In 1956, Charles Fraser had a vision that was bold, unique and some even said pure folly, but today his creation is one of the finest planned communities in existence. Fraser envisioned a place where one could live or vacation in an exclusive development which was at the height of life and lacked nothing. He saw a place which was not only filled with all the comforts and desires one could imagine but also held a synonymous aesthetic that would add to the natural beauty of Hilton Head island without detracting from it.
Due to his imagination and determination, the Sea Pines community came to life and thrives as an idyllic seclusion for couples and families to this day. With covenants and deed restrictions, the integrity of Sea Pines has persevered, and the red and white candy striped light house continues to shine as a testament to the classic beauty of life on the island.
Whether you spend one night in the resort, a month in a beach side villa or have a family home, Sea Pines will never disappoint, from dining to shopping and sporting activities to leisurely pastimes. Find Sea Pines Real Estate listings here. Though the grounds are open to visitors, each entry goes to fund the beauty and security within the community. It was not only important to design a dream like existence. It had to be felt. This includes safety, a place where your children can roam freely and your windows can remain open to the afternoon breeze. Sea Pines has southern life at its core and that means hospitality, charm and high standards.
If you are unfamiliar with such peaceful luxury, your visit just might become permanent!
Things To Do
Sea Pines is not solely about relaxing on wide verandas while taking in sweeping views of the Atlantic. There simply isn’t enough time in a day or a week to experience all that the community has to offer. The most obvious will be the rolling greens of four of the most celebrated golf courses in the region, Harbour Town Golf Links. They are often featured on the PGA tour, and with a par-4 18th hole, they are continually chosen by professionals and golf enthusiasts as some of the finest courses in the country. Designed by Pete Dye with consultation by Jack Nicklaus, they are an art form for both finesse and skill.
If the multiple par-3s don’t get your adrenaline going, then join the Smith Stearns Tennis Academy ran by Stan Smith, Billy Stearns and B.J. Stearns. There are several options for the tennis player in you including a little vacation play, joining a cardio tennis workout package or going for the big win with a tennis camp program or full-time tennis academy instruction. Let us know if you would like a tour of Sea Pines real estate that is for sale.
With such incredible access to water, sports on land may not keep your interest on a warm summer day. To get a bit of a core workout, grab a kayak or stand-up paddle board and head out to sea! Or cut loose with a group of friends with a ride on the Banana Boat. If you’ve got what it takes, then set out on a waverunner or really challenge yourself on water skis, a wakeboard or a knee board! With five miles of white sand beach, you have a bit to travel. If that doesn’t take it out of you, grab a game of beach volleyball with friends and cool down with a splash in through the gentle waves. Or take it all in with the best view around, and set off for the sky on a gentle parasailing adventure.
“Life is good in Sea Pines. There is so much to do and experience, it’s the perfect place to buy a home. It’s a paradise.”
A key feature of Sea Pines is its focus on natural preservation and incorporating the beauty of Hilton Head in everyday life. Take advantage of any of the eco tours to explore 605 acres of teeming forest, hidden lagoons, wild salt marshes, traversing tidal creeks and long stretches of pristine beaches! Take a wagon ride through the woods or sail alongside the dolphins of the Atlantic. If you’re more of the rustic and wild type, then a visit to Lawton Stables is in order. The land takes on a new perspective from horseback! Or see the enthusiasm of children as they visit the small animal farm and connect with nature. To really experience the impact Sea Pines is having on the community, visit the therapeutic riding center as they offer equine therapy to people. This program is fully funded through private donations and has no cost for the participants.
When days of sports, sun, eco-tourism and animals, have left you tired and sore, it is time for a little self-love and whole lot of pampering. It is time for LeSpa! A full day package may be the easiest solution, or you can pick and choose treatments ranging from manicures and pedicures to a full-service hair salon or dive into silky luxury with an eclectic assortment of massage options, full body wraps and beautifying facials. When you feel renewed, it is time to upgrade your resort wear and perhaps pick out a few gifts for loved ones.
The shopping at Sea Pines is unprecedented. Grab a trolley and head into Harbour Town for more than two dozen designer apparel boutiques, unique gift and craft shops, art and design galleries, and hand-crafted jewelry stores. This is not a day to rush through busy locales or feel the hectic pace of completing the shopping list. Harbour Town was designed for a stroll. Surrounded by natural beauty and the sea breeze wafting in from Calibogue Sound, you will want to relax in one of the many available rocking chairs as you contemplate your next purchase.
While the ladies are away, all the seafaring gentlemen can head over to the Yacht Basin and set up their private fishing charter. In shore, off shore and deep sea fishing are all regular options for your day. There are four different boats in the fishing fleet and all large enough to accommodate the whole family or a group of friends. If managing the rod and reel is not your ideal relaxation, then simply kick back on one of the casual cruise options and see what Hilton Head Island has to offer off shore!
Sea Pines was not only created for adults. It was designed to be the premier destination for families. Let your little ones burn off that extra energy at the Gregg Russell Playground with nature inspired entertainment and a tree house to keep their imaginations going. For a cooler afternoon, take them down to the Harbour Town pool, and when they are ready for open waters, let their creativity soar on the one and only custom pirate ship as they fire the water cannons and save the day!
This merely scratches the surface of daily life in Sea Pines. A one night stay will definitely not be enough, but a lifetime might not be either!
Dining & Entertainment
The concept behind Sea Pines is an all-inclusive life experience that will offer you plenty and leave you satisfied. For this reason, dining and entertainment was artfully planned for both the short-term vacationer and the committed tenant. Though the Harbour Town General Store will provide all you need to whip up a gourmet pancake and egg breakfast, you won’t want to miss out on all the delectable cuisine options starting first thing in the morning. For a day on the go, stop into the Surfside Market for fresh breakfast items, sandwiches and salads made to take along with you.
Or take the morning one sip at a time with a hot cup of coffee from the Harbour Town Bakery and Café. While you are there, take a look at the incredible pastries, or fuel up for a big day with a classic southern breakfast. For those of you who like a caffeine buzz throughout the day, follow up later at the Cinnamon Bear Country Store where you not only have access to an espresso bar, but you can also get a sugar rush simply standing among the bulk candy and nut selections. To make the day a little sweeter and stay guilt free try one of their dairy-free or sugar-free frozen yogurts and perhaps splurge with some free sprinkles. If guilt free ice cream is not on the radar, then it may be best to pop into Cups & Cones for a creamy, cold scoop! You can always head over to the Fitness Center later. Click here for information about Sea Pines Plantation Realty.
When hunger hits, it’s time to find the perfect meal, and with so much to choose from, it may take a little longer than you expected. After an afternoon spent at Harbour Town Golf Links, it makes sense to head over to the Clubhouse and into Links, An American Grill. Choose to sit indoors or outdoors overlooking the greens and settle in for some innovative grilled cuisine. If you’ve been playing near the Plantation Golf Club, then try out Live Oak for an authentic southern meal and craft brew.
After a day spent on the beach, check out Coast Oceanfront Dining and experience the savory taste of a local catch or a stunningly delicious and simple burger. With stretching ocean views, a beachfront bar and live entertainment offered in the evenings, during season, this is a late afternoon well spent. If an age restriction of 21 and older is preferred, then simply head up to the second floor of the Sea Pines Beach Club. You will get the same amazing views paired with specialty cocktails and an exemplary dinner menu.
If you find yourself in the heart of Harbour Town after a long day at the spa, then consider The Quarterdeck for your dining pleasure. Right at the base of Sea Pines iconic lighthouse, you can watch the sun play on the horizon over Calibogue Sound as you sip one of their award-winning wines and hold your seat for the nightly live music. (Offered seasonally.)
Another menu you can’t miss is that of Harbourside Burgers & Brews! Bring summer to life at this outdoor restaurant right by the famed Liberty Oak. With over 30 different beers and some of the best burgers on the East coast, this is one dining moment that is sure to be repeated. Bring the kids for live outdoor entertainment during the season and a pit stop at the playground on your way home.
Speaking of the family, there are two dining pleasures that must be experienced to fully enjoy the bounty of Sea Pines. First, CQ’a! When it’s time for a big plate of crab legs, piles of steamed shrimp and a tender lobster tail, then head over to the Harbour Town Yacht Basin. The second family favorite is the Spirit of Harbour Town cruise! All dinner is better when eaten at sunset on a 74 foot, climate controlled, luxury yacht.
Of course, food isn’t the only family entertainment. Check out the full calendar of events for all ages. A popular favorite is Gregg Russell’s concert given under the Liberty Oak or the poolside movie on Wednesdays. Certain events only happen once in a season, while others re-occur all summer long. You can find healthy events like beach yoga. Creative events like the Monday, Wednesday and Friday craft projects. Or plan your stay around one of the seasonal festivals like the Wine and Food Festival, Harbour Town Spring Fest and many others.
Sea Pines is dedicated to feeding your body, mind and soul. Be sure to take a look at the events’ calendar, so you won’t miss out on the moments that last a lifetime.
History
It was a different world in 1956. It was a time of expansion, growth, family and business. This rarely included nature preservation, working within ecosystems and developing artful communities with building restrictions in an effort to cultivate a timeless and unanimous design. These were the forward ideals of Charles Fraser, who at only 27 years old, began working with the 8-square-mile piece of land that is now a Real Estate Sea Pines Plantation Community.
It was unheard of to deed property to an individual being fully conditional on whether they would honor the stern land use covenants and not deviate from the aesthetic requirements, but that is what he did. Fraser wanted Sea Pines to be a natural extension of the land and to not tax the wildlife or nature during development. That is why to this day there is a 605-acre forest preserve, miles of unblemished shoreline and an array of wildlife which can be seen in their local habitat.
Fraser also commissioned the first golf course to be built on Hilton Head in 1962, The Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III. He then organized the development of the Sea Marsh course in 1964 and finally the now famous Harbour Town Golf Links in 1969. This began a long tradition of the game at Sea Pines, as Fraser hosted the first PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage tournament, where the renowned Arnold Palmer became world-famous as the champion of Hilton Head. The Sea Marsh course is still on the island but was renamed Heron Point when course architect Pete Dye redesigned it.
