Your guide to overlooked Hilton Head Activities

Ahhhh, Hilton Head Island…the vacation destination highlighted by beautiful Hilton Head beaches, educational tours, and ideal beach weather. You have had your fill of the traditional “educational tours”, countless hours baking in the sun, 478,589 rounds of golf and mindless boutique shopping. What to do now? Just look around and you will find that this island is full of extreme sports, hip and trendy bars and restaurants, physically challenging activities, widely popular festivals and outrageous live music that will keep you moving and grooving for hours.

Hilton Head Parasailing - Granted, I would not classify this particular activity as the most extreme of water sport options, but it is pretty darn cool. Parasailing is a recreational activity in which a person is harnessed into a parachute that is flying behind a boat at anywhere from 500-800+ feet in the air. It might seem death-defying considering the height, but in actuality Parasailing tends to be a very relaxing and a beautiful experience. Hilton Head is a particularly great location for parasailing as it is one of many barrier islands that protect the coastline of South Carolina and Georgia, and thus setting the scene for all so the unique and breathtaking sights the low country has to offer.
Do It Factor: Definitely DO IT! Perfect for people of all ages…Just ask the world record holder, a 92 year old grandmother who in July of 2008 parasailed with her 10 year old grandson for her 6th consecutive year. Added bonus, parasailing is in some instances handicapped accessible.

The Verizon Heritage – I am sure you are thinking: with a name like Heritage, it has to be tiresome. Let me assure you, this is no grandpa’s golf game. The busiest of spring time festivities on Hilton Head Island, this professional golf tournament sets the stage for one of Hilton Head Island’s biggest parties. Every tee box, fairway and putting green is surrounded by celebrating patrons and the golf course is sprinkled with tents boasting beer, champagne and golf themed gifts. After the 18th green, travel down to the marina, where the party continues alongside the multi-million dollar yachts of the Harbour Town Yacht Basin. Not to forget, nearly all of the bars and restaurants on Hilton Head partake in the festivities offering great specials and extravagant soirees and Heritage themed parties. If you are a true PGA lover or just someone who wants to sport your trendiest madras print gear, The Verizon Heritage is sure to please.
Do It Factor: DO IT, with a disclaimer. This is the perfect opportunity to get away with adult groups or golf lovers. However, very large crowds of people travel throughout Sea Pines and the south end of the island during this event making it extremely congested. P.S. intoxication does tend to happen amongst Heritage patrons…you have been warned.

Extreme Sports – Anywhere where there is water, there is bound to be some of the craziest, high-flying adrenaline junkies around, and to that, Hilton Head Island is no exception. One in particular is Hilton Head wakeboarding, or the lesser-known cousin, wake skating (same as wakeboarding but you are not strapped to the board, thus making it more like a skateboard for water.) Both of these are popular island activities amongst the locals and has parlayed over into the vacationing populous. Palmetto Bay Marina hosts the Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Waterskiing and WakeboardingSchool. The instructors provide excellent lessons, the wakeboards and all the floatation devices necessary for a fun filled day on the water. Looking for something more dangerous? Head down to the beach and get involved with the Island’s newest craze, kite surfing. Attached to a parachute through a waist harness and riding on a surf board or wakeboard, rip through the ocean at anywhere from 8 – 24 knots, and Hilton Head is an excellent kite surfing location due to its consistent, steady on-shore winds.
Do It Factor: DO IT, maybe. Wakeboarding is definitely a more approachable sport and I highly recommend giving it a try as it is a great way to get out on the water, is amazing exercise, can be practiced anywhere where there is water, is fairly easy to pick up and once you get into the sport…you will love it for life. Kite surfing is a different animal. It is recommend taking at least 2 lessons before trying this sport solo and is completely site specific. Wind is a necessity and knowing and understanding how to handle it appropriately is the key to safety and fun.

Hilton Head Charter Fishing - Hilton Head Island is home to some of the best fishing on the southern shore board and depending on season, you can fish for Cobia, Spanish and King Mackerel, Shark, Red Drum, Tarpon, Wahoo, Dolphin, Marlin, Amberjack, Barracuda and Trout. This is not recommended for penny pinchers as participating in these excursions is a pricey affair, but is truly worth every cent. Be sure to sign up for a charter with a USCG Licensed, if not master licensed, captain, and preferably one with years of experience at this destination. Having an experienced captain at the helm ensures safe travels throughout the marsh/oyster beds during low tide, will provide all the equipment, bait, licensures and knowledge of the best fishing spots. The length of your trip depends on how far from shore you actually travel, but leaving the sight of land is not incumbent on your good time. Being that Hilton Head is home to some of the largest shark breeding grounds in the world, it is not uncommon to catch 60-100 lb sharks, reel in over 70 red fish and see the Tarpon roll all within sight of shore.
Do It Factor: DO IT, it will become a tradition before you know it. It is one of the island’s most underrated activities. Not only is it extremely fun and interactive it is perfect for families and provides feelings of accomplishment amongst the patrons. Adults and kids alike will enjoy reeling in the big catch of the day, learning how to cast the line and holding up a huge shark for the camera.

By the way all of these great activities are discounted if you are a guest with ResortQuest Hilton Head Island. Check out other great deals for ResortQuest Guests at www.ResortQuestHiltonHead.com and look for the ResortQuest Recommends Button.

Find our favorite Hilton Head kid activities here,