Hi, we are traveling north from Orlando for a few nights in April and were going to try out Hilton Head Island. We have a 4 yr old and a 1 1/2 year old. Are the beaches in Hilton Head nice?? Is the water gentle enough for our older daughter to frolick in and wade in or are they too rough?? Very concerned that the Gulf side of Northern FL may be a better choice for us but have heard very good things about Hilton Head and Marriott has a very good deal for us in Hilton Head. Just need to know about the beaches and waters. Thanks alot.

Here is a summary of the ocean off Hilton Head Island. I hope this answers your question.

The Atlantic will be much rougher than the Gulf Coast.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34503640

Marriott has a good location and nice beach...generally very calm water.

Hilton Head beaches are night and day from Gulf side of northern FL (I'm assuming you mean the Panhandle?) Hilton Head has hard packed brown sand, FL Panhandle has soft pure white sand and more turquoise colored water. Those are the prettiest of all FL beaches, IMHO. HH beaches are wonderful for bike riding on the beach...with or without training wheels , running, walking etc, but the sand can't compare to Panhandle beaches.

My biggest concern for either location is the water temperature in April. We live in the Tampa Bay area and April is just barely, barely, swimming weather here. We also have lived in Savannah, an hour south of HH, and didn't swim there until considerably later. You might find the water a bit too chilly in April. Are you vacationing in Orlando and heading out? If so, you might want to head to the Tampa Bay area for a bit of beach before returning home.

Try HHI, the beaches are beautiful and often make Top 10 lists. Miles of wide beaches and relatively small crowds. Please keep in mind that if real winter ever hits, it could be cool in April.The Mattiott pool shluld be open as a just in case....

We go to Hilton Head every summer and have kids ages 2 & almost 4. The water is usually very calm, but we had some rough water this summer as the hurricanes were passing through (though luckily none too close). I don't think you have to worry about that in April. I ditto responses that it may be a bit chilly for swimming in the ocean. We went once at the end of May and while it was in the low 70s, the water was COLD! It is a nice island for a family to visit. Lots of good family friendly restaurants and other activities without being overly commericalized.