We want to explore the islands/resort areas around Charleston. Can you tell us whether to go to Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach? What about Duck, Kiwah (sp?). Everyone%26#39;s recommendations are welcomed.
Which of the islands?I can only comment on two of the destinations that you mentioned, Hilton Head Island and Myrtle Beach. Here are my observations:
Hilton Head Island is beautiful and much more upscale than Myrtle Beach, but also more expensive. Access to the island is by way of Hwy 278 from the mainland, and the island is divided into ';plantations'; which are simply gated communities which contain hotels, villas, homes, golf courses and shops. Most of the plantations require a pass that shows that you either live there or are staying at one of the hotels there. One of the plantations, Sea Pines, is home to the quaint village of Harbor Town, and even if you aren%26#39;t staying in Sea Pines you can pay around $5 to get in anyway so that you can visit Harbor Town or South Beach. We have stayed in both Palmetto Dunes and Shipyard plantations and they are both fantastic. There are also many areas on the island that are open to public access, but most of the accommodations are inside of the various plantations. There are some activities that kids can partake of, such as sightseeing cruises, deep sea fishing cruises, bike rentals, scheduled kids%26#39; activities through your hotel (seasonal, I think) and of course swimming and beachcombing, but you won%26#39;t find the miniature golf courses, go-kart tracks, amusement parks, etc. like you do in some other destinations for families. HHI is very golf and tennis-oriented, and you see golf courses and tennis courts everywhere. It is a great place to go for a more laid back vacation where every moment doesn%26#39;t have to be packed with activities.
Myrtle Beach, on the other hand, is jam-packed with miniature golf courses, go-kart tracks, amusement parks, dinner theaters, outlet shopping and places like the Ripley%26#39;s Believe It or Not Museum. The entire place is geared around families with kids, or just people who constantly have to be doing something entertaining. Most of the hotels are high-rise and extend in a very long strip along the oceanfront. It is cheaper to stay in Myrtle Beach, but you don%26#39;t get the natural feeling that you get at HHI, just a long row of high-rises along the beach and lots and lots of activities for families to partake of. That%26#39;s not to say that MB isn%26#39;t fun, because our kids love it there, and so did our wallet. A few years back we got a really nice oceanfront villa for only $72/night! You wouldn%26#39;t get that in HHI.
Neither HHI or MB are really close to Charleston like some of the other sea islands in the area, but it only takes about an hour and a half to get to Charleston from either MB or HHI and it%26#39;s not a big deal unless you want to spend several days in Charleston. We only went there for one day, so the drive was no problem.
Hope this helps!
Which of the islands?Sultana: Thanks for the great information. It is very helpful. Happy Holidays.
Mapita
You%26#39;re welcome, and happy holidays to you too : %26gt;)
Mapita,
If you want to be near Charleston, you need to look into: Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivans, Kiawah and finally Seabrook Island. All are within 30 minutes of downtown Charleston. I can tell you about Kiawah and Seabrook, both of which are nature%26#39;s paradise. Both are gated communities, with Seabrook Island being truly gated (you don%26#39;t get through the gate unless you live, rent, or have business on SBI).
Kiawah is the larger of the two neighboring islands. It has a five star hotel, four golf courses, and lots of rental villas/homes. If a pool is important make sure you ask about it as not all villas/homes on Kiawah have access to pools.
Seabrook Island is more residential. There is no hotel. You would have to rent a home or villa. Most have access to the club%26#39;s pools. There are two golf courses on SBI. The beaches are wide and uncrowded.
What time of year are you visiting?
Eliza
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