Nearby

Aug 23rd 2012
FIXME alt FIXME alt FIXME alt FIXME alt

off island

Hilton Head is a barrier island off the Atlantic coast of South Carolina. Residents refer to it as "on island," and everything else is "off island." The neighboring mainland and other small islands feature the small historic towns of Bluffton and Port Royal and the city of Beaufort, which are key for any visit to Hilton Head.

Hunting Island features the state's most popular state park, a maritime beach different from the resort beaches of Hilton Head. The small island of St. Helena and the rural town of Yemassee also delight visitors with a few important historic sites and charming shops.

It's all too close to miss with a day trip or two when staying on "the island," and Hilton Head Island itself offers limited views of history, touring and shopping which can be enjoyed throughout the remainder of Beaufort County.

The nearest large well-known southern cities of Savannah and Charleston are also well worth a day or more for historic touring, shopping and dining. Also they offer larger airports with connecting flights from major airline hubs, and the drive to Hilton Head is easy and scenic.


Tagged for Nearby...

beaufort Beaufort
Historic downtown

It’s a quaint town on the Intracoastal Waterway sharing Port Royal Island with the smaller town of Port Royal. Boutique shopping, more than a dozen art galleries and unparalleled lowcountry dining are worth a visit, especially during one of the frequent festivals in its Waterfront Park. (see more)

charlestonCharleston
rich in history and culture

Charleston is a beautiful historic city about two hours north of Hilton Head and well worth a visit for shopping and dining as well as touring. (see more)

cuthbert-house-innCuthbert House Inn
historic waterfront B & B

The ideal choice for a visit to the historic downtown of Beaufort, for a holiday or romantic getaway during any season, this is the town’s only 200-year-old waterfront bed and breakfast. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and named a Four Diamond property by AAA, an honor bestowed to only 3.4 % of 59,000 annual inspections conducted nationally. (see more)

daufuskieDaufuskie
boat tour from Hilton Head

Daufuskie Island is accessible only by boat, although actually only a few miles from Hilton Head. The name is believed to come from Indian words for pointed feather which defines the shape of the island. (see more)

frogmoreFrogmore
rural community

A small spot on the map, if it makes the map at all, this little community is the home of a great restaurant or two, a well-known art gallery and a bit more eclectic shopping. It's also near the Martin Luther King Road which leads to Penn Center, the Brick Church, the Chapel of Ease ruins and Fort Freemont at Land's End. (see more)

harolds-country-clubHarold's Country Club
in the country, not a country club

It’s a combination bar, restaurant, gas station, country store and bait shop and as far from a country club as anything could be. Its reputation is based on exactly that – the country store where a burger can be ordered on Wednesday nights, pot luck on Thursday nights, wings on Friday nights or steaks on Saturday nights by reservation. Nothing else really, just this exact menu is available on these days. The steak can be reserved, but not a table. (see more)

hunting-islandHunting Island
State Park

Three miles of beautiful public beach in a 5000-acre state park. The forested beach is quite different from most typical Atlantic coast public beach attractions. The wide sandy beach is bordered by towering pines and palms plus palmetto trees and dense sub-tropical plants. (see more)

hunting-island-nature-centerHunting Island Nature Center
pier and exhibits

Fishing at the pier and visits to the adjacent nature center are educational and entertaining. Dolphin and bird watching from the pier are also popular. Egrets, heron, brown pelicans, bald eagles and osprey are a few of the interesting birds which may be seen here. (see more)

lighthouseLighthouse
in Hunting Island State Park

The adventurous visitor can climb the spiral 167 steps. The view of ocean, beach, marsh, forest and neighboring islands is well worth the effort. (see more)

old-sheldon-churchOld Sheldon Church
ruins

One of the oldest churches and graveyards in the area is the Old Sheldon Church, standing in stately ruins. This church is in a beautiful setting with live oaks draped with Spanish moss. This church was built some 25 years before the Declaration of Independence was signed. It was built in the Greek revival style popular in America during the 18th and 19th centuries. (see more)

parris-islandParris Island
at Marine Corps Recruit Depot

Parris Island has served many purposes since French Huguenot Jean Ribault first settled the island in 1562. After both the Spanish and French had abandoned the island, an Englishman named Alexander Parris became owner and had several plantations on the 8,000-acre island. (see more)

penn-centerPenn Center
National Historic Landmark District

Penn School, on a campus listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was established in 1862 by two missionaries from northern states who created an experimental school for freed slaves. In 1900 it became an agricultural and industrial school with the name changed to Penn Normal. The school closed in 1948 and became a community center. (see more)

port-royalPort Royal
historic town

This quaint historic town shares Port Royal Island with the city of Beaufort. It boasts one of the deepest ports on the East Coast, although not in operation, and has a marina and a unique river beach with a scenic boardwalk for fishing and strolling. (see more)

praise-housesPraise Houses
centers of worship for slaves

Praise houses are much in demand by visitors seeking a view of the African American culture which is prevalent in the Beaufort County area. Praise houses were the tiny structures built and used by slaves who were not allowed to worship with their masters. These houses were the center of many African American communities and were known for the loud singing and shouting in praise. (see more)

savannahSavannah
charming neighbor

History and charm quickly surround the visitor to Savannah, and the enchanting city weaves a magic never to be forgotten. From the old to the new, this coastal jewel offers touring, shopping and dining. (see more)

st-helenaSt. Helena
a Sea Island

St. Helena is one of the Sea Islands (albeit an inland island) connected by bridges to Beaufort via Lady's Island, a small commercial and residential island. (see more)

tybeeTybee
Georgia's beach

This little island on Georgia’s Atlantic coast, less than three miles long, is almost a secret for most beach-loving travelers outside Georgia. (see more)

yemasseeYemassee
lost in time

Yemassee is a tiny town established in the area inhabited by the Yemassee Indians in the 17th century, It's on the edge of Beaufort County, inland from Hilton Head and eons removed from the resort lifestyle. (see more)