Hilton Head Vacation Rentals

Vamoose is a terrific resource for those looking for Hilton Head vacation rentals, Hilton Head condos, Hilton Head condo rentals, and Hilton Head beach rentals. South Carolina's Hilton Head Island is a hauntingly beautiful stretch of land, with 19 miles of sandy beaches, forests, wetlands, and salt marshes. A truly Southern feel permeates the region, once prosperous in plantations and still home to an architecture reflecting a decadent and rich history.

The region was originally populated by a handful of different Native American tribes, and many parts still carry their names such as Ashepoo and Combahee. Later, the island was explored by the Spanish. In 1663, the English sea captain, William Hilton surveyed the wild region and claimed it for the British crown, naming it Hilton's Headland. Immigrants from Scotland, Ireland and Switzerland also came to the southern South Carolina region early in its history.

The modern Hilton Head Island only came to be in the 1950s, with the first bridge being built in 1956. Now Hilton Head vacation rentals are populated yearly by visitors arriving for the Lowcountry scenery and excellent outdoor activities. The region is well known for top-notch golf courses. The beaches, tennis, entertainment, Hilton Head condos, dining, shopping, and the beautifully mild island climate all complete the perfect visit.

Hilton Head Island, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Port Royal and Calibogue Sounds and inlets, is part of Beaufort County and is located in the southern region of South Carolina. It's approximately 12 miles in length, and 5 miles in width at its widest point. It is the largest coastal island between New Jersey and Florida.

There are numerous beaches on the island, each with it's own identity. The beach sands range from a hard-packed grey to a wet, brown mud. The tides and heavy Atlantic waves create tidepools and leave behind wavy lines of seashells and marine life.

Dense woodlands of hardwood and pine are prevalent on Hilton Head Island. The trees and shrubs of the area have adapted to the constant strength of the Atlantic by developing low-spreading crowns, waxy leaves and needles, and deep roots.

The freshwater wetlands, and salt marshes contribute to an already diverse region. The fresh water swamps are home to more species of animals than anywhere else on the island. The salt marshes are a prime environment for plankton, young shrimp, crabs, oysters, clams, fish and more. These fertile salt marshes have been harvested for seafood for over 4,000 years, and are still a resource of many fine local seafood restaurants.

One of the most attractive reasons visitors return each year to Hilton Head condos is the weather. The region is home to a wonderfully mild, semi-tropical climate all year long. It's paired with enough of a tangible seasonal change, though, to keep things interesting. As is common in the South, the temperature will be unpredictable in the late summer/early autumn months as hurricane season arrives. However, throughout the majority of the year, the island is bathed in sunshine and a temperature that generally ranges between 75 and 55 degrees that is perfect for guests of Hilton Head vacation rentals.

Adding to the attractive diversity of the region is the wide-assortment of choices one has when staying in Hilton Head vacation rentals. Visitors discover oceanfront resorts, small cozy inns, sprawling villa resorts, oceanfront Hilton Head condos, private rental homes, and classy, affordable Hilton Head beach rentals. It's hard to make the wrong choice as each are perfect for varied tastes, are packed with modern amenities, and cater to their guests with professional courtesy.

The calendar is chock-full of events, as Hilton Head Island celebrates its community, history, and penchant for fun. Included in the calendar is the highly popular Winter Carnival. This event runs through January and February, and includes discounts on Hilton Head vacation rentals. Winter Carnival is best known for its Jazz evenings, a black tie opera, and the food and wine tasting events.

For a little slice of local culture and history, the Gullah Celebration occurs in early February, where guests of Hilton Head condos learn about Gullah culture. Native sea islanders showcase the food, lifestyle, art and music of the Gullah tradition. There's also a big celebration on Freedom Day, the day the 13th amendment was passed.

Hilton Head golf is hugely popular and rich in history. The MCI Junior Heritage takes place in February, featuring America's top juniors on a 36-hole course. In April there is the Heritage of Golf event, followed by the U.S. Open local qualifier in May. In September visitors are treated to the Hilton Head Celebrity Golf tournament.

All throughout the year guests of Hilton Head beach rentals are treated to marathons, festivals of art, flower showcases, a Family Expo, the widely popular SpringFest, and lots of live music festivals, among numerous other captivating events.

Dining on Hilton Head Island offers an experience full of history, innovation, atmosphere and class. The region takes full advantage of the Atlantic Ocean and the local salt marshes to compose tantalizing seafood menus. Many restaurants are headed by top-name chefs that treat their dishes as works of art. The local chefs also make use of Lowcountry-style recipes that have been handed down for generations. The dishes derive their influence from numerous sources in the South, as well as the Caribbean. Continental, American, French, Mexican, Chinese, and Italian fare are also prominent, providing a varied choice of restaurants and menus.

Visitors to the island seeking a night of billiards, pub fare, and sports on the TV will want to visit Hilton Head Brewing Co.. For a more formal dining experience, The Harbor Town Grill is a popular choice of guests of Hilton Head condos, with its assortment of fresh fish and steak entrees, as well as a superb breakfast menu. Hudson's On The Docks offers fresh seafood dishes caught right off the very docks it's located near. Wonderful views of the water paired with their crab and oyster dishes, as well as their oft-praised homemade seafood soups make for a charming night out. The list of local restaurants is long, and is sure to please guests of Hilton Head vacation rentals.

For a night of dancing, the Jazz Corner is a great place go. The Jazz corner offers live music celebrating the smooth elegant jazz of the 1950s and 60s, a great menu of Southern fare, as well as a full bar.

The courses just can't be ignored, for Hilton Head golf is, in fact, one of the most popular attractions of the region. Beautiful windswept Lowcountry landscape paired with excellent conditions and challenging courses make for some of the best golf in the country. Harbour Town, Colleton River, Haig Point and Long Cove are all on the country's top 100 list. And some of the golf industries' finest such as Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Arthur Hills, Arnold Palmer, Tom Fazio, Rees Jones, Gary Player and Robert Trent Jones created the courses throughout the region.

The 12 miles of beaches also must be taken advantage of while on Hilton Head Island. The seven and a half foot tides make for impressively wide beaches and gently-slanting sand dunes. Leisure activities such as beachcombing and sunbathing are the most popular. However, guests of Hilton Head condo rentals also find the windsurfing and boating opportunities to be irresistible.

Keeping in the region of leisurely activities, shopping on the island proves to be a shopper's paradise with over 300 stores and boutiques. As a great way to remain outdoors and see the sites, cafes and harbors, the stores are spread throughout the region and range from outlet to high fashion, metropolitan-style stores.

Just as the landscape can change from the lush vegetation of the wetlands to the sparkling waters of the Atlantic and onto the curve of sand dunes and packed forests, the activities also change. Hilton Head golf calls enthusiasts throughout the year to take advantage of their famous and challenging courses; the beaches call for relaxation and sunbathing; the restaurants offer unique flavors and freshly caught seafood, and the shops scattered throughout the area offer a little something for everyone.

Hilton Head Island is a southern island with Southern charm and home to a thrilling calendar of events and gorgeous climate that make for a perfect vacation any time of the year. So when you are looking for Hilton Head vacation rentals, Hilton Head condos, Hilton Head condo rentals or Hilton Head beach rentals, come to Vamoose!