hold onto much of their ethnic and cultural identity.

The Town of Hilton Head Island incorporated as a municipality in 1983 and is well known for its "eco-friendly" development. The Town's Natural Resources Division enforces the Land Management Ordinance which minimizes the impact of development and governs the style of buildings and how they are situated amongst existing trees. As a result, Hilton Head Island enjoys an unusual amount of tree cover relative to the amount of development. Approximately 70% of the island, including most of the tourist areas, is located inside gated communities. However, the Town maintains several public beach access points, including one for the exclusive use of town residents, who have approved several multi-million dollar land-buying bond referendums to control commercial growth.

Hilton Head Island offers an unusual number of cultural opportunities for a community its size, including Broadway-quality plays at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, the 120 member full chorus of the Hilton Head Choral Society, the highly-rated Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, the largest annual outdoor, tented wine tasting event on the east coast, and several other annual community festivals. It also hosts the Verizon Heritage, a stop on the PGA Tour which is played on the Harbour Town Golf Links in Sea Pines Resort.

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Hilton Head Island Beach Rentals Save You Money

Renting a beach vacation home in Hilton Head Island can save you up to 50% over staying in a hotel. And that's not even including how much you'll save by not having to eat at restaurants for 3 meals/day. Having the space of a kitchen, dining room, and living room compared to a single small hotel room is a huge value! Life is too short and vacations are too few...trade in that small hotel room for a beach vacation rental in Hilton Head Island.

Families Love Hilton Head Island Beach Vacation Rentals

The beauty of renting a beach vacation home in Hilton Head Island is that it saves money *and* works out so much better for the family. The kids get their own bedrooms, and more importantly, bathrooms. There is more space for the family to spread out with a living room and dining room. More privacy, no more noisy hotel room neighbors on the other side of the wall. It's a home away from home, providing a kitchen where you can eat at your own schedule and feed the kids snacks as well as deal with any dietary restrictions you have. Many homes also give you a washer & dryer and have their own pool and allow you to bring your pets. Some are in complexes that have health clubs, cafes, and spas.

And vacation homes in Hilton Head Island are not just for a couple or small family, they are especially great for family reunions or big groups vacationing together. When you are in a vacation home you are more connected into the local scene where you can get to know the locals better, you also have the chance to get further off the beaten beach path if that's what you're looking for.

Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals in Hilton Head Island

Why leave your dog at home? Bring your family pet along on vacation - they deserve a break too! What's better than running along the beach with your dog or curling up in a beach vacation rental with your kitty culred up with you? Check out all the pet friendly vacation rentals in Hilton Head Island.

Hilton Head Island Vacation Rentals for Smokers or Non-Smokers

Are you a smoker? Having problem finding Beach vacation rentals that allow smoking? Don't be left out of a great beach vacation rental in Hilton Head Island just because you smoke. Check out all the smoking vacation rentals in Hilton Head Island. On the other hand, maybe you hate smoke! If that's the case, check out all the smoke-free vacation rentals in Hilton Head Island.