(Yes, you can love life on Hilton Head without swinging a golf club.)
It’s no secret that Hilton Head Island has worldwide recognition for its championship fairways, PGA-level greens and golf-obsessed visitors. But here’s the real secret: you don’t have to be an experienced golfer to enjoy living in a golf-course community.
Just because Hilton Head’s top gated communities (Sea Pines included) contain golf courses doesn’t mean golf is the only reason people love living there. These Hilton Head communities typically offer beautiful views, accessible docks and resort-style amenities beyond the tee box. So, put them at the top of your list!
Why Non-Golfers Love Golf-Course Communities
Before diving into the specific neighborhoods, let’s clear something up: golf-course living is not just about the sport. Non-golfers move to these communities because they enjoy:
- The sweeping green views without sacrificing privacy
- Quiet, well-maintained neighborhoods
- Miles of walking and biking paths
- Amenities like pools, fitness centers, marinas and beach access
- Community social events that have nothing to do with a handicap
Sea Pines: The Original, Iconic Choice
We may be biased, but it’s safe to say that Sea Pines is the O.G. of Hilton Head communities — and one of the most beloved places to live on the entire island.
Even if you’ve never driven a golf cart, you’ll love:
- Miles of bike trails winding through moss-draped oaks
- Harbour Town Marina with dining, shopping and the famous red-and-white striped lighthouse
- Pristine beaches with quiet stretches perfect for locals
- Nature preserves like the 605-acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve
- Easy access to South Beach & Harbour Town for dining and entertainment
Yes, Sea Pines is home to Harbour Town Golf Links (hello, RBC Heritage). But the real magic for non-golfers is in the relaxed and welcoming lifestyle that is quintessentially Hilton Head.
Palmetto Dunes: Waterfront + Recreation for Everyone
If you want options — water sports, walking trails, beaches, tennis, pickleball and restaurants — Palmetto Dunes delivers all of it.
Why non-golfers love it:
- Three miles of Atlantic beachfront
- Resort-style feel without the crowds
- Direct access to Shelter Cove Harbour for sunset dinners
- World-class tennis and pickleball
- Kayaking and lagoon activities that feel like you’re on vacation every day
Homes and villas are tucked among three different golf courses, but you can enjoy the scenery without ever stepping inside a pro shop.
Shipyard: Quiet, Scenic, and Extremely Walkable
Shipyard is the definition of low-key Lowcountry living — peaceful, beautifully maintained and perfect for someone who wants easy access to everything.
What non-golfers appreciate:
- Among the quietest gated communities on Hilton Head
- Miles of bike paths that connect to the beach and Coligny Plaza
- Beach access through the Shipyard Beach Club
- Tennis and pickleball courts
- A more residential feel compared to resort-heavy areas
It’s a fantastic fit for year-round homeowners who want calm, convenience and picture-perfect surroundings.
Hilton Head Plantation: A Community With Something for Everyone
At the north end of our foot-shaped island, Hilton Head Plantation is one of the largest and most diverse communities on the island. You’ll enjoy:
- Miles of walking trails and easy access to shopping and dining
- Spring Lake Recreation Area features a zero-entry family pool, splash pad, lap lanes, a lazy river, accessible entry, a fishing boardwalk, and easy access to both the Spring Lake Pavilion and the Spring House.
- Dolphin Head Beach Park overlooking Port Royal Sound
- A wide mix of home styles
Yes, there are several golf courses, but they’re more like a backdrop to community life than the main attraction.
Port Royal Plantation: Quiet Luxury With Beach Access
If “serene” is your preferred home vibe, Port Royal Plantation might just be your match.
It offers:
- A completely residential, gated setting
- Direct, uncrowded beach access
- Tree-lined streets and spacious lots
- Pools, tennis and pickleball
- Community events
It’s an elegant, peaceful community where the golf lifestyle exists, somewhere over there on the fairway.
Do You Have to Golf to Live in These Communities?
Not at all.
Most residents in Hilton Head golf-course communities actually aren’t regular golfers — they simply love the beauty, the convenience and the amenities that come with planned, well-maintained neighborhoods.
And the best part? If you decide to learn golf someday, then you’re already living in one of the best places in the country for it. Contact us today if you want to learn more.
