Do I need a car in Hilton Head?
 

I will be traveling to Hilton Head the middle of July. Is a car a necessity to have or can bike travel suffice?

Probably depends on where you're staying. If it's in a resort such as Palmetto Dunes, and you wanted to just hit the beach for the most part, I could see doing it without a car.

However, if you're planning on biking to restaurants or shops away from where you're staying, I'd be afraid of the traffic. There's basically one main road, and cars dominate. The one exception I can think of is Sea Pines. If you stay there, you have access to great bike trails that run the length of the area, and you can get to Harbor Town without risking death.

How are you getting there.

We are flying into Hilton Head and staying at Palmetto Dunes Resort. I definitely want to see as much of the island as possible, so I guess a car would be beneficial. I've just read and heard the horror of the traffic during the peak season.

It will be very hot in July...are you going to want to bike in the middle of the day? Are you going to want to bike to go out to dinner?

If I am to believe what I've read on various websites, vacationers do ride bikes all times of the day and even to dinner. I am a first timer to the island and just wanted some advice from some seasoned visitors.

Unless your unit comes with bikes, it would probably be nearly as cheap to rent a car than rent two or more bikes. Please don't underestimate how hot and muggy it can be.

The traffic can be bad, but if you avoid leaving the island at 4:30-6 p.m. and avoid coming into the island 7:30-9 a.m. you can avoid 85% of the congestion.

The bike idea would be great if for Sept. You just see a fraction of HH from the road.

In the middle of July, I would definitely get a rental car.

Once you see what Hilton Head is like, you will understand why a car is necessary!

A car is nice too if it looks like an evening thundershower and you plan to have dinner out.

Thank you for all the replies. I believe we will be renting a car for our stay on the island.