Hilton Head Island or Vero Beach

[Pluto 32]

Hello DVC Family!

I’m thinking about planning a trip to HHI for my very first father’s day. I have never been there before and I would be driving from Northern Virginia which is approximately an 8 1/2 hour drive. I would be traveling with my wife, five-month-old boy and service dog.

I’m seeking some advice/experiences from members that have visited this resort and know about it, the area and things to do.

Likewise, Vero Beach (which I haven’t been to either) is also one of my considerations but that’s another 4 1/2+ hours driving south. Still, I would consider it if it seems like it would be a more enjoyable/relaxing visit than HHI.

Thank you everyone for all of your recommendations!

°O°

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I’ve been to the HHI resort once, so not an expert on that.
I have been to the Vero resort more times than I can count, and I’m extremely familiar with the area (currently building a house 10 minutes from the resort).
IMO it’s two different experiences, which makes it truly a personal decision. We prefer Vero because the beach, bar, restaurant, etc... are all right there. That said, we do have our favorite off site restaurants we travel to.
The HH resort is not in the beach, but there is transportation provided. Last I was there they had a very nice beach house as a base point for the beach.
Recreation..?? If golf or tennis is in your plans than HH is likely your answer. If a lazy, old Florida trip is your thing, than Vero it should be.
As far as the actual resort goes, it is my opinion the Vero Resort is one of the prettiest in the entire Disney portfolio.

 

[Murron]

Both are wonderful. Personally, however, I prefer being directly on the beach so my vote is always Vero beach.

 

[jerseygal]

Both are really nice, enjoy both, but I prefer HHI. Closer to really great restaurants, much more of a choice, less driving. You won't be disappointed at either!

 

[Simba's Mom]

If you want to spend all your time at the ocean, Vero is better. But if you want a variety of things to do, Hilton Head is the way to go. We like Hilton Head better because there's so much to do!

 

[DVC Jen]

We have been to both and love both for different reasons. Vero can feel isolated but incredibly relaxing if you just want to lay on the beach or by the pool and chill.

Hilton Head is also very relaxing but the beach is not right there so it takes a bit of effort to get there. However, it is not as isolated and there is more to do in the area.

Vero has their own restaurants right there so you don't need to go offsite at all if you don't want to. Hilton Head just has the small snack bar by the pool at the Main resort. However there is an outdoor mall with quite a few nice restaurants a short walk away.

Vero has a definite Florida/Tropical vibe white Hilton Head is much more rustic and wooded.

As far as the beaches - the water at Vero is stunning. However there is a huge drop off (or at least there was) and until you get passed the drop off you walk on very sharp broken shells which can tear your feet up so I would recommend water shoes. The beach is not very deep either, but quiet and pretty. Hilton Head beach is much wider. There isn't a huge broken shell drop off like at Vero - but the water is more brackish and less blue green tropical beautiful. We didn't spend much time at the beach house - we went right to the beach but walking through it seemed really nice.

 

[Travel60]

As others have said, there is more to do close by (walking or biking distance) at HHI. Vero is fairly isolated from restaurants and shops. There is an on-site restaurant but eating same place every meal may not be great. At HHI with a baby you could easily stroll or bike to many restaurants, shops, and a grocery store. There is a shuttle to beach house or you can drive or even bike or walk (~1 mile). There is a big baby pool at the resort and a small dancing water area at the beach house. There are hammocks and a long pier out to the sound where you can fish or crab.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Reading the comments.... make no mistake.. *If* you are willing to drive roughly 15 minutes from the Vero Resort, there are several places to eat.

 

[MrsBooch]

We prefer HHI but that's because I love the Carolinas - and I really feel like HHI caters to whatever type of vacation you want to have. You should see their activity calendar - you can literally do EVERYTHING and be constantly active or do nothing and just enjoy the atmosphere. The only thing I can think of that may inhibit you at HHI that wouldn't at Vero is that HHI doesn't have a ton of elevator availability. I believe there are only elevators in their main building? So you would have to take your baby gear/beach gear up and down the stairs each time you wanted to go anywhere.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

I may have missed this, but I hope you aren't planning on Father's Day 2019. HHI will be completely booked for the summer by now. I don't know about VB, but I would guess it is, too.