terryr

atlantan123, I just contacted Harbourtown Yacht Club (888-412-7375), and they say that they are a members only property. Is that the property you were recommending, or somewhere else in Harbour Town? Thanks again.

Brian_in_Charlotte

terryr, I've been going to HHI for the last 10-15 years since right out of college.

You could be very happy in Sea Pines, but to me, the downside is you are "behind the gate" and a decent drive to many of the island's best restaurants. However, there are a few very good restaurants behind the gates, so if you don't want to go out every night, that may be plenty.

As mentioned above, be careful where your villa is located - you really don't want to have to bike to the beach. I wouldn't want to be more than a 3-minute walk (it's a beach vacation after all). You'll have to use Mapquest.com to see were specific addresses are located. I definitely would not want to stay in or near Harbortown - it's overwhelmed with tourists every afternoon and evening in the summer.

The Forest Beach area is where we stay. South Forest beach is populated largely with older, low-rise condos and you can find very affordable rates if you're willing to walk across South Forest Beach Drive to get to the beach (2-3 minute walk). North Forest Beach is mostly private homes (usually where we rent) and a nice, reasonable sized, 3rd or 4th row home with pool can be had in June for $2,500 - $3,000. The beaches in North Forest Beach are a bit less crowded due to the lack of condos.

Coligny circle separates South Forest Beach and North Forest Beach. Sea Crest sits just on the North Forest Beach side. It's in what I'd consider the Coligney "business district" which is very convenient for walking to the store, coffee shop, bars and restaurants, but will feel a bit busy on the street and the beach in summer. Coligney is "nothing to write home about" but does have its uses - our favorite coffee shop and bar are located there, and 2 of our favorite restaurants are next door. You are also within a 3-minute drive of the island's best restaurants concentrated between Coligney Circle and Sea Pines Circle.

Whether you choose Sea Pines or another area, you'll have a great time - as long as you're near the beach. Good luck.

terryr

Thanks, Brian, for your helpful comments. Can you make any recommendations of your favorite restaurants on HHI as you alluded to a few in the area, both in and outside the gates of SP resort? Thank you!

Brian_in_Charlotte

It depends on what you are looking for. Outside Sea Pines, we are big fans of Sage Room, Flavors, Redfish, Michael Antony's, Marley's and (for a more casual, change of pace) Just Pasta. Inside, CQs and Truffles are always good choices.

There are lots and lots of other choices. A good place to start research is:

http://www.sallys-place.com/food/din...ilton_head.htm

terryr

Thanks again, Brian, your restaurant list will be helpful when we are there this late spring.

The Marriott time share/hotel property that you recommended looks inviting...great interior set-up, as you say, and not the usual Marriott decor as in their hotel chain. Brian and others, are you able to rent beach chairs and umbrellas from the hotel? What bike paths are in the vicinity of that Marriott property? If our family of 3 wishes to bike to Sea Pines resort and use their 16 miles of bike paths, does the SP resort charge $5 per person/day or is that the overall family rate rate per day (given it's a gated community)?

DancingBearMD

As I mentioned above, we were not allowed this summer to bike onto Sea Pines, with or without payment. If you drive onto Sea Pines it's $5 for the car.

sf7307

As I mentioned above, we were not allowed this summer to bike onto Sea Pines, with or without payment. If you drive onto Sea Pines it's $5 for the car.

Just curious, can you drive with your bikes on the car and then use them while there?

terryr

Thanks for the clarification, DancingBearMD. I was under the impression that "outsiders" can still come in and use the bike paths as long as they pay a fee. Therefore, what are the bike paths like around the Marriott and other parts of the island (outside of SP resort)?

Brian_in_Charlotte

There continuous bike paths throughout the forest beach area and between the 2 circles, and they even continue on north of Sea Pines Circle all the way over the Crosstown Connector bridge. Not sure they go all the way out to the Marriott in question. It's 5-6 miles from the Marriott to Sea Pines and any paths between the 2 that did exist would be along a very busy 4-lane highway (not a great ride).

Brian_in_Charlotte

Change "Crosstown Connector" to "Cross Island Parkway".

padams421

A significant portion of the bike trails are riding around the condo buildings. The trails are not all beach and nature.

DancingBearMD

Here's a map of the Town's pathways (outside of Sea Pines and the other big developments).

http://www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov/Maps/pathmap.htm

DancingBearMD

More useful bike info:

http://www.aaaridingtigers.com/faq.html#14

terryr

Thank you everyone for all the great information on bike trails and FAQ on bike riding on Hilton Head Island! This too will help us with our decision-making. We love you Fodorites for all of your resources and information!

atlantan123

Sorry, I thought others could stay at the yacht club. It sounds like I might be wrong (no!). I know in the past Sue at the yacht club (I am not related to her), has arranged for us to stay in a larger villa that was not part of the yacht club. Did you speak with her or just someone in reservations? Sorry if you have to be a member or a guest. Anyway, how about Marriott's Monarch at Seapines? It is directly on the beach, but still in Seapines so you are still close to dining/shopping, etc. I have not stayed there but have seen the location/exterior and it looks nice and they are 2 bed/2 bath units. Has anyone reading this stayed there? I would be curious about it too.

terryr

Yes, any feedback on the Marriott Monarch at Sea Pines would be of interest to me too! Anyone stayed there?

Thanks, atlantan123, for checking back in. The Harbour Yacht Club only deals with members or those who exchange with International Interval homes, fyi.

terryr

ttt