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Incredible Beaches & Dreamy Resorts: This Island Voted Best To Visit In North America

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Most travelers through North America are looking for the same exact experience: the thrill of big, flashy cities.

Places like New York, Miami, Vancouver, and Mexico City have always drawn millions of curious travelers, and their popularity isn’t going away anytime soon.

But now that the colder months are here, we’re starting to seek smaller, more peaceful hubs, so it might be time to consider visiting an often-overlooked hub that graces the coast of South Carolina.

Aerial view of Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head was just voted the best island in North America in the 2024 Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards, and obviously these people know what they’re talking about because there’s truly a lot to love about this seemingly unassuming hub.

Untouched Shores And Dreamy Weather

If you’re coming to Hilton Head Island, you’ll obviously want to start your trip by exploring its incredible coastline, which is filled with pristine, sandy shores and sparkling blue waters.

Waves on a beach in Hilton Head Island

And now that the summer rush’s finally over, you’ll get to lounge around iconic spots like Coligny and Folly Field without having to share the same couple of square feet with complete strangers, not to mention how much cleaner the water and overall beach area will be.

The temperatures, while not sky-high, are still comfortable for at least a beach day or two, usually reaching the mid-70s.

The weather is especially great for those who want to enjoy a water activity or two without fear of overheating – kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and even walking along the shoreline are all favorites among locals this time of year; biking, too!

People biking on a beach in Hilton Head Island

And don’t even get me started on the sunsets – the quieter atmosphere combined with the golden hues that reflect off of the Atlantic create the type of landscape you’d think only existed in paintings.

There’s Something For Everyone In Hilton Head Island

As amazing as it is to just sunbathe and take in gorgeous sunsets, your time in Hilton Head will be filled with much, much more.

A golf course in Hilton Head Island

No matter your interests or energy level, you’re guaranteed to find something to do here that you’ll absolutely love.

So, hike and cycle through the 60 miles of multi-use trails that sprawl across the island, explore the stunning Sea Pines Forest Preserve (an especially fascinating landmark for bird watchers), go on a dolphin-watching tour, or play a round of golf in one of the 24 championship courses where you’ll probably even spot a pro or two.

People petting dolphins

And if you’re traveling with little ones, prepare for days of endless fun – between the Coastal Discovery Museum, the Adventure Cove Family Fun Center, and local events like the Italian Heritage Festival, I can guarantee everyone in the family will have a blast.

Your Dream Resort Experience Doesn’t Have To Cost An Arm And A Leg

When you hear of a lesser-known island with high-end golf courses and gorgeous resorts, your mind probably immediately goes, “I couldn’t afford all that.”

But as far as these types of places go, Hilton Head is actually pretty reasonably priced, especially now that the summer rush is over.

View of a beach in Hilton Head

Sonesta Resort, for example, is usually considered one of the best-value accommodation options on the entire island, with spacious rooms, modern amenities, and access to a plethora of free perks and activities – you can find some particularly great prices on Booking right now.

Generally speaking, your average daily costs here will hover around $243, which, considering what you’re getting, is not bad at all!

It’s Incredibly Easy To Get To Hilton Head Island

Another issue many travelers have with islands like this is figuring out whether there’s actually a fast, cheap, hassle-free way to get there.

I’m happy to report that traveling to Hilton Head is a breeze.

People enjoying the sunset in Hilton Head

You can come here through the Hilton Head Island Airport, or better yet, by car – the South Carolina gem is connected to the mainland through the incredibly scenic U.S. Route 278, so if you live close enough, that’s probably the perfect option for you, especially now that the views are to die for and traffic is almost non-existent.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.