About 45 miles north of Savannah, Georgia, is Hilton Head Island, the largest barrier island between New York’s Long Island and the Bahamas, encompassing 42 square miles at 12 miles long and five miles wide. Boasting a sub-tropical climate year-round, Hilton Head Island has plenty going for it, including 12 miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches; 26 world-class golf courses; water activities like boating, kayaking and paddleboarding; 60 miles of shaded pathways perfect for bicycling, walking, or running; a vast history that dates back 9,000 years; a rich Lowcountry heritage; and plenty of dining options to fuel all of it. 

 

It’s no wonder that Hilton Head Island is known as America’s Favorite Island, and an idyllic destination for meeting planners and their clients. 

 

Why Hilton Head Island 

  • An idyllic, sub-tropical climate year-round and 12 miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches. 

  • There are 26 world-class golf courses on which to tee off. 

  • Hilton Head Island is five miles from Hilton Head Island Airport, serviced by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines; and 45 miles from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport with nonstop service to 34 destinations 

 

What’s New in Hilton Head Island 

  • Hilton Head Island was named the Best Domestic Island in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. 

  • A beach renourishment project is underway to restore the island’s beaches. 

  • Hilton Head Island Airport is undergoing renovations, including a redesign of the boarding gate areas and a streamlined TSA security checkpoint experience. 

 

There are plenty of options when it comes to things to see and do in Hilton Head Island, as well as places to grab a bite to eat, or host a power lunch or dinner. Here are a few spots to pique your interest and help ensure your clients will enjoy their time in America’s Favorite Island. 

 

 

SEE 

 

Coastal Discovery Museum 

Photo: Hilton Head Island Bluffton Chamber of Commerce

 

A Smithsonian Affiliate, the Coastal Discovery Museum in Honey Horn has a mission to protect and preserve the region’s wildlife, history, art and culture through its programming, exhibitions, workshops and events facilitated by its expert historians, curators, naturalists, educators, speakers and staff. Plan a private group tour of the 70-acre property, perhaps on Segway, and participate in a hands-on activity, like a Sweetgrass Basket Workshop led by local Gullah artists. 

 

The Jazz Corner 

Photo: Hilton Head Island Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and The Jazz Corner Website

 

Named one of the top great jazz rooms in the world by Downbeat magazine, The Jazz Corner has been an island favorite since opening its doors in 1999. Showcasing local musicians and those from around the world, the venue offers two shows a night, every night of the week. The venue is also available for private events.   

 

Harbour Town Lighthouse 

Climb 104 steps to the top of the Harbour Town Lighthouse for panoramic views of the 12-mile-long and five-mile-wide barrier island, Calibogue Sound and, in the distance, Daufuskie Island and the Haig Point Lighthouse. For a truly memorable outing, plan a private cocktail party or reception for up to 40 guests at the lighthouse, which boasts a wrap-around deck and enclosed interior space. 

 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and Experience Holy City, a Hosts Global Member. 

 

 

DO 

 

Day Trippin’ 

Photo: Hilton Head Island Bluffton Chamber of Commerce

 

Take a break from the work day with a day trip to nearby Daufuskie Island, a true step back in time. Without a bridge connecting it to the mainland and few paved roads, time is spent on the island walking its beaches and among its Spanish moss-draped oaks, taking in an exquisite arts scene and discovering history that dates back 9,000 years. Time on Daufuskie is ripe for reconnecting with yourself and your colleagues away from screens and phones. 

 

Tee Off 

Photo: Hilton Head Island Bluffton Chamber of Commerce

 

With 26 world-class golf courses on Hilton Head and nearby Bluffton and Daufuskie Island, there are plenty of ways for you and your guests to hit the links in the Lowcountry. Designed by golf legends like Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus, some of which host PGA TOUR events, everyone from experienced to novice golfers are sure to have a good time during your teambuilding event. 

 

Spot Dolphins 

Photo: Hilton Head Island Bluffton Chamber of Commerce/Ohana Group

 

One of the best ways to experience Hilton Head is on the water, and what better way than a dolphin eco-cruise. Your captain will set sail for the waters that surround the island in search for the resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphins who live within. Once your group spots one, they’ll be hooked. Treat your guests to a picnic on a sandbar or remote beach to make the most of your eco-cruise. 

 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and Experience Holy City, a Hosts Global Member. 

 

 

EAT 

 

The Bank 

Photo:The Bank

 

For a relaxed coastal vibe in the middle of Hilton Head Island, head to The Bank. This lively new venue blends a craft brewery with eats from local makers, like barbecue, tacos, burgers, pizzas, salads and more. Add in live music, games and other activities, and your group’s night is made. The Bank is also available for private events. 

 

Hudson’s Seafood 

Photo: Hudson's Seafood Website

 

Treat your guests to a relaxed waterfront lunch or dinner, or Sunday brunch, at Hudson’s Seafood, a local favorite since 1967, where the fresh catch of the day is delivered right from the docks. As can be expected, fresh seafood takes the spotlight on Hudson’s menu – one not-to-miss item is the Lowcountry Boil with steamed local shell-on shrimp, smoked sausage, corn and potatoes, all bathed in Old Bay seasoning.  

 

The Sage Room 

Photo: The Sage Room

 

A memorable dinner awaits at The Sage Room, where you and your guests can enjoy fine dining in a casual space. Choose between the 10-seat Chef’s Table, which wraps around the kitchen to watch all the action, or at tables in the restaurant itself. Wherever you sit, you’ll enjoy flavors from around the world, like a refreshing Grilled Watermelon Salad with macerated berries, arugula, goat cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette; Chilean Seabass with miso marinade, Asian slaw with peanut, jasmine rice, blood orange ginger butter; Lobster, Shrimp, Crab Carbonara with bucatini, bacon, pea and pecorino; and Braised Beef Short Rib with smashed potatoes, haricot vert and truffled barbecue, to highlight a few dishes.  

 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and Experience Holy City, a Hosts Global Member. 

 

 

STAY

 

ALHI Member The Sea Pines Resort is ready to welcome you and your guests to America’s Favorite Island. 

 

The Sea Pines Resort 

With more than 20,000 square feet of indoor meeting and event space, and virtually limitless outdoor venue options, there is plenty of space for you and your guests to make yourselves right at home at The Sea Pines Resort. Speaking of making yourselves at home, with accommodations ranging from the 60 rooms at the Forbes Four Star, AAA Four Diamond boutique The Inn & Club at Harbour Town (available for buy-out) to more than 400 private one- to four-bedroom villas and two- to seven-bedroom homes, there’s certainly a place for everyone at The Sea Pines Resort. 

 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and Experience Holy City, a Hosts Global Member.