Golf Getaway

Stay: If you’re seeking to stay at an upscale property that’s surrounded by exceptional golf on Hilton Head Island, The Inn & Club at Harbour Town is the place to be. The property is understated in its elegance, with 60 guest rooms outfitted with large soaking tubs, walk-in showers, and beds swathed in Frette Italian linens. Larger groups—or couples seeking an even more resplendent stay—can book the Fairway Suite, which boasts a spacious lounge and a covered terrace that overlooks the first and ninth fairways of Harbour Town Golf Links.

Play: Sea Pines is home to a trio of championship-caliber golf courses, including Love Golf Design’s Atlantic Dunes. The 7,000-yard layout mitigates the constant presence of water with strategically placed contours and mounding that help deliver favorable bounces—and an enjoyable round for all. The property’s crown jewel, however, is the aforementioned Harbour Town, which is set for an extensive restoration overseen by Davis Love III. That project will commence just after the RBC Heritage in April. “It’s a layout I know and love,” says Love, who won five times there. “We’ve already begun a thoughtful process for protecting the integrity of this Pete Dye masterpiece.”

Indulge: When you’re ready to celebrate that bucket-list round, settle in at Links, an American Grill, inside the Harbour Town Clubhouse, for traditional steakhouse fare. Elsewhere on property, Coast at Sea Pines Beach Club blends fresh seafood with Lowcountry staples (think hush puppies) and an impressive bourbon selection in a spectacular setting. But if you really want to bask in the glow after your round, venture upstairs to the rooftop oyster bar at the Quarterdeck, where you’ll find Southern seafood complemented by sweeping views of Harbour Town Golf Links, the marina, and the Calibogue Sound.

Family Adventure

Stay: The recently renovated Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa is a winner for all ages, with a prime beachfront location, three swimming pools, a full-service spa, multiple dining options, and a golf and racquet club. Renting a condo or house at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort—with its marina, three golf courses, miles of biking trails, and more—is another great option for families.

Explore: Paved leisure pathways are abundant on Hilton Head, offering an easy way to enjoy the island. But when it comes to family fun, the local vehicle of choice is a boat. Check out Outside Hilton Head for nature cruises, fishing charters, and kayaking excursions, and Captain Kidd for catch-and-release crabbing adventures. Aspiring duffers will love Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf, while everyone will cherish an afternoon at the Gregg Russell Harbour Town playground and the lighthouse, where, during the summer months, you can enjoy family-friendly concerts.

Eat: Enjoy a Lowcountry lunch, brunch, or dinner at Fishcamp on Broad Creek, set in a historic fishing camp with roots in the local Gullah culture. Head to Skull Creek Boathouse—home to everything from a sushi bar to a general store—for a classic and memorable waterfront dining experience. For a more upscale affair, stroll down to Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana or one of the many other locally owned restaurants on Hilton Head Island.

Upcoming Events

Throughout the month of February, residents and guests can partake in a series of events that will spotlight the cuisine, music, and artwork of the island’s Gullah community. The annual Gullah Celebration (February 1–March 1) showcases the heritage of these native islanders, which is instrumental in shaping the cultural traditions of Hilton Head Island.

The ocean’s bounty—specifically a variety of fish, blue crab, and oysters sourced from local waters—is the primary draw of Hilton Head Island’s Seafood Festival (February 17–23), which not only celebrates those delectable foods but also embraces the region’s Southern heritage. Whether you choose to attend the Pig Pickin’ & Oyster Roast or the festival’s main event—the Saturday Seafood Festival—one thing is clear: you must bring your appetite!

The Hilton Head Island Piano Competition (March 10-17) will welcome some of the world’s best pianists to the island. In one of the leading international piano competitions in the United States, 20 of the world’s finest young pianists, ages 13 to 17, compete in three exciting rounds of competition before an international panel of jurors. First prize will include, among other items, a recital at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall during the 2025–2026 season.

Hilton Head Island’s annual Wine & Food Festival (March 23–29) stands out for being one of the East Coast’s largest outdoor tented wine festivals. Comprising public tasting and grand tasting events—not to mention a private judging event—the festival brings cuvées to the Carolinas and is a sure sign that spring is here.

To plan your next island getaway to America’s Favorite Island® and learn more about upcoming events: