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Tourists from all over the world descend on Hilton Head Island every year. Whether you’ve travelled here for the beautiful beaches, the slower pace of life, the mouth-watering restaurants or the world-class golfing, your satisfaction is sure to be delivered.
South Carolina’s Lowcountry has some of the top-rated beaches in the entire USA. It is known for its pristine white sand, warm water and luxurious resort town vibes, making it South Carolina’s prized destination for guests wanting an exclusive, upscale beach getaway.
In this guide, we’ll list the best beaches on Hilton Head Island with all their amenities and locations to ensure you get the most of your stay.
Let the planning begin!
Fish Haul Beach Park
Location: 124 Mitchelville Road, Hilton Head Island, SC
This hidden gem is a beautiful natural beach in one of the island’s historic Gullah neighbourhoods. Overlooking Port Royal Sound, not many tourists know that this beach exists unless they accidentally happen upon it, which is a shame because there’s so much natural beauty here.
We recommend this beach for families with small children because of the calm water, and if you’re there during low tide, the beach will reveal sandbars to explore, with seashells, crabs and other wildlife. It’s also a great place to go for a romantic walk, read or birdwatch.
Amenities and Services
- Free Beach Access
- Restrooms
- Limited Free Parking
- Beach Matting
- Outdoor Showers
Coligny Beach Park
Location: 1 Coligny Circle, Hilton Head Island, SC
Getting to Coligny Beach is easy. You can either bring your car and park in the provided parking lot or jump aboard the beach shuttle. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by gazebos with colourful rocking chairs, offering the perfect place to get lost in your beach novel. There’s also easy beach access, which is only one of the many reasons this is the most popular beach on Hilton Head Island. Voted by Travellers’ Choice Awards as one of the top beaches in the United States, Coligny Beach has it all. This family-friendly beach park is full of perks that keep people coming back year after year. Not only is it a beautiful, well-maintained sandy beach with lots of room to spread out, play frisbee or sunbathe, it also has the only bar on the beach – The Tiki Hut. The Tiki Hut has a vibrant party vibe and a drinks menu that’ll quench any thirst.
If, after running around after the kids on the beach and paddling around in the warm water, you’ve worked up an appetite, you can also cross the street to Coligny Plaza, where salty, sandy beachgoers are welcome to peruse the shops and dine in the restaurants.
Amenities and Services
- Free Beach Access
- WiFi
- Lifeguards On Duty In Season
- Outdoor Showers
- Umbrella & Beach Rentals
- Beach Matting
- Boardwalk
Burkes Beach Park
Location: 60 Burkes Beach Road, Hilton Head Island, SC
Come for a beach day at Burkes Beach and feel like a true local. This beach is where residents come to get away from the commercialism of Coligny Beach and spend time picnicking with the whole family – even the dog. If you’ve brought your four-legged friend with you, there’s no better place to bring him. They have pet waste bags available, as well as a paw washing station and freshwater to drink. How thoughtful is that?
Another big draw for this beach is the barrel waves found here, making it a great spot for surfers or those who want to boogieboard.
Amenities and Services
- Free Beach Access
- Lifeguards On Duty In Season
- Outdoor Showers
- Umbrella & Beach Rentals
- Metred and On-Street Parking
Islanders Beach Park
Location: 94 Folly Field Road, Hilton Head Island, SC
At Islander’s Beach Park, you will find yourself approximately midpoint on the island’s 12 mile stretch of beaches. Bikers generally choose to stop here to enjoy the serene sandy beach while using the shaded picnic area for some rest. At Islander’s Beach Park, you will find a large number of amenities to enjoy. Locals particularly love it here because the city of Hilton Head has designated the beach parking exclusively for residents with a local beach pass. If you are a guest to Hilton Head, you are welcome to visit Islanders Beach but need to use the metered street parking available.
Beach access here is easy and highly recommended for anyone with physical considerations, with its well-maintained boardwalk. The restrooms here are kept impeccably clean, and there’s even a community bin of beach toys for kids to leave and take as they wish—just another testament to how community-minded they are on this beautiful island.
Amenities and Services
- Limited Metred Parking
- Lifeguards On Duty In Season
- Restrooms
- Community Beach Toy Bin
- Wheelchair & Stroller Accessible
- Outdoor Showers
- Umbrella & Beach Rentals
- Boardwalk
- Picnic Pavilion
Alder Lane Beach
Location: 2 Woodward Avenue, Hilton Head, SC
Alder Lane Beach is the southernmost beach on the island and is the perfect alternative to Coligny Beach, found only 1 mile away. Young families prefer this beach because it’s much less crowded but still has tons of amenities.
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a picturesque boardwalk shaded by large moss-covered trees that beckon you towards a day of fun in the sun. Not only is it a beautiful beach, but you’ll also be within walking distance from restaurants and cafes when hunger strikes. A day at Alder Lane Beach is sure to deliver island getaway satisfaction.
Amenities and Services
- Free Beach Access
- Beach Matting
- Limited Metred Parking
- Lifeguards On Duty In Season
- Outdoor Showers
- Restrooms
Folly Field Beach Park
Location: 55 Starfish Drive, Hilton Head, SC
Folly Field is a quaint little beach between Bradley Beach to the south and Islanders Beach Park to the north. It’s a great mix of local and tourist beachgoers, all there to enjoy the wide talcum sandy beach and the shallow Atlantic Ocean water. The sand here is quite densely packed, making it easy to push a stroller, go biking or go for a run. Visitors also find it fun to plan to go for a walk during low tide, where there is a chance you might find a starfish or if you want to create some dreamy memories, arrange for a sunrise picnic for gorgeous photos and a great way to start any day on Hilton Head Island.
Amenities and Services
- Free Beach Access
- Lifeguards On Duty In Season
- Outdoor Showers
- Restrooms
- Chair Rentals
- Boardwalk
- Bike Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Beach Matting
Driessen Beach Park
Location: 64 Bradley Beach Road, Hilton Head, SC
Known to the locals as Bradley Beach, this beach has a long boardwalk that meanders over the marshes and sand dunes before arriving at the ocean. Don’t let this deter you though; the walk is completely worth the trek under the dreamy treed canopy and the chance to see baby sea turtles. Just know that it could take a little while to get you to your perfect spot. Aside from its many amenities, one of the additional perks is its close proximity to lots of little eateries and bars.
If you have the time, we recommend Jamaica Joe’z; a quintessential tiki hut/dive bar with a rare beachfront view, serving up cocktails, beers and burgers that are guaranteed to hit the spot.
Amenities and Services
- Free Beach Access
- Metred Parking
- Lot Parking
- Boardwalk
- Beach Matting
- Lifeguards On Duty In Season
- Outdoor Showers
- Playground
- Grilling Facilities
- Beach Picnic Pavilion
- Bike Friendly
Mitchelville Beach Park
Location: 124 Mitchelville Road, Hilton Head, SC
Mitchelville Beach (not to be confused with Fish Haul Park) is one of the most untouched beaches in Hilton Head Island and quite possibly the least frequented. Although this tranquil beach lacks the amenities of the more popular beaches, it greatly makes up for it, with its peaceful seclusion and spectacular views—a great beach for immersing yourself in the preserved nature and wildlife of the area. Visitors here like to spend time searching for shells or taking a kayak into the marshes teeming with wildlife.
Amenities and Services
- Free Beach Access
- Free Parking
- Picnic Tables
- Restroom
- Outdoor Shower
Best Beaches In Hilton Head Island – Conclusion
Whether you’re looking forward to relaxing on the white sandy beaches, kayaking through the salt marshes, or boogie boarding in the surf, Hilton Head beaches have it all. So grab your beach bag, toss in the sunscreen and gather up the family. This is going to be great!
Happy Travels!
