Hilton Head Beaches - A Family Beach Vacation on Hilton Head Beaches

Notes on Safety:

Lifeguards are in designated swimming areas during the season – Memorial day well into October.

Emergency Markers are used to help you locate and be located if need be. You’ll see these signs near the sand dunes.

Beach Injuries from sunburn to jelly fish stings, this beach injury guide from The Hilton Head Regional Medical Center has you covered. Not a bad idea to print and keep.

Need more Hilton Head beach info?

• Shore Beach Services : (843) 785-3494

• Town of Hilton Head : (843) 342-4580

HOT TIP:

There is another almost hidden beach spot – Burke’s Beach. It’s located just south of Driessen Beach off Hwy. 278.

Burke's Beach has about a dozen metered parking spots on the street. It's off-the-beaten trail with no facilities to offer...but sometimes a quite spot like this can work well for ya'!

Explore the details of our Hilton Head beaches ... just click one of the links at the top of this page to explore info, pictures & more...

The Hilton Head beaches are right up there with golf and tennis as the crowning glory of our South Carolina vacation spot.

Hilton Head Island beaches hug our island like a sandy white halo. Over 12 miles of fine white sand stretch out over several beaches.

Here is Hilton Head’s beach breakdown:

These are the public beaches with easy parking - plus facilities like restrooms and showers:

• Coligny Beach

• Folly Field Beach

• Driessen Beach

• Alder Lane Beach

Hilton Head Beaches Exposed!

Hot Tips & Info for a better time on Hilton Head Beaches

HOT TIP:

Since there’s no booze on the beach - hit The Tiki Bar at The Holiday Inn Oceanfront. It's a nice spot to drink-in the vibe of Hilton Head beaches.

During The season it's also a good spot to people watch. This hotel beach bar it's one of only two public place you can drink adult beverages very close to the beach.

Let’s continue with the rules for animals – it’s safe to assume we speak mainly about doggies:

• From April to May - must be on a leash between 10 and 5.

• Memorial day to Labor day – not allowed on beach from 10-5.

• Labor day to October - must be on a leash between 10 and 5.

• October to March – no leash, but must be under voice control.

• Clean up after your little guys – no kicking it under the sand!

HOT TIP:

While Hilton Head is as close to heaven as you may ever find, please be aware of the potential for car break-ins.

Keeping valuables in your car while at the beach is never a good idea - no matter where you vacation. Better to leave expensive items like cameras at your hotel/villa or on your person.

Following are public beaches that allow only private access. Parking is “an issue” for visitors:

• Islanders Beach Park (residents only)

• Plantation Beaches (private access)

• Hotel Beaches (private access)

Public beach parking is metered. The lots include handicap parking for free…

For those in wheelchairs, the town of Hilton Head has been a bit pioneering in the use of beach mats over the sand. You can easily move a wheelchair along the initial path to the water using these paths.

Beach Rules and Regulations

Here is a quick overview of the most important (the fine print is posted on beach signs)…

• No alcohol – this is enforced. Fines go over $1000

• No glass containers

• No motorized vehicles – except wheelchairs

• Leave the wildlife alone & don’t litter

• No sleeping overnight, no fires or camping

• No Fishing, surfing Frisbee or ball playing in designated swim areas