Hilton Head is America's Best Island

From its beautiful beaches to the plethora of restaurants and activities, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is a perfect getaway for couples and families.

And for the second straight year, Hilton Head was also named the best island in the United States.

If you've ever been, you definitely know why this is the case. Travel + Leisure also ranked it as the second-best island in the world, behind Palawan, Philippines.

Family Focused

The best part about Hilton Head is how great it is for families. Bring the kids, the grandparents, your aunts, uncles, cousins, your dog-the whole gang! Even if your family is just you and your spouse or partner, the island is a wonderful oasis of fun for all.

Families can relax on the beach, rent bikes to ride around town, do all kinds of shopping at Coligny Plaza, take a helicopter tour of the island, visit museums and so much more. Whether you're staying in a hotel or a resort at one of the plantations, there are endless activities to keep the family entertained.

You'll find that everyone is incredibly friendly on the island and wants nothing more than for you to love your stay in the Lowcountry. Got to love that southern hospitality!

Fun in the Sun

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12 miles of clean beaches; what could be better? How about relatively quiet and hardly crowded beaches?

Yup, Hilton Head has you covered here as well, making it the perfect place to escape to.

Sure, there will be some kids frolicking around, playing in the sand and ocean-so if you're looking for absolute silence you might have to walk a little further down the beach. But walking along the beach is never a bad thing.

And if you truly want the peace and quiet, get up early to see the sun rise over the ocean.

You can hit the public beach at Coligny, or stick with the one closest to wherever you're staying. The beaches are also very dog-friendly, though you're only allowed to bring your pup at certain times of the day.

Other ideas for fun in the sun include boating, fishing and kayaking-where if you're lucky you might see some dolphins. There's also tennis and golf for those who love to play and watch. Hilton Head is home to the RBC Heritage and boasts 24 championship level courses on the island.

[READMORE]READ MORE 10 Must-Play Golf Courses at Hilton Head Island[/READMORE]

Travelers can also have a terrific outing at the Harbour Town Lighthouse, either from the outside or walking the steps all the way to the top for a tremendous ocean view. Cool down afterward by the checking out the yachts in the yacht basin and, if it's the weekend, stick around for a concert by the famed Liberty Oak tree.

Eating Out

It's impossible to go hungry with over 250 restaurants on the island.

If you love Greek food, you must stop by It's Greek to Me located across from Coligny Plaza. Seriously the best Greek food I've ever had outside of my honeymoon in Greece, it is without a doubt my favorite food spot on the island.

There are seemingly endless options for those looking to feast on superb seafood. No matter who you ask during your visit, you're bound to get a different answer. You can't go wrong with The Salty Dog Cafe, Hudson's Seafood House On The Docks or the recently opened Fishcamp on Broad Creek.

If you want Italian food, visit Pomodori or Bucci's in Shelter Cove, (which is one of my go-to Happy Hour places in town). The other is World of Beer, home to some of the best appetizers on the island along with beer from every corner of the globe.

The best American classic eats can be found at Frankie Bones, or anywhere in the "Barmuda Triangle"-the prime nightlife spot on the island. (One Hot Mama's is my favorite here.)

And for brunch lovers, check out Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe for deliciously massive pancakes, top-notch omelets and eggs benedict, french toast and more.

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