Hilton Head, Seabrook, Isle of Palms and Wild Dunes - What would you pick and why?

[Anonymous]

Looking to try something new for this summer and am considering Hilton Head, Seabrook, Isle of Palms and Wild Dunes. We've done Kiawah before and loved the beach there, but not the island itself. We love to walk the beach, kayak, wander through some shops, possibly bike and eat dinner out at least half the time. 2 Adults and college age DD.

Can anyone compare the vibes of the four places mentioned above and what you see as the differences between them all good/bad and their beaches?

Thanks so much for your help!

[Anonymous]

Isle of Palms is beautiful and easy access to Sullivan's Island/Mount Pleasant/Charleston for additional dining and shopping.

[Anonymous]

Hilton Head relaxing enough with enough to do off the beach. Close to Savannah which I prefer over Charleston. If flying you can land right on the island and be pretty much anywhere on island within 10-15 minutes of walking out airport door.

[Anonymous]

I was just at Wild Dunes for a corporate event. The food is not great

[Anonymous]

Seabrook is a lesser version of kiawah so cross that off your list.

You’d probably enjoy Hilton Head.

[Anonymous]

Hilton head

[Anonymous]

If you didn’t enjoy Kiawah, you won’t enjoy Seabrook. We stay on Seabrook (family) and I far prefer the vibe of Kiawah (admittedly I haven’t been to the beaches there).

They basically share Freshfields as their shops and besides that, Kiawah has more shops. Seabrook is fine for seeing family and going to the club, but I would never vacation there.

[Anonymous]

I know all of these pretty well. Wild Dunes is on IOP, so I'm not sure why you're differentiating them. We go there over spring break fairly frequently because we have a free place to stay and it's very easy to fly to Charleston from DCA, with a quick drive to IOP. I would not choose it, ever, for my summer vacation. Traffic is so bad and everything is so congested and cramped. Sea Pines on Hilton Head is my favorite place to be, ever, even in summer, when it's a little crowded and blistering hot. Lots of great tennis and golf, plus kayaking and SUP and plenty of restaurants that don't fill up. Beautiful beaches. It's less easy to fly to (who the heck flies into HHI?) than IOP is. Not great flights to Savannah, then it's a pretty far drive. With only a 10 hour at most drive from here though, it's not that bad, then you have your car. In short, my vote is for HHI.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Seabrook is a lesser version of kiawah so cross that off your list.

You’d probably enjoy Hilton Head.

We love Seabrook. Most rentals come with access to the beach club and pool, unlike Kiawah. Less snotty too, see above.

[Anonymous]

I've stayed at all of those except Seabrook and including Kiawah -- not totally sure why the island didn't do it for you, but I would try HHI. There is no resort as nice as the Sanctuary but they have some really good rentals (although most will be booked at this point) and the Omni is *fine* The island has tons of restaurants and things to do and a nice family vibe. Wild Dunes is IMO a little more downscale although certainly not awful, although the proximity to Charleston is nice if you want to do city stuff -- but I would pick Kiawah over IOP personally, so ymmv.

[Anonymous]

I really like sea pines on HHI and being able to bike there etc.

I’ve never been to Kiawah. I have friends who liked HHI and I think went IoP last summer for the first time and are now convert to IoP.

[Anonymous]

Hilton Head. Plenty to do, places to shop, variety of restaurants, close to Savannah or Charleston for day trips. There’s tennis, golf and water activities. I love staying in Sea Pines.

[Anonymous]

We’ve been to Kiawah about six times and also Seabrook a few times. Seabrook is a sleepier version of Kiawah. IOP has more restaurants and shops but it’s still not super happening…But it may be more of what you’re looking for. Wild Dunes on IOP is further away from the more popular Restaurants. A big difference though an IOP is that you can drive golf carts around which you cannot do and Kiawah. When you’re on IOP, you can also drive 10 to 15 minutes to Mount Pleasant where there are a ton of restaurants so you’re not as limited as you are in Seabrook and Kiawah.

[Anonymous]

What area of IoP do you all suggest to look for rentals?
-NP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What area of IoP do you all suggest to look for rentals?
-NP

It’s not that big.

Either in Wild Dunes or not is the only real decision.