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Hilton Head, South Carolina offers wide beaches, sand dunes, golf resorts and family-friendly resorts and vacation rentals, making it a perfect vacation destination. Today we learn about family travel to Hilton Head, South Carolina from Karen Dawkins from Family Travels on a Budget.
ON THE PODCAST
:43 Tamara is heading back to Gulf Shores, Alabama for a girlfriend getaway
2:33 Kim’s favorite beaches — San Diego or Maui
3:09 Tamara’s favorite beaches — Gulf Coast, FL; Outer Banks, NC
5:00 Welcome Karen Dawkins from Family Travels on a Budget
7:00 Family Travels on a Budget — Paris for $7000?
8:27 Hilton Head at Christmas (15th trip!!)
9:35 Where is Hilton Head and how to get there
10:15 How long to stay in Hilton Head
11:07 What to do in Hilton Head
12:23 Getting around Hilton Head
13:07 Where to stay in Hilton Head
14:10 Disney’s Hilton Head Resort
14:51 The beach at Hilton Head
17:16 When to book
18:40 Where to eat in Hilton Head
19:55 Where to take a family photo
21:26 Karen’s favorite travel gear
23:17 Tip of the week
About Karen Dawkins from Family Travels on a Budget
Karen is the creator of Family Travels on a Budget, a website dedicated to helping families travel better for less. As she says, “Budget doesn’t mean cheap. It’s smart!” She has also been featured in print and online markets, and on podcast. You can follow her adventures on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Karen is originally from Ohio but now lives in North Carolina and has been visited Hilton Head fifteen times. She travels with her husband, two sons and one daughter. We talk about why Hilton Head is great for families, what it is like to visit, what the beaches are like, what there is to do and Karen’s favorite places to stay and eat.
What to Do
If families want some time off the beach, there is plenty to do include paddle boarding, kayaking, and biking. Karen especially enjoys going to Pickney Island Nature Preserve with its wildlife, sea creatures and walking trails. Families on a budget can take advantage of the many city parks that are free and offer great family entertainment. Hilton Head is laid back and low key — no neon or typical beach scene.
Where to Stay
Families visiting Hilton Head would fly into Savannah, Georgia, just 45 minutes away. It is also not far off of Interstate 95. Families should plan on spending at least four days, but a week is ideal. There are three main areas to stay in Hilton Head: the Sea Pines Resort, where the big golf course is; Palmetto Dunes, which is the ocean front area that is great for beach lovers; and Disney’s Hilton Head Resort that is Shelter Cove. Since it is more protected there, you will find stand up paddle boarding and other activities in this area. Karen recommends the Disney Hilton Head Resort for families. There are also many vacation condominiums available for rent that are perfect for families that want the space and comforts of home.
Where to Eat
One Hot Mama’s features BBQ and low country food from the Next Food Network Star. Karen also loves the pizza at Mangiamo because she is a big Ohio sports fan and has found that all the Buckeye fans seem to congregate there.
Best Place to Take a Family Photo in Hilton Head
Karen suggests posing on a live oak tree branch at Coligny Beach for an ideal family photo. Perfect for holiday cards!
You can learn more about Karen’s recommendations for Hilton Head over on Family Travels on a Budget including:
- Hilton Head by the numbers — What it costs off season
- Why Hilton Head is great for families — and a map of the island
- Five reasons to vacation at Hilton Head
Favorite Travel Gear
Karen loves her little black dress from J. Jill for its comfort and style.
Tip of the Week
Kim recommends bringing a small bottle of baby powder for your next trip to the beach, as it is perfect for getting sticky sand off your body. She also found a fun product at Beaches called the Powder Pouch, which works the same way.
Mentioned on the Podcast
Restaurants
Mangiamo! — best pizza on the island
Lodging
Sea Pines Resort (golf and tennis)
Palmetto Dunes (golf and beach)
Activities
Many resorts offer onsite bike, kayak and standup paddle board rentals
Biking and kayaking through Hilton Head Outfitters
Sorry for a bit of technical static on this one as we didn’t have the best Skype connection for part of the interview! We would love to hear what you think and if you like what you hear, please tell a friend about Vacation Mavens!!
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Photos courtesy of Karen Dawkins.
Karen says
Thanks so much for having me. Hilton Head is such a great destination, and I was thrilled to share it with your audience.
Vacation Mavens says
Makes us want to plan a trip!!
Martha Gitiha says
I can’t wait to visit Hilton Head. I had heard about it but karen did a good job ‘showcasing’ it. Keep up the good work!
Vacation Mavens says
Yay! I’m sure she will be glad to hear it, it is a very special destination for her.