At 12 miles long and 5 miles wide, Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is the largest of the state’s barrier islands. The population of this resort town quadruples every summer as thousands and thousands of golfers descend on Hilton Head’s dozens of courses and private beachfront communities called “plantations”. The weather and the views are fantastic, and there’s plenty for golf widows/widowers and orphans to do while the family golf fanatics are on the links. Those with the money and the stomach for crowds are sure to have a blast.

Wide white beaches on the Atlantic promise fun in the sun with all manner of water sports. Swimming and sunbathing are popular activities, as is fishing and boating of every kind. Outdoor adventures can be had in Hilton Head Island’s nature preserves, like Fish Haul Park and the Pickney Island National Wildlife Preserve, some of which offer free tours. There are also a number of day-spas at Hilton Head for indoor types if the beaches aren’t relaxing enough (and given the summer crowds, they may not be).