My friend and I took a trip to Hilton Head Island. Julie Peck
My friend and I booked a last minute vacation to Hilton Head Island, a beach town in Caroline from the south.
The area was full of natural beauty and reminded me of a nature reserve.
The beaches on Hilton Head Island were clean and beautiful, and I loved the food scene.
Last July, when my best friend and I suddenly found some free time and a craving for sun and sand, we laid out our options for a trip.
As a South Carolina resident, I considered many places to visit, from Myrtle Beach to Charleston. But in the end, we chose Hilton Head Island.
This pretty South Carolina town is home to several white-sand beaches and world-class golf courses. The area, which Condé Nast Traveler named the best island in the United States in 2023, is also known for its nature and small-town vibe.
I had visited Hilton Head Island decades ago, but I was eager to see how it had changed over the years. Here’s what my experience on the island was like.
The whole area reminded me of a nature reserve.
Our house had a wonderful view of one of Hilton Head Island’s many lagoons. Julie Peck
We rented a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house with pool access and lagoon views through Whimstay, a vacation rental website for last-minute travel.
Our house had plenty of space for my friend and I to relax, but the real beauty of the house was the gorgeous lagoon in the backyard. I could have easily spent the rest of our getaway just staring at that water without going to the beach.
It was so peaceful being surrounded by beautiful greenery and trees.
I loved hearing the sounds of frogs and other animals at night.
One night a frog perched on my window. Julie Peck
We quickly learned that the lagoon in our backyard was teeming with wildlife, including all kinds of birds, turtles of various sizes, and a wide variety of frogs.
When night fell, the frogs surrounding our house began to sing in chorus. It was almost like we were camping, but without the hassle of sleeping outside.
As night fell, I opened the sliding glass doors connecting the master bedroom to the spacious back deck so I could stargaze—Hilton Head Island, known for its low light pollution, was the perfect place for this activity.
Sea Pines Beach was beautiful, clean and easy to access.
I read a book and relaxed on the beach. Julie Peck
One Saturday during our trip, my friend and I left our car at a shopping center and rode a cart to the Sea Pines Beach Club, where we reserved chairs through Shore Beach Services.
Our first day at the beach was pretty quiet — I guess that was because it was changeover day for most rental properties.
Still, it was a diverse crowd, with families, singles, couples and people of all ages spread out across the sand. We had plenty of room to spread out, but we didn’t really stray far from our chairs.
The next day, more people came to the beach. But despite this crowd, the beach did not seem too crowded: the atmosphere was totally relaxed.
The wide variety of food on offer was also second to none.
I enjoyed dishes like mussels and fries. Julie Peck
Everything we ate on the island was enjoyable, from the delicious pizza on our first night, too tired to go out, at Giuseppi’s to the pre-beach pastries and freshly squeezed juices we had at the Harbour Town bakery and cafe.
However, my meal at Chez Georges Bistro and Bar blew my taste buds away. Known for its “Lowcountry French cuisine,” this family-run restaurant offers a traditional French bistro menu without any of the intimidating ambiance.
Upon entering, we were greeted like regulars. The menu was filled with typical French dishes, from escargots to bouillabaisse to cassoulet.
I was delighted to see moules frites on the menu. I opted for the classic Provençal preparation, with a white wine butter sauce, tomatoes, capers, olives and herbes de Provence. The dish did not disappoint and I used the fries to mop up every last drop of sauce.
We also ordered steak frites, and my friend tried the beef bourguignon (short ribs), which were tender as bones.
Hilton Head was a great place for a last minute vacation, and I would recommend it to anyone.
Hilton Head Island had beautiful beaches and beautiful nature. Julie Peck
When I first discovered Hilton Head Island decades ago, I found it a bit stifling. Later, I thought of it as a place reserved for golfers and bachelor parties.
But on my last-minute vacation, Hilton Head Island proved to be the perfect, low-key vacation spot for everyone: beach bums, nature lovers, and foodies.
From the beaches to the delicious restaurants, I had a great time. I would recommend this island to anyone who needs a beach getaway.
