There’s a reason why the roads of Hilton Head Island tend to skew fairly minivan-heavy during the summer months: with its 12 miles of sandy beaches and endless opportunities for recreation, this is paradise for family travel.
Whatever your family is into, you’ll find it. Does your clan love getting out there and enjoying fresh air? Miles of award-winning bike paths and meandering creeks perfect for kayaking await. More the sporting types? You have your pick of world-class golf and tennis options. Or you can just pack up the sand toys and spend a few days on the beach.
If you’re loading up the family truckster and pointing it to Hilton Head Island, here’s where you need to know.
WHAT TO DO
During the summer months, this is a no-brainer. Take your family to the beach – more than likely, that’s why you came. But this time of year, with the water a little less swim-friendly, why not try some of the island’s exciting indoor options?
Adventure Cove offers 36 holes of exciting putt-putt and the only indoor arcade on the island. Tackle the tricky elevation changes and punishing curves of Lost Lagoon, or enjoy the “smurf turf” on the slightly easier Paradise Falls. Then head inside and try your hand at dozens of skill games and arcade classics from Skee-Ball to air hockey, collecting tickets as you go to claim that top prize.
WHERE TO EAT
Skull Creek Boathouse has always been a great place to bring the family, with its spectacular water views and spacious patio. With the addition of Skull Creek Dockside next door, the twin restaurants wisely utilized the space between it for family entertainment.
Nothing takes the pressure off of taking the whole family out for dinner (especially those of you with multiples and/or smaller children) like knowing you can always send restless kids out to go run around. While you enjoy a peaceful dinner, they can burn off a little energy. Everyone wins!
Whatever your family is into, you’ll find it. Does your clan love getting out there and enjoying fresh air? Miles of award-winning bike paths and meandering creeks perfect for kayaking await. More the sporting types? You have your pick of world-class golf and tennis options. Or you can just pack up the sand toys and spend a few days on the beach.
If you’re loading up the family truckster and pointing it to Hilton Head Island, here’s where you need to know.
WHERE TO STAY
Available from Vacation Co., 8 Night Harbour is like having an entire lavish resort to yourself.
The spacious master suite is situated on the ground floor with king-size bed and en-suite, with a nearby guest room offering two twin beds. Perfect for those traveling with younger kids who may need an adult close by. The remaining three guest rooms share the second floor, giving kids a chance to enjoy sleepover fun without waking the parents (and parents a little privacy after putting the kids to bed).
The real gem here is the spacious pool, sprawled under a splash-down water feature on a wide pool deck. There’s plenty of room for everyone to splash to their hearts content, with stunning views beyond. Then, if you’re feeling like braving the cooler waters of the ocean, the beach is just a few steps beyond your back door.
