Hilton Head Vacations
By admin | July 15, 2008
Hilton Head Island is beautifully perched off the coast of South Carolina and is teeming with activities that are bound to excite and delight every member of your family. A popular tourist destination, Hilton Head is overflowing with pristine sandy beaches and gorgeous nature preserves that are perfect for outdoor adventures and exploration. Whether you are heading to Hilton Head for the gorgeous scenery or as a getaway from a hectic lifestyle, you are sure to find this island more relaxing than you ever imagined.
Hilton Head offers beachgoers more than twelve miles of sparkling white sand that borders on the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. You can find bustling beaches that are ripe for people-watching or more secluded areas that are perfect for a romantic stroll in the sand as the water gently brushes against your feet. One of the biggest differences between Hilton Head and other vacation destinations is that although the beaches are public, in most cases the access areas are private. Therefore, it is important to note in advance or ask a knowledgeable local where the best access points are so you do not end up wandering aimlessly in search of your desired beach.
There are quite a few beaches for such a small island, but two of the best for families and activities are Driessen Beach and Islander Beach Park. Driessen has the most amenities of all the area beaches, including a boardwalk, pavilion, playground, and easy to find metered parking. However, both of these beaches are great places to catch some sun, build sandcastles, and play in the waves of the ocean. Those who are looking for a more private beach experience will want to try Burkes Beach. It does not have any of the facilities the more popular beaches have but is great for anyone who wants a quiet afternoon for reflection near the water.
If you or anyone in your family is interested in marine life or wildlife, Hilton Head can certainly provide some interesting and worthwhile sights. Bottle nose dolphins are frequently spotted along the shore throughout the summer since this is where they come to catch their meals. For a more informative experience, outlets for dolphin-watching excursions can easily be found at several of the public marinas. Another local is the loggerhead turtle, which is an endangered species that buries its eggs in the soft sands of the Hilton Head beaches. Although it is rare to spot one of these giants, anyone with a strong interest can participate in a late night Turtle Watch that is offered by the Coastal Discovery Museum.
For views of the numerous four legged creatures that stalk the Island, make your way to the Sea Pines Forest Preserve for an informative, nature-based horseback or walking tour. Some of the animals you are likely to see include deer, minks, otters, and possibly even a few wild boar. It is unlikely, however, that you will see the elusive bobcat, which is usually only found in the forest preserves and the underdeveloped areas of Hilton Head Island.
While Hilton Head is a great place to escape from stress and relax on the beach, it is also the perfect place for duffers to hit some of the most beautiful links in the country. The scenic courses and rolling greens have been designed by some the games best, including Robert Trent Jones, Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, and George Cobb, so get ready for some interesting shots and difficult holes. There are an abundance of courses here, but one public course that certainly should not be missed is Harbour Town Golf Links, the most sought after course on the Island and the number one course in South Carolina.
Hilton Head Island is bound to have an attraction that suits your tastes and provides for a memorable and exciting adventure. For your next vacation to the Island, consider Hilton Head vacation rentals for your lodging needs. They are ideally situated not only near the sparkling sand and warm waters, but they are also close to the numerous attractions that are on your itinerary. Enjoy all the amenities of home in a location whose breathtaking beauty will melt all your stress away by staying in a vacation home or condo for your next trip to the coast.
HomeAway.com has the most comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes on the Internet. For an alternative lodging option, consider Hilton Head vacation rentals for your next trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Tags: head, hilton, hilton head, travel, trip, vacationVacationing in Kauai
By admin | May 15, 2008
Kauai, the oldest and northernmost of the Hawaiian Islands, is a tropical paradise that is surrounded by the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Nicknamed the Garden Isle, visitors can lose themselves in the radiant flora and lush rainforests that abound around every corner of the island. Come to Kauai for the sheer beauty of the beaches, the lavish tropical setting, and the numerous attractions, and you may never want to step foot off this heavenly island again.
No matter which part of the island you decide to stay on, there is bound to be a local beach that can satisfy your desire for sun and sand. The two main areas that most individuals choose to visit are the South Shore and North Shore, with the North Shore maintaining the reputation of the slightly quieter of the two. If you prefer the action of the South Shore, there are numerous excellent beaches for sunning, swimming, and snorkeling, but Poipu Beach is the premier destination for white sand, clear blue water, and colorful marine life. For surfing, bodyboarding, bodysurfing, and more active pursuits, head over to Shipwreck Beach in the summer to take advantage of the excellent wave conditions.
Although some consider the North Shore a less bustling region, this is where beachcombers head for some of the best beaches in the country. Hanalei Bay is one of the more popular beaches since it can accommodate a wide range of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, sailing, surfing, bodyboarding, fishing, and canoeing. This is also a great location for scenic walks as the sparkling gold sand beaches extend for two miles along the bay and are surrounded by towering, lush green mountains on one side. Tunnels Beach, named for the reef tunnels that are popular with scuba divers, is another great option if you prefer to dive to the depths of the ocean and explore the various marine life.
When you are ready to pick your towel up off the sand, make your way to one of the eight golf courses that are sprinkled throughout the Garden Isle. Three of the top five courses in Hawaii are found in Kauai, so why not test your accuracy and nerves on a challenging and scenically breathtaking course. Poipu Bay Golf Course, a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design, brings the ocean winds into play to make for a difficult test of skill while also highlighting any weaknesses in your game. Kauai Lagoons, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is another excellent option whose dramatic cliffs, expansive ravines, and acres of tropical lagoons are designed to throw off the game of even the most experienced players.
The beauty of Kauai was not only meant to be admired, it was also meant to be explored by visitors of the island. There are hiking trails interspersed throughout the island so visitors can venture into the ninety percent of the island that is not accessible by road. One of the first trails any first time visitor should explore is the five-mile Kukui Trail that takes visitors to the bottom of the Waimea Canyon via the shortest route. Beginning off the Iliau Loop Trail, hikers are rewarded with a spectacular swimming hole at the bottom and breathtaking views of the canyon throughout the journey. Kuilau Ridge Trail offers a more encompassing view of Kauai’s allure by taking hikers on a four mile trip past glistening waterfalls and an abundance of flora.
Kauai has a wealth of beauty and a variety of exciting activities to offer to its guests, so make the most of this stunning area by choosing Kauai vacation rentals for your lodging needs. Surround yourself with gorgeous flora, panoramic views of the ocean, and pristine white sand beaches as you enjoy all the conveniences and amenities of home. You really can experience the Kauai vacation of your dreams when you stay in a vacation home rental that has everything you need for a relaxing and fulfilling trip.
HomeAway.com has the most comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes on the Internet. For an alternative lodging option, consider Kauai vacation rentals for your next trip to this stunning Hawaiian Island.
Tags: hawaii, island, kauai, travel, trip, vacation