Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a town in Beaufort County, South Carolina, situated on a barrier island along the Atlantic coast and surrounded by pine forests and salt marshes. The island shows several beaches with pale sand, a network of bicycle paths through residential areas, and marinas with sailing boats and motor yachts.

An English captain sailed past the headland in 1663 and gave it its name, while Spanish explorers had already charted the area during the 16th century. During the Civil War, Union forces established a base here to control Southern ports and shelter escaped slaves.

The Harbour Town Lighthouse shows red and white stripes and stands at the end of a marina lined with shops and restaurants along the waterfront. Visitors climb the spiral stairs to look out over the coastline and sailing boats at anchor.

Public beach access points lie scattered along the coast, though many areas belong to private communities with gates and security staff. Bicycle rentals are available near most beach points, and the flat paths make cycling easy for all ages.

Archaeologists found shell rings made from oyster shells piled up by indigenous inhabitants over 4000 years ago, marking the outlines of ancient gathering places. These rings now lie hidden beneath trees and shrubs, though some sites remain marked by small information panels.