Enjoying A South Carolina Coastal Autumn In Sea Pines
The transition from summer to fall is a slow and gentle one in coastal South Carolina. With plenty of sunshine and warm weather, there is still time to enjoy the outdoors even after summer has officially ended. From Hilton Head bike rentals to chartered boat tours to an array of outdoor festivals, there are many ways to enjoy an autumn visit to Sea Pines.
Explore By Bicycle
Riding a bicycle is not only a fun way to explore Hilton Head, but it’s also a practical and easy way to get around. Hilton Head is designed to be enjoyed on a bike and is pedestrian-friendly with miles of paved trails that connect all parts of the island and keep cyclists safely apart from car traffic.
Not only that, but the hard-packed beach sand also makes the beaches ideal for cycling. Visitors looking for Sea Pines bike rentals can find bicycles sized for adults and children as well as tandem bikes, child seats, and Kiddie Karts that let very young passengers ride behind an adult’s bike
Enjoy The Beach Without The Summer Crowds
Visiting the beach at the peak of summer means sharing the waves and sand with a lot of other people. In the fall, however, South Carolina beaches are much less crowded, temperatures average in the mid-70s, and there’s more room for collecting shells and spreading out. Though the water may be a bit cold for swimming, there’s still enough sun for tanning, playing volleyball, or participating in any other activities your preferred beach or hotel, or condo may have.
Rent A Kayak Or Canoe
Autumn on Hilton Head can also be a great time for exploring the lagoon system or banks of the island via kayak or canoe. At Sea Pines resort, visitors can tour the Calibogue Sound, a 13-mile-long intercoastal waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Port Royal Sound. Traveling by kayak, visitors can explore at their leisure and experience a wide variety of fish and other wildlife including dolphins who come to the Calibogue Sound to fish and play. Sea turtles and manatees are also known to make the occasional appearance. One- and two-person kayaks and canoes are available for rental around the island along with more challenging options, like paddle boarding and parasailing.
Go Fishing
Fall is one of the best times for fishing on the South Carolina coast since many fish are spawning during that time. Redfish are an especially prolific saltwater fish, and they can grow quite large, weighing up to forty pounds. There are also many types of freshwater fish including bass, bream, and catfish that thrive in Hilton Head’s lakes and waterways. At Sea Pines, children under 14 and their parents can fish for catfish at Lake Joe, a stocked lake that makes fishing easy for beginners. More experienced fishermen can enjoy pier fishing at the Pinckney Island fishing pier or charter a boat out to sea where a wider variety of fish can be found.
Play Golf
Fall is also a popular season for golfing, and coastal South Carolina has become known as a golfing destination. At Sea Pines resort, golfers can tee off at Harbour Town Golf Links, the site of the only PGA Tour game in the state. Rated one of the best courses in the U.S. by Golf Digest and other publications, Harbour Town draws visitors from all over the world. Heron Point is another well-known course in Sea Pines, and there are many other courses on Hilton Head. Golfers who schedule group visits can often take advantage of discounts on food and drink and golfing merchandise.
Play Tennis
The slightly cooler temperatures of autumn are especially friendly to tennis enthusiasts who work up a sweat on the tennis court. Visitors to Hilton Head can find tennis courts all over the island, including eight that are on the list of the top 100 tennis resorts in the U.S. While some visitors just enjoy a game as a form of recreation, others take the sport more seriously. Every autumn, many people come to Hilton Head to participate in a clinic or tennis camp designed to help players improve their skills. At Sea Pines Racquet Club, for example, participants can study under a former Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion.
Outdoor Festivals
Most weekends, there are celebrations of one kind or another, focusing on food, music, and the arts – all aspects of southern coastal culture. Hilton Head hosts several of the most popular annual festivals. If you’re planning a visit to Sea Pines this fall, check out these events.
Hilton Head Oyster Festival
Fall is the oyster season and this annual event features all-you-can-eat oysters and live entertainment at the Shelter Cove Community Park. There are also games and activities geared toward the younger crowd.
Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival & Concours d’Elegance
Another popular annual event is this celebration of vehicles of all kinds and from all eras. Exhibitions of classic touring and race cars are paired with fine dining and cocktails for an experience of old-world luxury.
Gullah Food Festival
The Gullah food festival celebrates foodways that are native to the island, brought by the Gullah and Geechee descendants of African slaves. The cuisine is known for seafood and rice-based dishes like seafood gumbo, stewed conch, and deviled crabs. Attendees can sample a variety of dishes and enjoy live entertainment.
Dine Under The Stars
The mild temperatures and beautiful weather of autumn in South Carolina make dining outdoors a pleasure. Visitors can bring a picnic lunch to the beach, or they can choose any one of the many restaurants on Hilton Head that offer outdoor seating. In Sea Pines, for example, guests can enjoy fresh seafood at The Quarterdeck, a waterfront restaurant that offers a stunning view of the sunset over the Calibogue Sound.
If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation where you can escape your routine and reconnect with nature and the outdoors, consider a visit to Sea Pines in Hilton Head. Contact Pelican Cruiser to learn more about exploring the island by bicycle.
