Before finding the answer to this dilemma, let’s take an overview of Hilton Head and its surrounding area.

Conveniently located along the south Atlantic coast, Hilton Head Island combines breathtaking natural beauty, world-class golf, award-winning dining, and quality shopping on a barrier island just 12 miles long and 5 miles wide.

With over 12 miles of sandy beaches overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, water lovers will find that Hilton Head Island is a coastal paradise.

The unique blend of unspoiled natural beauty and environmentally sensitive design is complemented by world-class resorts, amenities and activities. This makes Hilton Head Island, South Carolina a vacation destination like no other. That’s why Hilton Head Island is widely considered to be one of the finest resort communities in the United States, welcoming millions of visitors from across the country and around the globe each year.

What if a family is visiting the island? What can they do to really enjoy their vacation? The variety of activities and family fun is unique, but browsing through the short list of sample activities below will give you an idea about the friendliness and family fun you can have in Hilton Head Island:

•Close dolphin encounters, bird watching and ocean ecology awareness

•Family Golf, Miniature Golf & Tennis

•Family Biking - with miles of bike paths available, many of which take you through nature preserves, this is truly an

enjoyable way to experience the natural splendor of the island

•Guided Kayak Tours & Kayak Fishing

•Kayak Birthday Parties – something different

•Discovery Days – activities centered on interpretive beach walks, kayaking through the marshes, and plenty of great games and activities

•Eco-Adventures - older children enjoy learning the basics of sea kayaking while developing an understanding of our connection to the natural world through hands-on study of coastal ecology.

•Adventure Island - teens take a boat ride to a secluded tropical island that they’ll have all to themselves. Here they will kayak in the pristine waters, engage in teambuilding activities, explore the island for Indian artifacts, and learn about coastal ecology through hands-on exploration.

•Teen Tours – teens are exploring the coastal marshlands of Hilton Head Island, where they’ll have fun paddling kayaks, throwing cast nets, or even learning kayak rescue skills.

•Teen Expedition Camping - Camping on a pristine deserted island

•Wave Runners – experience the thrill of riding the waves within Calibogue Sound.

•Wakeboard/Water-ski School – novices and veterans can enjoy that water sport here.

•Parasailing - get an eagle's eye view of Hilton Head Island and the surrounding areas. View up to 20 miles in all directions.

Hilton Head Island offers this and so much more…

Sounds like fun? I think so...

What about the golfers then, what can they do?

As you may know, Hilton Head Island is home to the PGA Heritage Classic Golf Championship and the Celebrity Golf Tournament. With an average yearly temperature of 70 degrees, Hilton Head Island visitors are sure to enjoy year round golf on any of the 24 golf courses located on Hilton Head Island and another 40 golf courses just over the bridge.

Our golf courses were designed by the game's greatest– Nicklaus, Fazio, Player, Jones & Dye.

So is Hilton Head Island better suited for golfers or for family vacationing?

Let me first tell you a little about the accommodation and dining options on Hilton Head Island.

There are a large number of hotels to choose from on Hilton Head Island. In general, prices range from $50 per night for basic accommodations to $300 per night for some of the luxurious hotels.

Long and short term rentals alike are readily available. You can come for the weekend or stay a few weeks. Most vacation rentals on Hilton Head Island include the standard amenities such as washer and dryer, cable television and swimming pools. Many luxury rental properties feature Jacuzzis, indoor pools, ocean views, private beach access, tennis courts and golf facilities.

Villas and condos, homes and timeshares are all available in varying price ranges. Vacation rentals can range from $500 per week for a one bedroom villa up to over $10,000 per week for an oceanfront mansion.

What a wonderful setting for a private wedding reception on the beach.

Over 250 restaurants run the gamut of casual to elegant dining options on the island. Fresh seafood abounds. From five star formal restaurants to fast food and everything in between, every taste and budget is catered to on the island.

So the answer to the dilemma is pretty obvious.

Whether you are a golfer searching for a world-class golf destination, a family on vacation seeking relaxation on the miles of clean sandy beaches or just want to enjoy the gentle sway of palm trees in unspoiled nature, a stay on Hilton Head Island is sure to please the most discerning of vacationers.

Whether you just want to relax in the sun or try your hand at scuba diving, water-skiing or dolphin watching there is something for everyone on beautiful Hilton Head Island.