Hilton Head Island is famous as a resort destination with something for everyone, from tennis and golf to boating, fishing, and water sports. The island is subdivided into a number of smaller communities, each of which has its own distinct character, again providing something for everyone who lives on or travels to Hilton Head Island. Some of the many Hilton Head communities are exclusive and limited to private residences, while other Hilton Head communities are open to the public, providing some of the best resort experiences available anywhere.
The oldest of the modern Hilton Head communities is Sea Pines Plantation, which is also the largest. It is open to the public, providing a beautiful haven for residents and a great getaway for vacationers. The community includes four miles of beaches as well as two marinas, the more famous of which is Harbour Town. Sea Pines is also the home of the Sea Pines Racquet Club, whose tennis programs are rated number one in the nation, and Harbour Town Golf Links, where the Verizon Heritage is played every year. Sea Pines provided the template for development throughout the island, combining great amenities with respect for the environment so that hotels and houses did not destroy the natural beauty of the island.
The second-largest of the Hilton Head communities is Hilton Head Plantation. This community features two miles of beaches, extensive bike trails, four golf courses, tennis courts, boating facilities, and two nature conservancy centers. For those seeking direct access to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Windmill Harbour is the ideal community, its harbor giving direct access. In addition to the obvious boating facilities, this Hilton Head community is one of the best for water sports enthusiasts as well.
For those seeking places of historic interest, two Hilton Head communities fit the bill very well: Spanish Wells and Port Royal. Spanish Wells was the site where the Spanish first landed on Hilton Head Island hundreds of years ago. It is a private community and a very expensive one as well, but is great for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of William Hilton Parkway. Port Royal is divided, with a gated community for private residences and a resort area for visitors. The community is significant as the original landing site of William Hilton, for whom the island is named.
There are many more Hilton Head communities for visitors to explore, including Palmetto Dunes, Shipyard Plantation, Palmetto Hall, Indigo Run, Wexford, and more. While every one of these communities provides outstanding amenities for residents and guests alike, each of them also has unique offerings so that everyone can find the perfect community to visit or live in. The many Hilton Head communities truly offer something for everyone.





