Everyone's vision of "beach life" my vary, but no matter what your vision is you will be sure to find the Beaches of Hilton Head Island, SC have everuniversal appeal.
This sun-splashed playground, shaped like a shoe, is loaded with sands, surfing, swimming, sailing, sea shells and countless other hidden gems that we want to help you discover during your time here at Hilton Head Island.
SOUTH BEACH – SEA PINES
Sea Pines Resort is the grand daddy of them all, being the first development of Charles Fraser and forever anchoring Hilton Head Island as one of the premier vacation destinations in the world. South beach offers many unique water sports, including kayaking, sport fishing, stand up paddle boarding, parasailing, dinner cruises, pirate cruises and so much more.
Home to The Salty Dog Café, South Beach is a prime location for great food, live entertainment, tennis and shopping. Sitting at the mouth of the Calibogue Sound, South Beach in Sea Pines offers seclusion and some wonderful opportunities to spot dolphins streaming up and down the coast feeding, plus countless sea turtle nests as thousands of sea turtles are hatched here every year.
Located at the “toe” of this shoe-shaped tropical paradise, this relaxing stretch of Hilton Head Beaches can be accessed even if you are not staying in Sea Pines for your vacation rental. There are two gate access points and for a $6 per vehicle entrance fee you can visit South Beach Marina.
Alder Lane Beach Access
Alder Lane Beach Access is where the now annual Hilton Head Lantern Parade begins. It’s just outside the gates of Sea Pines on the South end of Hilton Head Island.
Alder is a perfect beach access for local residents and those not staying inside resorts with direct beach access. A nice quite stretch of beach perfect for a stroll, swimming, or a nice family day at the beach absorbing the warm breeze and soothing Summer sun.
Coligny Beach
The Hub for locals and tourists alike. Coligny Beach Access is directly adjacent to Coligny Plaza and is the center piece for the 2.6 Million annual visitors to Hilton Head Island. Home to local shops, restaurants, live entertainment and coming Summer 2020 the New Low Country Celebration Park.
The Lowcountry Celebration Park includes: a large lawn and stage to accommodate festivals, concerts and other gatherings; a destination playground with an iconic ship playground; the Sandbox Children's Museum; walking trails and boardwalks; exercise stations; additional parking and; improved access to Beach Parking. The park is located between the Circle Center Shopping Center and the Beach Parking lot at the end of Pope Avenue.
Coligny offers a Splash pad that is a hit with kids and the young at heart. It’s the unofficial “down town” of Hilton Head Island. Great of the morning job, the afternoon volleyball game, the beverage and live music of the Tike Hut bar and grill, or just a perfect day to do all those “beach” activities that we all love to do with family and friends alike.
North Forest Beach
Great for a day at the beach to swim, walk, surf or people watch. Nestled just North of Coligny Plaza, this vacation rental hot spot is located close to over 100 shopping and dining options within short walk or quick bike ride.
One of the oldest neighborhoods on Hilton Head Island, North Forest Beach is known to have some of the best waves for surfing on Hilton Head Island.
There's a great mix of rental options too, from quaint beach cottages to large, up to date, modern houses...yet all within a small community feel. This is a one mile stretch of beach that runs from Coligny Plaza all the way to Sonesta Resort that is located behind the gates of Shipyard Plantation.
Burkes Beach
One of my personal favorites, Burkes Beach is located at the north end of Chaplin Community Park.
Chaplin is where many of the locals hold recreational activities...from Tennis, to Basketball, Soccer, Softball and of course a fantastic playground for the kids. Plus there is a walking trail and a fenced in dog-park. If you don't know its there you're likely to miss it driving down Business 278.
Burkes Beach is also known as a great surfing beach for local surfers and boogie boarders alike . It's also one of the preferred beaches for dog lovers. Hilton Head Island is very accommodating to our canine family, allowing dogs on the beach year round, and they allow of leash during off peak months!
You'll find this local treasure just North of Palmetto Dunes and look for Burkes Beach Road.
Driessen Beach
Driessen Beach is our family's personal favorite public beach access point on Hilton Head Island! We literally have our very own parking spot just next to the covered Pavilions and the playground.
This is one of the most popular spots for locals that live close to Hilton Head Island in the surrounding areas of Bluffton, Hardeeville and Savannah that come in for day trips at the beach. This spot is great for sunning, swimming, grilling and just playing at the beach.
Dreissen is beautiful as well, in that the long boardwalk connects the white sand beach to the maritime forest. Be sure to stop on the boardwalk and look down to see all the life taking place in the marsh...fiddler crabs, egrets and blue crabs...the kids will love it.
One great aspect of this stretch of beach is the wide shoreline that leaves plenty of room to spread out and during low tide the ocean floor is flat and nicely compact. The waves are kid friendly and just big enough to boogie board and skim board. It's always perfect for wading or sitting in beach chair in the water.
There are pavilions with grills, a large playground, restrooms and showers. One thing though is you do have to pay for parking if you are not a local resident that has a parking pass. It's definitely worth checking out. You'll find Driessen Beach at the end of Bradley Beach Road.
Folly Field Beach
Known as “the couples” beach, Folly Field is another locals favorite. Convenient parking, and tucked in the quant neighborhood of Folly Field, this off the beaten path public beach access is often overlooked by comparison to the plantations and resorts.
This stretch of Hilton Head Island beach is great for walking, surfing and biking on the compact sand. It definitely has more of a “locals” feel, especially in the off season and slower months. Driessen Beach is relatively quiet and makes for a great day with family, friends or the special someone to just hang out and take in all the beauty and nature of this low country gem.
There are several outdoor bars where you can grab your favorite drink & a bite to eat at Jamaica Joe’z or The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa. There is limited parking and if you are not an Hilton Head Island resident with the annual beach pass you will be required to purchase a parking pass at the kiosk.
Islander's Beach
The name says it all…this beach is very much “the locals” beach. Known for swimming, this locals favorite recently earned a high ranking in Coastal Living magazines Top 21 beaches on the East Coast. Islander’s Beach is quiet and less crowded than most Hilton Head Island Beaches. If you are looking to make a day at the beach and find spot to park and enjoy gently waves, smaller crowds and a swimmer friendly beach on Hilton Head, Islander’s Beach fits the bill.
Located just down the road from Folly Field Beach, this Hilton Head Island Beach is mostly reserved for residents and year round pass holders. You can access by foot if you are staying in one of the nearby rentals across the street.
Fish Haul Creek Beach Park
Probably the most overlooked beach on Hilton Head Island while at the same time it just might be the ONE beach you visit while you are hear. Known for it’s privacy, fishing and scenic walking, many islanders consider Fish Haul Creek beach our best kept secret.
Not only is it beautiful, but it is rich in history. You cannot separate the history of the South from Fish Haul Creek Beach Hilton Head. If you’ve been vacationing on Hilton Head Island for some time you may remember this used to be called Mitchelville Beach Park. It was a just a name change and it is still located at the end of Beach City road, adjacent to Barker’s Field.
Though it is not a place you would go to swim, it is a destination to spend a quiet, peaceful time combing the beach for sharks teeth, digging for clams, or simply getting lost in the stunning beauty and natural untouched landscape that screams “you are in The Low Country of South Carolina”.
While you are there, take the time to soak up the epic history of this area and dig a little deeper into Hilton Head Island roots by reading about Mitchelville…the first self-governing group of “un-owned people” during the American Civil War.
Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
When we first moved here I had always thought of Hilton Head Island as vacation paradise, but after living here for awhile I quickly discovered the deep and rich history of this Southern Jewel. Yes, Historic Mitchelville Freedom park is a fantastic beach for walking, birdwatching, clamming and fishing. But it’s so much more…it is forever etched in Human History as a marker of freedom for the human soul.
This is the ground where Americans who were born into slavery, became free during the US Civil War. At the time they were called “un-owned” and the Union Army won “The Battle of Port Royal” and let these former slaves become the first self-governed town of African Americans. If nothing else, this beach is worth a visit to experience a side of Hilton Head Island few vacationers ever have a chance to see.
This beach is located on the “heel” of the island and offers 31 acres of untouched and pristine nature with a trail, a marsh overlook and a private beach.
Dolphin Head / Pine Island
Sunsets, an evening walk, surf fishing, collecting shells or enjoying the park and playground with friends…whatever you choose, Dolphin Head Park in Hilton Head Plantation will not disappoint. Located at the Northern most tip of Hilton Head Island in Hilton Head Plantation, Dolphin Head beach sits right on the Port Royal Sound…and YES, you will see Dolphins feeding right off the shore.
There is a mile-long walking path along the Hilton Head Plantation residential homes heading South. There is also a very nice beach walk that wraps around Pine Island…this secluded, tree lined island has the feel of being castaway on an island you would find in the show Survivor. You can take a picnic, string up your hammock and enjoy the cool breeze, the soft sound of the waves lapping on shore and the soft sand in your toes. This is quite literally my favorite place to spend time on Hilton Head Island.
The only draw back is that it is an amenity for only the residents and guests of Hilton Head Plantation. The good news is…I can get you in when you plan a visit. Just let me know.
Serving Hilton Head Island | Bluffton | Hardeeville | Beaufort
David & Dale Cross,
Realtors & Real Estate Lifestyle Experts
Info@DavidDale.com
POWERED BY EXP REALTY LLC
Athena Barnhart - Broker In Charge
170 Meeting Street
Suite 304
Charleston, SC 29910
Real Estate License # South Carolina: 106929 | Georgia: 435182
55Places.com Partner Agents
Comments