We’re excited to report that Hilton Head, SC recently received a major award from Travel + Leisure! For the third year in a row, the magazine’s readers have voted Hilton Head the best island in the continental U.S. Voters in the survey were asked to rate islands based on their natural attractions and beaches, activities and sights, friendliness, food, and overall value. Clearly, Hilton Head earned high marks in all of these categories! To mark the occasion, Travel + Leisure put together a great video to explain what makes Hilton Head America’s favorite island:

Why Hilton Head is America’s Favorite Island

1. Beautiful Beaches

Hilton Head is famous for its breathtaking beaches! In fact, Southern Living magazine named our island’s beaches the best in the South and TripAdvisor named Hilton Head’s Coligny Beach one the top 25 beaches in the nation. Extending for 12 miles along the shore, Hilton Head’s beaches feature sugar sand with the perfect consistency for walking, jogging, and biking. A scenic golf course in Hilton Head.

2. Great Golfing

With over 20 gorgeous courses, Hilton Head is a paradise for golfers. Every April, the PGA Tour comes to the Harbour Town course, which features lovely views of the island’s iconic lighthouse. If you love to hit the links, be sure to check out our excellent golf packages!

3. Fascinating History & Culture

Due to its island location, Hilton Head has a unique history that sometimes diverges from the mainland. In the years following the Civil War, the newly freed African Americans on Hilton Head maintained a West African-inspired Gullah culture that was relatively free of outside influence. There is still a thriving Gullah community in Hilton Head today, and their history can be explored at the Mitchelville Freedom Park, Fort Howell, Coastal Discovery Museum, and Gullah Museum. A bowl of shrimp and grits.

4. Amazing Dining

If we can promise you one thing about your vacation in Hilton Head, it’s this: you definitely won’t go hungry! Our island is home to a variety of phenomenal restaurants that specialize in locally caught seafood and Lowcountry favorites. Follow the links to see some of our favorite places for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

5. Environmental Tourism

Nature lovers will not be disappointed when they visit Hilton Head! There are numerous opportunities to see some of the island’s signature wildlife, including dolphins, alligators, herons, bobcats, fiddler crabs, and white-tailed deer. Vacationers can also soak up Hilton Head’s natural beauty with a fun boat tour or a thrilling zipline adventure.

6. Easy to Get Around

Although Hilton Head is an island, the James F. Byrnes Bridge connects our town to the mainland. Hilton Head is also just a short ferry ride away from Savannah, GA. Once you reach the island, you will find that you can get just about anywhere you need to go by bicycle, so it isn’t necessary to have a car. Hilton Head also recently introduced a brand new trolley service with stops at many of the island’s major destinations. A beautiful Hilton Head vacation rental in North Forest Beach.

Where to Stay in Hilton Head

When you stay with Hilton Head Properties Realty & Rentals, you will be near all of the incredible things to see and do on the island. Our vacation rentals come with your choice of fantastic amenities, including fully equipped kitchens, outdoor grills, internet access, private swimming pools, and flatscreen TVs. With everything from 1 bedroom properties to 7 bedroom properties, we are guaranteed to have the ideal accommodations for your vacation. To start planning your getaway, browse our selection of Hilton Head vacation rentals!