The iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse is Hilton Head Island’s most identifiable feature. The red-and-white-striped lighthouse is also a defining feature of the Harbour Town Golf Links’ eighteenth hole.

South present’s our hotly anticipated, annual guide to the Greatest Destinations of 2021. Each year, South produces the definitive list of the best places to stay, play, eat and shop in Charleston, Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Savannah and Jacksonville. This year, we’ve added some new locations for an exhaustive guide to the Coastal South.

South’s Greatest Destinations serves as an annual guide to the best locations in the coastal South from Charleston through Jacksonville. The list includes the premier places to stay and the hottest spots to play, as well as the best bites and top shops. In the past year, the Southeast saw continuous visitors—despite recent restrictions—proving there is just something inexplicably hospitable about our beautiful region. Without further ado, here is South’s definitive guide to the greatest destinations.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Known for its world-class golf, charming community and iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse, Hilton Head Island has solidified its place as one of the top destinations in the U.S.

The Inn & Club at Harbour Town

The Inn & Club at Harbour Town is an award-winning luxury hotel at the Sea Pines Resort, where no detail has been overlooked. Enjoy amenities such as beach concierge service, a boutique pool, access to the famous Harbour Town Clubhouse overlooking the championship golf course and more. seapines.com/accommodations/inn-at-harbour

Photo: Inn and Club at Harbour Town

Palmetto Dunes

Palmetto Dunes’ three miles of sun-kissed Atlantic Ocean beachfront provide the perfect venue for three world-class golf courses, vacation rentals, a full-service marina, and an 11-mile lagoon system. Guests can also enjoy nearby beaches, spas, tennis, shopping and much more. palmettodunes.com

Photo: Miranda Osborn

Photo: Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort

Hilton Head Health

A stay at Hilton Head Head is more than your typical vacation—guests enjoy a heated spa, saunas, full-service spa, fitness facilities, inn and villa-style accommodations and plenty of health dining options. This wellness retreat is the perfect way to rejuvenate and refresh. hhhealth.com

Photo courtesy of Hilton Head Health

Harbour Town Golf Links at Sea Pines

Sitting at the top of every golf enthusiast’s bucket list is the Harbour Town Golf Links championship course at Sea Pines Resort. Home of the RBC Heritage presented by Boeing, the public course is even more beautiful in person when compared to the stunning annual nationally televised views. seapines.com/golf/harbour-town-golf-links

Photo courtesy of Harbour Town Golf Links

Harbour Town Lighthouse

It’s not a trip to Hilton Head without a stop at the iconic, red-and-white-striped Harbour Town Lighthouse. Having served as a beacon for many ships through the years, the lighthouse now attracts visitors from around the world to tour the museum and climb the stairs inside! harbourtownlighthouse.com

Photo: Sean Pavone

Coastal Discovery Museum

With 2,000 square feet of indoor exhibits, 68 acres of outdoor exploration, and endless opportunity for adventure, the Coastal Discovery Museum is a “can’t miss” activity on Hilton Head Island. Check out the Lowcountry ecosystem including cool wildlife and foliage. coastaldiscovery.org

Photo courtesy of Coastal Discovery Museum

Salty Dog Cafe

The Salty Dog Cafe is not just a restaurant, but rather, an experience in itself. Pull up dockside to this iconic venue and enjoy award-winning crab legs, amazing sandwiches and burgers, and legendary hush puppies. If you’re not drinking, wash your meal down with one of their equally legendary drinks. saltydog.com

The Jazz Corner

For fine dining on Hilton Head Island, head to The Jazz Room. Proclaimed as one of the top 100 great jazz rooms in the world, The Jazz Room has been featuring sensational live music and gourmet cuisine for 21 years and counting. Thejazzcorner.com

Photo Courtesy of Jazz Corner

A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant

Impressively voted the number-one shrimp and grits in South Carolina, A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant is locals-approved and absolutely everything the name implies: authentic Lowcountry cuisine backyard-style dining. hhbackyard.com

Photo Courtesy of A Lowcountry Backyard

Main Street Village

Featuring locally owned and operated shops, Main Street Village offers an old-fashioned shopping experience and relaxed atmosphere featuring shops like J.McLaughlin, Lettrs and Luna & Lillie’s. Mainstreetvillagehhi.com

Photo: Main Street Village

Coligny Plaza

Visitors to Coligny Plaza—Hilton Head’s bustling beachside “downtown”—will find live music, fresh seafood, and endless boutique shopping. colignyplaza.com

Photo courtesy of Coligny Plaza

Harbour Town Shops

Harbour Town visitors can hit the Harbour Town Shops at the Sea Pines Resort, featuring waterfront views around every turn. The outdoor shopping plaza features more than 20 independently owned and operated boutiques, clothing shops, gift and craft galleries, jewelry stores, independent art galleries, and T-shirt and specialty gift shops. seapines.com/recreation/harbour-town/shopping.aspx

Photo courtesy of Sea Pines Resort

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