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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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
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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

Things to do

Hilton Head Island: Ocean Dolphin Cruise

Hilton Head Island: Ocean Dolphin Cruise

Rp709.363
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Hilton Head Island: Ocean Dolphin Cruise
Small Group Hilton Head Morning Dolphin and Donut Cruise

Small Group - 6 PAX- Morning Dolphin and Donut Cruise

Rp921.250
per adult
Small Group - 6 PAX- Morning Dolphin and Donut Cruise
Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Watching Cruise with Donuts

Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Watching Cruise with Donuts

Rp988.250
per adult
Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Watching Cruise with Donuts
Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Cruise & Nature Tour

Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Cruise & Nature Tour

Rp753.750
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Cruise & Nature Tour
Hilton Head Island: America’s Cup Sailing Yacht Cruise

Hilton Head Island: America’s Cup Afternoon Sail

Rp886.913
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Hilton Head Island: America’s Cup Afternoon Sail
90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin Tour

90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin Tour

Rp798.975
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin Tour
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 Rp2.851.167 per night from 21 Jan to 22 Jan
Rp2.851.167
Rp3.928.470 total
21 Jan - 22 Jan
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! (1,004 reviews)
Excellent service check in dining. Highly recommend.

Reviewed on 10 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 Rp2.335.766 per night from 20 Jan to 21 Jan
Rp2.335.766
Rp3.214.046 total
20 Jan - 21 Jan
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! (1,405 reviews)
Great

Reviewed on 29 Dec 2025

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp2.277.953 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
Rp2.277.953
Rp3.273.493 total
27 Jan - 28 Jan
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! (1,001 reviews)
Comfortable bed and very quite.

Reviewed on 10 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 Rp1.575.605 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
Rp1.575.605
Rp1.733.165 total
8 Feb - 9 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)
Very peaceful and and beautiful stay.

Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026

Hampton Inn Hilton Head
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 Rp1.782.922 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
Rp1.782.922
Rp1.961.214 total
1 Feb - 2 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! (681 reviews)
Very courteous staff, room very comfortable, and clean, breakfast awesome, loved the fried eggs. Would definitely return here on next visit.

Reviewed on 31 Dec 2025

Home2 Suites by Hilton Hilton Head
Marriott's Barony Beach Club

Marriott's Barony Beach Club

3.5 out of 5
5 Grasslawn Ave Hilton Head Island SC
The price is Rp2.679.945 per night from 21 Jan to 22 Jan
Rp2.679.945
Rp2.947.941 total
21 Jan - 22 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach condo in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Coligny Beach and Barony Course ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (243 reviews)
clean room

Reviewed on 21 Dec 2025

Marriott's Barony Beach Club
See all 3,550 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

HH Social Bakery

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 Coastal Discovery Museum 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 Coligny Plaza are top sights worth seeing.

South End
Beautiful sunrise with a dolphin popping up to say hi.

South Forest Beach

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

South Forest Beach

Mid Island Travel Guide