Getting Oriented

Getting Oriented

Hilton Head is just north of South Carolina's border with Georgia. It's so close to Savannah that they share an airport. This part of the state is best explored by car, as its points of interest spread over a flat coastal plain that is a mix of wooded areas, marshes, and sea islands, the latter of which are sometimes accessible only by boat or ferry. Take U.S. 170 and 17 to get from one key spot (Hilton Head, Beaufort, and Edisto) to another. It's a pretty drive that winds through small towns and over old bridges. Charleston, the Queen Belle of the South, is at the northern end of the region.

Hilton Head Island. One of the southeast coast's most popular tourist destinations, Hilton Head is known for its golf courses and tennis courts. It's a magnet for timeshare owners and retirees.

Beaufort & Vicinity. This charming town just inland from Hilton Head is a destination in its own right, with a lively dining scene and cute B&Bs. Nearby Fripp Island offers a family-friendly beach escape.

Daufuskie Island. A scenic ferry ride from Hilton Head, Daufuskie is now much more developed than it was during the days when Pat Conroy wrote The Water is Wide, but it's still a beautiful island to explore, even on a day-trip. You can also stay for a few days at a deluxe resort with good golf and tennis.

Edisto Island. More down-home than the other coastal islands, Edisto has one time-share resort as well as several vacation homes for rent, and a lovely state park, where you can rent bare-bones cabins.