Five secrets for enhanced island living
Live like a local
Hilton Head Island is a paradise for vacationers in search of relaxation and adventure, but it holds a treasure trove of well-kept secrets that can elevate your local experience. To ensure your future adventures are truly unforgettable, seize the opportunity to explore these insider tips, and unlock the hidden gems that await in this beautiful region.
Avoid traffic jams and delays
While U.S. 278 and the Cross Island Parkway are typically the go-to routes for accessing Hilton Head Island, they tend to experience significant congestion and frequent accidents, especially during tourist season. To steer clear of these traffic woes, consider opting for alternative routes such as Pembroke Drive, Leg O’ Mutton Road, Shelter Cove Lane, Marshland Road, Main Street, Archer Road, Cordillo Parkway and Spanish Wells Road. By examining local maps and paying attention to your navigation system at stop lights, you can discover a plethora of shortcuts and alternative roads to efficiently traverse the island while avoiding traffic snarls and accidents.
Explore Savannah in a savvy way
Looking to savor the charm of downtown Savannah without the hassle of hunting for an available parking garage or maneuvering your full-size SUV into a tight parallel parking spot on bustling Bay Street? Your solution is as easy as parking near The Westin on Hutchinson Island and treating yourself to a delightful to-go coffee from Aqua Star Coastal. Take a moment to relish your coffee while aboard the Savannah Belles Ferry, offering complimentary rides between The Westin and the vibrant River Street district from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Dogs, bicycles and luggage are welcome.
Visit locals-only beaches and sandbars
When popular beaches are crowded with tourists, venture to locals-only spots like the Beaufort Sandbar and the May River Sandbar (aka Redneck Riviera), accessible only by boat at low tide. These places hold local traditions and offer an authentic experience. You can also find a “locals-only” vibe at The Sands in Port Royal and the north-end beaches of Hilton Head Island. For a more adventurous experience, explore White Point on Pinckney Island, with its unique bleached shell reef jutting into Port Royal Sound.
Get a pass on the gate pass
Did you know that you can enjoy a meal at any of Sea Pines Resort’s restaurants and have your $9 gate pass reimbursed? It’s a breeze – simply hand your paid gate pass to your server, and they’ll deduct the entrance fee from your bill. To qualify, your check needs to exceed $30. It couldn’t be simpler. You can take advantage of this perk at Fraser’s Tavern, Coast, Quarterdeck, Harbourside Bakery & Cafe and Links. Many local residents are also unaware of the $50 Pelican Pass decal, which allows year-long access to Sea Pines.
Park like a rock star
For the majority of summer beach enthusiasts on Hilton Head Island, the adventure kicks off with a frustrating search for a parking spot in one of the town’s public beach access lots. After several laps around, a spot is usually found, but the ordeal is far from over as one must then endure the lengthy wait at the parking meter. Fortunately, Hilton Head Island residents have a hassle-free solution in the form of a Resident Beach Parking Permit. With this permit, available for just $15, vehicle owners are exempt from metered parking fees at all of the Town’s public beach access parking lots. This permit also grants access to 135 beach-permit spaces at Islander’s Beach Park and 30 spaces at Driessen Beach Park. All reserved spots are shaded and relatively close to the boardwalk.
