Hilton Head - What Does the Island Look Like?

[littlestar]

I've been to Hawaii, Treasure Island, FL, etc. Can anybody tell me what Hilton Head looks like? Curious as to the feel of the island. What color is the sand on the beach? White sand beaches or darker sand like Vero Beach?

Does it feel upscale (heard someone say signs are earth toned - no neon)?

Thanks.

 

[msdis]

Can't help too much since we have only spent 1 nt "to check it out" but I can say that it's different than the feel you get at Vero or any where on/off Disney property. From the time you get on on main road into HH you immediately notice how ALL the signs are exactly the same. You do not see the usual logo signs that are associated with say McDonald's or Burger King. All the signs are the same color,size, and are usually lined up on a larger one and may be with 6 other recognizable brand name companies. Also the grounds are impecable everywhere. Another thing you will notice is all the very expensive vehicles driving around. You definately get the sense of an upscale community. We saw the sand but I don't remember the color. Seems as though it was whiter than Vero, but I'm not sure. It is kind of strange to see the resort and it's marsh surroundings yet you cross the street and down a ways to the beach house and you see nothing but ocean, it's like being in 2 different worlds. I really enjoyed my experience there and look forward to returning.
BTW- We have been to Treasure Island in Fla. too and I would say HH looks more like a country club resort where as TI looks more like a fishing village.

 

[CarolA]

HH definitly works on having an upscale feel. They have very strict sign rules and lots of landscaping.

The beach is white and slopes very gently! At high tide you have to walk forever to get over your head. Very gentle waves.

The homes on the island proabably start at around $300,000 and go up to several million (Ross Perot's house there sold for over $5 million) (condos or villas can be cheaper) if that gives an idea.

 

[Tommy]

Hilton Head does have a sign restriction, and so that makes it someitmes difficult to find the things you are looking for. The Walmart sign is maybe eight feet tall, no lights, to give you a clue. Much vegetation on the island, and yes it is upscale. Lots of golf courses edge up to the main road. Very little tacky shops like on some other beaches. It's quite, and dark as pitch at night. There's lots of things to do and places to eat there, but they don't stand out. Road traffice is busy during the morning and afternoon rush hour traffic.

Tommy

 

[cgcw]

Our first time to HH we were not prepared for how difficult it is to locate a business. Not only are the signs low and not the normal ones you would associate with WalMart or Target, but the stores themselves are set back from the road so you can't even get a glimpse of them as you drive by.
The beach has always been clean. At times, the marsh branches are along the high tide mark and look a little messy. I can't compare to Vero but the sand seemed white as the kids were playing in it and when it dried.
HH is upscale but we have never felt out of place there. It seems like the "locals" are use to the tourists around. By the end of our 1st week there we didn't even notice the more affluent aspect -- unless we were out on Broad Creek in a boat looking at the homes along the creek. They are gorgeous and some are big enough for our entire neighborhood at home to live in and not see each other once -- okay, maybe not that big, but enough to make the normal folks mouth drop!!

 

[littlestar]

Wow. Thanks for the replies. I've never seen any pictures of the approach to the island and these replies are helping me visualize things a little.

 

[BobH]

The island is about 12 miles long and 3 miles wide. A main highway route 278 is the only way to get around. The southern 2/3 of the island is made up of gated communities with security checkpoints and guards. One community called SEa Pines at the southern 1/3 of the island even charges $5 to get in. Disney has its beach house inside a gated community across route 278 from the resort. Very upscale housing everywhere except the northern tip of the island where most of the locals live.

 

[Caskbill]

The sand is very hard packed. Almost like walking on blacktop. If you ride a bike it's a great beach to ride on. It feels like riding on the street since your wheels don't sink into the sand.

At low tides the beach is very wide because as mentioned, the slope is very gentle.

 

[PADVCmember@OKW]

This site has additional photos that will give you a feel for the island. Hope it helps.

http://wdwig.com/g_hh.htm