Hilton Head At A Glance

As the 2nd largest Barrier Island on the East Coast, Hilton Head stretches 12 miles along the southeastern Carolina coastline. The famed beaches of this beautiful island are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what this city has to offer.

Hilton Head hosts an unusual number of cultural opportunities for a community its size. The 35,000 residents enjoy Broadway-quality plays at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, performances by the Hilton Head Choral Society and the highly-rated Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, and several community festivals throughout the year. WineFest, the east coast’s largest outdoor wine tasting, is an annual event enjoyed by many. WineFest features over 1,500 domestic and international wines. Hilton Head also hosts the Verizon Heritage Classic on the Harbour Town Golf Links in Sea Pines Resort, a stop on the PGA tour.

Residents need not fear over-development of the island. Hilton Head is well-known for its eco-friendly policies. The town’s Natural Resources Division strictly enforces the Land Management Ordinance, a policy that minimizes the impact of development. The ordinance has preserved much of the island’s tree cover by imposing restrictions on construction of buildings in tree-rich areas. Although 70% of the island is located inside gated communities, the town maintains several public beach access points, including one exclusively for town residents.