Photo: Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort
Photo: Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort
Photo: Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort
Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort
★4.3(2,226 reviews)$$Activity
🕑 4-8 hours or full day👶 Best for all ages, from infants to teens. The calm waters are ideal for toddlers and young children learning to swim, while older kids can boogie board, play beach games, and explore. Babies enjoy the soft sand and gentle waves, making this a true multi-generational destination.🧡 Saved by 6 families
About
Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort offers families a pristine stretch of wide, sandy beach with the perfect combination of calm waters and on-duty lifeguards for peace of mind. The resort provides easy beach access and proximity to amenities, making it effortless to spend an entire day building sandcastles, splashing in gentle waves, and enjoying the beautiful South Carolina coastline without the hassle of hauling supplies from afar.
Highlights
- ✓Wide, uncrowded sandy beaches perfect for building elaborate sandcastles and beach games
- ✓Calm, gentle waves ideal for young swimmers and first-time ocean experiences
- ✓On-duty lifeguards providing extra safety and peace of mind for parents
- ✓Easy beach access with nearby amenities so you don't have to pack everything
- ✓Frequent dolphin sightings that delight children of all ages
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early (before 10am) to secure prime beach spots and enjoy cooler temperatures, especially during summer months when the sand can get hot by midday
- 2.Bring a beach wagon or cart to transport your gear from the resort to the beach,it's a short walk but you'll want chairs, umbrellas, and toys for the kids
- 3.The lifeguard-protected areas are your best bet with little ones; position yourself within their sight lines for added safety
- 4.Pack reef-safe sunscreen and reapply frequently,the ocean breeze can be deceiving, and kids burn quickly
- 5.Look for dolphin sightings in the early morning or late afternoon,kids absolutely love spotting them playing in the waves
Best Time to Visit
Visit during late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October) for perfect beach weather with fewer crowds and more affordable rates. Weekday mornings offer the calmest conditions and most space on the sand, while avoiding peak summer weekends means less competition for prime spots.
What to Know
As a resort property, guests have included beach access, while day visitors should check availability and parking options in advance. The 24-hour property provides convenient on-site amenities including food options, restrooms, and outdoor showers for rinsing off sandy kids.
Seasonal Notes
Beach is accessible year-round, though swimming season typically runs April through October. Summer (June-August) offers warmest water temperatures but brings peak crowds and heat. Spring and fall provide ideal conditions with pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors. Winter beach walks are lovely but water is too cold for swimming.
Nearby Eats
The Crazy Crab and Skillets Cafe & Grill are both family-friendly options within a short drive, offering casual beach fare and kid-friendly menus with high chairs available.
More Activities Near Hilton Head
Activity
Singleton Beach
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Singleton Beach is a hidden gem on Hilton Head Island that offers families the perfect combination of soft sand, gentle waves, and a quieter atmosphere away from the more crowded tourist beaches. With on-duty lifeguards and excellent facilities, parents can relax while little ones build sandcastles, splash in the calm waters, and explore the shoreline safely.
Activity
Hudson Library Book Nook
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Hudson Library Book Nook is a welcoming community bookstore that nurtures a love of reading in children through its dedicated children's section and engaging story time sessions. Parents appreciate the relaxed atmosphere where kids can browse age-appropriate books, participate in literacy-focused events, and develop their reading skills in a supportive environment that makes learning fun.
Nature
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
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Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge offers over 14 miles of scenic trails where families can spot dolphins, alligators, egrets, and deer in their natural habitat. The flat, easy-to-navigate paths are perfect for strollers and little legs, while the pristine beaches provide opportunities for shell collecting and coastal exploration. It's an ideal outdoor classroom where kids can learn about coastal ecosystems while enjoying an active adventure.
Nature
Waddell Mariculture Center
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This hidden gem offers kids a fascinating look into South Carolina's shrimp farming industry and coastal marine life. Through hands-on exhibits and aquarium displays, children can learn about aquaculture, touch sea creatures, and discover how shrimp are raised from tiny larvae to harvest size. It's an educational experience that feels like an adventure, perfect for curious young minds interested in ocean life and where their food comes from.