Welcome to Long Cove
An exclusive island oasis blending world-class recreation with Lowcountry charm.
Long Cove is a premier private community on the southern end of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Tucked between the Wexford and Shelter Cove areas, this 600-acre residential enclave combines casual elegance with a friendly, small-town feel. Since its establishment in the early 1980s, Long Cove Club has quietly become one of the island’s most desirable neighborhoods – often praised as one of Hilton Head’s best-kept secrets for its blend of luxury and natural beauty.
An aerial view of Long Cove Club, showcasing its golf course along the Broad Creek marshes and the community’s private marina. Spread across moss-draped oak woodlands and tidal marshes, Long Cove offers breathtaking Lowcountry scenery at every turn. Nearly 80% of homes here boast views of either the championship golf course or tranquil lagoons, a testament to the community’s careful design in harmony with nature. Residents wake up to sparkling water vistas and lush greenery in a neighborhood deliberately planned for year-round living (no short-term resort rentals) and the enjoyment of permanent residents and second-home owners. Beyond its beauty, Long Cove fosters a close-knit atmosphere – neighbors greet each other by name, meet up for golf or tennis matches, and come together for social events, creating a welcoming environment that truly feels like home.
What to Love
- Top-tier golf: A private Pete Dye-designed championship golf course consistently ranked among the nation’s best.
- Water access: A deep-water marina on Broad Creek, perfect for boating, fishing, crabbing, and kayaking adventures.
- Resort-style amenities: Tennis center, pool, clubhouse dining, plus a community farm, playground, and even a dog park – all within the neighborhood.
- Natural beauty: Lush Lowcountry landscape of marshes, lagoons, and live oaks draped in Spanish moss, offering a tranquil coastal atmosphere.
- Close-knit community: Friendly neighbors, an active social calendar, and a true club camaraderie that make it easy to feel at home.
Local Lifestyle
Life in Long Cove moves at an easygoing pace while offering plenty of activities. Every property owner is a member of the Long Cove Club, which means neighbors frequently cross paths on the golf course, at the marina, or in the clubhouse – fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and community pride. The resident mix ranges from retirees enjoying their leisure to young professionals and families, so the vibe is both relaxed and engaging. A typical morning might start with a round of golf or a jog under the moss-covered oaks, followed by an afternoon of boating on Broad Creek or a tennis lesson. Even those who don’t play golf embrace the club lifestyle; many residents meet up for casual dinners at the clubhouse or stroll over to the courts for a friendly match with neighbors. Overall, the lifestyle is active but unhurried – think sunny days on the water, bike rides through quiet streets, and social gatherings that bring the community together in a laid-back, welcoming way.
Dining and Shopping
The Long Cove Clubhouse – a gracious Lowcountry venue where residents enjoy both casual grill fare and elegant dining. On any given evening, the Clubhouse is the heart of Long Cove’s dining scene. This beautifully designed clubhouse offers a formal dining room for elegant dinners as well as a casual grill and bar for laid-back lunches or post-golf refreshments. Residents often gather here for holiday events, club socials, and neighborhood celebrations – it’s truly the community’s living room as much as a dining facility.
Just outside the gates, some of Hilton Head’s most popular shops and eateries are within minutes of Long Cove. The Fresh Market Shoppes, located conveniently between the golf course and William Hilton Parkway, features the island’s only Fresh Market gourmet grocery store along with a little deli and a Southern-style seafood restaurant. Whether it’s picking up organic produce, enjoying a quick bite, or browsing the boutique gift store “Gifted” next door, day-to-day errands are a breeze.
For bigger grocery runs, residents have easy access to a large Kroger and other retailers at the nearby Shelter Cove Towne Centre as well. When it comes to dining out or leisure shopping, Long Cove is spoiled for choice in its vicinity. A half-mile east of the community are local favorites like the Hilton Head Diner for a hearty breakfast. Meanwhile, just a mile to the west, The Village at Wexford offers an upscale open-air shopping center packed with chic boutiques and eateries. Here, one can start the day with a craft coffee or breakfast burrito at a popular spot like Java Burrito Company and later indulge in fine dining at one of the gourmet restaurants.
Additionally, the Shelter Cove Harbour area across the highway features waterfront restaurants, pubs, and seasonal festivals. In fact, many of Hilton Head’s best restaurants and shops are only a short drive away, thanks to Long Cove’s central island location. Whether seeking a quick cup of coffee, a fresh seafood dinner, or an afternoon of boutique shopping, residents have a wealth of options just minutes from home.
Things to Do and Entertainment
Residents of Long Cove never have to look far for activities – the community itself is a hub of recreation. Golf lovers have a crown jewel at their doorstep: the renowned Pete Dye course, woven through lagoons and salt marshes, which has been lauded as one of America’s top courses for decades.
Sports enthusiasts also enjoy a first-class tennis and pickleball facility (with multiple Har-Tru courts and clinics), a junior Olympic-sized swimming pool for laps or relaxation, and even bocce and basketball on site. For boaters and anglers, the private marina provides direct access to Broad Creek’s calm waters; it’s common to see residents heading out to fish, crab, or paddle at sunrise.
There’s also a community garden for those with a green thumb and a spacious dog park where neighbors mingle as their pets play. From organized club tournaments and fitness classes to casual happy hours by the fire pit, Long Cove’s array of amenities ensures there’s always something fun to do within the neighborhood.
Outside the gates, Hilton Head Island’s attractions are all within easy reach. Pristine Atlantic beaches lie just about 1.5 miles from Long Cove, so a day of sunbathing or biking along the shore is only a few minutes’ drive away. The community’s close proximity to Shelter Cove means residents can enjoy Hilton Head’s lively entertainment scene without venturing far.
In the summer, Shelter Cove Harbour hosts HarbourFest, a weekly festival with live music, arts and crafts, family activities, and fireworks lighting up the Tuesday night sky. The island is also home to the acclaimed Arts Center of Coastal Carolina – a 349-seat theater showcasing plays, concerts, and cultural events year-round. Numerous other recreational opportunities abound: miles of bike trails connect Long Cove to neighboring communities and parks, charter boats offer deep-sea fishing or dolphin-watching excursions, and the quaint shops and art galleries of nearby Bluffton make for a charming day trip.
