Plantations on Hilton Head Island
Ocean Oriented Communities and Hotels in South Carolina
A guide to the plantations of Hilton Head Island, with hotel and activity information.
Hilton Head Island is a beautiful tourist destination off the Carolina Coast. The barrier island has a great beach, challenging golf courses and lush greenery. Hilton Head is divided into large areas called plantations; gated communities with associations, made up of property owners.
Not to be confused with large estates in other parts of the South in the past, these plantations feature restaurants, hotels, golf courses and expensive homes and villas. Each plantation has its own character and amenities.
Hilton Head is located in the Southeastern corner of South Carolina, accessible from Interstate 95. A four lane bridge provides easy access to the Island.
The Island is split by Route 278. Plantations on the eastern side of the road border the Atlantic Ocean, and have beachfront property. Those closer to mainland abut the Intracoastal Waterway, with beautiful sunsets and access to calm waters.
Sea Pines Plantation
Sea Pines Plantation is the largest and most southern of the Plantations. It is also the only Plantation that allows day visitors for a fee, to enjoy the golf, boating and other amenities within.
Harbour Town, with its distinctive red and white striped lighthouse and world famous Harbour Town golf course, is near the southern end of the island, and has quaint shops, restaurants and a marina. Also in Sea Pines is South Beach Marina, with The Salty Dog bar and restaurant. Popular t-shirts have carried the fame of this tavern across the globe.
Palmetto Dunes Resort
Palmetto Dunes Resort is mid-island. Along with Sea Pines and other plantations on Hilton Head, Palmetto Dunes has hundreds of villas and homes that can be rented for a day to a season, although weekly terms are most common.
Within Palmetto Dunes are two major hotels, the Hilton Oceanfront Resort and the Marriott Beach and Golf Resort, which cater to shorter stays and provide fine amenities. The hotels offer oceanfront lodging, pools, spas and bars and dining facing the beach.
It is important to know that there is a significant difference in the lodging terms used here. Oceanfront means the room directly faces the ocean, oceanview has a limited or obstructed view, and oceanside means that the property is on the ocean, but there is not a view of the ocean from your room.
Bike and canoe rentals, as well as Alexander’s restaurant are located outside the Palmetto Dunes Resort gates. Access beyond the gates is limited to property owners and guests and those staying or dining at the hotel.
Other Hilton Head Plantations
South of Palmetto Dunes is Shipyard Plantation, which contains the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Port Royal Plantation holds the Westin Resort and two Marriott timeshare properties.
Hilton Head Plantation has access to the famous 12 mile Hilton Head Beach, although technically it faces Port Royal Sound instead of the Atlantic Ocean. There are rental properties, however, many of the residences are used as primary or secondary homes and are not on the rental market.
Plantations on the other side of the island do not have beach access, but entertain with golf, boating and luxurious dwellings. Windmill Harbor, Indigo Run, Wexford, Long Cove and Palmetto Hall are reserved for owners and guests, but do not pass up an opportunity to view these areas if one is available. Realtors will often sponsor open house tours within the gated areas.
Summary
The town of Hilton Head goes to great lengths to maintain the natural beauty of the Island. Signage is limited, and trees are protected. Whether the choice is a six-bedroom oceanfront home, a cozy villa or a luxury hotel, Hilton Head has many options for your stay in the Lowcountry.
