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How to Master Hilton Head Roads and a Link to the Detailed Hilton Head Island Map
This page features a link to a Hilton Head Island Map to help you find your way around our vacation paradise. Just click here or on the picture to the right.
We also have included basic tips for mastering Hilton Head’s roadways, along with traffic circles, The Cross Island Expressway, Hwy. 278 and more.
When many first visit, a common thing we hear is “Where is everything!”
Yes, the town of Hilton Head has done a good job of keeping trees and other greenery everywhere. Some signs, buildings and other locations can be hidden pretty well - on purpose.
This can make finding locations tough, especially when it's dark ... so study our Hilton Head Island map & lets make it easy.
The Main Roads
Highway 278 runs from Exit 8 off I-95 in South Carolina - to the Sea Pines Circle on Hilton Head. It’s key to getting anywhere on the island.
Hwy. 278 starts in Hardeeville, goes through Okatie, then Bluffton and finally to Hilton Head. On Hilton Head, Hwy. 278 is like the “spine” of the island and it connects with every other main Hilton Head road.
Palmetto Bay Road on Hilton Head’s south-end goes from The Cross Island Expressway to The Sea Pines Circle.
Pope Avenue is also on the southern part of the Hilton Head Island map. It gets you to the Coligny Beach area and intersects with 278 at the Sea Pines Circle.
North & South Forest Beach both connect to Coligny Circle and Pope Ave. These streets run parallel to the ocean.
Sea Pines, Shipyard and Palmetto Dunes, the main vacation-friendly plantations, have there own major roads.
Sea Pines Circle and Coligny Circle
While on the island, you will no doubt end up in one of our traffic circles.
If it isn’t the Sea Pines or Coligny circles,it may be inside or at the entrance to one of Hilton Head’s Plantations. A look at a Hilton Head Island map reveals more than a few of these circles.
The idea is simple: Traffic flows in & out from 4 intersections and it goes to the right, counter-clockwise,
The vehicles that enter before you getting the right of way. Once you’re in motion you have the right of way. Never stop in a traffic circle
Before getting into the circle, know your exit point! This will dictate if you stay in the outer lane (exiting quickly), or inner lane (exiting later).
Our last tip: operate your vehicle in a defensive manner. You’ll see many out-of-state vehicles “driving blind” in the circles – not knowing what to do. This causes frequent accidents, even with clear signage and constant circle upgrades.
So be alert and know the rules. Study the Hilton Head Island Map and you will be ahead of the game.
The Cross Island Expressway
Once over the bridge to Hilton Head & a mile or so down Hwy. 278, you’ll find the Cross Island Expressway. Take it if you want to get to the south-end of the island more quickly, while sometimes avoiding traffic.
The Cross Island is a bypass of what is officially known as Business 278. It’s a good idea to take this pleasant expressway during big Hilton Head events, like Heritage Golf, as well as during busy traffic hours.
There is an electronic message sign set-up right before the entrance to suggest when you might consider taking this toll road. It will take you about 10 minutes to get from the entrance of the Cross Island to Palmetto Bay Road on the island’s south-end.
Keep in mind a one-way trip costs $1. Many locals have opted for an electronic pass which cuts the travel cost down to 50 cents each way.
If the roads seem clear once on the island, save yourself the dollar and drive the regular “Business 278” route. During times with no heavy traffic you won’t save more than a few minutes taking one over the other.
Critical Vehicle Tip
The plantations on Hilton Head generally do not allow or heavily restrict entrance by motorcycles, RV’s and cars & trucks with sign or ads on them. If needed, look into this info when you’re planning your trip.
Dont forget to check out and print a copy of our Hilton Head Island map. The detailed Hilton Head map page also has tips on how to travel to Hilton Head by train, bus & boat.
