Hilton Head

You'll need to slow down if you want to blend in on Hilton Head, which is one of the best family beach vacations in the U.SAlthough affluent visitors may frequent this 42-square-mile barrier island, you don't have to run to keep up with the Joneses. Follow the leisurely pace of the locals; they are a mix of East Coast mainlanders who make Hilton Head their second home and descendants of the Gullah or the area's freed slaves who were established there. The world-class fairways will draw white-haired retirees and young families as your vacation companions (thanks to the clean beaches). As a result, if you're searching for wild nightlife, this might not be the place for you. It's not that there isn't nightlife; there is, but it typically takes the shape of leisurely sunset meals and lives music on the waterfront. In other words, you came to Hilton Head to unwind.

If you are familiar with the island, you are aware that it became known for its wealth through activities like tennis, golf, and "spa-ing." However, you could go your entire holiday here without ever picking up a tennis racquet or golf club. The Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Coastal Discovery Museum are only two of the island's many natural beauties. There are also 12 miles of sandy beaches. So Hilton Head provides something for everyone—whether you come to practice your backhand, observe low country fauna up close, or just unwind on the sand.

Hilton Head is at its most pleasant in April and May, as well as in September and October. While maintaining beach-friendly temperatures, spring and fall bring fewer tourists and cheaper housing. The island is particularly fantastic to visit in the summer, when the weather is ideal for ocean swimming. If you dislike crowds, which Hilton Head experiences in large numbers throughout the summer, you might want to consider visiting during one of the off-peak seasons. If you want to save some money and don't mind bringing a few jumpers to the beach.

There are two dining experiences you must have while visiting Hilton Head. Eat as much low-country fare as you can, to start. Second, be careful to do it near a body of water. Offering both is Skull Creek Boathouse. The Skull Creek Boathouse, which is in the northern part of Hilton Head, serves traditional Low Country fare such as low country boil and Carolina shrimp and grits. Red potatoes, corn on the cob, spicy sausage, and shellfish (often shrimp or crab) are all combined and boiled in a large pot to create the low country boil, a substantial dish that is designed to be shared. Traditionally, the ingredients are piled high on a picnic table covered with newspaper and served once they have cooked to perfection. Then, customers are urged to drizzle on the condiments, which commonly include tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, and spicy sauce.

Location: at Pope Avenue and South Forest Beach Drive

Ranking:

• #2 in Best South Carolina Beaches
• #5 in Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
• #6 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.
• #9 in Best Summer Vacations in the USA
• #9 in Best Family Spring Break Destinations
• #12 in Best Places to Visit in April
• #15 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
• #21 in Best Beaches in the U.S.