Frequently asked questions
Planning a Hilton Head vacation? Here are the questions we hear most often — answered honestly.
Palmetto Dunes is a 2,000-acre gated resort community on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It includes three miles of Atlantic beach, three championship golf courses, a world-class tennis and pickleball center, an 11-mile lagoon system, and dozens of villa complexes and private homes available for vacation rental.
Yes. Palmetto Dunes has a staffed security gate at its main entrance on Queens Folly Road. Guests receive a gate pass upon check-in, and visitors can be added to your guest list in advance.
Palmetto Dunes sits directly on the Atlantic Ocean. Oceanfront properties are steps from the sand, and even interior villas are typically a 5–15 minute walk or short bike ride from beach access points.
This site connects you directly to Hilton Head Rentals (hiltonheadrentals.com), the island's leading vacation rental company. Click any 'Browse rentals' or 'Book now' link to search available properties with real-time availability and pricing.
Most Palmetto Dunes rentals require a minimum 3–7 night stay, with weekly rentals (Saturday to Saturday) being the most common during peak summer season. Shorter stays may be available in the off-season.
Some Palmetto Dunes rentals are pet-friendly. Filter for pet-friendly properties on Hilton Head Rentals to see which homes and villas welcome dogs. Note that Palmetto Dunes beach has leash requirements and seasonal hour restrictions.
No. The beach at Palmetto Dunes is free to access for all guests staying within the resort. There's no beach club fee or daily access charge — just walk (or bike) to the nearest beach access point.
Yes. All three Palmetto Dunes golf courses — Robert Trent Jones, George Fazio, and Arthur Hills — are open to the public and to resort guests. Tee times can be booked through Palmetto Dunes Golf.
Palmetto Dunes has an 11-mile interconnected freshwater lagoon system running through the resort. Guests can kayak, canoe, and paddleboard on the lagoons. Hilton Head Outfitters, located inside Palmetto Dunes, offers rentals and guided tours.
Late spring (April–May) and early fall (September–October) offer the best combination of warm weather, smaller crowds, and lower rental rates. Summer (June–August) is peak season — busiest and most expensive, but with the warmest water and full resort activity schedules.
Most visitors fly into Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), about 45 minutes from Palmetto Dunes. Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) offers direct flights from select East Coast cities. Driving is also popular — Hilton Head is about 2.5 hours from Charlotte and 45 minutes from Savannah.
It depends on your plans. Within Palmetto Dunes, bikes and golf carts handle most needs. A car is useful for exploring the rest of the island — South Beach, Old Town Bluffton, or the mainland. Many families find they barely use their car once they're settled in.
Browse available rentals and find the right villa or home for your group.
