Hilton Head or Vero Beach?

[OffToDWD]

We are considering trying out either Hilton Head or Vero Beach next year (most likely in March). Was wondering which do you prefer and why? We will have 2 kids - ages 8 and 13 at that time. Thanks in advance!

 

[ngl]

Vero is one of our home properties so love it but HHI is great as well. However, in March HHI will be cool. Definitely not warm enough to go in the ocean. Having said that, we are Floridians so like it warmer than most but if you looked on any of the average weather charts online HHI has an average high of 70 in March. Too low of a temp and early in the year to start warming the ocean water at all.

 

[OffToDWD]

Vero is one of our home properties so love it but HHI is great as well. However, in March HHI will be cool. Definitely not warm enough to go in the ocean. Having said that, we are Floridians so like it warmer than most but if you looked on any of the average weather charts online HHI has an average high of 70 in March. Too low of a temp and early in the year to start warming the ocean water at all.

Thanks! How's the water by Vero Beach? Is it calm enough for the kiddos to go in and play?

 

[ngl]

Thanks! How's the water by Vero Beach? Is it calm enough for the kiddos to go in and play?

My kids are 11 & 9 and LOVE Vero because of the waves! (We live on the Gulf side of the state so no real waves here most of the time). Some days it can get rough. Having said that we have been going there each summer since my daughter was 1.5 and was pregnant with my son and they've always enjoyed the water. Now, of course, they can boogie board on their own. We never go out too far.

 

[bbn1122]

I love them both. I feel HHI has way more to do and restaurants are plentiful.
But, I am guessing weather and water temp will be better at VB in March.

good luck

 

[OffToDWD]

I love them both. I feel HHI has way more to do and restaurants are plentiful.
But, I am guessing weather and water temp will be better at VB in March.

good luck

Thanks! Way more to do in the resort or outside the resort?

 

[ngl]

Was going to add that VB is more secluded. One restaurant on site and quick serve. They updated it a few years ago and MUCH better than it used to be. Other than that it is about a 15-20 min drive to downtown Vero. HHI has a lot more w/in walking distance right around it. I feel the activities on site are similar as to things you could go offsite and do but maybe slightly more in HH. But the weather in HH in March would not be beach weather (or even pool weather imo) so that takes those activities out. Just depends on intention of trip.

 

[jerseygal]

I love them both. I feel HHI has way more to do and restaurants are plentiful.
But, I am guessing weather and water temp will be better at VB in March.

good luck

We also have been to both several times. In March, my vote would be for Vero since it will be too cold for HHII beach. I would go to HHI in May, April usually is crowded if it is Easter that year. May is a great month at HHI, before the summer crowds start. Enjoy Vero, so relaxing!

 

[Judique]

Was going to add that VB is more secluded. One restaurant on site and quick serve. They updated it a few years ago and MUCH better than it used to be. Other than that it is about a 15-20 min drive to downtown Vero. HHI has a lot more w/in walking distance right around it. I feel the activities on site are similar as to things you could go offsite and do but maybe slightly more in HH. But the weather in HH in March would not be beach weather (or even pool weather imo) so that takes those activities out. Just depends on intention of trip.

I would say that it takes water out for some people, but my grandchildren were in the ocean and both pools this past March (middle of) in Hilton Head. I'm not saying it was warm. Plus at the main resort you have the pool and the hot tub. Get warm in the hot tub and then take a slightly cooler dip. The pool is heated. It's also very sheltered.

 

[Cfabar1]

Is Hilton Head cooler than Vero Beach during the Summer as well? In July? Or is the weather comparable at that point?

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

We found the waves to be very strong at VB. We didn't have young children with us, and I'm glad we didn't. I would have been terrified having little ones near those waves. The beach is also very steep. It's not easy to walk on, and due to the steepness and the strong waves, getting in the water was difficult. We will probably never go back to VB. Now, HHI's beach is amazing. It's very flat and wide, which makes it easy to walk on (and ride bikes on). The waves are small, and because of that and the flat beach), it's easy to get into the water. We love HHI! We go there every year and have been talking about going twice a year.

 

[Carol_]

We found the waves to be very strong at VB. We didn't have young children with us, and I'm glad we didn't. I would have been terrified having little ones near those waves. The beach is also very steep. It's not easy to walk on, and due to the steepness and the strong waves, getting in the water was difficult. We will probably never go back to VB. Now, HHI's beach is amazing. It's very flat and wide, which makes it easy to walk on (and ride bikes on). The waves are small, and because of that and the flat beach), it's easy to get into the water. We love HHI! We go there every year and have been talking about going twice a year.

Agree 100% with this. VB has a great pool, though. VB isn’t bad, but those waves can be a terror. If it’s either or, I’d go HH. If it’s VB or nothing, you’ll have fun at VB, just mind the undertow and big waves.

 

[Travel60]

Agree with comments on roughness of waves at VB. A few years ago I was "body surfing" near shore and a wave grabbed me and threw me head over heels 5-8 feet on the beach. I was stunned, breath knocked out of me for a minute and people ran over to see if I was ok. Beach is also very narrow (sometimes non-existent at high tide) and steep. Storms have eaten a lot of the beach.

That said, DH and I have ressies for two weeks in January. Had points to use or lose from previously cancelled trip and wanted to head to warmer weather. We will stop at grocery on the way in and Isolate....ride bikes, drive around, work remotely, read....maybe walk the beach

 

[RebelScum]

Agree with others on the surf at VB. It is much stronger than our experience at HH. That said, we love both resorts a lot! Although, if you want to swim in the ocean in March, VB is likely your only option, as I suspect you will be confined to the pool in March in HH