Hilton Head Advice Please

[Davros]

We are planning a trip to HH next year from the UK and we are thinking of going in the spring time possibly flying into Atlanta then driving to HH. Can anybody advise on the best month for a couple who prefer to avoid the crowds. Like visiting State Parks and areas of natural beauty along with places of historical interest. We also prefer the weather to be moderate ie not over hot or cold. If anybody has any ideas on a route from Atlanta to HH this would also be appreciated. We can draw a straight line on the map and just drive but I am sure we would miss some interesting places if we did this. This will be our first visit to this part of the US so any information would be appreciated. My wife is a 'Gone With The Wind' fan and has long wanted to visit this area.

 

[pchpie]

i live in athens, ga (ne of atlanta). i have taken different routes to hh. checkout www.mapquest.com for driving directions. i generally go via I16 and then up 95. it's about a four hour drive from athens. there are also plane routes from atlanta to savannah oftentimes on sale at around $58 one-way. savannah is about one hour from hh.

hh is splendid year round. late april and may and then october sounds like just what you're looking for. weather will hit 80's, relativiely low crowds, oftentimes can get a good deal. summertime is very expensive and crowded.

checkout ebay for deals, also bidshares.com, also tug2.classifieds.

may i suggest the marriott resorts on hh. the best.

 

[KarenNY]

There is a DVC Resort on Hilton Head. You might want to post over on the Disney Vacation Club Board for some info from DVC members about the area.
<b>DVC Board</b>

 

[BobH]

I am sure there are some Georgia experts here that will out do me but my wife and I found these websites particularly helpful and found Savannah particularly beautiful. It is a 40 minute drive from Hilton Head. Savannah International airport is also a 40 minute drive from Hilton Head. Welcome to the US and enjoy your trip:

http://www.savannahvisit.com

http://www.savannahgeorgia.com

http://www.wheretogohiltonhead.com

Charleston is about 1 1/2 hours north of Hilton Head and is a Civil War History Center.

http://www.charleston.com

Sorry these places are not on the dirve in from Atlanta but they are places of major historical significance. Also check the standard guidebooks that can be found on http://www.barnesandnoble.com. I have always found the Lonely Planet series very helpful when traveling in the US and abroad.

 

[BobH]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/weather/historical/historical.htm

June through August are peak travel periods for Hilton Head. My wife and I went at the end of May last time and it was quieter but you take a greater risk of the weather being too cold for the beach in Spring and Fall. check the above website for the historic weather patterns and you may be able to make a more informed decision on when to go.

 

[rcyannacci]

My family always goes to HH mid to late May, and it is a wonderful time to visit. Only on 1 trip in 7 years has it felt too chilly to swim at the beach (of course, we still tried).

My parents (retired) also go every Thanksgiving and love it! They play golf, enjoy the hot tub at the resort, walk the beaches, bike, and shop at the outlet malls. They also say that the restaurant prices are slightly better at this time.

I agree with the earlier post about the Marriot resorts- really great, especially Barony Beach and Grand Ocean.

I haven't been to the DVC resort, but I do know that the resort is not on the beach. They run a shuttle to a private beach area; it still sounds very nice, but we would rather be closer to the beach for easier access, evening walks, etc.

Spend a night in Harbour Town in Sea Pines while you are there. The Crazy Crab has great seafood, and there is usually live music outdoors. And, it is fun to look at all the yachts, sailboats, etc. docked there.

Have a great vacation!

 

[Davros]

Thank's to all of you that have taken the time and trouble to answer our request for advice. We are grateful for the information. The websites that have been recommended will definately be looked at. I forgot to mention that we are Disney Vacation Club members so consequently will be staying at the resort. We are now thinking of going either April or May.

 

[BobH]

I would be remiss if I didn't include this website by Tom Towery.

http://members.tripod.com~ttowery

While the DVC Resort is not on the beach, it is on a marina and there is a beautiful beach house about 2K from the resort. A van shuttle runs back and forth until 4pm. It is also an easy bicycle ride - you can rent bicycle at the resort. One thing to note regarding Hilton Head is that the island is composed primarily of what we call "gated communities" that are off the main highway
(Rt 278 if my memory is good). These gated communities are residential neighborhood built around golf courses and there are usually security guards at the entrance. Access to the ocean and the Disney Beach House is through the gated community across the street called Palmetto Dunes. It is not you typical seashore community where hotels and amusement parks line the shores. The development has all been acccomplished since the 1950's and the islznd is divided into about 5 resort communities centered around the golf courses. Hope you have a wonderful vacation.