Memorial Day Travel: Hilton Head Island

Seashells, Sandcastles and Salt Marshes & More will Entertain Kids on a Hilton Head Vacation

Photo Credit: www.flickr.com/antonpinchuk

A Memorial Day vacation to Hilton Head Island promises more than just the trappings of your average beach trip. Sure there are the traditional seaside activities to look forward to; you’ll be surrounded by miles (more than 12, to be exact) of pristine beaches and the refreshing water of the Atlantic Ocean. The sand is the perfect texture for sandcastles, the waves are the right height for jumping and wide open beaches just beg for pick-up games and paddleball.

But beyond the expected amenities, you’ll find a few unexpected luxuries to ensure a memorable family beach vacation this summer. Hilton Head Island proudly caters to families, and particularly families with small children. Whether you’re looking for a few relaxing days spent on a Hilton Head Island beach or seeking new adventures that you just won’t find at home, you’ll find your vacation match in this Lowcountry destination.  

Natural Wonders
The gifts from Mother Nature are abundant in this seaside paradise. Thousands of naturally-formed shells are scattered along the shoreline, turning a mudane walk into an exciting expedition for budding collectors. From the most delicate periwinkle wings to sand dollars and even large conch shells carrying the sound of the waves, your kids will find endless entertainment in acquiring and perfecting their very own souvenier collection. And the best news – not only is this a free and somewhat educational activity, but with the children happily occupied, you can finally sneak in a few chapters of that novel that’s been languishing in your beach bag since last summer.

The South Carolina Low Country is home to unique and beautiful salt marshes. These fragile ecosystems afford young explorers the opportunity to examine marine life in a very personal way. Budding scientists will be particularly interested in the rise and fall of the tide and in the fish, crabs, shrimp and birds that reside in the marshland.

Created by Man, Enjoyed by Kids
On rainy days or when everyone could use a break from the sun and surf, check out these off-beach activities:

• The Sandbox - This travel-themed interactive children’s museum is open six days a week (Monday – Saturday) from 10am – 5pm. The museum is geared toward the eight and under set, but older kids are welcome when attending with younger siblings.
• Bristol Sports Arena – The skateboarders in the family will enjoy the chance to test their skills and learn new tricks on the ramps and paths of this well-done skate park.
• Island Playground - An indoor playground filled with inflatable bouncy houses and opportunities for creative play. An ideal way to run off energy on the inevitable rainy day. All ages welcome.
• Coastal Discovery Museum - Learn about the Lowcountry at this cherished local museum and leave your vacation with a little more knowledge in their noggins.
• Gregg Russell Family Concerts - Performing under the big oak tree in Harbour Town for more than 30 years, the children are the stars of this Hilton Head tradition. The show changes nightly, so make plans to attend more than once.

After a full day exploring the sites and sounds of Hilton Head Island, you’ll return to one of our oceanfront Hilton Head rentals a relaxed, happy bunch.

UP NEXT: GOLF HILTON HEAD ISLAND – A DESTINATION IN ITSELF

Posted in: Cyber Roadtrip 2010, Holiday travel, South Carolina, Travel Tips

Tags: by owner vacation rentals, Cyber Roadtrip 2010, Holiday travel, suggested vacation destinations, summer vacations

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 26th, 2010 at 5:02 pm and is filed under Cyber Roadtrip 2010, Holiday travel, South Carolina, Travel Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.