cdo_24

Am planning on going to Hilton Head for our honeymoon in May? Have never been to the east coast and am very unfamiliar with the area, things to do, where to stay, etc. Am looking for as much information as possible to make this a romantic honeymoon. Would like to stay somewhere on the beach. Thanks so much for your help in helping make my honeymoon unforgettable.

Sunnyboy

Hilton Head is a nice spot for a relaxing honeymoon or vacation. May is a great time to visit as the summer crowds have not yet decended upon the area. There are a variety of accomodations available - hotel rooms , condos, cottages and private villas all with either beachfront, beach views or just beach access. There's plenty of golf, boating, hiking & biking trails, nature preserves, tennis, sailing, fishing, crabbing, shopping and, of course, swimming and walking along miles of uncrowded beaches (even in peak season the area areas with very few people). You can take day trips to neighboring islands, Savanah and Beaufort. You'll also find plenty of restaurants from ranging from fast food to upscale gourmet. The two main "Plantations" are Sea Pines (the biggest) and Palmetto Dunes. Do a "google" search under Hilton Head Island you'll find tons of information on places to stay. For starters, Marriott has an ocenfront hotel in Sea Pines. Check it out.

cheapbutnice

true story-my wife and I were just at HHI for a week in May and had several conversations about how nice it would be for a honeymoon & our 30th anniversary this Fall. As nice as the Caribbean w/o the travel hassle.The area really feels like the SE not the East Coast.Lots of Westin/Sheraton type options on the Beach. My favorite is The Inn at Harbourtown (www.seapines.com)which is near a Marina & golf. The beach is a mile away w/easy,free shuttle.If that is too pricey try the South Beach Marina Inn & villas (www.southbeachvillage.com).These are both in Sea Pines with the privacy of a semi-gated community.Lots of suggestions for day trips & restaurants under the SC section but I would highly recommend Savannah and Beaufort followed by lots of beach time.

beach_dweller

cdo 24,

my wife & I spent our honeymoon (in May) at HH 19 years ago. We loved it, and HH has only gotten better (especially dining) since then. In fact, we plan to go back for honeymoon part two next year after renewing our vows.

Great advice from sunnyboy and chepabutnice. We like staying at Palmetto Dunes, choice of a few ocean-front hotels, houses & villas (ocean-front or a short walk). The grounds are beautiful. Definitely stay ocean-front IMHO, nothing beats romantic walks on the beach in the wee hours (after the shuttles have stopped running.)

snowrooster

I love HH - we're going in 3 weeks. I don't want to be a downer, but we went in late May 2 years ago and it was too cold to go in the ocean. The highs were in the low 70s but since it was early the ocean was still cold and it put a big damper on the vacation. I believe this was unusual (I had researched avg temps before we went and hadn't be concerned) but it is worth keeping in mind if you like to swim in the ocean (you could lie on the beach, but the water itself was very chilly).

We also stay in Palmetto Dunes. You can rent a house a short walk from the beach (3rd/4th row) if you don't go in high season (which May isn't) for a reasonable price (we rent through www.islandgetaway.com) and it's kind of fun (and romantic) to have your own private pool/jacuzzi (which you can usually pay extra to have heated).

Have a great time - I'll post a trip report when we return in a few weeks!

GoTravel

snowrooster you are correct. Our average daily high is mid eighties that time of year.

The Main Street Inn, while not on the beach, is fantastic. Very romantic and has that Tuscan feel. Wine in the afternoon and continental breakfast.

I've hosted an event there and the management is outstanding.

cdo_24

What time of year is the best time to go? I was looking at going in June of this year but I read reviews that the weather was to hot and you burn your feet on the sand. Is this true? Now, I read reviews that in May the weather might be chilly. Just curious to what time of year is best to go and enjoy.

snowrooster

We went late August a few years ago (going the same time this year) and it was great. There were afternoon showers, but we were able to get in our beach time just fine. It's also not quite as crowded as mid-summer so you don't have to wait as long at restaurants, etc.

cdo_24

Any suggestions on where to stay at Palmetto Dunes. Would like to be very close to the beach as for the midnight strolls.

Subway_Scoundrel

Rent a condo in Sea Pines and rent bikes and ride to their beach access point. Go to harbor town and hang out at night or other places in town. Go to Savannah adn look what a real city design is about.

cheapbutnice

Be optimistic and stick with your first impulse. I was there from 5/8-5/15/2004 and the high was 80 and the low around 68 every day! It's the last time B4 the heat hits.

Litespeed_Chick

May air temps will be plenty warm for wearing your bikini and playing on the beach, but the water will still be fairly cold.

The Hilton is very nice and completely ocean front (in Palmetto Dunes)

Not to be annoying, but you are aware that HIlton Head is in South Carolina, right? this thread showed up under NC.