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family on the beach

Inspired by Instagram: Nine Picture-Perfect Family Vacation Photos

By Hilton Head Insider

Beautiful beaches for building the best sandcastles? Check. Miles of nature trails ready to be explored? Check. Museums, art and theatre workshops, and miniature golf courses? Check, check, and check. It’s no secret that Hilton Head Island was made for family vacations, and this summer was one for the books.

Though we’re sad to see summer go, it’s never too late to start planning next year’s trip. One of our favorite pastimes is refreshing our Instagram feed to see how our guests experience #LowcountryLife.  We have rounded up some of this past summer’s family photos to help you get in the vacation planning mood. We hope these family memories will inspire you to create some of your own with your loved ones.

The Harbour Town Lighthouse on the Sea Pines Resort is a Hilton Head Island icon. No trip here is complete without snapping a photo of its candy cane stripes. Some love the lighthouse so much, it’s been known to start impromptu dance parties, as user @happygophoto shows us with this snap.

family on beach

 

It pays to be an early bird on Hilton Head Island. While it might be tempting to hit “snooze” or ask the kiddos to wait 15 more minutes before getting up, user @iheartml shows us an early morning allows for the perfect sunrise family photo.

 

kids on beach

 

beach day is a Hilton Head Island vacation staple, and @hannahcilli shows us how beautiful family time at the beach can be. Take a peek at our family beach day packing guide before you hit the sand and surf.

 

salty dog cafe

 

Hungry for hushpuppies, ice cream and tasty treats? Make sure you stop at the Salty Dog Café in South Beach. The restaurant’s blue siding and iconic logo make for a great backdrop for family photos. Bonus points if you match your outfits to the building like @m.fallara!

kid on foot path

 

There’s the great outdoors, then there’s the greatest outdoors on Hilton Head Island. Our nature trails give the kids plenty of room to run free and explore, like @amory_andy and her little guy. These five fun facts about our wildlife might come in handy in case you meet any cool critters, too. 

 

trees

 

Take notes from @rosyrobertson—there’s still plenty to learn when school is out. The Coastal Discovery Museum’s displays, tours, and kids’ programs will keep everyone entertained while they get educated about the flora and fauna unique to the Lowcountry region.

 

playing in sand

 

Time at the beach is never wasted—especially when that time is spent with your family! Sandcastle building, shown here by @kristenjlryan, is a treasured family pastime. Wondering how to get started? Our 5 must-have beach toys are a great place to start.

 

father and daughter on beach

 

Our favorite quote from the summer? “We’ve only been here for a few hours and are already making amazing memories.” – @isaac.alexander85. No matter where you choose to stay, no matter what you choose to do, a family vacation on Hilton Head Island promises to fill up the family photo album quickly.

We love when our guests share their photos with us. Want to be featured on our Instagram feed or in our #LowcountryLife gallery? Share your family vacation photos with the hashtag “#LowcountryLife.” Still need more family vacation inspiration? Start your planning here. We hope to see you soon!

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