Hilton Head Island's premiere oceanfront resort with a central lagoon system
At the heart of Palmetto Dunes' 11-mile lagoon system, dragonflies speed by kayakers, alligators lurk through grassy banks and Great Blue Herons hunt for mullet and menhaden. The country's second-largest lagoon system brightens with resident anglers and vacationing canoers, met by passing bikers on overhead bridges and adjacent bike paths. While the lagoon system helps Palmetto Dunes stand out, the resort's 3-mile stretch of blue-water beaches and championship golf courses leaves vacationers looking for a permanent place to stay. "So many people that have a home here have been coming down with their families for years," says broker Maria Skrip, co-owner of RE/MAX Dream. Skrip has sold homes across the Island with her husband and fellow broker, Christopher Skrip, for nearly 15 years. "They've seen their kids grow up on these beaches. They've played with their kids on these golf courses. So, when it comes time to retire or relocate, they naturally think Palmetto Dunes."
You can enjoy ocean views with many of the homes in Palmetto Dunes.
The Trent Jones Golf Course is a beautiful course full of amazing views.
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Oceanfront and ocean-oriented homes
Palmetto Dunes has two sides: the mariner's side and the Inverness side. Homes on the mariner's side are closer to the water and typically cost between $1 and $6 million. Homes directly on the water cost between $4 and $6 million. Houses on the Inverness side are closer inland and often require a bike ride to the beach, typically costing between $500,000 and $900,000. "All of these homes are close to the water regardless," Skrip says. "Either they're oceanfront, or they're what I like to call ocean-oriented." The style of the house is unique to the original owner's taste. "It truly is a mixed bag of tricks," Skrip says. "What we see a lot is what I like to call the Lowcountry style. You'll see lots of porches, lots of lofty ceilings and they often build up because they're in a flood zone." There are over 1,200 villas and over 900 single-family homes. As of 2024, about 16% of residents are full-time owners, while the rest are part-time owners, renters or investors. Many full-time or permanent residents live in the sub-community of Leamington, which doesn't allow short-term rentals and sits behind another gate.
You can enjoy the beauty and fun of the beach in Palmetto Dunes.
You can find many inland homes within the Palmetto Dunes neighborhood.
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Life on the lagoon and the green
The lagoon is the resort's hub of outdoor recreation. Hilton Head Outfitters offers kayak, canoe and fishing gear rentals. Residents with a home on the water typically have private docks with their own boats and equipment. Electric boats are allowed, but the lagoon is a no-wake zone, so engine throttles have to stay in the low position. This also helps keep the lagoon fairly quiet. Catch-and-release fishing is popular from private lots or boats. Property owners also have access to the community boat ramp.
The 10th hole of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course overlooks Palmetto Dunes Beach, offering golfers views of the Atlantic before they wrap up the back half of the course. The George Fazio Course is the Island's only par-70 course. Passerby on Queens Folly Road can easily hear the action from Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center. "Pickleball is king," Skrip says. The facility features 24 new pickleball and 17 tennis courts where players participate in Round Robins and clinics. Activities and programs are available year-round, including the Hilton Head Island Junior Academy and competitive edge drills. And locals looking to relax head to the beach. Over 19 beach access points extend over dunes into busy beaches where jellyfish often wash up on the shore.
Bicyclists are everywhere in Palmetto Dunes, and designated paths allow safe travel under a thick canopy of oak trees. "Here's the great thing," Skrip says. "When it's July and 100 degrees, and you want to go and explore, you're in the shade. This area is lovely to do a bike ride, and anytime I can get an oak tree canopy, I'm in heaven." While most residents own bikes, Hilton Head Outfitters offers bike rentals and Palmetto Dunes General Store provides the largest bike rental fleet on the Island.
You can take a kayak down the lagoon in the Palmetto Dunes neighborhood.
The George Fazio Golf Course in Palmetto Dunes is an amazing way to spend the day.
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Dining at Alexander's and popping over to Shelter Cove
Alexander's Restaurant and Wine Bar offers upscale dishes, from herb-crusted prime rib to roasted salmon, along with a robust wine selection. Big Jim's BBQ, Burgers and Pizza is a popular spot for a beer and a bite to eat after a round of golf. Sitting on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course, golfers wrap up their day with a 19th-hole burger or a pulled pork sandwich while enjoying patio views. The Dunes House is a beachfront favorite. "People are always out there grilling burgers, enjoying sandwiches or having a frozen cocktail," Skrip says. The menu includes grilled shrimp wraps, build-your-own jumbo beef hot dogs and classic burgers.
The Palmetto Dunes General store is the only of its kind inside the gates, offering beer, wine, groceries and infamous fried chicken. Shelter Cove is just outside the gates, across Business 278, and features a Kroger, Whole Foods Market and various additional restaurant options. Plus, it's accessible in a couple of ways. "Shelter Cove is a large shopping district with several restaurants outside the gate in conjunction with Palmetto Dunes," says Realtor Scott Croye of Amy Aurelio and Associates with Keller Williams Realty. "There's a bridge under [Business 278], so you can bike and walk from Palmetto Dunes to Shelter Cove."
You can enjoy dining at Alexander's restaurant in Palmetto Dunes.
The Palmetto Dunes General Store has many of your essential needs.
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Taking the Buggy to the beach
Inside Palmetto Dunes, The Dunes Buggy helps locals get across the neighborhood from April through Labor Day. The transportation service reaches the beach, golf courses, tennis courts or Shelter Cove. Directly outside the gates is Business 278, the Island's primary thoroughfare and the only way on and off. The roadway gets congested occasionally and is the busiest on Saturday. Hilton Head Island Airport is about 6 miles from Palmetto Dunes, serving American Airlines, Delta and United. International and cross-country flights likely need to grab a connection in Savannah, about 45 miles away. Healthcare is provided at Hilton Head Hospital, about 6 miles away.
Flood awareness on the island
Hilton Head is a barrier island, so flood risk is high. According to Risk Factor, Palmetto Dunes has extreme flood and air factors based on the likelihood and presence of hurricanes. Due to its proximity to the ocean, most locals have or are required to have flood insurance. "I recommend flood insurance to everybody," says local Realtor Debbie Iredell of RE/MAX Island Realty. "I like to call it peace-of-mind insurance. It's well worth it to have it." The days get hot in Hilton Head, and the winters are generally mild. "You'll see people walking and biking no matter if it's wintertime," Skrip says. "Do we have a few really cold days? You bet. Most of the time, it's mild, but every now and then, you'll wake up to a 20-degree morning, and we're all shocked."
Hilton Head Island High School has a robust arts department
The Beaufort County School District scores an overall A-minus on Niche and serves nearly 22,000 students. All three schools are located on the Island and occupy the same campus. Hilton Head Island Elementary School scores an overall B-plus on Niche, while Hilton Head Island Middle School earns a B and Hilton Head Island High School scores an A-minus. The high school's art department is one of its largest, featuring nearly ten teachers who help in disciplines from media art to painting.
Hilton Head Island Elementary School has an overall Niche grade of B+
Hilton Head Island Middle School serves in the Beaufort County School District.
Hilton Head Island High School has an overall grade of A- on Niche.
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On average, homes in Palmetto Dunes, Hilton Head Island sell after 76 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Palmetto Dunes, Hilton Head Island over the last 12 months is $765,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Jaw-dropping Broad Creek views and killer sunsets? Check. This 3BD/3BA villa brings the vibes and the value. Light, bright, and perfectly positioned to enjoy everything Palmetto Dunes and Shelter Cove have to offer—beach, biking, boating, shopping, dining, you name it. Whether you're here full-time or part-time, this one delivers the Lowcountry lifestyle in a big way.
Located in Shelter Cove, a part of Palmetto Dunes, Hilton Head Islands Premier resort community offers world class beaches and Broad Creek marina. This 2BR/2BA villa blends comfort, convenience, and coastal charm. Situated on the 2nd floor as an end unit, it enjoys extraordinary light, privacy, and beautiful lagoon and fountain views from both the dining room window and the spacious covered
Turnkey Resort Living. Stylish 2BR/2BA + Loft End Unit Villa with Premium Amenities in award winning Pametto Dunes. Live like you're on vacation every day in this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo located in Turnberry. Whether you're looking for a full-time residence, seasonal escape, or investment property, this townhome offers the ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and lifestyle.
Welcome to this furnished 2 bed/2 bath condo on the beautiful Hilton Head Island, perfect for your coastal retreat. Enjoy resort-style amenities: 2 Outdoor pools, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, fitness center, six tennis/pickleball courts, a grilling area, and short walk to the beach! Recent updates include a new heat pump, bluetooth hot water heater, dishwasher, updated appliances, and a screened
Enjoy all the amenities of Palmetto Dunes/Shelter Cove. This rotating quarter share allows you to experience all four seasons on HHI at a fraction of the cost. 4th floor unit with an expansive harbour view. 2 BR, 2 BA is turnkey. 13-weeks a year. Gated parking and steps away from shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Also enjoy Palmetto Dunes pristine beach, golf, tennis, pickleball, kayaking,
Spectacular golf course views define this upscale first-floor end unit villa, with sweeping panoramas from every window and a private covered patio, in the oceanfront resort community of Palmetto Dunes! This very special 1 bed/1.5 bath villa is updated, renovated and turnkey, featuring brand-new elegant, durable and thick waterproof scratch resistant wide-plank flooring, updated modern kitchen,
Susie CastelliniBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hilton Head Bluffton Realty (106)
Feel at home in this charming 2-bedroom condo located in the beautiful Hilton Head, SC, just steps away from the beach and the popular Dunes House beachfront restaurant. Nestled in a complex with two-story buildings, this condo offers pool and lagoon views, along with large private decks for your enjoyment. The onsite pool is open from April through September, providing a perfect spot to relax
Property Id: 2117868Recently remodeled and spacious villa.Second level, magnificent view of lagoon.Nowhere on the island offers more to do, without driving anywhere! Enjoy the building's private heated pool, located within the grounds. And since Shelter Cove is part of Palmetto Dunes, guests have access to Palmetto Dunes for beach, golf and tennis. Beach access for
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