A 'plantation' community defines a neighborhood behind security gates.  While many HHI residents and guests choose to live inside gated restrictions, other islanders find an affordable, just-as-fulfilling lifestyle outside of them.  Golfing greens, tennis courts, family-fun recreation, shopping centers, and dozens of restaurants lie within easy reach of any Hilton Head resident, within or without security gates.

   The Island is divided into three separate off-plantation areas:  Mid-Island, North-End, and South-End.  Folly Field, Bradley Beach, Driessen's Beach, Burke's Beach, and Singleton Beach, and Forest Beach (two sections, North and South) feature many of the island's attractions including public beaches, shopping plazas, fabulous local restaurants, and popular nightlife.  North and South Forest Beach, for example, meet at Coligny Plaza, Hilton Head's shopping and entertainment hotspot.

   Hilton Head Off-Plantation Amenities include shopping at one of the three mall locations—such as the Shelter Cove Mall and the Tanger Outlets—or small, unique shopping districts like Coligny Plaza; the Self Family Arts Center with performances, art shows, and live-theater productions; the Jazz Society; the Hilton Head Island Orchestra; and more.  The Pinckney Wildlife Refuge is nearby, within viewing distance from the island:  right off the bridge connecting Hilton Head to Bluffton, the road leading to the refuge merges off.  Also, the Coastal Discovery Museum on William Hilton Parkway—a branch of Hwy 278—hosts educational classes and exhibits about Hilton Head and surrounding islands.

   For athletes, the Forest Beach area contains two tennis clubs:  the Van der Meer Tennis University and the Players athletic club and fitness center, which offer instruction, camps, and clinics.  A new tennis facility, the International Academy of Tennis, coaches ages 10 through 18 at the Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort.