Hilton Head is known for its beautiful beaches, and there are so many fun things to do when you spend the day at one of them! From the ocean to the high water mark, all of the beaches are public, but access to it is often private. This can make finding a parking spot and getting to the beach itself tricky if you don’t know where to go. To help you make the most of your trip, here is a guide to all the Hilton Head public beaches.
1. Public Beach Access
Although Hilton Head Island has more private beaches than some surrounding coastal areas, there are lots of public beach options available for you to visit. The town of Hilton Head Island provides beach accesses at the following locations:
- Alder Lane Beach Access: off South Forest Beach Drive
- Burkes Beach Access: at the end of Burkes Beach Road
- Chaplin Community Park: off of William Hilton Parkway
- Coligny Beach Park: off Coligny Circle
- Driessen Beach Park: at the end of Bradley Beach Road
- Fish Haul Park: at the end of Beach City Road
- Folly Field Beach Park: off Folly Field Road
- Islanders Beach Park: off Folly Field Road
- Mitchelville Beach Park: off Beach City Road
2. Designated Swimming Areas
Alder, Coligny, Driessen, Folly Field, and Islanders beaches all have official designated swimming areas. When you visit, you’ll see the boundaries for these areas clearly marked on the beach as well as in the water. Hilton Head Island’s official beach season is April 1st through September 30th. During this time, lifeguards are stationed in each of the designated swimming areas.
3. Parking and Facilities
One of the main concerns people have when visiting Hilton Head public beaches is where to park. At Fish Haul Park, Mitchelville Park, and Coligny Beach Park, the parking is free. Handicap parking is also available at no extra fee at all beach parks. Alder Lane has 23 metered spaces, Folly Field has 54 metered spaces, and Burkes Beach Road has 13 metered spaces. The parking fee for metered spaces at Alder Lane, Folly Field, and Burkes Beach Road is a quarter for every 15 minutes. There are also 207 spaces at Driessen Beach Park that cost a quarter for every 30 minutes during the week. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., parking at Driessen Beach Parks is reserved for annual beach passes. Parking spaces at Islanders Beach Park are always reserved for annual beach passes.
4. Where to Stay
If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay for your beach vacation, our Hilton Head vacation rentals are the way to go! Each one comes with its own set of amenities from a fully equipped kitchen to a washer and dryer. You can also select rentals with special, luxury amenities like your own private pool, whirlpools or spas, and more!
They also offer private beach access and are within walking distance to the gorgeous white sands and emerald waters! Be sure to learn more about the Hilton Head public beaches and parks before your visit so that you can make the most of your trip!
