Hilton Head Island, SC
 

Going to HHI in July with DH and DD age 8. Staying at Palmetto Dunes. Who can tell me great and not so great things about this place. I like to be totally prepared before I venture anywhere. Any and all information,positive or negative is welcome. Need to cover, activities,restaurants, sights, etc. Especially pros and cons of the resort itself. Husband golfs, dd and I will play some tennis. Thank you to all!

Most of what you will be doing on HHI in the summer is beaching, golfing/tennis, and maybe biking if that suits you. Also eating - plenty of places to eat. I don't know much about Palmetto Dunes.

What kinds of food do you like? Skull Creek Boathouse is fun and is mostly outdoor seating; I eat there each time I visit.

Forgot to mention this for activities:

http://www.outsidehiltonhead.com/

We go to Hilton Head several times every year, but have never stayed in Palmetto Dunes. We love riding bikes all over the island so we always rent bikes. Our favorite restaurants are Sea Shack, Skull Creek Boathouse, Old Oyster Factory, Black Marlin, and Frankie Bones. We always go in the off season so have never been there in the summer. Hope you have a great time-we love Hilton Head.

I've always stayed at Sea Pines. But agree with others, bike riding the beach or plantation trails is one of the best fun things.

Thank you all. Loved the food advice! I'm a big foodie,husband and daughter not so much. I always need a versatile menu because of them.

Seems everyone is on board with the bike riding: lord knows I could use the exercise!

What can you all tell me about the surf, beach itself? Getting some interesting comments on other sites about "not to expect much". Gotta admit, it's making me nervous!

The beach is wide, hard-packed gray sand with a flat to gentle slope well into the surf. The activity of the surf is dependent on the weather. Some days can be placid, some very active. Usually it's pretty calm.

Here's a good site for dining options with menus:

www.hhidining.com

They produce a good restaurant guide with menus and a helpful map that you can pick up when you get on the island.

"not to expect much" what? I don't get down to HHI often, but SC beaches in general are beautiful. The waves aren't huge unless there's a storm. The beach is always wider at low tide. When is your trip?

Saturday is turn over day for most resort rentals so expect substantial traffic that day.

The beach is great for walking and I have seen kite surfers. I don't get the sense it's great for regular surfing but since I'm not a surfer (yet!) I could not say for certain.

Agree that the beaches are beautiful!

I have not commented because I don't like HH. I find it a sterile area for a beach. BUT the beaches are beautiful, if you are on it. Too spread out, too same, etc. I doubt much surf because they are so wide and gradual--a good thing with kids.