One of our favorite holiday family traditions in December is visiting Santa at The South Beach Inn in South Beach Marina. Normally one of the busiest areas on the Island in the summer, during the winter months the Marina in Sea Pines takes on a slower pace, giving Gray (23 months) room to roam free. He loves to point out each of the boats, kayaks and canoes, run on the docks and see the famous South Beach Parrots.

South Beach Marina is modeled in the spirit of a quaint New England fishing village and each year it is fully decked out in the holiday spirit with white lights, nativity scene, garland and holly and the Inn hosts Santa Clause!

My husband Joe and I love to play tourist by starting our South Beach Marina visit at The Salty Dog and always make our first stop at the infamous Salty Dog Outside Bar (heated in winter) where we order up fun drinks.

Then, we make our way through the village, checking out the holiday sales and picking up last-minute-gifts in The Salty Dog Store for family and friends. We stop and see the parrots and then make our way to Santa at the Inn. The Inn is so quaint with rooms overlooking the village and the marina. When Santa comes to visit, there is cookies and cider for the kids, plus a wish list that you can mail to the North Pole!

When you are planning your holiday visit or daytrip to Hilton Head Island, make sure Santa at The South Beach Inn & a quick trip to The Salty Dog are high on your list.  Santa and Pina Coladas truly make it a Lowcountry Christmas!

Check The South Beach Inn website for 2013 Santa dates and times.