Outer Banks vs. Hilton Head
 

Would like opinions on Hilton Head vs. Outer Banks (Duck, Corolla). We have been going to the Outer Banks for the last several years and love it there, but some in the family would like to try someplace new. Have never been to Hilton Head and would like to know how crowded are the beaches compared to the Outer Banks. Also, have seen some websites that indicate there are no boogie boards allowed in designated swimming areas. Does this apply to all of the beach areas in Hilton Head, or only the public access ? Did consider other parts of Outer Banks such as Emerald Isle or Ocean Isle, but didn't seem as if there was as much to do there as Hilton Head for teenagers. My daughter and her friend will be 18, and my son and his fiance early twenties may also be coming. Although, I like the idea of trying somewhere new, I'm
not sure if Hilton Head will be too commercial.

Have you thought about beaches around Charleston like Folly or Wild Dunes?

Hilton Head is an overbuilt series of developments with little "soul". Look at the Charleston beaches or further up the SC coast at Litchfield/Pawley's Island area. GREAT seafood up that way also--beautiful beaches that are relatively uncrowded even in mid-summer.

Agree about Hilton Head having no soul and with Gretchen's recommendations.

Have been to both beaches (actually am going to both this summer) and really prefer HH over Outer Banks. I like to walk the beach and HH is much flatter, wider, and the sand is harder (making it easier to walk, in fact you can even ride bikes on the beach which the kids always enjoyed) I always stay on a plantation (I prefer Palmetto Dunes) instead of a public access beach so as not to be in a crowded area.
Comparing Outer Banks to Hilton Head is very hard, apples to oranges really. But I like the upscale look of the manicured lawns and villas and though it is more built up,(though OBX is changing every year also) I believe it is very tastefuly done.
There is a lot to do in HH and I think your children would enjoy it. (Lots more shopping for the 18 year old girls!) As for boogie boards, the surf is much calmer and safer so unless there is a storm coming up, you really won't find it very suitable for boogie boards anyway. (I've seen more skim boarding and games played on the wide level beaches for the boys.)
Hope you have a good time which ever one you choose, but personally, I think you and your family would really enjoy the change and feel you should give it a try.

HH is VERY commercial. It's almost the opposite atmosphere of the outer banks.

Hilton Head is a resort. The Outer Banks is the beach. Horses for courses.

I don't disagree with those who say HH has no soul. It IS definitely more developed and commercial than OBX. But I like it anyway, not better necessarily, just like it for different reasons.

And you did say you wanted something different from OBX where you've vacationed for several years.

You could do a whole lot worse than HH. I wouldn't hesitate to give it a try. And I think Michele2's description is right on the money.

As to use of boogie boards, okay except in designated swimming areas (basically the public access beach/parks). Here's the official HH web-page about that.

http://www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov/Island/beaches.html

Are there any houses in HH? I was there once about 18 years ago and remember it being hotels and condo's, no charm and nothing to do, unless you golfed.

Personally, I think the OBX has much more to offer and HH is a great place for a corporate meeting or a golf outing.

I second (or third) the recommendation for Pawley's Island. We stayed at the Litchfield beach resort in one of the villas and loved it. Yes, it's a resort, but the surroinding areas had lots of charming cottages, lot's of villages, restaurants and if you had to, you could easily go to Myrtle Beach.

I love Pawley's island, if you like the OBX I think you'd like it too.

We rent a house in HH every year w/our kids & love it. It is in Palmetto Dunes and we can walk to the beach (never crowded) and the whole "plantation" has a very peaceful, well manicured feel to it. While HH may be commercial compared to OBX, I don't find the commercialization the least bit overwhelming. Unlike other popular vaca spots I visited, there are laws regarding signs, etc so even the golden arches are well hidden rather than high in the sky - tasteful commercialism.

We've considered OBX several times as well and one thing that I like about HH that I hear is sometimes an issue in OBX is that every is RIGHT THERE on HH whereas OBX is more spread out and you often have to drive a bit to get to different restaurants, etc. If I were going somewhere just w/dh OBX might be a good place to relax, but if you want lots to do in a beautiful place with great beaches, HH is a great family spot.

So I guess there ARE houses in HH!

Nina,

I think you'll find lots of houses in HH . . . Sea Pines Plantation, Palmetto Dunes Plantation, etc., etc.

It's weird how perceptions of places form. Even 18 years ago, there were lots of houses there. Maybe it's just that the big hotel/condo developments in the resorts commanded your attention.

I guess it was because I was on a sales meeting trip, and all I saw were resorts and golf courses.

I actually googled vacation rentals and see that there seem to be quite a few rental houses there, though they seem newer. I guess they've had a lot of development in HH (like everywhere else on the ocean).

If you are interested in actually renting a house in HH, I highly recommend www.islandgetaway.com - we've rented several houses through them for years. Another thing I noticed when I researched houses in OBX is that there doesn't seem to be a lot of greenery/trees between them? I like the lushness of HH - the houses we rent have always been surrounded by beautiful plants and trees - our own little paradise. Plus the majority of houses for rent in HH have their own pool, which I didn't find in OBX. This is really nice with little ones who might go to bed early as it allows dh and I to enjoy the pool just outside our door while they sleep. It really is a great family destination.

What can I say, I'm excited - we leave next friday!! My kids keep asking - how many days until Hilton Head?

nina, Hilton Head is the epitome of controlled development.

I need to caste a vote for HHI over OBX. HHI may be more developed but the zoning is very good and most of the development is very nice with linited access to the main roads.I prefer the Sea Pines section and rent from Sea Pines.com, saltydog.com or vrbo.com.I'm a non-golfer who feels that their beaches and bike trails are the best!

If your kids want good surfing and things to do look south of OBX at Wrightsville and such. Or Ocean Isle and Sunset Beach. Lots of houses, good seafood (and other) places to eat, beaches that have the look of the "beach" and not a controlled residence development.

Gretchen,

I usually agree with your comments 100%, but I am a little at a loss with your post immediately above.

As to things to do and lots of restaurants, wouldn't you have to give the nod to HH? At least in my experience, HH has a lot more restaurant choices, especially more than OIB and Sunset.

Now as to old-school beach cottage feel, hands down OIB and Sunset take first prize--I agree there.

We have been going to the OBX for over 20 years, first as singles, then married, then married with kids and now married with kids and we bring the in-laws friends and neighbors!! As we've gotten older we've gradually moved from Duck to Corolla to South Nags Head but now we stay in Frisco. We've been to HH but our hearts are in the OBX especially, Frisco. We've always found great things to do, even with kids, from crabbing to playing on the local little league fields to fishing...the beaches are extraordinary, a little rough sometimes, but we've never found them to be crowded. OFten times, we're one of a handful of families on the beach.

From Frisco you can take the free car ferry over to other islands. To use, the naturalness of the area far surpasses anything in HH.

My post is entirely consistent with my feelings about HH. Surfing for teens would be better at Wrightsville. Calabash is an entire town of seafood restaurants.