Trip Picks: Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head

Consistently ranked among the country's top resorts in several categories, Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is home to one of the world's top tennis facilities, an excellent spa, an equestrian center, a golf academy, several outstanding restaurants, and three world-class golf courses. Sea Pines guests stay in the Inn at Harbour Town, a 60-room AAA Four-Diamond hotel, or in one of the many homes and beachfront cottages on the rental program.

Hilton Head for Any Trip Budget

Created by a rich developer from a wealthy family, as a playground for his similarly wealthy friends, Hilton Head seems—by reputation at least—like the kind of place where you need to be worth millions to get past the front gate. But that’s not the case. This picturesque island has its gated communities, yes, but it welcomes all kinds of tourists, and its activities are diverse. If you don’t want to splash out, you can find a lot of ways to stretch a $100 bill around Hilton Head.

For $100 Get a 50-minute therapeutic massage at FACES DaySpa and still have money left over for tip. OR rent bicycles for a family of four for the entire week at Pedals Bicycles.

For $75 Pay your half of the couples’ green fees at any of the Heritage Golf Collection courses including Shipyard Golf Club, Port Royal Golf Club, and Oyster Reef Golf Club. OR get a one-hour private tennis lesson at Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center.

Top 3 Budget-Friendly Beach Cities

Pack your swimsuit and hit the road. There are deals to be found in these sunny cities on the shore:

Destin
Located on a peninsula along the Florida panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico, Destin is within easy reach of an international airport. If fishing is your thing, you’ll appreciate Destin’s moniker as “the luckiest fishing village on the coast.” And the shimmering white-sand beaches with the emerald water in the background is all the free fun you could want.

Charleston Outdoor Escapes: Bull Island

Part of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina's Bull Island is home to a number of endangered and threatened species such as the red wolf and the loggerhead sea turtle. In addition to wildlife management, the refuge has also utilized preservation efforts to maintain the maritime forest and pristine beaches that provide habitat for the diverse flora and fauna. The ferry to Bull Island is operated by Coastal Expeditions and is a 45-drive from Charleston.

Photo credit: Bull Island, South Carolina (Photodisc/Getty)

Top 3 Romantic Getaways in the South

These gracious cities offer up Southern-style hospitality, history, and ambiance. To further aid your romantic tryst, here are some suggestions for budget-friendly options once you're on the ground:

Charleston
Summer and late fall are the priciest time to book that romantic B&B, so shoot for a midweek or off-season stay for the best rates. Check out the Farmers Market at Marion Square Park, featuring everything from musical acts to works from local artisans. Take a free visit to the Battery and White Point Gardens in the heart of Charleston’s historic district and stroll the romantic Gateway Garden Walk, also free.