Your memorable vacation to Hilton Head begins as you cross the bridge to the Island. Cast your eyes on the marshes and the lntercoastal Waterways and enjoy a big breath of salt marsh air. If you are interested in luxury rentals on Hilton Head Island, SC -- There are some terrific options including vacation rental homes and oceanfront beach houses.

Hilton Head Island is a boot shaped Barrier Island off the Atlantic Coast. It is over 40 square mile semi-tropical island with 12 miles of beautiful white sandy beaches.

Over 2 million visitors a year come to the Island. There are six public beach access areas with metered parking, including Coligny Beach which offers handicap access. Tides range from 4 to 8 feet and have created wide beaches and lovely sand dunes. The temperate climate and Gulf stream-warmed waters make water sports a year-round event.Nature and wildlife is all around you. Just off shore you are sure to spot the fins of bottle nosed dolphins swimming. Loggerhead turtles, an endangered species, make the Island their nesting place. Other Island animals include hundreds of species of birds, deer, otters, and the alligator. Visitors can view the animals in their natural habitat by visiting forest preserves or taking a walking tour.

The Island is probably best known for its year-round golf, with more than 20 championship public-access courses. Golf Digest named the Island in the top 10 of Golf Digest's top 100 best golf destinations worldwide.Tennis is also world reknowned with both professionals and amateurs. There are approximately 300 courts in all three Grand Slam surfaces.

The 10 marinas are host to several water sport activities such as fishing, (both inshore and off-shore) water-skiing, kayaking, sailing, parasailing, scuba diving, and windsurfing. In addition the Island has miniature golf courses, wild life preserves, play-grounds, bike paths, horseback riding, swimming pools, dolphin-watching cruises, sightseeing and historic tours and arts and cultural activities.

Try to squeeze in a little shopping time while you are here. The Island has over 200 quaint shops and also includes Shelter Cove Mall with major department stores.

Bluffton SC , the gateway to Hilton Head, has three outlet malls just in case you can't find what you are looking for on the island.

Dining on the island can be upscale or relaxed. Hilton Head and Bluffton have restaurants that offer award-winning cuisine to satisfy gourmets and delight vacationing families. From seafood to steak, French to Mexican and everything in between there are over 250 dining spots for guests to experience. Be sure to sample some of the best local seafood around while you are here. The Island has many exciting spots for night-time entertainment too.Throughout the year the Island hosts many well-known events. In the spring there is the Celebration of the Arts and The Heritage, a nationally televised golf tournament held in Sea Pines - PGA Verizon Heritage Classic. If it is spring it must mean Festivals and, of course, WineFest and WingFest. Summer time and the living is easy at the beach. Outdoor concerts are also popular family gatherings – both Harbour Town and Shelter Cove present performers and fireworks. Fall brings the annual Celebrity Golf Tournament, FoodFest, the Chili Cook-off Challenge and the Contours d'Elegance, a classic car exhibit. The Native Islander Gullah Celebration, the Junior Heritage and Fashions and Flavors a la Heart are just a few of the win-ter events on Hilton Head.

However long your stay in paradise, you will want to plan a return visit to our spectacular island. There is just too much to do and see to take it all in, in just one visit. So who knows if you just came for a week, you might be back for a lifetime.