There's more to Hilton Head than golf

Be advised, a full day of charter-boat fishing can cost close to $1,000. Saltwater fishing requires a license if you're over 16 and fishing from a boat. If you're staying at one of the plantations, like Sea Pines, Shipyard or Palmetto Dunes, however, you're on private property and need no license. But you do have to follow their rules; Palmetto Dunes, for example, has an 11-mile lagoon system.

Also, commercial fishing vessels have licenses and anglers don't need to buy additional ones. Charter boats run from small craft for six to vessels that can take dozens. Typically you'll be either drift fishing offshore or plying one of the artificial reefs. The Gulf Stream, about 70 miles offshore, takes a while to reach by boat; this is a full day of fishing.

Charter boats provide tackle, but if you strike out on your own you'll need to buy it yourself, from places like Blue Water Marine or the Shelter Cove Marina Ships Store.

You can also go after oysters, clams, shrimp and crabs. They are subject to many of the same rules that apply to fishing.

Beaches
The island has 12 miles of beaches, all public from the ocean to the high-water mark. Access is often private, however, so you might need to use one of the seven locations the town of Hilton Head provides. Most have metered parking spaces, and there are designated swimming areas with lifeguards during the summer.

Hiking
If you get tired of being out on the water, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge a half-mile west of the island has more than 4,000 acres and includes four other islands and many other hammocks, though Pinckney is the only one open for public use.

Mostly made up of salt marsh, tidal creeks and freshwater ponds, It's a quiet, peaceful alternative to crowded, heavily trafficked Hilton Head. There are more than 14 miles of trails for hiking or biking, and you can see large concentrations of white ibis, egrets, herons and ospreys. There is an active bald eagle nest on the island - don't mess with them.

There are also alligators, flatwoods salamanders and wood storks, all on the threatened or endangered species list of the Savannah Coastal Refuges.

Tennis
Tennis is almost as big as golf on the island. Courts abound, and the island is home to the world's largest international organization of tennis teachers and coaches, the Professional Tennis Registry.

Festivals
Hilton Head loves outdoor festivals and special events, hosting several every month. There's the David M. Carmines Water Festival, the Suntrust Triathlon, jazz concerts, lecture series, golf and tennis tournaments - and that's just for April. There always seems to be races, soccer tournaments, parades and free yoga on the beach. For a complete list, check the calendar of events at the Hilton Head-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Web site.

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