Bikes are a necessity on Hilton Head Island. They can take you to dinner, the beach, shopping, etc. Everyone seemed to have a bike and the trails were well marked and easy to get around. We cruised through cool neighborhoods with great beach houses, and rode out to dinner almost every night. Took the bikes to the beach and actually could ride on the sand--we can't do that in CA. Bikes added to the fun of the trip.

We rented bikes and went all over the island exploring on the bikes. You can ride them on the beach. It was nice to have them and not have to take the car everywhere we wanted to go, but didn't want to walk to. I would suggest that you rent a bike as soon as you check in. Most rental places will deliver to the resort for you, and come and pick them up when you leave.

We enjoyed going around the golf course and riding the bikes on the beach. Bring plenty of water with you. I do not suggest riding your bike on the main roads.

The paths are so easy to follow and get around, there is no uphill or downhill really. It takes about 40 minutes to bike halfway across the island. Ride your bike to Harbour Town from Shelter Cove, that's the route I always take. Also besides people watch out for cars, you have to cross a lot of entrance ways to various places like churches and restaurants. For your teenagers, have them bike to the mall so they will stop bugging you for a ride! It's fun, my daughter enjoys it. When you get to Hilton Head, just look in the directory for Bike Rentals, they will give you a whole list of people to rent from. If you want to compare, call several places, their prices change from year to year so I can't really say the prices.