Hilton Head Island

Figure A--Hilton Head Island is located off the coast of South Carolina, 45 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia, and 105 miles southwest of Charleston, South Carolina.

Figure B--Hilton Head was discovered in 1665, when a group of sugar and indigo planters from Barbados commissioned British sea captain William Hilton to explore the coast of South Carolina. The peppermint-striped lighthouse, seen here, is located on Sea Pines Plantation. It's probably the most famous landmark on the entire island. Today less than 30,000 residents call Hilton Head home.

Figure C--The island was eventually divided into 15 large plantations. Today, marshes and lagoons cover what were once fields of indigo, cotton and rice. The marshes continue to flourish, thanks to their protected status as part of Hilton Head's individual plantation communities. Architecture on the island is diverse, including the influence of Georgian, Cape Cod and Craftsmen designs.

Figure D--Each plantation is a self-contained resort. Sea Pines, pictured here, features one of countless top-notch golf courses. All the plantations are within walking, biking or horseback-riding distance from one another.

Figure E--This four-bedroom Cape Cod-style rental home located is typical of the accommodations that can be found in the Land's End section of Hilton Head Island.

Figure F--Scenic ocean views are available at every turn on this beautiful island, which is somewhat isolated from the mainland. Visitors enjoy the feel of privacy and tranquility, not to mention the warm ocean breezes. The island encompasses 42 square miles and compares to Manhattan in geographical size.

Figure G--Recreational activities, such as biking, are abundant on the island. Golf, tennis, swimming, kayaking and horseback riding are also popular. If relaxation isn't your thing, try shopping. The island boasts a wide variety of stores, including most of the major retail chains.

Figure H--Quaint walkways, perfect for a leisurely stroll, populate the island. Fortunately, much of Hilton Head's natural beauty has been preserved with concentrated care and effort. An added bonus for many includes the miles of paved trails for inline skaters.

Figure I--For those who enjoy nature trails, Sea Pines Plantation has a 605-acre forest preserve. There's an abundance of natural wildlife not only on the preserve but also throughout the island. Numerous water-loving birds, for instance, are seen on the salty marsh.

Figure J--Completely surrounded by water, Hilton Head is a semi-tropical barrier island offering all the amenities of a resort while managing to keep much of the area's natural beauty unchanged over time. In fact, homebuilders and contractors are not allowed to cut down trees that are more than six inches in diameter. They must build around them.

Figure K--Here is just one example of the spectacular homes sprinkled throughout Hilton Head.

Hilton Head Facts and Figures

Weather: The year-round temperatures hover between the high 50s and high 80s.

Beaches: There's 12 miles of sandy shoreline.

Golf: There are more than 30 courses, many of which have been designed by the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Fuzzy Zoeller.

Shopping: More than 30 shopping plazas, including every major retailer, can be found here.

Food: You name it, Hilton Head Island probably has it. Check the link below for details.

Economy: It's mainly driven by tourism and real estate.

Nightlife: The usual assortment of bars, clubs, etc.