Hilton Head Island is a coastal treasure that blends the soothing sounds of gentle waves with the pristine beauty of sun-kissed shores. Located along South Carolina’s scenic coastline, this beloved barrier island offers a world-class beach experience for residents and visitors alike. With 12 miles of soft white sand and thoughtful amenities, Hilton Head invites everyone to relax, explore, and create lasting memories in one of the most celebrated beach destinations in the U.S.
Nationally Ranked Coastal Paradise
Consistently recognized for its beauty and hospitality, Hilton Head Island has earned top honors from travel giants like Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, both of which have named it the #1 Island in the United States. These accolades aren’t just about the breathtaking beaches—they reflect the overall experience, which combines well-maintained shorelines, crystal-clear waters, and a deeply rooted culture of conservation and care.
Seven Beach Access Points for Every Kind of Visitor
Exploring Hilton Head’s beaches is easy thanks to seven public access points, each offering its own unique charm and amenities:
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Alder Lane Beach Access: Located on South Forest Beach Drive, this spot includes parking, showers, restrooms, and wheelchair-accessible mats.
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Coligny Beach Park: The crown jewel of Hilton Head’s beaches, located near Coligny Circle. Offers free parking, showers, restrooms, shaded seating, wheelchair access, and a Breeze trolley stop.
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Fish Haul Beach Park: Found on Mitchelville Road, this park is quieter and perfect for those looking to connect with nature. It includes restrooms, parking, and showers.
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Driessen Beach Park: A family favorite with a playground, showers, picnic tables, and ample parking.
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Burkes Beach Access: A more serene location near Chaplin Park, great for those seeking a peaceful beach experience.
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Folly Field Beach Park: Offers restrooms, outdoor showers, and wheelchair beach mats.
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Islanders Beach Park: The most amenity-rich option with showers, restrooms, grills, picnic pavilions, a playground, and full wheelchair accessibility.
Note: While Coligny Beach Park has free parking, most other locations now require a parking fee.
Protecting Sea Turtles—A Shared Responsibility
From May through October, Hilton Head’s beaches become crucial nesting grounds for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. During this season, female turtles return to their birthplace to lay eggs in carefully constructed nests above the high tide line.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island, each nest is identified, marked, and monitored daily. These volunteers play a critical role in ensuring hatchlings reach the ocean safely. Residents and guests are also encouraged to do their part by:
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Avoiding artificial light near the beach at night
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Filling in holes and knocking down sandcastles
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Removing trash and obstacles from the beach
Together, these small actions help safeguard a fragile species for future generations.
Accessibility for All: Inclusive Beach Experiences
Hilton Head Island is committed to ensuring that everyone can enjoy its breathtaking beaches. All seven public beach access locations are equipped with special mobility mats, providing stable, sand-level pathways for individuals using wheelchairs or mobility aids.
For even greater accessibility, the Beach Wheelchair Program at Coligny Beach Park and Islanders Beach Park offers specially designed beach wheelchairs with wide, durable wheels that easily navigate sandy terrain. This innovative program makes it possible for guests with mobility challenges to experience the ocean’s edge comfortably and safely.
A Coastal Destination for Everyone
Whether you’re chasing the sunrise, savoring an ocean breeze, or marveling at a turtle hatchling’s first journey to sea, Hilton Head Island’s beaches offer more than just beauty—they offer belonging. With exceptional care for nature, a deep commitment to inclusivity, and world-renowned shoreline experiences, Hilton Head welcomes you to discover why this island continues to top “best beach” lists year after year.
