First-timers to Hilton Head

Newlywed couple planning 1st trip to Hilton Head and looking for advice on getting around island, attractions and the Hilton Oceanfront.

First-timers to Hilton Head

I visit Hilton Head several times a year. I%26#39;ve stayed at the Hilton Oceanfront a few times, and liked it. It depends when you are going - less things tend to be open in the winter than summer. It is still very relaxing and plenty to do this time of year (I%26#39;m headed there this weekend). It%26#39;s a very ';driveable'; island, though a little difficult to find smaller shops and restaurants in the little strip malls. There are plenty of bike paths and of course the ocean. I would suggest a visit to Harbour Town with plenty of quaint shops and restaurants (you can also climb to the top of the lighthouse). Outlet shops are convenient in Bluffton, just off the island. Savannah is about 45 minutes, and Charleston probably closer to 90 minutes. Beaufort is closeby also, and has a lot of character.

First-timers to Hilton Head

Shelter cover usually has live entertainment at night (depending on when you are visiting) they also have fireworks at night (though you%26#39;ll have to check on the times). Gold and shopping are definately the main attractions of the island. If you%26#39;re staying somewhere central on the island like Palmetto Dunes, you should definately rent bikes. The whole island is pretty much accesible by bike riding and the paths are really interesting. It might sound corny, but I would DEF check out the mini golf courses. there are so many of them and they are all different. One has a cave you go into, and some even have alligators ( for the adventourus type)

Where to go what to do in SC

My husband and I are going to South Caroling from May 27 - June 2 2006. We are planning on staying at a friends home in Cheraw as our ';homebase';. We want to see different parts of the state. I think we will stay overnight one night in Charleston. Any suggestions of places we should go in SOuth Carolina? I also was reading about the dolphin encounter boats...any good companies and is it worth doing?

Thanks!!!

Where to go what to do in SC

Charleston is number 1, but Myrtle Beach and the Spartanburg area are great as well. If you are spending the night in Charleston, I would recommend a historic downtown hotel. We have had several friends stay at the Mills House and loved it. You can walk all over from there and there are so many outstanding restaurants you may want to stay longer. Take a carriage tour as it gives you a view of the historic city without walking aimlessly and isn%26#39;t too expensive. The drivers are very knowledgeable.

Not sure about the dolphin encounters. You can pretty much see them anytime in the harbour in Charleston. Waterfront park is a good place to watch them or down by the SC Aquarium (one of the best I have ever been to).

Spartanburg is in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains and there are several state parks that have hiking trails and camping. If you like to walk, this is a lot of fun.

Myrtle Beach is known for golf and beaches. If you want to do it, Myrtle Beach probably has it. Very touristy, but we still like to go. Be patient with traffic there. Bumper to bumper everywhere, especially along Ocean Blvd.

Any other questions, let me know. Especially about Charleston.

Where should 3 old ladies stay in March? OF preferred-

Hi-

We%26#39;ll be visiting in a few weeks. Looking for 2B Oceanfront Condo or Suite.

Interested in shopping, dining, visiting

aquarium and shows.

Want to avoid crowds and springbreakers.

Thanks!

Where should 3 old ladies stay in March? OF preferred-

ok- doesn%26#39;t have to be OF- if it%26#39;s an outstanding place..

Where should 3 old ladies stay in March? OF preferred-

I would highly recommend SeaWatch Resort,which is ranked #4 on Trip Advisor. Our family has enjoyed these great condos for 5 years or more, several visits a year. My in-laws also love Seawatch, and go with friends every year. The location is the best, with easy access and shopping and restaurants all nearby, without getting caught up in the crowds and traffic of other areas. Hope this helps!

You%26#39;d like Sea Watch rcsc. View from the restaruant in the North Tower is beautiful...all are nice but North Tower is premo. Great location near shopping...Tanger outlets, Colonial Mall and Bafefoot Landing.

Without a doubt your best bet would be Forest Dunes on 55th in Myrtle Beach.Quiet area surrounded by private residences. Their 3 bedroom units start on the 12th floor and have some of the best views in town with floor to ceiling windows in the living room.All units have washer and dryers and full size kitchens with dishwashers.

Right in the middle of all attractions and extremely easy to get to rte. 17,17 bypass,Grissom Parkway and Rte31.

Whether you stay here or not go to Villa Mare for dinner and ask for Brian as your waiter.Its on 79th and 17 behind the bank.

Their 3 bedrooms are comparative in price to most 2 bed units in other hotels.

Hampton Inn %26amp; Suites Oceanfront has beautiful, VERY clean 2 bedroom suites!

Coral beach Resort is very clean. They only have one bedroom suite but the bedroom has 2 beds then there is a fold down murphy in the living room. It is VERY, VERY. clean and it has recently been renovated.

I too like the area between 50th Ave N and 82nd Ave N. Not that this area doesnt get its share of ';springbreakers';, but tends not to be real crowded and the beachfront is one of the best in the area (and the construction is less than some areas farther south). Some suggestions, Ocean Dunes, Long Bay, Grande Shores, Ocean Reef. I would also put Southwind in there, but they still have quite a bit of construction behind (stormwater runoff project) and next door (Dunes Village expansion/renov.)

Guess my concern with staying farther north would be the distance you would need to travel to get to the above listed attractions, esp. the aquarium and the shows. This area is maybe a 5 minute drive to Carolina Opry %26amp; Dixie Stampede, and about 15 minutes to Broadway at the Beach (aquarium).

Have a great time! :)

Thanks to all of you for your advice!

I agree with AnyBob.........don%26#39;t stay anyplace other than the Hampton Oceanfront. The beach is very close to the back of the hotel and the dining room (which has the best free breakfast you will find) is beautiful. I have been going to Myrtle for 30 years and this hotel is wonderful. It is located on the south section which will be busy that time of the year, but the hotel is worth the traffic there.

seasheller

Another Hampton Inn Oceanfront recommendation!

Charleston this summer - advice?

Maybe considering a charleston vacation in Aug 06 which beach is best for kids? age 8 and 10. Should we stay on beach or in dtown Charleston?

Charleston this summer - advice?

Stay at the beach. The best beaches for kids in Charleston are Isle of Palms (stay there or at the Wild Dunes Resort...you rent a house or condo, too), also Sullivan%26#39;s Island (but they don%26#39;t have bathrooms and food ';on'; the beach (you can rent a house on Sulivan%26#39;s Island) or go to Kiawah Island or Seabrook Island (rent house/condo on Seabrook). Kiawah and Seabrook could be expensive, but both have lots of ocean and parks and you can rent bikes, etc there.

Charleston this summer - advice?

Agree with previous post...stay at the beach as will most definitely be more fun for the kids and downtown is just a short drive from IOP or Wild Dunes (www.wildunes.com). Wild Dunes is a great resort for families...a little easier on the budget than Kiawah/Seabrook but still very nice. Enjoy your trip!

Thanks!

Beaching it at IOP will make for some happy kids! Try taking the ferry to Bull Island. You can see some dolphins, alligators and a real barrier island. It%26#39;s a great day trip with kids, but backpack a lunch and some drinks/water as this is the real deal on an unspoiled (largely) barrier island-don%26#39;t miss Boneyard Beach!

What hotels are good on IOP? Wild Dunes dosent have much available all ready for August.

I think that there is only a Holiday Inn and a small hotel called Seaside Inn there. I haven%26#39;t stayed at any of them, but look at the reviews on tripadvisor. You can always rent a house through Resort Quest (www.resortquest.com) or any of the local home rental places.

The difference between the beaches on Isle of Palms and Seabrook is huge. Isle of Palms is busier, but has the look and feel of most Atlantic Ocean beaches.

The beach at Seabrook is located at the mouth of the Edisto River, so there are no/very little waves, calm water, and the environment is a lot different (trees, deer, etc). It feels more like a man-made beach on a great lake or a campground. I think kids would prefer the IOP beaches where they can play in waves.

Try vrbo.com for rentals. There is a large condo complex (don%26#39;t know the name) that has its own small pier right in the heart of IOP. I have seen several units on vrbo.com in this complex. It is a bit pricy. Atleast $1200 for the week.

We found our condo at Seabrook on vrbo.com as well. At the end of August, we paid $130/night for the weekend. It seems to be less expensive there. But farther away from downtown Charleston and no waves.

IOP the best bet for kids. Wild Dunes a good choice there. Even though they didn%26#39;t have anything, try other realtors. We used island realty last summer for a graduation celebration and got a condo on the beach with no problem for guests coming in. Most are privately owned and Wild Dunes doesn%26#39;t handle rentals for many of them. http://www.islandrealty.com/

There are other rental agencies as well if you search for them.

Wild Dunes offers more than just the beach as well. Golf, tennis, activities, etc. About 30 minute drive to downtown. Only because of traffic not distance.

First Time to Hilton Head with 3 kids

Hi, it is my family%26#39;s first time to Hilton Head. I wanted to know what places everyone suggests. We have 3 kids 7, 5 and 2 and would like something close to the action with access to a nice beach. We also would like a place with a nice pool (and Kiddie pool). We can not book a hotel per say because there are 5 of us...so we would be searching for a villa. Is there any villas that you suggest. And what area is better? Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes or North Forest Beach.

First Time to Hilton Head with 3 kids

Robin see my reply to murfmom

Stan (hhiguy)

natural instinct

Family vacation sopt for a toddler aged child?

Is HH a good choice for a family vacation with a small child? I have a 2yr old and I%26#39;m wondering if she will be bored.

Family vacation sopt for a toddler aged child?

You will love it and your 2 yr. old will not be bored. I was there last year with my 3 yr. old and she is still talking about it. We went to the beach, built sand castles, swam in the pool, went shopping, went on a dolophin cruise that was amazing, went to harbour town...there is a fantastic wooden playground there. We also rented bikes and hit the trails. I got a bike with a back seat for my daughter and I also rented a jogging stroller which was a life saver. If your two yr. old is not potty trained, just make sure the beach area you select has close facilities. We stayed in South Forest Beach and used the access point near the Holiday Inn that had great restrooms and vending machines. This year I am heading back and we plan to stat at Palmetto Dunes....which looks even nicer. Make sure you get a villa with a full kitchen and a washer/dryer....that really made life easier. Also, a flat as opposed to a townhouse style so you don%26#39;t have to deal with stairs and a two year old. We stayed at Tanglewood. There units there are older, but the one I was in was well maintained and very quiet. We had the pool to ourselves on most days (we were these in mid-May). There is also a very small waterpark perfect for a 2 yr. old. I also have the phone # of a GREAT babysitter down there. I found her through a service and she gave me her card. I%26#39;m sure I will call her directly this time and hopefully she will be availalbe. She was an older women, but you could tell thoroughly loved kids and she was very reliable. She even brought my daughter a sticker book one night and a new doll another night. I would skip the day trip to Savannah....the two yr. old will be bored with that. Well, I hope some of this info. is helpful! Best of luck!

Family vacation sopt for a toddler aged child?

Hilton Head is a great place for small children. My family and I have vactioned down there every summer since my son was two. Depending on when your vacation is there%26#39;s fireworks every Tuesday during the summer. Great place to see them is Coligny Plaza. There%26#39;s also Shannon Tanner who preforms for the kids (singing and stuff) before the fireworks. The kids really love that. I recommend getting there early though. Harbor Town is a great place to take the kids too! Another great thing to do is rent bikes (one with a child seat). It%26#39;s a really great way for you to get to see the island and your child will probably enjoy the ride too.

I would love to get that lady%26#39;s phone number of her babysitter. I have 3 kids 7, 5 and 2 and we plan on going there in June. I would love to have a night out with my husband. I know you probably can%26#39;t post this information, but how could I get this information?

There are at least two babysitting services on the island. Check with the person who is handling your rental for a name and number, or check the yellow pages.

Also consider renting a tub of toys from ';Baby%26#39;s Away';. This local company will ask you about your child and deliver appropiate toys.

I always use them when my four year old grandchild comes to town

Stan (hhiguy)

Thank you so much for that information. It will be very useful when we go in June.

Need help finding a hotel near the action

Hi, my husband and I will be in Myrtle beach May 7th thru the 10th. We are looking for a really nice hotel that is oceanfront and within walking distance from alot of the attractions.

Need help finding a hotel near the action

Not sure what type of attractions you are looking for but other then the pavillion area most of the attractions aren%26#39;t with-in a reasonable walking distance from the oceanfront hotels.

But again that depends on what your looking for.

Need help finding a hotel near the action

Thanks, Eagleclaws. I am looking at either the coral beach hotel, or the Holiday Inn at the pavillion. I would like to be near Broadway at the beach, but want a nice hotel on the ocean with a restaurant and beach bar. (not asking much eh? lol)

I love the beach and the water, and my husband likes the night life.

you may want to take a look at the Camelot, The Breakers, or the Dayton House. They are real close to a great little beach bar called Bummz Beach Cafe, and just down the street from a bunch of places in 21st Ave N.

And Broadway is just up the street on 21st Ave N.

Thanks MB! Sounds like just what I am looking for.