Mid Island Travel Guide

Hilton Head Island

By 1846 when he built the mausoleum, through inheritance and purchase, William Eddings Baynard of Edisto Island had become one of the island's major landowners holding multiple plantations throughout Hilton Head from Spanish Wells to Braddock Point. The Baynard family made their home in the large tabby mansion originally owned by Captain John Stoney (now the Stoney-Baynard Ruins in Sea Pines). At some point in the years following the invasion of Hilton Head Island at the beginning of the Civil War, grave robbers broke into and desecrated the mausoleum. A newspaper account from 1932 described the vault as "a handsome affair with room for many coffins. Two of these coffins are form fitting and made of metal. These have rusted and fallen to pieces. Other coffins have been desecrated... Several of the tiniest... Which are also open, contain only a gruesome dust." Now the vault stands empty, but for memories.
By 1846 when he built the mausoleum, through inheritance and purchase, William Eddings Baynard of Edisto Island had become one of the island's major landowners holding multiple plantations throughout Hilton Head from Spanish Wells to Braddock Point. The Baynard family made their home in the large tabby mansion originally owned by Captain John Stoney (now the Stoney-Baynard Ruins in Sea Pines). At some point in the years following the invasion of Hilton Head Island at the beginning of the Civil War, grave robbers broke into and desecrated the mausoleum. A newspaper account from 1932 described the vault as "a handsome affair with room for many coffins. Two of these coffins are form fitting and made of metal. These have rusted and fallen to pieces. Other coffins have been desecrated... Several of the tiniest... Which are also open, contain only a gruesome dust." Now the vault stands empty, but for memories.
At about the same time through the influence of Captain John Stoney and Mr. Isaac Fripp another congregation was formed and a church of wood, on a brick foundation, 40 x 30 ft. was built on Hilton Head Island. Divine Service was performed alternately at each church (St. Luke's Parish Church and Zion Chapel of Ease,) and since there was no Parsonage, the Minister resided with his parishioners. In 1833, the Rt. Rev. Nathaniel Bowen, Third Bishop of South Carolina, consecrated Zion Chapel, it having been, the record cryptically says, "thrown out of use as to the worship for which it had been originally erected, but now happily recovered." Diocesan records show that Divine Services were regularly held in Zion Church until November 1861 when invasion of the Island by federal armed forces necessitated the flight of the island's white population. When the Rev. Dr. James Stoney (1820-1870), a great grandson of Captain John Stoney, builder of Zion Chapel, was able to return to his rectorship of the Church in the Cross in Bluffton in 1867, his 1868 report says that Zion Chapel, having been built of wood, had entirely disappeared, it's Eucharistic silver and all it's furnishings, altar, prayer desks, pulpit, pews were stolen. Worst of all for Zion Chapel was the fact that all of its members were dispersed, dispossessed of their homes and property, never to return to Hilton Head Island again. Today, only the cemetery remains.
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Popular places to visit

Shelter Cove Marina, Hilton Head Island, Shutterstock ID 1233599833, Purchase Order: SP-1891 Wave 0, Client/Licensee: Hotels.com

Shelter Cove Harbour

Explore the waterfront of Shelter Cove Harbour and enjoy other activities such as golfing in Hilton Head Island. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Shelter Cove Harbour
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Port Royal Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Hilton Head Island at Port Royal Golf Club. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Port Royal Golf Club
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Folly Field Beach Park

Explore the lovely green spaces of Folly Field Beach Park and enjoy the golf courses in Hilton Head Island. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Folly Field Beach Park
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Adventure Cove

Enjoy a round of golf in Hilton Head Island at Adventure Cove. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Adventure Cove
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Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course

Enjoy a round of golf in Hilton Head Island at Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course
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Mitchelville Freedom Park

After visiting Mitchelville Freedom Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Hilton Head Island. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Mitchelville Freedom Park

Things to do

Small Group Hilton Head Morning Dolphin and Donut Cruise

Small Group - 6 Passengers - Morning Dolphin and Donut Cruise

฿1,722
per adult
Small Group - 6 Passengers - Morning Dolphin and Donut Cruise
Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

฿1,243
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise
Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Watching Cruise with Donuts

Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Watching Cruise with Donuts

฿1,833
per adult
Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Watching Cruise with Donuts
Hilton Head Island: Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to Savannah

Hilton Head Island: Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to Savannah

฿2,634
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Hilton Head Island: Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to Savannah
Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Cruise & Nature Tour

Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Cruise & Nature Tour

฿1,398
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Cruise & Nature Tour
Hilton Head Island: Round-Trip Daufuskie Island Ferry

Hilton Head Island: Round-Trip Daufuskie Island Ferry

฿1,326
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Hilton Head Island: Round-Trip Daufuskie Island Ferry
See all activities in Hilton Head Island

Top hotels in Mid Island

Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

4 out of 5
23 Ocean Lane Hilton Head Island SC
The price is ฿5,286 per night from 3 Feb to 4 Feb
฿5,286
฿7,284 total
3 Feb - 4 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
Everything has been wonderful

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Hilton Head Island

Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Hilton Head Island

4.5 out of 5
1 Hotel Circle Hilton Head Island SC
The price is ฿4,331 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
฿4,331
฿5,959 total
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,413 reviews)
Our room was very comfortable and clean. We had an ocean view room and it was amazing looking out at the sunrise and sunset. The desk staff were very warm and friendly and knowledgeable. The valet staff was excellent, especially Joey and Charles.

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Hilton Head Island
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa

The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
2 Grasslawn Ave Hilton Head Island SC
The price is ฿4,536 per night from 9 Feb to 10 Feb
฿4,536
฿6,427 total
9 Feb - 10 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
clean. nice layout

Reviewed on 29 Jan 2026

The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
Hampton Inn Hilton Head

Hampton Inn Hilton Head

2.5 out of 5
1 Dillon Road Hilton Head Island SC
The price is ฿2,793 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
฿2,793
฿3,073 total
17 Feb - 18 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
The room was spotless. The staff was very courteous and the breakfast was enjoyable. Will probably come back for another solo trip.

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026

Hampton Inn Hilton Head
Island Links Resort by Palmera

Island Links Resort by Palmera

3 out of 5
1 Coggins Point Road Hilton Head Island SC
Stay at this golf aparthotel in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (328 reviews)
Clean room and responsive customer services. I was not able to use my included 1 hr tennis court reservation because it wasn’t clearly mention that you have to pay equipment rental fee unless you bring your own. I was bit disappointed. It was overall good experience.

Reviewed on 2 Jan 2026

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Island Links Resort by Palmera
Home2 Suites by Hilton Hilton Head

Home2 Suites by Hilton Hilton Head

3 out of 5
836 William Hilton Parkway Hilton Head Island SC
The price is ฿3,306 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
฿3,306
฿3,636 total
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (685 reviews)
Clean hotel & room. Kitchen w near full size refrigerator w a freezer, dishes. Comfortable beds. The staff is very friendly. You can get free bottles of water out of lobby cooler 24 hrs/day.the breakfast has many tasty options

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

Home2 Suites by Hilton Hilton Head
See all 3,556 properties in Mid Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Mid Island

Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA

Shelter Cove

While Shelter Cove may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Shelter Cove Harbour and The Golf Courses of Palmetto Dunes.

Shelter Cove
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Folly Field

If you're spending some time in Folly Field, Folly Field Beach Park and Folly Field Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Folly Field
Sunset at the beach club. 😎

North End

If you're spending some time in North End, Palmetto Hall Golf and Country Club and Country Club of Hilton Head are top sights worth seeing.

North End
Walkway to the beach.

North Forest Beach

If you're spending some time in North Forest Beach, Coligny Plaza and Coligny Beach are top sights worth seeing.

North Forest Beach
Sunset at Harbour Town.

South End

If you're spending some time in South End, Sea Pines Forest Preserve and Heron Point by Pete Dye at Sea Pines Resort are top sights worth seeing.

South End
Aerial panorama view of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA.

South Forest Beach

If you're spending some time in South Forest Beach, Coligny Beach and Sea Pines Forest Preserve are top sights worth seeing.

South Forest Beach

Mid Island Travel Guide