The largest barrier island on the Atlantic coast between New Jersey and Florida is Hilton Head Island. This beach paradise is 12 miles long and 5 miles wide. Because of the high Atlantic tides, the twelve miles of beach are wide and clean, with a new selection of seashells each time the tide goes out. The island's latitude contributes to its mild climate, with normal temperatures that range between 55º and 75º F all year round. The ocean breeze provides the island's air-conditioning. Hilton Head oceanfront rentals are available in all price ranges, to allow each visitor a place to lay rest in between treks on the sand.

Hilton Head oceanfront rentals come in many sizes and on all sides of the island. There are hotel or resort rooms, condos, villas, and private homes for rent. Sizes range from a single room or one-bedroom, one-bath condo to a nine-bedroom mansion with servants. The hotels offer pricing by the night, but most condos, villas and homes will expect a longer stay. A week's rent can vary from $1,000 to $10,000 during the high season, to as much as 30% less in the winter. Condos, villas, and rental homes will, of course, come with furnished kitchens. Many will have on-site laundry facilities as well, making a trip to the beach an easy, casual experience.

A Hilton Head beach rental allows easy access to a multitude of oceanfront activities. Visitors can surfboard, swim, parasail, fish, or watch the local wildlife. This environmentally protected area is home to turtles, crabs, dolphins, and alligators. The salty marshes and lagoons offer bird watchers a wealth of entertainment. Some visitors may prefer to take long walks on the beach or simply watch the tide come in. Those who want more activity can bike along the beaches at low tide or charter a deep-sea fishing boat, with a chance to bring home dinner.