GETTING THERE
It’s easy to fly into Savannah, rent a car, and drive to Hilton Head. From Savannah, take I-95 N. to U.S. 278 E., which leads directly into Hilton Head. If you’re driving from other points south or north, take I-95 to reach the island (exit 28 off I-95 S., exit 5 off I-95 N.). U.S. 278 leads over the bridge to the island. The K-Shuttle (tel. 877/243-2050; www.kshuttle.com) is a minivan service that runs between Savannah airport and the major resorts on the island, daily 10am to 11:45pm every 1 to 2 hours. Rates are $45 one-way or $80 round-trip. Taxis from Savannah airport charge a fixed-rate of $80 to $85.
VISITOR INFORMATION
The official Welcome Center of Hilton Head Island, 524 Independence Blvd. (exit 8 off I-95) in Hardeeville (tel. 800/523-3373 or 843/785-3673; www.hhiwelcomecenter.com), is open daily 10am to 7pm. You can pick up free vacation guides (or order them from the website) and free maps of the area. The staff can assist you in finding places of interest and activities. For hotel reservations call tel. 888/741-7666.
GETTING AROUND
U.S. 278 is the divided highway that runs the length of the island. Yellow Cab (tel. 843/686-6666; www.yellowcabhhi.net) has two-passenger flat fares determined by zone ($18–$28), with an extra $2 charge for each additional person. You can rent a towncar for $55/hour (3-hr. minimum).
Festive Hilton Head
Hilton Head has plenty of festivals for such a small island. Scattered cultural events in February, including basket-weaving classes, art exhibitions, and storytelling, showcase the island’s Gullah heritage as part of the annual Gullah Celebration. For more information, call tel. 843/689-9314 or visit www.gullahcelebration.com.
During the first week of March, the Hilton Head Hospitality Association sponsors Winefest (tel. 800/424-3387; www.hiltonheadwineandfood.com), an annual outdoor wine tasting—the largest of its kind on the East Coast—that transforms even the most devoted beer drinkers into oenophiles and connoisseurs.
In mid-April, outstanding PGA golfers descend on the island for the PGA Tour and Tournament at the Harbour Town Golf Links at the Sea Island Resort (tel. 800/243-1107; www.pgatour.com).
To herald fall, the Hilton Head Celebrity Golf Tournament (tel. 843/842-7711; www.hhcelebritygolf.com) is held on Labor Day weekend at various island golf courses.
For 1 week straddling Halloween, Hilton Head’s Concours d’Elegance and Motoring Festival (tel. 843/785-7469; www.hhiconcours.com) provides a venue for some of the most sought-after antique automobiles in the world.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.