To reach Harbour Town, proceed along Plantation Drive to Lighthouse Road. Notice the pleasant homes, many built along the fairways of the Heron Point Golf Course, as you drive. Turn right onto Lighthouse Road at what seems to be the end of Plantation Drive (actually, it continues after a jog to the left), then continue along Lighthouse Road to Harbour Town. Harbour Town, like Shelter Cove Harbour (farther along your tour), is considered by many to reflect much of the essence of Hilton Head. It and Shelter Cove Harbour are two places where you should get out of your car and walk. If you continue as far as you can go on Lighthouse Road, you will find yourself in one of the most scenic parking areas anywhere. If there is room, park your car overlooking Calibogue Sound. If the lot is full, you should turn around and retrace your steps. You will see additional parking on the right (preferably) or left as you return along Lighthouse Road. After you have parked, walk to the harbor. There is a walkway that goes all the way around it. At one end is the famous red and white Harbour Town Lighthouse. There is a pier at the base of the lighthouse that will take you well out into
Calibogue Sound. It is almost like being in a boat without leaving shore. Three of Hilton Head’s tour boats, the new, beautiful Spirit of Harbour Town, the 82-foot ultra-yacht Vagabond, and the sailing yacht Stars & Stripes operate from the Harbour Town pier. Each offers an outstanding way to see Hilton Head from a different and totally delightful perspective. The Spirit of Harbour Town even offers an elegant sunset dinner cruise. Please refer to our “Boating, Cruising & Fishing” section for more information. Topside Waterfront is a great place to stop mid-tour for a great dinner complemented by an outstanding view of Calibogue Sound. Crazy Crab, at the base of the harbor, also is a great place for either lunch or dinner. Please refer to our “Dining Out” section for more information. If you want a truly outstanding scenic tour from the water, include a cruise from Harbour Town, South Beach Village or Shelter Cove Harbour (the latter two locations are farther along your route) as part of your itinerary! After strolling out to the end of the pier, return to the path around the harbor. Visit some of the shops and galleries. Or, just sit back and relax on the
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old-fashioned rockers overlooking the yachts in the harbor. Before you leave, be sure to stroll all the way around the harbor until you are opposite the lighthouse. Notice the elegant yachts as you walk. When you reach the end of the path, you will be standing just past the 18th green of the famous Harbour Town Golf Links, home of the prestigious RBC Heritage golf tournament. As you return, you may wish to take the first walkway (really a lane) on your right and explore the residential area on foot.
Stop 3: Baynard Ruins Park After you are finished touring Harbour Town, return to Lighthouse Road and return the way you came in. Turn right onto Plantation Drive, the second major street on your right. As you drive along southern Plantation Drive, note the lovely vistas on your right leading up to the Harbour Town Golf Links Clubhouse. Also glance down the fairways and streets on your left. They are representative of many of Hilton Head’s nicer golforiented neighborhoods. Baynard Ruins Park is on your right just after you pass
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