Palmetto Dunes Vs Sea Pines: Which is better?
Are you considering a trip to Hilton Head Island and feeling overwhelmed about where to stay? I completely understand! Hilton Head is a beautiful place with breathtaking landscapes and plenty of fun activities to enjoy. After visiting this amazing Island multiple times, I have found that I love staying at Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines Resort. Each one has its own unique charm, making them both great choices. Let’s take a closer look at what each area has to offer so you can find the perfect spot that suits your vacation style!
Palmetto Dunes
We have stayed in private homes, villas, and resorts throughout Palmetto Dunes, and each visit reminds us why this spot feels so special. With it’s location near the center of Hilton Head Island, Palmetto Dunes is incredibly convenient, whether you’re biking to dinner, heading out for a game of tennis, or just grabbing a quick bite at Shelter Cove. Our Family appreciates the relaxed feeling you get when staying in this lush community with plenty of kid-friendly amenities like pools, playgrounds, and white sand beaches are perfect for morning walks (or an impromptu game of Bocce Ball on the beach).
If you love the best ocean views, you will find that you’re in a good spot. There are many rentals right on the beach, where you can wake up to the sound of crashing waves while sipping on that perfect cup of coffee. We love Palmetto Dunes, a great blend of laid-back coastal living with easy access to the central section of the Island. Add in multiple golf courses, tennis, pickleball, and miles of beach. What else could you want?
Highlights of Palmetto Dunes:
- Beachfront Accommodations: If you’re anything like me, starting your day by rolling out of bed straight onto the sand can’t be beat. Many condos and homes in Palmetto Dunes have ocean views and direct beach access, making it easy to live that exceptional beachfront life. Did you know that Palmetto Dunes has almost 3 full miles of Beachfront places to stay?
- Family-Oriented Amenities: With pools, playgrounds, and bike paths, Palmetto Dunes is basically a playground for families. If you have kids, they will love the safe, laid-back environment.
- Central Location: Palmetto Dunes is located near the center of the Island, so you won’t spend half your trip driving around. Restaurants, mini-golf, bike riding, Golf, and tennis are nearby and easily accessible without much effort to get there.
Local Attractions
- Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina: Enjoy shopping, dining, and seasonal events at the Shelter Cove Marina. We love Shelter Cove and would not miss visiting this area of Hilton Head each time we visit. The food is amazing, and our favorite Mexican Restaurant on the Island, San Miguel’s, overlooks the harbor and has indoor and outdoor seating. If you have kids, the Shannon Tanner Show is an event that cannot be missed. Shannon has been a staple on the Island for many years and has a great show for kids and adults.
- Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center: With 24 Pickleball Courts and 9 tennis courts, this is the place to be if you prefer playing with a racquet. Located on the corner of Trent Jones Land and Queens Folly Road, the Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center is a great place to go if you want to play a match or take lessons.
- Hilton Head Outfitters: This convenient Palmetto Dunes location is near the Tennis and Pickleball Center. HH Outfitters rents bikes, kayaks, and other outdoor equipment so you can explore the Island.
Dining Options
- HH Prime: Located at Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, HH Prime is an upscale steakhouse that offers top-quality steaks and fresh seafood.
- Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar: With fantastic reviews, Alexanders continues to offer a wonderful experience every time. Step into a sunlit, glass-enclosed porch where the gentle glow of the afternoon sun pours through the large windows overlooking the lagoon while ordering wonderful seafood dishes and chicken and beef options in this beautiful setting in Hilton Head.
- San Miguel’s Mexican Cafe: We love Sanguel’s and would not miss it on any trip to Hilton Head. Overlooking the Harbor at Shelter Cove, this Mexican Restaurant never disappoints. The food is always good, and the atmosphere is perfect, especially when it is nice enough to sit outside and enjoy the live music playing in the evenings. Look at the latest reviews and put this one on your list to visit.
Top Picks: Places to Stay in Palmetto Dunes
Rentals: Consider staying at Captains Cove or Villamare, which are close to the beach and pool. Hilton Head Rentals and VRBO offer excellent booking options for these locations or any private homes and villas at Palmetto Dunes.
Resorts: It’s hard to beat the Disney Hilton Head Resort if you are visiting with your family. Beautiful accommodations with full kitchen and all of the amenities you would expect from a Disney Resort. On the other hand, if you are looking to stay right on the beach, the Omni Resort has some great options with wonderful activities and great dining options.
Learn more about Palmetto Dunes.
Sea Pines Resort
Like Palmetto Dunes, we have also stayed in private homes, villas, and resorts throughout the Sea Pines Resort. Each visit leaves us more in love with this fascinating gated community. Sea Pines has a peaceful, slightly more exclusive atmosphere at the southern tip of Hilton Head Island. Fifteen miles of scenic bike trails wind through towering oaks and pines, leading to iconic spots like Harbour Town, South Beach Marina, and the beloved Salty Dog Café (a great place to get breakfast and dine by the harbor).
The beaches in Sea Pines feel a bit more private, too, so it’s easy to find your own slice of the Atlantic shoreline to call your own. We really enjoy the sense of having all of our fun in one place. Every time we visit, we explore the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, catch a live music show in Harbour Town, and grab some food at the Beach Club, all of which we do without ever leaving the Resort. What’s not to love about Sea Pines? We find it to be one of our favorite places to stay on the Island.
Highlights of Sea Pines:
- Exclusive Beach Access: Although all beaches are open to the public, Sea Pines typically offers a more private beach experience. Parking is limited to residents or those booking directly through Sea Pines. It is worth noting that if you are visiting a public beach near Sea Pines, you can walk the full length of the beach as it is not owned by the Sea Pines Resort. You will, however, find signs prohibiting you from entering the Resort if you are not a Sea Pines guest or owner.
- Scenic Trails and Attractions: Sea Pines is the largest gated community on the Island. This being the case, the bike trails are extensive and can take you to popular spots like Harbour Town, the Salty Dog Cafe at South Beach Marina, Sea Pines Forest Preserve, and Lawton Stables. Sea Pines has 15 miles of bike trails and has bike rental near the Sea Pines Beach Club. Of course, there are many places in Hilton Head where you can rent a bike, and most have free delivery.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: We love staying at Sea Pines. We like having more space and things to do without leaving the Resort. Sea Pines could be the right choice if you want a quieter, more relaxed environment.
Local Attractions:
- Harbour Town: Probably the most well-known location on the Island, Harbour Town is full of shopping, dining, and beautiful scenery on Hilton Head. Add in the live entertainment at the Restaurants and the Kids Show with Gregg Russell under the Old Oak tree overlooking the Harbour, and you are all set for a night of enchantment.
- Harbour Town Lighthouse: No structure on the Island is more iconic than the Harbour Town Lighthouse. Peering down the 18th fairway of the Harbour Town Golf Course, the Lighthouse has seen many amazing events. Be sure to climb to the top for panoramic views of the Harbour and learn about the Island’s history as you go to the top. Take your phone or camera to get some amazing shots.
- Sea Pines Forest Preserve: You can drive or bike to the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. It is a beautiful area for long walks, bird-watching, and exploring nature. While walking around the stunning lakes, check out the Indian Shell Ring.
- Lawton Stables: If you like horseback riding, Lawton Stables is the place to go. Schedule a ride through the Forest Preserve and take a guided excursion to learn more about the Island. Kids and adults love spending time at the petting zoo. Even if you don’t go for a ride, it is fun to stop and see the horses in the fields. It makes for a very peaceful visit.
Dining Options:
- Quarterdeck: Located at the end of Harbour Town, overlooking the sound, the Quarterdeck restaurant has stunning views and a rooftop oyster bar. We love the ambiance of sitting outside and watching the boats go in and out of the harbor while listening to live music and eating great food. This is a must-eat location when you visit.
- Links, an American Grill: What a great place to get a bite to eat after a round of Golf. What better views could you ask for? This fine dining spot features signature grilled selections overlooking Harbor Town Golf Links.
- Coast, Oceanfront Dining: What makes Coast such a wonderful place to dine is its location. Having a location at the Sea Pines Beach Club, there is plenty of parking and places to lock up your bikes, enjoy a day at the beach, and have a fine dining experience. It is also nice to order some burgers to take to your Family under the beach umbrella for a picnic on the sand. Any way you go, the live entertainment and the food are a wonderful addition to your Sea Pines experience.
Top Picks: Places to Stay in Palmetto Dunes
Rentals: Booking directly with VRBO is a great option when looking for a villa or private home to rent for your next Hilton Head stay. Look for houses with private pools or condos with community pools for a comfortable, family-fun visit.
Resorts: If your main goal is to relax and take in a golf game at the Harbour Town Golf Course, The Inn & Club at Harbour Town would be a good option. The Marriott’s Monarch at Sea Pines is a great option if you are looking to stay on the beach.
Learn more about Sea Pines.
Sea Pines Vs Palmetto Dunes – Final Thoughts
Universal’s Cabana Bay
The Grove Resort
Westgate Town Center
Four Seasons
World Center Marriott
Gaylord Palms
Signia Orlando Bonnet Creek
JW Marriott
Loews Sapphire Falls
FantasyWorld
Reunion Grande
Walt Disney World Dolphin
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
We love Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines at Hilton Head Island. You really can’t go wrong with either one. If you prefer a central location on the Island within walking or bike riding distance to the Shelter Cove Marina, Palmetto Dunes is a great choice. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a more exclusive environment with a few more dining options and fun things to do, Sea Pines might be the better option.
Hilton Head promises a memorable vacation no matter where you choose to stay. We love this place, from its beautiful beaches, scenic bike paths, and family-friendly activities. It truly is one of the best places we have ever been.