Beach

How cool would it be to tell friends and family you learned to surf while on your summer Hilton Head vacation? Maybe even throw around a little lingo, “The waves were waist to head high and glassy.”

The experts at Hilton Head Outfitters at Palmetto Dunes will teach you everything you need to know during a week-long Surf School, from how to paddle and pop-up, to picking the right wave and finding your balance while riding a frothy white wave into shore.

With an emphasis on safety and the basic fundamentals, Hilton Head Outfitters’ surf school is held throughout the summer. The Hilton Head surfing school specializes in teaching kids to surf, but the camp is open to all ages. Entire families have even signed up!

Each day, you’ll spend one and a half hours on the beach in a small group session ($80 p/p). You also can choose from a private lesson for one-on-one instruction ($125 p/p). The staff will help you choose between 7-foot and 9-foot soft-top boards, which are better for learning than a hard fiber glass board.

While on the sand, instructors like Captain Logan will help you learn the basics of paddling out and popping up on the board. They’ll show you the perfect positioning for your feet and work on your balance.

When you’re ready to hit the waves, rest assured, the camp is held in shallow water, which is perfect for youngsters. Wipeouts are totally part of the experience, but when you get in the zone and ride in that first wave, it will be an experience you’ll never forget … and a story you’ll probably tell for ages. Recent surf campers have even been doing headstands on paddleboards and riding tandem together!

Registration is required, but you just need to call (866) 650-4132 to reserve your spots. Need a little more information and inspiration? Watch this fun video below about the camp. You’ll be ready to hang 10 for sure!

 

Coming to visit us in Hilton Head for your summer vacation or a weekend getaway? Make sure you have your camera packed not only to snap pictures for future memories, but to snag yourself a Palmetto Dunes gift card.

Every week through the rest of the summer we’re going to reward our loyal guests with Palmetto Dunes gift cards when you share your vacation picture with us on our various social outlets, like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Here’s all you have to do:

• Take a picture before Tuesday at 8 p.m. the week of your vacation at a recognizable spot within Palmetto Dunes or Shelter Cove Harbour
• Tweet your pic to @PalmettoDunesSC, post it on our Facebook page or upload to Pinterest and “tag” Palmetto Dunes using the @ symbol.
• We’ll pick our favorite picture of the week (so be creative!) by Wednesday morning, notify the winner via social media and have your $25 gift card ready for pick up by Wednesday at noon at the Palmetto Dunes Welcome Center.

Where to take your pic? Here’s a few of our favorite ideas to get you inspired:

• The statue of Neptune at Shelter Cove
• The Palmetto Dunes entrance sign
• The Palmetto Dunes Welcome Center
• Any of our golf courses
• The Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center
• Buying a T-shirt or Palmetto Dunes Tervis Tumbler at Hilton Head Outfitters
• The General Store
• The new Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers & Pizza at the Jones course
• Picking out sunglasses at the Ship’s Store
• HarbourFest at Shelter Cove (why not snap a photo with the kids and Shannon Tanner or Cappy the Clown?)
• Eating an Italian Ice at Frosty’s in Shelter Cove
• Dunes House
• Hopping a ride on the Dunes Buggy!
• Sipping a margarita at San Miguel’s in Shelter Cove

Now, how can you use your gift card? Lots of ways! The gift card is accepted at any Palmetto Dunes-owned point of purchase locations. Note, it is not redeemable at the General Store. Here’s just a few of the ways you can splurge:

• Tennis court time at the Tennis Center
• Round of golf or golf club rentals at our golf courses
• Breakfast, lunch or dinner at Big Jim’s at the Jones course
• Apparel at any of our pro shops
• Kayak, canoe or bike rentals at Hilton Head Outfitters
• Goods at the Ship’s Store in Shelter Cove
• Charters from Outside Hilton Head at Shelter Cove
• Lunch or dinner at the Dunes House

How would you use your gift certificate? Let us know and start thinking now of the perfect Palmetto Dunes shot! 

What does Palmetto Dunes have that other resorts don’t? Three miles of sandy Hilton Head Island beach on the Atlantic Ocean and great weather that lets you take advantage of it nearly year round. We also give you plenty of ways to enjoy the beach, whether it’s views from your Hilton Head vacation home or rental, dining options on the beach or activities from biking to surfing to keep you busy throughout your Hilton Head getaway.

There are plenty of access points to reach the beach, either from the residential areas as you pedal around or from our resort facilities. One of our favorite ways to enjoy—and access--the beach is the Dunes House, which is centrally located Palmetto Dunes and open to guests of the resort. In addition to casual food and drinks with one of the best dining views on the island, you’ll also find restrooms and limited parking. We suggest you call the Dunes Buggy for a free ride to the Dunes House! 

Biking is also another great way to enjoy the beach at Palmetto Dunes. Get some exercise and enjoy beautiful views of the ocean at the same time. Try going for a ride at sunrise or sunset for a particularly inspiring experience. If you don’t want to lug your bikes with you down to Hilton Head, you can rent them from Hilton Head Outfitters within the resort. They’ll have them delivered direct to your home and villa so they’re ready to ride as soon as you arrive. Hilton Head Outfitters offers a range of bikes and options, and we’d suggest trying their fat tire bikes which are designed for easier beach riding. 

At Palmetto Dunes, you can also surf and fish at the beach. We offer surfing classes at our Hilton Head Surf School and surf board rentals from Hilton Head Outfitters. We also have everything a fisherman needs for a great day of fishing. Rent your rod and reel online and head into the Outfitters store just inside the resort to pick up bait or anything else you might need before you head out. 

Or go for a more relaxed approach. Kick back, enjoy the sounds of the ocean and send the kids out to build a sand castle, but keeping a close eye on them, of course. Check out a few tips for a safe trip to the beach. Beach games are also lots of fun and we have some great beach game suggestions to keep the whole family entertained.

Whether you’d rather dash into the waves, laze in the sand or cruise along the shore on a beach bike, when it comes to the beach at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort we think it’s pretty much perfect.

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort has many Hilton Head vacation villas and homes from which to choose, but don’t get overwhelmed. Our accommodations listings can help you pick the locations, size and dates you need to find the perfect place to base your Hilton Head Island vacation. 

In this post, we’ll introduce you to 257 Captains Quarters in Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. Imagine yourself relaxing on beautiful Hilton Head Island, just a bike ride away from the beach in the comfort of a beautiful villa.  

This villa has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and room for up to six people, so bring the whole family! It’s fully furnished with a well-equipped kitchen for a breakfast before you head out to play a round of golf, a quick lunch break from the beach or even a dinner in. Relax on the balcony that overlooks Broad Creek with your favorite beach read or stroll over to Shelter Cove Marina and its many restaurants, shops and live nightly entertainment. You can also enjoy the community pool, tennis courts or hot tub. 

When you’re ready to roam a little further, hop on the Dunes Buggy for a free ride to one of our three golf courses, the tennis center or Dunes House restaurant and beach access for resort guests.

Plus, any time you choose to rent your vacation home or villa through Palmetto Dunes, we throw in two hours of tennis court time daily and we give you the best rates on all our activities from bike rentals to rounds of golf.

A cozy, comfortable place ideally located on Hilton Head Island is perfect foundation for a great vacation at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. It’s a wonderful place to call home, even if just for a few days. Enjoy!

We know it happens. You arrive on Hilton Head Island and you suddenly get the urge to cast a line into the lagoon or the surf, but you didn’t pack your gear and tackle. 

Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. We have six surf-casting rods and 10 lightweight spinning rods available for daily rental and plenty more gear and tackle for sale, too. In fact, we just received a new shipment, so the selection is broad. Check out our G Loomis rods, for example.

OK, so now you have your rod. What’s next? Bait. We suggest frozen mullet or squid, or a few choice selections from our line of Berkley Gulp artificial bait. But before you get that bait wet, you’ll need a saltwater fishing license. We can hook you up with the DNR and you can get a license over the phone.

So, what might you find on the other end of the line? The latest area fishing report said spottail bass is plentiful because of the warm winter. Creek and river fishing has been better than normal for this time of year around docks, rocks, and trees.

If you’d rather fish out to sea, we lead fishing excursions into the lagoon and offshore. We also rent a virtual flotilla of fishing boats and crabbing vessels.

If you’re itching to be fishing, stop into Hilton Head Outfitters. We can get you rigged up in a hurry.

When you come to Hilton Head, park your car and don’t go back till it’s time to go home. Leave the transportation to us!

Starting April 1, our popular Dunes Buggy is back and ready for the busy season. This free transportation for resort guests travels throughout Palmetto Dunes and Shelter Cove Harbour. That means you can go from the beach to shopping without ever setting foot on your gas pedal.

Destinations include the golf courses, restaurants within the resort, Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center, Hilton Head Outfitters, the General Store, pro shops, Shelter Cove Marina and all the restaurants and shopping within Shelter Cove.

If you need to hitch a ride aboard “the buggy,” call 843-689-4222 and we’ll dispatch on a first-come, first-serve basis usually within about 10 minutes of your call. Give us a little more time during the busy weeks of the Heritage and Fourth of July, please ☺. The Dunes Buggy runs all summer through September.

And lest you be tempted to head to your car, remember we’ve got bikes, kayaks and hey, your own two feet, to get you where you need to go here in Hilton Head. You’ll enjoy the views a lot more and burn off a few calories while you’re at it.

See you soon on the Dunes Buggy!

If you’ve been lucky enough to have visited us here at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort in Hilton Head, you’ve got a chance to let others know about this paradise! Travel + Leisure is conducting a reader’s choice survey on the world’s best resorts through March 31. We’d love it if you’d show Palmetto Dunes a little love by filling out this survey.

Palmetto Dunes is no stranger to these pinnacles of luxury. A survey of thousands of readers of Travel + Leisure Family named our Hilton Head Island resort the No.1 Family Resort in the United States and Canada.

Readers of Travel + Leisure Golf named us among the World's Best Golf Resorts. Forbes and Golf Magazine put Palmetto Dunes in the upper echelon of resorts, too. Tennis Magazine just named the resort the No. 1 Tennis Resort in the Carolinas and among the top 10 in the nation in its March 2012 issue.

Palmetto Dunes Resort isn’t one to rest on previous accomplishments, though. We raise the bar in service and accommodations standards every day for our guests.

In their survey, which takes only about 5 minutes to complete, Travel + Leisure asks you to rate the rooms, amenities, service, food, overall value and if the resort is suitable for business, family travel or romantic get-aways. Plus, they reward your efforts by entering you into a drawing for a $10,000 trip to the destination of your choice.

So take a quick lunch break and fill out the survey for us here. We truly thank you and look forward to seeing you here soon!

We're starting to see the spring breakers trickle onto the Island and into our beautiful resort. Here at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort we have a little something for everyone, especially those families who want to stay active during their spring break vacation. From golf to stand-up paddle boarding, we’ve got all kinds of activities to enjoy while you’re in Hilton Head.

We’re heading into our busiest seasons and we can’t wait to see all the families invade the Island and our resort, participating in all the activities we have to offer. To get you excited for fun and sun we’re highlighting one of our amazing Hilton Head vacation rentals that you could stay in on your next Hilton Head vacation. Go ahead, close your eyes and picture yourself here…

 8 Brigantine is a gorgeous home located walking distance from the ocean and it also has its own pool for those early morning or late night swims! This home is perfect for a multi-family or extended family vacation, a popular trend at Palmetto Dunes, since it can sleep 15 people in its five large bedrooms. It even includes bunk beds for the kids. The screened porch is perfect for an early morning cup of coffee or a late night glass of wine to unwind.

This house has some unbelievable amenities, like the flat screen TV, a garage, a grill and a garden tub. The kitchen is beautiful with plenty of room to have more than one chef cooking up lunch or dinner. Being so close to the ocean and having beach access allows you to pack up the family quickly and easily and head out to the sun and sand.

This beautiful home still has a few available weeks this spring and summer and is just waiting for a group like yours to stay in it. So go ahead, check it out and turn that daydream into a reality! And don’t forget you can now book golf and bikes all at the same time online. Plus, when you book through Palmetto Dunes, you get the best deals on all our activities, personal check-in, concierge assistance, repair help for your home if you need  it and more. Hope to see your smiling face soon! 

The people of Hilton Head have worked hard to preserve the beautiful beaches and landscape and it’s apparent in the amount of wildlife that inhabit our Island. From the ocean to the lagoon to the marsh, there are amazing creatures that love Hilton Head as much as we do! Let us give you a sneak peek into some of the wildlife you could come across on your next vacation.

Birds Galore

When you get off your plane or out of your car, look to the sky and you’re sure to see birds everywhere. From seagulls to the beautiful ibis, Hilton Head is full of winged friends. Shelter Cove Harbour and other piers will have brown pelicans waiting to glide above the water looking for a small fish dinner. While sun tanning or playing on the beach, you’re likely to see large birds like ospreys or even bald eagles.

Spot a Gator, But Leave Him Alone

One of the beset known reptiles on Hilton Head is the alligator. They mainly live within lagoon systems so we’ve seen quite a few here at Palmetto Dunes, but if you leave them alone, they won’t bother you. You might even see one lazing in the sun off the side of one of our golf courses.

A Rainbow of Fish

The lagoon is also full of large, beautiful fish, such as red fish, trout, bluefish, black drum, flounder and even tarpon. The smooth, calm waters of the lagoon system make fishing and crabbing excursions fun and successful at the same time.

The Friendly Dolphin

Head into the big water on one of our dolphin cruises to catch a glimpse of their majestic beauty. Many of our dolphins are very people friendly and may swim alongside the boat or come up to the boat for a bite to eat. We’ve even heard tales of dolphins coming right up to people in our marsh creeks. You could swim with dolphins without even planning it! But always remember, they are wild animals.

Turtles and More

During the spring and early summer, if you walk the beach at night you might see a loggerhead momma turtle waddling up to the dunes creating a nest for her babies. Hilton Head has laws to protect the little guys and to make sure they have a safe hatching season and can make it to the ocean.

There are plenty more animals on the Island, like deer, frogs, toads and plenty of crustaceans. So the next time you’re here, take a minute to look around you and enjoy all the wildlife surrounding you on our beautiful island.

From the golf course to where to eat and drink we’ve compiled tips and information from the staff at Palmetto Dunes to help you get the most out of your visit to our resort.

Golf

1. “Golf shots at Palmetto Dunes Resort feel different than in many parts of the country for two reasons: the grass is different and so is the soil.” – Doug Weaver, Head of Golf Instruction
2. “When putting on Bermuda grass at Palmetto Dunes Resort, you have to consider the grain of the grass, which is influenced by slope, sunset and nearby water. Lessons with the instruction staff can lead to significantly improved putting.”  – Doug Weaver, Head of Golf Instruction

Tennis

1. “Guests at the resort don’t have to travel with their racquets. Our demo racquets are available for use in all our clinics, lessons and round robins and can even be rented for personal play.” - Brian Kiggans, Head Tennis Professional
2. “Starting the first Monday in March, the Tennis Center begins their Monday Night Pro Exhibitions at 5:30 p.m. During that time, we offer a discount on retail merchandise in the Pro Shop. Starting the first Tuesday in March, the Tennis Center kicks off Demo Days at 2 p.m. and demo day discounts are offered as well.” – Jackie Reynecke, Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center

Dining

1. “It’s 5 o’clock and you’re on the beach; just walk directly up to The Dunes House and enjoy a beachy cocktail. No shoes required!” –  Chris Fleury,  Director of Food & Beverage
2.  “You have to try the fried chicken, green beans and macaroni at The General Store. They cook all items fresh each morning!” – Frank Gaston, The General Store and Hilton Head Outfitters
3. “The grill at the Arthur Hills Course makes Liz’s homemade New England clam chowder daily! It’s delicious.” – Amelia Johnston, Marketing Coordinator

Activities

1. “When the weather is warm, the best time to go fishing is in the morning; you’re bound to get more bites. Also, a great tip for fishing inshore during the colder months is that the first quarter and last quarter moon produce more fish.” – Captain Trent Malphrus , Palmetto Lagoon Charters
2. “When you book your accommodations through Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, you get the best deal on the whole island on golf, bikes, tennis, kayaks and so much more.” – Karen Morris, Director of Sales

Misc

1.  “Visit the Rotunda, also known as the Welcome Center. We have an on-site concierge available seven days a week to answer all your Hilton Head questions.” – Jennifer Carlin, Revenue Manager

If you’ve never stayed with us before, feel free to ask us any questions you have by emailing customerservice@palmettodunes.com or you can “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and we’ll answer your questions there.

Do you have a great tip for visiting Palmetto Dunes? 

So you’ve set the date, picked the location and asked your friends to be in your wedding party but you just can’t ask the boss for an extra week off for your honeymoon quite yet.

The honeymoon is the icing on your wedded bliss cake but for many it’s extremely challenging to plan more time off after the wedding planning week amidst work or school schedules. That’s why we’ve created the Mini Moon Package.

This mini vacation after your nuptials will give you the much needed breather you need but will allow you to go back to work or school without taking too many extra PTO days! This package is also ideal for those looking for a long weekend getaway to rekindle the flames for Valentine’s Day with all the spa, food and romance you could want.

 The Mini Moon package includes:

• 4 days /3 nights in a resort view villa at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
• One $100 Dinner certificate to your choice of Bistro 17, Conroy's, HH Prime or Ela’s
• A 50-minute couples massage (includes 20% gratuity) 
• Luxurious Facial Treatment or Therapeutic Body Scrub for 2  (includes 20% gratuity)
• One-day bike rental for two to explore miles of paved pathways beneath towering live oak trees and to ride on three miles of pristine beach
• Two hour double kayak rental to paddle along a peaceful 11-mile lagoon waterway
• Two hours of tennis court time per day per villa or home at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center
• Preferred rates and priority access to all resort activities and amenities

Be bold and follow in the footsteps of William and Kate and Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries (except try to stay married longer than 72 days) and try our new Mini Moon. Call us at 866-744-7558 for more information and make sure to visit us at www.palmettodunes.com . 

We know that many of you are experiencing chilling temperatures, snowy skies and icy roads. While we can’t make it summer any earlier and we can’t raise the temperatures to the lovely mild days we’re experiencing here on Hilton Head, we can give you live updates and visuals of the beach every day! We have two webcams set up on the resort, one at The Dunes House and the other at The Robert Trent Jones Golf Course.

If you’re in need of a little golf action on a cold day, check out the webcam at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course. This beautiful course was renovated in 2002 to reshape fairways, trees, greens and bunkers. We were also able to improve the natural draining of the course by linking it to our 11-mile lagoon system. The Jones Course has 11 holes that run by the lagoon and 10^th hole has a spectacular view of the ocean! This webcam is sure to make you want to pack up your clubs and head down to Hilton Head.

If you’ve had a rough week and need a minute of rest and relaxation from work, then check out The Dunes House webcam. The Dunes House is known for their awesome fish tacos and amazing view of the ocean. This webcam is situated in the perfect place to give you a view of guests enjoying lunch and watching the waves rolling in! If you’re a romantic, check this webcam on the weekends for a chance to see a wedding happening live on the beach!

We want to bring you a little piece of Hilton Head and all that Palmetto Dunes has to offer whenever you want it by maintaining these webcams. The best part is the next time you’re here you can tell your family or friends to tune in to see what a great time you’re having on vacation! 

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner so why not get your love something different this year? Forget the extravagant floral arrangements, the chocolate and stuffed animals and think about a romantic retreat to Hilton Head, South Carolina. We’ve worked out an amazing package for all the love birds out there and it’s the perfect getaway for Valentine’s Day.

This package includes:

• 4 days /3 nights in a resort view villa at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
• One $100 dinner certificate to one of our wonder restaurants
• The Omni’s Ocean Tides Spa Massage- choose a Calming Currents 50-minute massage, a Couples 50-minute massage, or a Coastal Cabana Massage
• Luxurious Facial Treatment or Therapeutic Body Scrub for 2  (includes 20% gratuity)
• One-day bike rental for two to explore miles of paved pathways beneath towering live oak trees and to experience riding on three miles of pristine beaches
• Two hour double kayak rental to paddle along a peaceful 11-mile lagoon waterway
• Two hours of court time per day per villa or home at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center
• Preferred rates and priority access to all resort activities and amenities.

You and your honey will be relaxed, rejuvenated and in love with the fact that you can do all these activities without ever leaving our resort. This romantic package provides relaxation, adventure and wonderful accommodations. We look forward to making your Valentine’s Day the best it’s ever been! 

It might be freezing outside and you’re thinking more about wearing scarves than swimsuits but this Christmas why not get the family a present that will warm everyone’s heart? A trip to Hilton Head Island!

Here at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort you can find the perfect home or villa located near the ocean, golf course or lagoon depending on how your loved ones want to spend their vacation.

2118 Windsor Place has an oceanfront view and plenty of space for your whole family. The large open balcony is a great place to drink your coffee in the morning or wind down at night to the sound of tbhe ocean breeze. Enjoy views of the ocean from your private balcony overlooking an oceanfront pool with a spa, barbecue area and children's pool.

We know that many families love to gather in the kitchen and this unit has a spacious kitchen that’s open to the living and dining room. Another great feature is that all four bedrooms have their own private bathroom, making it easy for everyone to clean up and get ready after a day in the sand. The Arthur Hills golf course is a short walk away for all the golfers in the family, and you can enjoy two hours of free tennis court time each day you stay with us!

So call us now at 866-744-7558 and get the whole family a gift they will truly enjoy. Also, when you book early, you’re eligible for some really amazing deals!

Vacation is all about relaxation. Wondering where to wind down on Hilton Head? We’ve got all the info you need on spas in the area and the best packages and treatments!

At Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, you can choose from many vacation packages that include relaxing massages, facials or manicures. If your main goal is playing golf in the morning and chilling out all afternoon, then our “Tee for Two” package is a great choice. We also have all the spa treatments you could dream of in our “Silver Celebration” and “Romantic Retreat” packages.

If you’re staying with us and looking for a quick fix, there are many options within the resort or close by. Try the Spa Soleil at the Marriot Hilton Head right here in Palmetto Dunes. They even have a teen spa, which makes for a perfect mother-daughter getaway. The Hilton Hotel also has a phenomenal spa in house that’s worth the walk or bike ride.

So the next time you’re staying at Palmetto Dunes, take a little time for yourself and escape to the spa.

The weather is starting to cool down which means it’s a great time to get a group of friends or bring your loved one on a golf getaway here at Palmetto Dunes. There’s no better time to play golf than in the fall here in South Carolina. We have tons of beautiful Hilton Head rental homes and villas that overlook one of our three award winning golf courses but 951 Inverness is a must-see villa!

Remodeled in 2009 and situated on the 12^th hole of the George Fazio course, this three-bedroom, three- bath villa is perfect for a group or a family. After a morning on the fairways you can cool off in the community pool that’s only a short walk from your villa or chill out by watching TV on the flat screen in the living room!

Make sure to take advantage of our other activities, such as the two hours of free tennis court time and discounted bike rentals, that you receive when you book your villa through Palmetto Dunes. Another great bonus of renting with Palmetto Dunes is that you can enjoy lunch, dinner or mid-afternoon cocktails at The Dunes House!

951 Inverness is ready to make your fall golf outing perfect, so check out its availability, gather up your gang of guys or group of gals and call us at 866.380.1778. Fore!

Have you ever been walking the beaches here in Hilton Head and seen some amazing sandcastles? We’ve seen some masterpieces grace our sand, for sure, and we want to share some sandcastle building tips with you! And hey, if you want to start building before you get to the beach, we’ll give you some at-home ideas too!

The Tools You’ll Need: A shovel with a long handle, a bucket, a few carving tools like a spoon, a plastic knife and a fork!

Location, Location, Location: Make sure not to start your sandcastle too close to the shoreline or all your work will be destroyed by the incoming tide! Keep in mind that you’ll need water to hold your castle together so don’t go too far from the ocean unless you want a good workout.

Get to Digging and Building: Start by digging a hole far enough down to reach the water table (where the sand is damp). Using very wet sand and your hands, create a base for your castle. Stack sand blocks on top of one another until you get your sandcastle the height and width you want.

Decoration Time: After you’ve built the base, it’s time for the fun part. You can use the knife to chisel in a brick pattern and the spoon to scoop out openings for a door. Another cool technique is to make a “drizzle” roof by taking super wet sand into your hand, hold your hand over the desired location and let the sand drip down. You can also use coral, shells and other washed up items to jazz up your creation!

So get to building and share your castle pictures with us on Facebook!

If you’re celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon or just need a vacation with your honey, we want to help you plan the perfect beach date. We suggest starting off your day with a nice bike ride through the resort. We have more than 5 miles of paved bike paths at the resort with beautiful natural surroundings for you to explore.

On your ride, stop by the General  Store and pick up sandwiches, chips, fruit, drinks and a towel or blanket for a nice picnic to take to the beach. Next, stop by Hilton Head Outfitters where you can rent your beach chairs and an umbrella. Then head toward the sand and surf to enjoy a relaxing picnic while you watch the dolphins frolic and unwind watching the waves.

Cap your day with a romantic dinner. A couple of of good options include Alexander’s in the resort, which is known for its extensive wine menu, or Ela’s in Shelter Cove, which has outstanding view to accompany their menu!

If you need even more relaxation, many of our packages include spa treatments, champagne and other sweet activities to try. We even offer a Silver Celebration package for couple celebrating 25 years of marriage.

What’s your favorite romantic activity when in Hilton Head? We hope to see all you love birds here soon!

A few months ago there was the social media craze “planking” where an individual lies in a plank position in unusual places and then posts the image on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. This term has taken on a whole new meaning recently in the fitness and water activities world.

Many people are taking their love of paddleboarding and combining it with yoga. Floating yoga is new to the South but has been all the rage in Hawaii for some time now. Standard yoga moves such as the plank, crunch or downward dog are a bit more challenging when performing the moves on water!

There are a few places in nearby Charleston, S.C. that are offering paddleboard yoga classes and we’ve seen a few brave souls tightening their cores here in Hilton Head giving it a go. Would you like to see one of these classes come to Palmetto Dunes? Would you try it?

If your kids are looking to try something new and exciting this summer then head down to Hilton Head Outfitters and sign up for our surf camp! The classes are 90 minutes long and available for all ages. Captain Byron Sewell gives private attention to all attendees and brings his radical experience to the class!

Captain Byron was born on Hilton Head Island and has been a competitive surfer for 12 years. He has 5 State Championship titles and has even won an East Coast Championship. When he’s not in Hilton Head helping your child catch a wave, you can find him either in Hawaii or in Costa Rica from November through May running a surfing adventure guide.

Every class starts with a 10-minute yoga stretch to get everyone loose and in the right frame of mind. All classes are full of laughter and he ends each session with a watermelon seed spitting contest! So get your children out there for fun in the surf so they can tell everyone they’ve been surfing in Hilton Head. Cowabunga dudes!

We love hearing what our guests have to say about their stay here at Palmetto Dunes or their experience doing all of our wonderful activities throughout the resort. Here is a collection of some great stories provided by our guests about their Hilton Head activities and why they loved doing them at Palmetto Dunes!

“My family just returned from a fantastic beach vacation on Hilton Head Island at Palmetto Dunes. We have vacationed all along the beaches of the East Coast and this was by far our favorite vacation of all. We have three kids between the ages of 5 and 12 and there was something for each one of them to enjoy, from canoeing to junior golf lessons to the surf camp. This is a perfect place for active families. The accommodations were wonderful, and we will definitely be back next year. The picture I posted is one of my 10-year-old's favorites from the trip -- he wants to learn how to sail next year. Thank you Palmetto Dunes!” -- Erin Milton

“We have been coming to Palmetto Dunes for five years in January and February. We love it! Golf and biking are two of our most favorite activities.” - Glen Field

“In early October I booked an afternoon inshore redfish trip with Trent. It was everything I hoped it could be. We started by sight casting to fish on the flats which was fun, then on the tide change moved to deeper water and live bait, which yielded several fish landed well over 35lbs.! A marvelous experience with an excellent guide!” -- Tim Stricker

“My friend, Kim, and I kayaked for the first time at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort in August. We had a blast! The people at Outfitters were so nice and made us feel safe. We will definitely kayak again next summer!”

We love hearing what our guests have to say and hope that you give some Palmetto Dunes activities a try the next time you’re down in Hilton Head!

There are lots of great activities to do on the beach from swimming and building sand castles to jogging and surfing, but a great way to get in some family bonding time is to turn the beach into a game board!

While some of you may be just one state away from our beautiful beaches, others of you may be driving from the northeast, Midwest or even farther. We know that hearing the words “Are we there yet?” every 10 minutes is not any parent’s idea of a pleasant drive. So we’ve compiled a few tips to keep the younger members of your family occupied as they head to and head home from Palmetto Dunes.

License Plates

This is an oldie, but goodie. Make a list of all the states before you get in the car (or look it up on your iPhone or iPad J) and charge the kids with looking for license plates from each state. See how many you can spot.

Car Colors

Let each member choose a car color. Then challenge your crew to be the first to spot 10, 15 or 20 cars of that color.

Eye Spy

This is a great game for preschool and even toddler-age kids. Each person takes a turn “spying” an item and telling everyone the color (“Eye spy with my little eye something [insert color]…”). Then each family member takes a turn guessing until they are correct. Then it’s that person’s turn to “spy” something.

Car Scavenger Hunt

Ask your kids to draw pictures or write words on index cards for 50 or so items they might see while driving to Palmetto Dunes. Let each child randomly draw an equal allotment of cards. The first person to match up all their cards with items they spot wins!

Word Game

Have each family member think of a word at least 10 letters long. Then, look for the letters, in order, on any signs you pass. The first person to find all their letters, in order, wins!

Grab Bag

Consider heading to the Everything’s a Dollar store before you head out. Grab a bunch of toys, workbooks, cards and a few treats and pack them all in a grab bag. Whenever someone wins a game or needs something new to break up the trip, let them pick an item out of the grab bag.

What games have you found that work well to keep your kids occupied in the car?

We love the almost year-round sunshine here on the Hilton Head coast, but those super sunny days can present some challenges when it’s time to hit the tennis courts. Serving into the sun can be tough. One way to keep the sun out of your eyes without hindering your game is with a pair of sunglasses made for tennis.

Planning a Wedding is simultaneously one of the most exciting and most stressful events we have been through. There are so many decisions to make, the most important being where to hold the ceremony. My Wife, Dana had always wanted a beach wedding, and we visited numerous venues on the Southeastern coast. When we came to Palmetto Dunes, we knew we had found our place. The sheer beauty of the resort is captivating, and the Dunes House looked like something that came out of our dreams. Working with our Wedding Coordinator, Nicole Guy, was an absolute pleasure. She made the overwhelming number of decisions that we needed to make a pleasure, and guided us every step of the way. She genuinely cared about our Wedding, and did everything that she could to make sure that it was everything we wanted and more. The ceremony itself was stunning. The setup and decorations that Nicole had prepared were beautiful, and she was there to make sure that everything went off without a hitch. Our reception went into the night, and the moonlight shimmering off of the ocean was right out of a fairly tale. One of the things that surprised us the most about that night was how amazing the food was! Most weddings that we have been to have relatively modest food, but the Chef at Palmetto Dunes prepared one of the best buffet's that we and our guests have ever tasted. From the appetizers to the dessert, it was truly a gourmet meal, and it was a part of our Wedding that we were very proud of. Lastly, it is important to note that Palmetto Dunes made our Wedding affordable. The food, beverages, and the venue were very reasonably priced, and we really felt like we got a great deal. Now that we have been married for almost six months, we look back on our Wedding at Palmetto Dunes as a perfect event. If you are considering Palmetto Dunes to host your special day, there really isn't a better option. Palmetto Dunes was perfect, and we couldn't ask for more.

Thank you for helping make this dream come true. This is the place where I have always felt most at peace with my life and with myself. I feel like I can breathe easier here. -Excerpt from Sarah's vows to Joe

I too thought about the ocean and I thought it was a perfect metaphor for our love. There's incredible beauty and power. There's endless depth and it's a constant reminder to me that no matter how well we know each other, there's so much more out there that we can discover about each other. -Excerpt from Joe's vows to Sarah

Our wedding in Palmetto Dunes in Hilton Head, South Carolina was as magical a day as we had dreamed. We had a very personal sunset ceremony with one of the most scenic views imaginable. We highly recommend the staff at Palmetto Dunes Resort. From Nicole Guy's advice on vendors to her comforting words when the weather didn't seem to be cooperating, we couldn't envision planning this most important day without them. We were even able to get a sound technician on the beach to play our Beatles ceremony, Octopus's Garden as the guest were seated, All You Need Is Love for the processional, and The End for our first kiss and end of the ceremony. As you can see from our photo, it was a beautiful, intimate event. We would like to give special thanks to Scott and Francis Moody of Pro Photo, Inc., who were our amazing photographers.

They say that rain on your wedding day is good luck. I just think it's an old saying to help brides feel better during a deluge! Nonetheless, we had no choice but to happily embrace our blessings from heaven when the skies opened up on our wedding day at Palmetto Dunes. Part of the reason I chose PD is because the Dunes House and the adjacent covered patio made for a picturesque "Plan B" in case of rain. We're from Chicago and had really hoped for a beach wedding. We were told by all the vendors that it "never" rains on Hilton Head in May. Turns out they were right- except for our wedding day! It absolutely poured buckets: thunder, lightning- you name it! But Nicole Guy was absolutely wonderful the morning of the wedding in shifting everything indoors and making sure we still had the special oceanside wedding we desired. I truly feel that our positive attitudes during the downpour, the loving energy we got from our guests, and Nicole's swift actions moved God to cease the rain precisely when the ceremony ended! It seems no sooner did the minister allow my husband to "kiss the bride" that the rain stopped and the sky turned a beautiful, dreamy dark blue! We were able to take photos outside on the deck and on the beach- our photographer loved the post-storm sky and said it was much better than having bright sun. Our dinner was still indoors and featured the simple elegance and intimacy the Dunes House offers; the food was delicious and the decor was wonderful. We enjoyed drinks and dancing outside, and we look back on our rainy wedding day as absolutely perfect! Our thanks to Nicole and Palmetto Dunes- even with the rain you gave us a dream wedding we'll never forget!

Every girl has their dream, their dream of the perfect wedding with Prince Charming waiting at the end of the aisle. That was my dream as well but it had to involve sand under my feet and the sound of waves crashing as I said, "I Do!" I had little to no idea how to make all of my dreams come true, but after one email to Nicole Guy of Palmetto Dunes, things started to fall into place. Nicole and Ann helped make October 10th, 2009, something my husband, guests, family and I will never, ever forget. I was able to rent a house for the weekend in the resort that accomodated my entire wedding party and their significant others. Anyone can say they had fun with their wedding party during their wedding day, the wedding party that are your closest friends and family, but can you say you spent an entire fun-packed weekend together at the beach? We kicked off the wedding weekend with an Oyster Roast for all of our wedding guests in the backyard of 3 Catboat. It was nothing short of amazing. The food catered by Palmetto Dunes was wonderful and Nicole was there for all of my needs, including a piece of chalk she hunted down for me. My wedding day came and Ann was at my house all day, making sure every last detail was taken care of, including centerpieces that she had to bring to the reception site in the back of a truck going 5 miles an hour on 278! Nicole picked me up in my white dress and drove me to my wedding and Ann was there waiting, holding my dress until I walked down the aisle, sand in my feet to my prince. The cocktail hour and reception were a blast, enough of a blast that 6, yes 6, people who saw the party tried to attend without an invitation. Who can say their party was so great that they had wedding crashers? 130 guests are still talking about the Oyster Roast, wedding and reception. What am I up to these days? I am calling my friends, Nicole and Ann, and telling them about the baby that is on the way for Chris and I on July 24th. If I were to say anything, I would say that Nicole Guy helped me in any way she possibly could. She went above and beyond for me in every way. She did so much more for my wedding than she had to. She did it because she is great at it, she runs amazing weddings and she wants her brides' dreams to come true. She made every one of my ideas, thoughts and plans come to life. I couldn't have picked a more amazing place to get married than Palmetto Dunes in Hilton Head. Now I look forward to bringing our little one back to Palmetto Dunes so they can feel the sand in their feet and the sound of the waves crashing in their ears that will hopefully help to form their own dreams.

Palmetto Dunes recognizes the importance of incorporating what's important to you on your special day. They take the time to talk through all the details and really get to know what will make your day just right. For example, Nicole Guy suggested a raw bar during the cocktail hour, which was a hit with our family and friends. We planned to spend the day helping set up for the event, but upon our arrival Nicole sent us on our way as she was taking care of it for us. She even offered to help me adjust my wedding dress just before the walk down the beach. Thank goodness for Palmetto Dunes and Nicole!

I contacted Nicole at Palmetto Dunes Catering and Events seeking to plan a destination beach wedding at the Dunes House that would be simple and care free. Our goal was to never lose the true reason of why we were planning this event and desired to seek minimal input from family and friends as to how we coordinated our special day. Nicole and I managed to pull off an amazing and breathtaking wedding for me and my fiance from afar in less than 4 months and in budget! When I say care free I was not exaggerating either. My fiance and I managed to incorporate a 60-person wedding during the week his family had planned to simply visit Hilton Head Island for a week's worth of vacation. With Nicole's help we managed to surprise my fiance's family of 33 the week of with a wedding they have yet to forget and also get the 30 friends and family from my side down to HHI at the same time. We can't say enough about how Nicole and her staff managed for us additional accommodation, vendor recommendations, the catering, and small decorating touches that made this wedding many of our friends favorite wedding to date.

On October 31st, 2009 (yes, Halloween) my husband and I got married at the Dunes House in Palmetto Dunes. We live near Charlotte, NC, so naturally I was a little concerned when we decided to plan a destination wedding. We had been to Hilton Head together many times, but never thought about planning a wedding, vendors to use, etc. Fortunately, Palmetto Dunes (specifically Ann and Nicole) were there to help! They made the process seamless and easy! We rented a beautiful house with some close friends, played golf at the fabulous Robert Trent Jones course and, most importantly, got to share our special weekend with the ones we love in Hilton Head. We had PERFECT weather (a warm 80 degrees in October, not a cloud in the sky and a slight breeze). Overall, I can honestly say Palmetto Dunes gave my husband and I our dream wedding on the beach! We couldn't have been happier and can't wait to come back to visit the place where we started our lives together!