Hilton Head island, which was named after Captain William Cook of England who discovered it in 1663, has two remaining lighthouses, although one of these is not considered by some to be a real lighthouse as it was built by a businessman and is not maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard.

REAR RANGE LIGHTHOUSE

Rear Range is considered the only authentic lighthouse on Hilton Head. It was originally the taller of a pair of lighthouses, with the other aptly call Front Light. The purpose of these two lights was to act as a guide to ships' captains to ensure their safe passage through the sound and into the harbour. They used a simple method to achieve this, because all the captain needed to do was direct the ship toward a position where the rear light was directly above the front one. This method ensures that he was sailing in the right channel.

Whilst all that remains of the Front Light is the oil storage and outbuildings, the Rear Light still stands proud a mile inland from the Atlantic Ocean at the southern end of the island, where its 95-foot-high light and watchroom is accessible by climbing the internal 112 stairs. Surrounded by tall trees and set in the middle of a golf course, visitors rarely see the Rear Light, but the magnificent structure, which was built in 1881, is a historic tribute to the construction workers of the day and well worth a visit.

HARBOUR TOWN LIGHTHOUSE

By comparison, the faux Harbour Town Lighthouse is relatively young, having only been completed in 1970. However, although traditionalists deny its official lighthouse status, its positioning when set against the Harbour Town Golf Links, has led to it being seen by millions worldwide as a result of many appearances on golf event broadcasts. Due to this exposure the lighthouse has also attracted thousands of visitors and acts as a promotional brand symbol for the island.

The lighthouse, which still functions, is also open to the public as a commercial tourist venue, museum and visitor information center. On each of the nine landings, there are paintings and historical information about the island and its inhabitants over the years, together with information about other sites of interest that can be found on the island. At the top you'll find a shop where a range of tourist gifts can be purchased. A small fee is charged for admission to the lighthouse.

As the light can be seen for a distance of up to 13 miles and it appears on navigational maps, many argue that it is in fact an authentic lighthouse. Nevertheless, whatever the view on its authenticity, the Harbour Town lighthouse, with its imposing red-and-white-banded exterior, is an attraction that should be included in any visit to Hilton Head.

This tidbit of advice was contributed by Paul Lines.

Before you head to the lighthouse, get nice and settled in your fabulous rental house in Hilton Head, South Carolina.