Hilton Head Island Beaches
Hilton Head Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast, offering 12 miles of pristine shoreline perfect for relaxation and recreation. Coligny Beach is the island’s most popular destination with family-friendly amenities, shops, and dining nearby. For a quieter experience, visitors enjoy Folly Field Beach, Driessen Beach, and Islanders Beach Park, each with convenient access and scenic coastal views. Burkes Beach is a favorite for biking, while Fish Haul Beach Park highlights the island’s natural beauty and wildlife. Whether you’re seeking lively activity or peaceful seclusion, Hilton Head beaches deliver the perfect Lowcountry coastal experience.
Hilton Head Island is home to over 12 miles of soft, sandy shoreline. Whether you are seeking a quiet sunrise walk, an active afternoon of water sports, or a family-friendly day by the waves, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you. The island’s beaches are renowned for their natural beauty, gentle tides, and clean, well-maintained access points, making it easy for both locals and visitors to enjoy the coastal lifestyle.
To the right, you’ll find details on the island’s public beach access locations, including amenities, parking information, and special features. Each access point offers its own charm, so you can explore and find the stretch of sand that feels most like “yours.”
Coligny Beach Park
Located off Coligny Circle
Perhaps Hilton Head’s most well-known beach, Coligny pairs wide sandy shores with plenty of nearby dining and shopping. You’ll find free parking, restrooms, outdoor showers, seasonal lifeguards, and beach rentals. It’s the perfect place for a lively day in the heart of the island.
Islanders Beach Park
94 Folly Field Rd – off Folly Field Road
A favorite for locals thanks to its quieter atmosphere, Islanders Beach Park offers a boardwalk, shaded picnic pavilion, and playground. Restrooms, outdoor showers, and seasonal lifeguards are available. Parking is permit-only, keeping the crowds to a minimum.
Folly Field Beach Park
55 Starfish Dr – off Folly Field Road
Known for its convenient boardwalk and easy beach rentals, Folly Field is a versatile choice for both active beachgoers and those looking to relax. Metered parking, restrooms, outdoor showers, and seasonal lifeguards make for a stress-free visit.
Fish Haul Beach Park
124 Mitchelville Rd – off Beach City Road
For those seeking a more natural and secluded beach experience, Fish Haul offers sweeping views and peaceful surroundings. This beach has free parking, restrooms, and outdoor showers. It’s ideal for quiet walks, shell collecting, and birdwatching.
Burkes Beach Access
60 Burkes Beach Rd – at the end of Burkes Beach Road
A hidden gem popular with kiteboarders and those looking for a more open stretch of sand. Amenities include metered parking and outdoor showers, with easy access to mid-island neighborhoods.
Alder Lane Beach Access
2 Woodward Ave – off South Forest Beach Drive
A smaller, charming access point that feels tucked away, Alder Lane features metered parking, restrooms, outdoor showers, and seasonal lifeguards. It’s a great option for a quieter South End day at the beach.
Driessen Beach Park
64 Bradley Beach Rd – at the end of Bradley Beach Road
Perfect for family gatherings, Driessen offers a long boardwalk, playground, grill and picnic pavilion, plus beach rentals. Meter and permit parking are available along with restrooms, outdoor showers, and seasonal lifeguards.
Private & Resort Community Beach Access
In addition to Hilton Head’s public parks, several premier gated and resort communities offer exclusive beach access reserved for residents and registered guests. These private amenities provide quieter stretches of shoreline, convenient boardwalks, and an elevated coastal experience.
Port Royal
Resident-only beach access within a fully private oceanfront community
Port Royal offers direct boardwalks to uncrowded shoreline reserved for homeowners and registered guests. Coveted for privacy, coastal serenity, and true resident-only access on Hilton Head Island.
Hilton Head Plantation – Dolphin Head Park
Private waterfront park overlooking Port Royal Sound
This residents-only park features scenic trails, picnic space, and sweeping water views. A peaceful setting for sunrise walks, dolphin watching, and enjoying Hilton Head’s natural beauty.
Shipyard
Oceanfront Beach Club with private community access
Shipyard offers a blend of convenience and exclusivity, with direct beach access and an oceanfront Beach Club for residents and guests. Ideal for gatherings, events, or relaxed days by the water.
Palmetto Dunes Resort
Three miles of premier oceanfront access
Palmetto Dunes provides multiple access points along three miles of shoreline. The Dunes House offers oceanfront dining and a direct boardwalk to the sand, while leisure trails connect neighborhoods seamlessly to the beach.
Leamington
Private Beach Pavilion and boardwalks reserved for owners
This gated enclave within Palmetto Dunes offers a secluded shoreline with resident-only beach access. The private Beach Pavilion and peaceful boardwalks define Leamington’s elevated coastal lifestyle.
Sea Pines Resort
Five miles of pristine beaches with oceanfront amenities
Sea Pines homeowners and guests enjoy direct boardwalks and Beach Clubs along five miles of shoreline. With dining, gathering spaces, and panoramic Atlantic views, it offers the quintessential Hilton Head beach experience.