Rachel

Trying to plan a summer beach vacation for my family of 4 (me, DH, sons 18 + 20) and I'm thinking of either Hilton Head or Tybee Island and their nearby cities. We like to rent a condo on or near the beach, spend our days on the beach and then head into town at night and/or on rainy days. We like moderate priced restaurants and sports bars, interesting shops, movies, golf, a good place to roller blade, take a walk, minor or major league baseball, etc. Any suggestions about one area over the other? Thanking you in advance...

OO

Of the two beach locations, and the activities you mentioned, Hilton Head has more of what you are looking for than Tybee. There are some interesting shops on HH and a terrific upscale outlet just off the island. HH has more and better restaurants than Tybee, golf of course on HH--it's noted for it, and it has fantastic fantastic rollerblading.

I used to live in Savannah, loved living there, and although I'd go to Tybee to rollerblade some, it is not nearly as good as the bike trails that run all through HH. You can skate for ages safely on HH....Tybee the skating is all around minor roads in the island...more dangerous and not as pretty. For a good day of rollerblading I'd drive over to Sea Pines in HH just to skate.

My favorite beach, especially for cleanliness, on Tybee is the north beach area near the lighthouse, but there are no condos there...it is primarily residential.

You'll get varying opinions, I'm sure. Some feel HH is stuffy and prefer the ultra laid back Tybee. HH is more upscale, but not stuffy imho. My choice would be HH, but a day trip to Savannah for touring is very easy. There was even a boat that went over from HH, docked at River St, let the passengers explore for a few hours before heading back.

OO

By the way...Charleston, though wonderful, is not the easy drive from HH that Savannah is from Tybee! Savannah is 20 min away, and although I've never driven from HH to Charleston, I'm guessing it'd take close to 2 hrs, depending on where you are staying on HH. HH is a destination resort area...the activities you are looking for are scattered around the island and although you can certainly go to Charleston for a day, I doubt anyone would do it for an evening's activities!

Rachel

Silly me. Is Myrtle Beach closer to Charleston? I suppose I should look it up. Hilton Head sounds great for us. I have a soft spot in my heart for Tybee Island. My beloved and late Mom's common name was Tybe (a Yiddish name-I didnt know she had a "real" name until i was a teen) and once I found out there was a place called Tybee Island, I've had this burning desire to go there. Keep the info coming. I have to sell this vacation to my family who would be perfectly content to go to Longboat Key or Siesta Key.

OO

No, Myrtle Beach isn't close either...you are thinking of Kiawah maybe?

Rachel

I'm beginning to think I need to look a little more closely at at map. What beaches would those who are more geographically oriented recommend that are near Charleston, SC?

motor_city_girl

Folly
Isle of Palms
Seabrook
Kiawah

snowrooster

It sounds like Hilton Head would be perfect for you. We go every summer and do a day trip to Savannah (less than an hour drive). We've talked about continueing on to Tybee but have yet to do so - maybe this year!

sdtravels

My DH and I and another couple won a free golf pass on Jekyll Island but the other couple wanted to stay in Savannah. We wound up renting a three bedroom house on Tybee that was absolutely fabulous. Our house (duplex really) was gorgeously decorated. I just tried to look for the VRBO # but couldn't find it. What was great was the quiet of the island, access to a beach/health club a block or so away, grilling out, chilling with wine on the deck overlooking the tidal basin, buying fresh fish at the dock, going to Paula Dean's brother's restaurant and having a short drive to Savannah (20 minutes if I remember). Savannah has the famous Paula Dean's Kitchen and lot's of history. We walked forever. It also has the River Front which is lined with restaurants. The drive to Jekyll was maybe an hour for golf? Tybee is definitely not upscale. It is very relaxed. Hilton Head is definitely more upscale and manicured but I agree, not stuffy. If you love golf, HH is the sure winner. We stayed in a one bedroom condo on a golf course and played every day. The tour of the marina and lighthouse were pretty. We also toured some new construction beach condos just to see how rich people live. Unbelievably fantastic. You can still do Savannah on a day trip. Bottom line, I was comfortable in both places. When you start to pick a place, you might find price is your deciding factor. Definitely check out www.vrbo.com