Hilton Head Editor Picks

Located in the Sea Pines plantation and just a quick walk from the Harbour Town marina and lighthouse, this elegant boutique property is a great alternative to the mega resorts.

Gentle waves lap 14 miles of sandy, sand-dollar-dotted shores protected by lifeguards in the summer months. There are four public beaches; check out the sand at Coligny Circle first.

Watch the water closely and it won’t take long to spot pods of dolphins frolicking just offshore, or visit a nature trail or wildlife preserve to interact with birds, deer, and other land creatures.

One plantation, three outstanding courses; choose between Trent Jones, Fazio, or Hills design. For oceanfront holes, the Trent Jones course is your best bet. Fazio is rife with water hazards and bunkers that make for a challenging round. Hills is a beauty, lined by palmetto trees and stretching over rolling dunes.

Upscale-casual is the best way to describe this lagoon-front restaurant with a solid wine list...more