Hilton Head Beaches
 

We are planning a family vacation in Hilton Head SC. We are bringing our three small grandchildren. We know that Hilton Head has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, BUT, we also have been told that the sand is "quite firm." We intend to play on the beach - lay on blankets, dig, make sandcastles. Will the firmness hinder this? Does anyone have a comment? Also are there chairs, umbrellas, etc. available for rent on the public beaches?

AveryF- Not quite sure where you heard that Hilton Head has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world!! The beaches at Hilton Head are brown compact dirt, you can literally ride your bike on it! It's not your typical white sandy beach like the gulf has. Hilton Head is a big golfer's retreat, not really known for beaches! Just out of curiosity why did you choose Hilton Head?

Avery - the beaches in Hilton Head are very firm, and that is one of the things that makes Hilton Head a very popular beach resort. They also have a very slight slope into the sea, and when the tide is low, the beach is extremely wide. People do all kinds of things on the sand, such as ride bikes, putt golf balls, and play all kinds of games. It is very different from other atlantic beaches that have fluffy sand. But if you want to play on the beach, I think you will like it very much because of the large variety of things you can do.

Putting down blankets and towels is another matter. The sand doesn't really dry out since it is so flat and firm, and anything laid directly on it will absorb water. You are a lot better off if you take chairs or lounges to keep you up off of the sand when you are relaxing. Because of that, it's best to try and rent a place close to the beach, which makes it easier to cart the chairs. I don't remember if there are chair/lounge rentals on the beach - probably so - but if you can get them for the whole week it would really be worth the money.

While Smetz is correct about the sand remaining "wet"--you can get around that--purchase a cheap-o plastic tablecloth and put it down under the blanket. Take a sturdy sand shovel(to dig through the hardpack). We took our then 2-year-old grandson one Thanksgiving and he didn't care that the water was cold (VERY cold) or that the sand was hard. He was just happy--running, chasing waves, digging. Take bubbles, a kite and various plastic containers--to "keep" critters and use as sand molds. There's a play area near one of the bay side shopping areas--we happened upon it while looking at the boats (another fun activity).

There are chair and umbrella rentals on the beach, at least on North Forest Beach. No problems making sandcastles.

"the sand remaining "wet"--you can get around that--purchase a cheap-o plastic tablecloth and put it down under the blanket."

Good idea!

We have gone to HHI from PA twice a yearfor many years. Although all tastes are different, it has the best beaches that we have ever seen. You can truly ride bikes on much of it but it is honestly not "dirt". Parts are packed harder than others but there is plenty of loose sand, yet enough solid sand to walk and play until you drop.We've tried many east coast beaches and HHI is our favorite.PS, we don't golf but love biking and walking which is world-class there.

cheapbutnice2- If you like the Beaches at Hilton Head you would be speechless if you saw the beaches of the gulf coast, particularly Destin,Fl. The sand is white and feels like sugar under your feet! I had friends from California visit last year(they also say the beaches are the best there)and they couldn't believe how breathtaking the beach was! People who live around the gulf are truly blessed with beautiful beaches! I know it's a bit farther from HH, but maybe you can take a trip to any of the beaches in the panhandle of FL, next time.

hi tambennett - I don't think anyone is disputing how nice the sand is on the FL panhandle - beautiful and fluffy. But if you like playing games on the beach, Hiltonhead is great specifically because of the hard packed and level sand. And I would have to add (respectfully of course) that an endorsement from Californians who think their beaches are the best isn't very reliable. I've been to beaches in most parts of the US including California, and the Atlantic & Gulf beaches, IMHO, are far better than those on the Pacific.

By the way - how is the winter weather around Destin - is it a little cool for the beach? What would you say is the best time of year to go there?

Certainly it is very different from the powdery white sand of the Florida panhandle, but it's certainly not "dirt". On HHI it's gray and hardpacked, but it is sand. And if you put your blanket/towel closer to the sand dunes, there are some softer spots to sit.

As mentioned above, HHI beaches are great for running, sports, walking and lots of other things that will tire out the grandkids. And that dense sand can make some great sandcastles - just bring a couple of shovels.

You're not going to find many places to rent chairs - buy your own cheap ones at a Wallgreens or Walmart.

smetz-You are right about the gulf coast beaches! I have been to beaches all over including Hawaii and I love the gulf! Destin is one of many great vacation spots on the gulf coast! We have been as late as Thanksgiving and as early as March! August is probably the hottest month!

We rented chairs on the beach right in front of the Hilton.