Travel Tips

Although Hilton Head is only 12 miles long, it has become a famous vacation destination because it offers a variety of activities with a breathtaking view. Hilton Head is actually an island located in the southern part of South Carolina, approximately 45 minutes away from Savannah, Georgia.

Hilton Head is particularly famous for the world class golf courses. Each year in April, the Harbour Town Golf Links hosts the PGA Tour Heritage Classic. Some of the best golf courses in the area include Harbour Town, Sea Pines, Ocean Course, Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront, and Indigo Run Plantation. Many of these courses are right on the water and may be a bit pricey during peak season, the summertime. If you are looking for more affordable rates in Hilton Head try visiting during the Fall and Winter when green fees are cheaper.

Those who love to shop and dine will also find award winning restaurants and fabulous, unique boutiques in the downtown area. For those who are more interested in the outdoor adventures, Hilton Head offers wonderful opportunities for boating, hiking, biking or just sunbathing on the beach.

Visitors to Hilton Head will soon realize that most of the beaches, parks and walkways in the area are pet friendly, making this an excellent place to bring pets when renting a Hilton Head vacation rental home.

Hilton Head Beaches There are four main public beaches in Hilton Head and dogs are allowed at these beaches throughout the year during a variety of different hours. During the peak season, from Memorial Day until after Labor Day weekend, dogs are only allowed on the beach before 10am or after 5pm and they must remain on the leash. Before Memorial Day or after Labor Day dogs can be on the beach at all times.

From Labor Day until the end of September and again from April 1 to May 30, dogs must remain on the leash from 10am to 5pm but before and after these hours dogs are allowed off the leash. From October 1 through April 1 there are no leash rules for dogs.

The four main beaches in Hilton Head include Alder Lane Beach, Coligny Beach, Driessen Beach Park, and Folly Field Beach Park. Alder Lane Beach Park is located on Forest Beach Drive near the southeastern side of the island. Coligny Beach is nearby at the corner of Forest Beach Drive and Pope Drive in Coligny Circle. On the north side of the island is Driessen Beach Park, located off of Bradley Beach road that can be reached from William Hilton Parkway. You can also access the Folly Field Beach Park from the north side of the island located on Folly Field Road, which is also off of William Hilton Pkwy. Best Friends Dog Park

Located right in the heart of Hilton Head, on the east side off of William Hilton Parkway, this park offers a fenced area for dogs to run without a leash. There are beach access areas outside of the dog park in Chaplain Park but dogs must be leashed to gain access to this area. Remember to bring a pooper scooper, as the city requires dog park users to clean up after their pets.

Calibogue Cruises to Daufuskie Island Daufuskie Island is a more deserted location just south of Hilton Head that offers excellent nature tours and natural sightseeing. For visitors interested in exploring the island with their pets, animals are allowed on the ferry ride if they are leashed. While there are tour bus rides through the island, dogs are not allowed on these, although dog owners can rent golf carts to share with their animals and explore the island.

For those interested in a trip to Daufuskie, reservations for the ferry need to be made at least two hours in advance by calling the Broad Creek Marina at 843-342-8687. The marina is located off of Mathews drive, on the southwest side of the island.