Hilton Head Island was named the #1 Island in the U.S. and Canada in Travel+Leisure 2021 World’s Best Awards for the 5th consecutive year! The award-winning Palmetto Dunes is one of the most well-known and popular resort areas of Hilton Head, nestled mid-island on 2,000 acres of lush oceanfront landscapes with world-class amenities, 3-miles of pristine Atlantic coastline, luxury oceanfront accommodation, and bike paths leading to the top attractions and iconic landmarks on Hilton Head Island.
Palmetto Dunes central location in the heart of the island makes it the ultimate Hilton Head vacation destination for families looking to stay close to the action (and the beach!). Whether you’re a nature lover, beach-goer, adventure seeker or sportsman, this highly-desirable Hilton Head plantation offers solace, excitement and island experiences for all types of travelers.
PALMETTO DUNES BEACH ACCESS
Palmetto Dunes is a beach lovers paradise with 3 miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches all within a short walk or bike ride from your Palmetto Dunes vacation rental. Spend your vacation in an oceanfront home or villa in Palmetto Dunes with private beach boardwalks or ride your bike or the seasonal Dune Buggy to the Disney Beach House or Dunes House with bike racks, restroom facilities, and an oceanfront bar and restaurant for a quintessential island-style beach day.
Take a bike ride or stroll along the shoreline, rent a surfboard to play in the waves, build sandcastles or simply soak up the warm sun and Lowcountry charm of Palmetto Dunes.
PALMETTO DUNES 11-MILE LAGOON SYSTEM
Rent a kayak or canoe and escape into nature on the Palmetto Dunes Lagoon System. The inland waterways weave for 11-miles through the plantation with an abundance of wildlife, over 40 species of birds, rewarding fishing spots and boat launches to get on the water. Hilton Head Outfitters are located near the General Store and are your one-stop shop for outdoor activities and rentals, and Sunset Rentals selection of lagoon-front villas offer the ultimate retreat for a nature escape in Palmetto Dunes.
GOLF COURSES IN PALMETTO DUNES
Palmetto Dunes is a dream destination for golfers and is home to three of the best courses you can play in South Carolina, and one of only two oceanfront golf holes on Hilton Head Island.
Play a challenging and scenic round on three world-class golf championship golf courses: the top-ranked Robert Trent Jones course with ocean views, the challenging George Fazio Golf Course with new state-of-the-art greens, and the Arthur Hills Course, one of South Carolina’s most unique and scenic golf layouts in lush, Lowcountry landscapes on the south shores of Palmetto Dunes Resort Area.
The Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy has outstanding private golf instruction and group clinics with programs for all levels and the three Palmetto Dunes championship courses all feature welcoming clubhouses with on-site golf shops, Srixon golf club rentals (and shipping services!), and relaxed dining experience for a memorable golf vacation on Hilton Head, the Golf Island!
TENNIS & RACQUET CLUBS IN PALMETTO DUNES
Hilton Head is one of the top tennis destinations in the US! The Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center ranks among the best tennis resorts and was recently named the “Pickleball Resort of the Year” by Racquet Sports Magazine.
The award-winning sports center features 19 clay tennis courts (four lighted for night play), 24 dedicated pickleball courts (all lighted for night play), professional instruction for tennis and pickleball, and seasonal clinics for all ages. Palmetto Dunes promises the best pickleball and tennis vacation you’ve ever had!
WATER ACTIVITIES AT SHELTER COVE HARBOUR & MARINA
Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina lies on Broad Creek at the entrance to Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort – a premier waterfront destination for shopping, dining and endless activities on the Lowcountry waterways. The colorful marina is lined with rentals of every kind from high-speed power boats, jet skis and catamarans to fishing pontoons and luxury sailboats.
Whatever level of adventure sparks your wanderlust, you’ll find it at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. Captain your own boat or choose from a selection of saltmarsh paddle tours, dolphin discoveries, fishing charters, eco-tours, party boats, pirate adventures or picture perfect sunset cruises in the awe-inspiring Lowcountry waterways, marshlands and creeks.
SHOPPING & RESTAURANTS IN PALMETTO DUNES (and nearby!)
The waterfront promenade along the Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina has a selection of shops, galleries, outdoor patios with live music and marina views, and award-winning restaurants with the best seafood on Hilton Head Island! The nearby Shelter Cove Town Center is an open-air Mediterranean style village that lures shoppers, foodies and families with a selection of over 30 shops and restaurants, a rooftop bar for nightlife on Hilton Head, and a community park overlooking Broad Creek, host to year-round events and Hilton Head’s famous HarbourFest.
From delicious breakfasts at the General Store and signature southern BBQ on the golf course to laid-back oceanfront snacks and cocktails at the Dunes House and fine dining and wine pairing at Alexander’s, the Palmetto Dunes resort area will meet all dining requirements for your Hilton Head vacation.
Palmetto Dunes is centrally located mid-island on Hilton Head Island so you’re only a short bike ride from outstanding beachfront shops and restaurants at Coligny Plaza and waterfront delights at Harbour Town in Sea Pines Resort.
GETTING AROUND PALMETTO DUNES
Palmetto Dunes has a 5-mile network of well-maintained paved bike trails throughout the plantation and connecting to the other resort areas of Hilton Head Island. Load up the bike ride or speak with a Sunset Rentals vacation specialist about our state-of-the-art bike rentals and complimentary Vayk Gear rentals at select Palmetto Dunes vacation homes and villas. There is no fee to bike the trails in Palmetto Dunes.
The Palmetto Dunes Buggy is a seasonal free shuttle service that serves the beaches, golf clubs and tennis facilities in the Palmetto Dunes resort area, as well as Shelter Cove Marina & Town Center. The buggy runs from 8am to 9pm daily from April through September with an on-call service to take you where you need to go within the plantation!
WHERE TO STAY IN PALMETTO DUNES
Oceanfront in Palmetto Dunes, Hilton Head Island
#3 – BARRINGTON COURT
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront
Barrington Court offers true oceanfront villas in a quiet Palmetto Dunes complex, steps to the beach and minutes from world-class Hilton Head golf and tennis. Surrounded by lush, landscaped gardens, tranquil ponds and ocean views, guests enjoy garage parking, elevator access, a year-round oceanfront pool and spa, gardens with grills for BBQ cookouts, and private boardwalks to the beach.
#43 & 44 – WINDSOR PLACE & WINDSOR COURT
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront
Windsor Place and Windsor Court sit oceanfront on one of the best stretches of beach on Hilton Head Island. Both complexes offer the ultimate in outdoor living with oceanfront pools, hot tubs, sun decks, space for the kids to play, and private boardwalks to the beautiful beaches of Palmetto Dunes. You’re minutes from world-class golf and a short bike or Buggy ride to fun adventures on HHI.
#8 – HAMPTON PLACE
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront
Hampton Place is one of the newer Palmetto Dunes oceanfront complexes with luxury resort-style amenities, some of the best in Palmetto Dunes! Guests enjoy a private gym, a large, heated pool and smaller lap pool, hot tub, outdoor BBQ areas, and private beach boardwalks to oceanfront sundecks and the Atlantic Ocean.
#5 – CAPTAINS WALK
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront
Captains Walk is a multi-story oceanfront complex nestled between Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort and Disney’s Beach House. These oceanfront villas are centrally located and a haven for beach loving families with tropical landscaped gardens, a heated on-site pool, shallow pool for the kids, a sun deck and shade cabanas, BBQ areas, multiple boardwalks to the beach and a short walk to golf, tennis and the Dunes House.
#41 – VILLAMARE
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront
Villamare is one of the most popular Palmetto Dunes oceanfront complexes in a central location between Disney’s Beach House and Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa. Stay in shape on vacation with a fitness center, indoor pool and sauna, and enjoy endless outdoor play with a year-round oceanfront pool, kiddie pool, hot tub, oceanfront sundeck and private boardwalk to Palmetto Dunes beach.
#4 – BEACH VILLAS
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront
Beach Villas are the closest Palmetto Dunes complex to the beach and Dunes House – your private deck is on the sand! This highly-desirable oceanfront complex features spacious villas with large oceanfront decks, a seasonal swimming pool and hot tub, and the best location in Palmetto Dunes for a family beach, golf or tennis vacation.
Palmetto Dunes Oceanside Villas near the Beach
#42 – WENDOVER DUNES
Oceanside across from Palmetto Dunes Beach
Wendover Dunes are nestled in a quiet oceanside location on the south shores of Palmetto Dunes, a very short walk from the beach and the Arthur Hills Golf Course. The complex features spacious family villas, a seasonally heated pool, a children’s pool, outdoor grilling areas and bike paths to the beach.
#13 – HUNTINGTON
Oceanside across from Palmetto Dunes Beach | On the Palmetto Dunes Lagoon System
Huntington Villas are spacious lagoon front villas near the Arthur Hills and George Fazio golf courses with private porches, Lowcountry charm and upscale comfort for a secluded stay on Hilton Head Island. The complex features a large private seasonal pool, year-round heated hot tub, bike paths to the beach, and a beach boardwalk across the street.
#1 – ABBINGTON
Across from Palmetto Dunes Beach | On the Palmetto Dunes Lagoon System
Abbington Villas offer a tranquil nature escape on the picturesque lagoon system, surrounded by lush, manicured gardens, Lowcountry landscapes and only minutes from beach access across the street. Situated through the south security gate, guests have access to the luxury resort-style amenities at the oceanfront Hampton Place.
#20 – MOORINGS
Near the Beach & Dunes House | On the Palmetto Dunes Lagoon System
The Moorings Complex is situated just inside the north security gate behind the popular Beach Villas and Dunes House, a central location for golf, tennis, water activities on the lagoon, oceanfront dining and long lazy beach days. The complex features a seasonal on-site pool and you’re less then a 2 minute walk to the beach at Dunes House.
#27 – OCEAN COVE
Near the Beach | On the Palmetto Dunes Lagoon System
Ocean Cove Villas allow you to play on the Palmetto Dune Lagoon System from home! The complex features private docks for fishing, canoeing or kayaking the inland waterways, a community pool and hot tub, and prime beach access across the street at the Dunes House. With the General Store, world-class golf & tennis, an 11-mile lagoon system, and 3 miles of Atlantic coastline on your doorstep – you can walk everywhere from Ocean Cove.
Palmetto Dunes Golf Course Villas & Townhomes
#6 – FAZIO
On the George Fazio Golf Course
The beauty of Palmetto Dunes is you can stay on the fairways of world-class golf courses, less than half a mile from the beach. It’s a win-win for the perfect vacation! Fazio Villas are set on the fairways of the George Fazio Golf Course and the Palmetto Dunes Lagoon system only a short walk from tennis, pickleball and beach access at Disney’s Beach House or Dunes House. The complex features tranquil lagoon boardwalks and a swimming pool to cool off after your round of vacation golf!
#39 – TURNBERRY VILLAGE
On the George Fazio Golf Course
Turnberry Village offers two-story townhouse-style golf villas on the championship George Fazio Golf Course, a little further from the beach than Fazio Villas. This family-friendly Palmetto Dunes complex features a picnic area and sandy playground, a shaded saltwater pool, and world-class golf! When you’re not out enjoying tee time, beach access is only a short walk, bike ride or buggy trip away.
#14 – INVERNESS VILLAGE
Next to the George Fazio Golf Course | On the Palmetto Dunes Lagoon System
Inverness Village is a little further inland from Turnberry with spacious golf course villas on the George Fazio fairways, sun decks on the lagoon, a lagoon front saltwater pool and cabana, on-site tennis courts, and beautifully landscaped grounds for a relaxing golf vacation on Golf Island. Inverness Village is approximately 1-mile from access to the beaches of Palmetto Dunes resort area.
#35 – ST. ANDREWS
On the George Fazio Golf Course
The Villas at St. Andrews Commons are located near the entrance to Palmetto Dunes overlooking the George Fazio Golf Course. Guests are surrounded by rolling fairways and peaceful Lowcountry landscapes with an undercover pavilion, seasonal pool and lagoon-front sun deck for downtime on your vacation in Palmetto Dunes.
#11 – HICKORY COVE
On the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course | On the Palmetto Dunes Lagoon System
From the challenging George Fazio fairways to luxury golf villas on the scenic Robert Trent Jones golf course. Hickory Cove villas are located lagoon front on the Robert Trent Jones fairways less than half a mile to the General Store, tennis & pickleball, and beach access – the closest Robert Trent Jones golf villas to the beach. The villas offer spacious decks with views and the complex has a seasonal pool set in the trees for guest enjoyment.
#32 – QUEENS GRANT
On the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course
Queens Grant is a large villa complex near the Robert Trent Jones Clubhouse and the new Toptracer Golf Driving Range at Palmetto Dunes. There are multiple pools, community areas, lagoon-front benches and bike paths throughout the complex and you’re only a 10-minute walk or quick bike ride to the beach.
Palmetto Dunes Private Beach & Golf Vacation Home Rentals
There are many perks to staying in a private home on vacation – Gather the whole crew under one roof, enjoy space and privacy away from the crowds, large gourmet kitchens, spacious master suites, full laundry rooms for convenience (it doesn’t end on vacation!), intimate waterfront docks on the lagoon, private beach boardwalks, heated pools and spas just for you, and the list goes on!
Our selection of luxury vacation homes in the Palmetto Dunes resort area are located throughout the plantation – beachfront on the Atlantic Ocean, on the world-class Robert Trent Jones Golf Course and waterfront on Palmetto Dunes 11-mile lagoon system – with luxury amenities to suit even the most distinguished guests.
