From lounging at the beach to launching your boat from the marina, it's a challenge to keep track of all of the fun activities that are available within the 2,000 acres of Palmetto Dunes. Here's are our five favorites:
1. Dining Near The Ocean
Fine dining, beachside cafes, grills, and even a charming general store mean you won’t have to go far to get your fill of whatever you crave.
HH Prime is located in the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort. Ditch the casual beach threads for this one as you treat yourself to the finest aged prime steaks, freshest seafood and one of the island's largest wine selections in a sophisticated, island-chic setting.
Alexander's Restaurant & Wine Bar is an upscale, seafood restaurant and wine bar, featuring seasonally-inspired cuisine, locally-caught fresh seafood, and many locally-sourced ingredients.
Big Jim's BBQ, Burgers and Pizza restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere for families, golfers, Hilton Head Island residents and visitors alike. Catch the big game on one of their big-screen TVs. Dine outside as you watch golfers teeing it up on the Jones course.
The Dunes House is a one-of-a-kind oceanfront dining experience. Chill out with burgers, sandwiches, and a cocktail or two at this laid-back island restaurant as you soak up the sand, sun and spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Enjoy supermarket convenience at the charming General Store right in the center of Palmetto Dunes. This one-stop shop on Queen's Folly Road will meet all your vacation needs, from groceries to beverages to beach items, souvenirs and more. They even have hot and cold deli treats available to go. Relax and enjoy your to-go food on there front porch as it’s a great spot to people watch.
2. A Unique Lagoon System
One of the most unique features in Palmetto Dunes is its 11-mile meandering lagoon system. This waterway system is full of outdoor adventure. Launch a boat [kayak or quiet electric skiffs] and take in beautiful scenes of moss-draped oaks, island wildlife, birdwatching, golf-course panoramas, and some stunning homes as well.
Fishing is also a popular activity. The still, calm waters of the lagoon hide a wide variety of red fish, blue fish, trout and flounder that make for quality angling. Hilton Head Outfitters provides guided charters on quiet electric skiffs, They offer a wide variety of outdoor island adventure activities and nature tours. They also do kayak, canoe, boat and bike rentals.
3. Tennis & Pickleball
The award-winning Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center has 23 clay courts, two Nova ProBounce courts, nighttime play, and Tuesday Demo and Exhibition Days. There's also Pickleball, a sport that's gaining popularity in the area. It's like tennis, badminton and ping-pong all rolled into a one. Played with oversized paddles and a softball-sized plastic ball that goes much slower than a tennis ball, it's easy to pick up at any age. Palmetto Dunes has 24 dedicated Pickleball courts, all lighted for night play, and one of the most comprehensive instructional programs on the east coast.
4. Championship Golf
Palmetto Dunes boasts 3 championship courses:
The Robert Trent Jones track doesn't disappoint. It's considered to be one of the best golf courses in the Southeast, and is famous for its open, inviting layout and spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. In fact, it has one of only two oceanfront holes on Hilton Head Island.
Hilton Head Island's only par-70 public golf course, the George Fazio track is one of the island's most distinctive and challenging layouts. But there's no need to feel intimidated. It's designed to be a true, but fair test for golfers of every handicap.
Whether you're serious about your par or just there to enjoy nature, you're going to love the Arthur Hills course. Long regarded as one of South Carolina's most unique golf layouts, it blends natural island beauty with the masterfully designed challenges of the game.
5. Beyond The Beach
The beach is spectacular but that's not all on offer. From Palmetto Dunes you can safely take the bike path under 278 directly to Shelter Cove. Hop on your bikes or walk. There's also plenty of parking if you choose to drive over.
Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina and the adjacent recently-renovated Town Center are popular gathering spots along Broad Creek. Dine at waterfront restaurants like Scott's Fish Market, San Miguel's Mexican Café, Ela's On The Water, Bistro 17, and The Other Sister's Wine Bar. Or shop at the wide variety of boutiques and stores such as Southern Tide, Coastal Bliss, Birdie James and more. Plus, there's also a Whole Foods and a Kroger for all your food, drink and beach provisions.
Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina is the home to HarbourFest in the summer -- a family-friendly festival on the waterfront featuring live music, and lots of family fun with clowns, face painting, carnival games, and fireworks at the end of each night. Plus, it's free Tuesdays in June, July, and August-with a special show on July 4th.
Shelter Cove Community Park right next door is a popular spot for a picnic and a sunset serenade at the pavilion. Bring beach chairs and pick up some food from one of our local merchants for the Sunset Celebration, featuring live local music and laidback family entertainment-all brought to you every Friday in the summer by the merchants of Shelter Cove Towne Centre.
Bonus - The Dunes Buggy
For those that want to avoid traveling by car, there is the Dunes Buggy. The Dunes Buggy runs from April to Larbor Day and is a van service that picks up upon request. It will take you to the beach, the shops at Shelter Cove, golf courses and more. Here is the map and list of all the stops.
Palmetto Dunes Experts
One real estate company, The Ocean Broker, knows Palmetto Dunes. We are a Hilton Head Island original, helping clients buy and sell Palmetto Dunes real estate since 1974. If you have questions about Palmetto Dunes real estate, contact us.