Curator’s statement
Hilton Head is more than just a place for the beach and golf. We “accidentally” stumbled upon Beaufort, which was a hidden gem. The town’s role in early efforts toward racial equality after the Civil War was a powerful and moving experience.
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Where to stay on Hilton Head
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The homes were beautiful!
I’m always on the lookout for properties that deliver on both comfort and character. I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Sonesta Resort on Hilton Head Island. Tucked among live oaks and steps from the sand, this property offers the perfect mix of resort luxury and coastal relaxation. We loved the easy beach access—no long walks or shuttle rides here. The pool area was also a nice place to relax. It was a little crowded as the adult-only pool was under construction. We did not have trouble finding loungers, though, and the lush landscaping was a great backdrop to this relaxing place.
I was obsessed with the size of the trees. They framed everything!
One thing to note for future guests: while the resort layout is beautiful, our room overlooked the open lobby atrium, which turned out to be much noisier than expected. If you’re a light sleeper or enjoy a peaceful retreat to your room, I’d recommend requesting accommodations facing the gardens or pool area instead. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference in your overall experience.
The Beach that is accessible from the Sonesta property
While on the island, we also took a day trip to Beaufort—a town I now consider a hidden gem of South Carolina. Though it’s a bit farther than we anticipated (about an hour's drive), we were so glad we made the journey. The history of Beaufort during Reconstruction was completely new to us and absolutely fascinating. We joined a local tour that dove deep into the town’s role in early efforts toward racial equality after the Civil War. It was a powerful and moving experience—one that added so much richness and perspective to our trip. Hilton Head may be known for its beaches and golf courses, but the Lowcountry's deeper story is well worth discovering.
The Sonesta Family Pool
Need to know
I highly encourage visitors to take the time to participate in a historical tour while on the island. Beaches and history are two of my favorite things when I travel.
For more travel inspiration and travel recommendations, check out our Hilton Head page.
Travel Advisor
Jennifer Klingner
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