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Hilton Head Island or Hilton Head is a town (located on an island of the same name) in Beaufort County, South Carolina, United States. It is 20 miles (32 km) north of Savannah, Georgia, and 95 miles (153 km) south of Charleston, South Carolina. The island features 12 miles (19 km) of beachfront on the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular vacation destination. In 2004, an estimated 2.25 million visitors pumped more than $1.5 billion into the local economy. The Town had a budget of $74,753,260 for fiscal year 2006/2007. The year-round population was 33,862 at the 2000 census, although during the peak of summer vacation season the population can swell to over 150,000. Over the past decade, the island's population growth rate was 32%. Approximately 70% of the island, including most of the tourist areas, is located inside gated communities. However, the Town maintains several public beach access points, including one for the exclusive use of town residents, who have approved several multi-million dollar land-buying bond referendums to control commercial growth. In addition, the Town's Natural Resources Division enforces the Land Management Ordinance which minimize the impact of development and governs the style of buildings and how they are situated amongst existing trees. As a result, Hilton Head Island enjoys an unusual amount of tree cover relative to the amount of developement. Hilton Head Island is home to many 'native islanders', made up of African American families that have lived on the island for generations. Many are descendents of freed slaves known as the Gullah (or Geechee) who have managed to hold onto much of their ethnic and cultural identity. Although threatened by the rapid increase in tourism, Gullah culture can be seen at the annual Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration, tours offered by native islanders, and at craft shops around the Lowcountry. The Hilton Head Island is also home to the largest population of Hispanics of any municipality in the state.[1] The island is famous for its world class golf courses and hosts the Verizon Heritage Classic Tournament, which is played on the Harbour Town Golf Links in Sea Pines Resort. This year the tournament will take place April 9-15. The island is served by Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport in Savannah, Georgia, and Hilton Head Airport which is located mid-island. An indoor smoking ban in bars, restaurants, and public places is scheduled to take effect May 1, 2007. Research Tips
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