Hilton Head Island Information

The map above is colored to give you a picture of the location of the major plantations on the island. Each plantation has its own unique features and amenities. (A note to the uninitiated: Almost everything in Hilton Head is tucked away in the semi-tropic tree growth so that when you arrive on Hwy. 278, Hilton Head does not readily reveal all its charms.)

Hilton Head Island is a beautiful inter-coastal island off the coast of South Carolina shaped like a running shoe. Coincidentally, there are running/biking paths that span almost the entire length of the island. The weather ranges from warm summers, to mild winters. It is a year round golfers paradise, and each spring hosts the MCI Heritage Golf Classic. The entire sole of the running shoe consists of pristine beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. These beaches are very benign, and as the tide falls they expand to more than four times their width exposing a vast panorama of silver sand fringed by gently rolling dunes crested with golden sea oats.

The town of Hilton Head is dedicated to maintaining it's unique environment. You won't see billboards or garish signs, parking lots stripped of trees or incongruous buildings, clashing with nature. What you will see are tall pines, palm trees, oak trees and landscape displays that will delight your senses. You will experience pleasant seasonal changes from warm summer beach days to crisp (not cold mind you) winter days perfect for refreshing morning beach walks in sweats or a mid-afternoon round of golf. No matter where you are on Hilton Head, you are never far from the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. For these reasons, more and more people are choosing not only to vacation on Hilton Head Island, but to live here as well.

Most of the residential property in Hilton Head consists of gated sub-divisions commonly called plantations.

Plantation Highlights:


Hilton Head Plantation:
Descriptive words (warm, neighborhood, spacious, beautiful) The first large plantation you will see; however, you have already passed both Windmill Harbor, and Spanish Wells, which will be highlighted later. Hilton Head Plantation was developed on 4000 wooded acres on the island's north end. Lots of golf, near the schools, tasty restaurants, scenic views of the Sound. Luxurious living with a hometown community feel. Skull Creek Marina lets you commune with the sea!

Royal Port Plantation:
Descriptive words (by the sea, by the beautiful sea; a fantasized destination, understated elegance) Not planning to move again soon? Want to feel you survived the rat race? Port Royal Plantation is what you've been looking for. Unique in that it is a plantation almost exclusively for permanent residents. Port Royal offers beach front access along with an oceanfront swimming and recreation complex. The luxurious Westin Hotel is adjacent to Port Royal Plantation, offering fine dining, elegant shopping and a fabulous Health Club. Port Royal Golf Club and Port Royal Racquet Club, lots of golf, lots of tennis, lots of fun.

Sea Pines Plantation:
Descriptive words (enchanted forest, dreamy, active, lighthouse, scenic harbor, sprawling grandeur, lands end) From the moment you begin to wind your way through the moss covered oaks of sprawling Sea Pines Plantation, you will be enchanted. 5000 of the oldest and most beautifully developed acres on Hilton Head Island crowned with a spectacular lighthouse and a safe harbor populated by some of the finest sea going vessels imaginable. Home of the MCI Heritage Golf Classic, a perfect merger of residential and resort living. You'll love it!

Indigo Run:
Descriptive words (choice of views, golf, lagoon, water, private, new) Jack Nicklaus and his Dad created golfers heaven and you don't have to die to be there. Indigo Run is a lovely little (1700 acres) plantation on the island's northern end. Covered in lush, semi-tropical foliage that open to reveal a startlingly beautiful views of the Golden Bear golf course or breath-taking Broad Creek. Golfer or not, this plantation can be your little piece of paradise.

Palmetto Dunes:
Descriptive words (amenities, style and variety, world class golf courses, beach, sun, something for everyone) Bring your trunks, clubs, fishing gear, tennis racket or running shoes. You'll need them. From the sparkling beach to spectacular Shelter Cove dining and shopping, you will never get bored at Palmetto Dunes. Centrally located on the island, you are minutes away from the Self Family Arts Center featuring live plays and performances and, like everyone who lives on Hilton Head, you can expect lots of company. No problem! Palmetto Dunes is the home of both the Marriot beach and Resort Hotel plus the Hilton Resort, not to mention Alexander's, Hemingway's and other great dining experiences. Housing from villas to luxury homes. You'll say "Wow!"

Shipyard Plantation:
Descriptive words (location, choices, 3x9 golfing is fine, health and fitness, pretty, pretty, pretty) With three nine hole golf courses, you can golf as little or as much as you like, ending your day with a dip in the ocean near the luxurious Crown Plaza Resort. Then enjoy dinner in one of the great restaurants and catch a show in the night club. Shipyard Plantation is in the heart of the island, and that heart is pulsing with enjoyment for those who like an active life. Have a home, a villa or purchase rental property for investment or vacations. You have lots of great choices at Shipyard Plantation.

Longcove and Wexford:
Descriptive words (upscale on a grand scale, deep water access, lots of yachts, private with a capital "P") How do you spell luxury living? Long Cove and Wexford. Two out of this world communities across the highway from Shipyard Plantation are as upscale and elegant as life gets. Long Cove is noted for the quality of its private golf course, not to mention swimming, fishing and boating at the private marina. Wexford is the crème de la crème of sophisticated, private communities. With an exclusive multi-million dollar club house, magnificent homes, some with deep water access, and picture perfect, manicured landscaping, you won't believe your eyes! Wexford is almost too beautiful to be real. If you value your privacy and enjoy the very finest life has to offer, then Wexford is for you.

Spanish Wells:
Descriptive words (hidden peninsula, awesome water views, charming and peaceful) Words cannot begin to describe the feeling you get standing under century old oak trees looking out at Calibogue Sound. Behind you there is more water, Broad Creek. In that enchanting moment, you are on your own private island at peace with all there is. You are in Spanish Wells, a magical place where cares drift away with the ocean breeze. You can golf, you can swim or you can just sit under an old oak tree gazing at the water and daydreaming.

Windmill Harbour:
Descriptive words (secret treasure, old Charleston revisited, quaint, a jewel on the water's edge) The first residential community you will see as you come off the bridge onto Hilton Head Island, Windmill Harbour is a unique boating community contiguous to the inter-coastal Waterway and Calibogue Sound. Some of the beautiful homes are designed to make you feel you are walking down the streets of Old Charleston. More than a harbor in name only, Windmill Harbour is the home of the South Carolina Yacht Club, which boasts a 15 acre harbor and a tide free lock system. If you think it sounds good, you should see it!

North and South Forest Beach:
Descriptive words (On the beach or immediate areas, quaint shops, abundance of fun in the sun) Last but not least is North and South Forest beach. The areas of Forest Beach offer a variety of something for everyone. This is a popular tourist destination. The Holiday Inn Hotel offers a tiki bar and volleyball on the beach. This section of Hilton Head is a wonderful family area to enjoy. Sails boats, beach bike and umbrella / lounge chairs or a dip in the ocean. All it needs is you.

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