Choosing between Palmetto Dunes and Shipyard Plantation can feel overwhelming when planning your Hilton Head Island vacation. Both gated resort communities offer excellent amenities, beach access, and that signature Lowcountry atmosphere, but they cater to different preferences and vacation styles. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which resort best matches your family’s needs.

Location Overview

Both resorts occupy prime mid-island real estate, but their positioning creates distinct advantages.

Palmetto Dunes stretches along three miles of oceanfront property in the heart of Hilton Head. Its central location provides easy access to attractions throughout the island while maintaining a resort-within-itself atmosphere.

Shipyard Plantation sits between Sea Pines and Palmetto Dunes, occupying a compact footprint that emphasizes convenience. Its location near Coligny Beach and Pope Avenue places visitors at the epicenter of the island’s most popular shopping and dining districts.

Beach Access: A Critical Difference

For many families, beach access ranks as the most important factor, and here the two resorts differ significantly.

Palmetto Dunes Beach Experience

Palmetto Dunes excels in beach access with:

  • Three miles of pristine oceanfront stretching the length of the community
  • Multiple access points scattered throughout the resort
  • Oceanfront properties including homes, villas, condos, and two major resort hotels
  • The Dunes House serving food and drinks directly on the beach
  • Walking distance to sand from most accommodations

The expansive beach means you will rarely feel crowded, even during peak summer months. Families can spread out, build sandcastles, and enjoy long beach walks without competing for space.

Shipyard Beach Experience

Shipyard takes a different approach:

  • Single beach access point through the Shipyard Beach Club
  • The Sonesta Resort represents the only true oceanfront property
  • No beachfront bars or restaurants directly on the sand
  • More concentrated beach area which can feel crowded during busy periods

While the beach itself is beautiful, visitors seeking oceanfront accommodations or multiple access points may find Shipyard limiting.

Winner: Palmetto Dunes for beach lovers who prioritize easy access and variety.

Golf: Championship Options

Both resorts deliver exceptional golf experiences, though with different approaches.

Palmetto Dunes Golf

Palmetto Dunes offers three championship 18-hole courses:

  • Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course: The only oceanfront course on Hilton Head, featuring stunning Atlantic views and classic RTJ design elements
  • Arthur Hills Course: A player-friendly layout with dramatic dune ridges and strategic water features
  • George Fazio Course: A challenging layout that rewards accurate shot-making

The variety of designs and difficulty levels means golfers of all abilities find suitable options. Course conditioning ranks among the best on the island.

Shipyard Golf

Shipyard presents a unique format:

  • 27 holes across three 9-hole courses: Brigantine, Clipper, and Galleon
  • Mix-and-match format allowing different combinations each round
  • George Fazio and Willard Byrd designs with varied character
  • More intimate atmosphere with less congestion

The shorter courses work well for golfers who prefer quicker rounds or want to play just nine holes.

Winner: Draw - Palmetto Dunes wins for serious golfers seeking full championship courses, while Shipyard appeals to those wanting flexibility and shorter round options.

Tennis: World-Class Facilities

Both resorts have earned recognition for their tennis programs.

Palmetto Dunes Tennis

The Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center has been ranked among Tennis Magazine’s “50 Greatest U.S. Tennis Resorts” since 1975 and recently earned the #5 spot among the “World’s Top 100 Tennis Resorts.” Features include:

  • Multiple court surfaces
  • Professional instruction
  • Clinics and programs for all ages
  • Well-maintained facilities

Shipyard Tennis

Shipyard hosts the acclaimed Van der Meer Tennis Center, founded by legendary instructor Dennis Van der Meer. The center offers:

  • Comprehensive lesson programs
  • Tennis academy training
  • Multiple court options
  • Internationally recognized instruction methodology

Winner: Draw - Both resorts offer exceptional tennis, with the choice depending on whether you prefer Palmetto Dunes’ resort atmosphere or Van der Meer’s instructional approach.

Water Activities Beyond the Beach

Palmetto Dunes Lagoon System

Palmetto Dunes features a unique amenity: an 11-mile lagoon system winding through the community. This calm waterway provides:

  • Kayaking and canoeing through scenic marshland
  • Stand-up paddleboarding on protected waters
  • Fishing for bass and bream
  • Wildlife viewing including herons, egrets, and occasional alligators
  • Safe water activities for children learning to paddle

The lagoon system creates a water recreation option unavailable anywhere else on the island.

Shipyard Water Activities

Shipyard’s water recreation focuses primarily on the beach and nearby outfitters. The resort offers:

  • Beach activities through the Beach Club
  • Access to nearby rental companies for kayaks and paddleboards
  • Proximity to Coligny area water sports vendors

Winner: Palmetto Dunes for the unique lagoon system and variety of water activities.

Dining and Shopping

Palmetto Dunes Options

Within the resort gates, Palmetto Dunes provides:

  • Multiple restaurants including the oceanfront Dunes House
  • General store for groceries and beach supplies
  • Easy access to Shelter Cove with its marina, restaurants, and shops
  • Resort hotel dining at the Hilton Head Marriott and Omni Hilton Head

The combination of on-site options and nearby Shelter Cove Harbour creates excellent dining variety without driving far.

Shipyard Options

Shipyard’s dining situation requires more planning:

  • Sonesta Resort restaurants serve as the primary on-site option
  • Limited within-gates choices for quick meals
  • Easy access to Coligny Plaza with 60+ restaurants and shops
  • Proximity to Pope Avenue dining corridor

While Shipyard lacks internal dining variety, its location near Coligny provides extensive options within a short drive or bike ride.

Winner: Draw - Palmetto Dunes wins for self-contained resort dining, while Shipyard wins for proximity to the island’s largest dining and shopping district.

Accommodations and Atmosphere

Palmetto Dunes Character

Palmetto Dunes blends resort amenities with residential charm:

  • Two major resort hotels: Hilton Head Marriott Resort and Spa and Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
  • Wide variety of vacation rentals: homes, villas, and condos
  • Oceanfront options at multiple price points
  • Active, family-friendly atmosphere
  • Central island location for exploring

The community feels alive with families biking to the beach, golfers heading to the first tee, and tennis players gathering at the courts.

Shipyard Character

Shipyard offers a quieter, more intimate experience:

  • The Sonesta Resort as the primary resort accommodation
  • Vacation villas and homes throughout the community
  • More affordable pricing (approximately 25% less than comparable Palmetto Dunes properties)
  • Peaceful, close-knit atmosphere
  • Excellent leisure paths totaling 20+ miles

Visitors seeking tranquility over bustling activity often prefer Shipyard’s understated approach.

Winner: Depends on preference - Families wanting resort energy choose Palmetto Dunes; those seeking peaceful retreats often prefer Shipyard’s quieter atmosphere.

Value Comparison

Shipyard typically offers better value:

  • Lower accommodation rates across comparable property types
  • Reduced golf fees for quality courses
  • Smaller community means less driving within gates
  • Access to Coligny provides affordable dining options nearby

Palmetto Dunes commands premium pricing for:

  • Superior beach access
  • Unique lagoon system
  • More extensive on-site amenities
  • Oceanfront accommodations

Winner: Shipyard for budget-conscious travelers; Palmetto Dunes for those prioritizing amenities over cost.

Quick Comparison Chart

Feature Palmetto Dunes Shipyard
Beach Access Multiple points, 3 miles Single access point
Golf Three 18-hole courses 27 holes (three 9-hole)
Tennis Top 100 resort worldwide Van der Meer Center
Water Activities Lagoon system + beach Beach focused
On-Site Dining Multiple options Limited options
Atmosphere Active, family resort Quiet, intimate
Value Premium pricing Budget-friendly

Our Recommendation

Choose Palmetto Dunes if you:

  • Prioritize beach access above all else
  • Want oceanfront accommodations
  • Plan to spend significant time on water activities
  • Prefer self-contained resort dining
  • Travel with children who need beach space

Choose Shipyard if you:

  • Seek a quieter, more intimate atmosphere
  • Want excellent value for your vacation dollar
  • Plan to explore Coligny and the surrounding area frequently
  • Prefer shorter golf rounds with mix-and-match options
  • Value proximity to off-site restaurants and shopping

Plan Your Perfect Hilton Head Vacation

Both Palmetto Dunes and Shipyard Plantation deliver wonderful Hilton Head Island experiences. Understanding your priorities helps ensure you choose the resort that matches your vacation vision.

Looking for accommodations that offer easy access to both communities and all of Hilton Head’s attractions? Stone’s Throw vacation rental provides the ideal home base for your island adventure. Our convenient location puts you within easy reach of Palmetto Dunes, Shipyard, and everywhere else you want to explore. Contact us today to book your perfect Lowcountry getaway.