When most people hear "Hilton Head Island", this is most likely the thought they have, of the infamous lighthouse, harbor, and harborside village in Sea Pines.   Bustling with restaurants and shops, this picturesque area welcomes visitors from all parts of the country, and the world.

When Arnold Palmer won the inaugural "Heritage Classic" in November of 1969, there is no question that he helped the world to see Hilton Head Island, and this new golf course called Harbourtown.   Interestingly, the photos taken of Arnie receiving the trophy on the 18th green show the lighthouse in the background, with scaffolding all around it.  The most recognizable landmark in Hilton Head was not yet completed when he won the event. 

Sea Pines is only one of the many, and varied, communities on the island.  It is, however, the very first community, is the largest, and was developed by Charles Fraser in th 1950's.   Offering approximately 6 miles of oceanfront access, the gated community has marinas, a Country Club, golf courses, miles of leisure trails, tennis courts, a forest preserve, historical sites, and of course, shops and restaurants.  There are residential areas and also villa communities which can be rented to vacationers. 

Following the ocean on the 'foot' of the island is the next community of North and South Forest Beach.   This area also has miles of direct oceanfront, with single family homes and villa communities both sharing the beautiful vistas of the Atlantic Ocean.  There are properties extending inland about 4-5 blocks back also.   Rentals are available for both the short term and long term here, depending on location.

The next community is Shipyard.   While smaller in size, there are also single family homes and villas availble here, both short term and long term rentals.  There are 3 nine hole courses to challenge the golfers, plus leisure trails along the main roadways.  Their ocean access is limited to the beach club access.

Still following the ocean, we come to Palmetto Dunes, again with miles of Atlantic Ocean beach.   Three golf courses are within the gates, in addition to tennis courts, and approximately 10 miles of the interlocking canal system for excellent kayak or canoe trips.  There are single family homes, plus condominium complexes with oceanfront views, or golf and lagoon views.

The last community offering direct oceanfront is Port Royal,located at the 'heel' of the island.   It is also gated, and it different from the others mentioned as there are only single family residences within the gates.  The community has a Clubhouse and two golf courses.  In addition, there are tennis courts and an historical site here also.

Turning the bend the ocean meets the Port Royal Sound.  This brings us to Hilton Head Plantation, the second largest community on the island.  Four golf clubs are within the gates here, with varied amemities.  Again there are miles of leisure trails, a community swimming pool, tennis courts, and 2 separate buildings that are available for residents only to hold  parties.  One of the most beautiful amenities is the Dolphin Head Recreation area, with expansive vistas over the Port Royal sound, in addition to walking trails.   While there are some villa complexes here, there is not a 'short term' rental market, it is either second home or long term rental.  There is also a marina within the gate, along the intracoastal waterway.

Turning the bend now onto the Intracoastal Waterway, Windmill Harbour is the next community.  Boasting one of two lock systems on the island,  this is Hilton Head's largest marina, offering slips of various sizes, and for private use, or to lease.  There is not a golf hole to be found within these gates, but there is availablilty with Yacht Club membership. 

Spanish Wells is a unique community, with a peninsula of homes that have views onto two different bodies of water, the Broad Creek and the Sound.  There is a 9 hole course that plays as 18 from 2 different sets of tees. 

Getting almost back around the island, we'll follow Broad Creek and come next to Wexford Plantation.   Here you will find the second of the two lock systems on the island, with a marina within the gates.  A beautiful private 18 hole golf course is available here, as social membership is included with every property purchase. 

Long Cove Plantation is well known for its highly regarded private golf course.  It continually ranks among the best in the state, in addition to the country.  Again, social membership is included with each property purchase.  There is a resident only dock available also.

Indigo Run is one of the newest island communities.  While a small portion of the community has Broad Creek views, the majority is inland.  Two golf courses are within the gates, one is totally private, the other semi private. 

Palmetto Hall is another newer, interior community, boasting two golf courses.