Your Guide to Every Public Beach on Hilton Head Island

Whether you're searching for a lively beach with restaurants nearby or a quiet stretch of sand to watch the sunrise, Hilton Head Island offers over 12 miles of beautiful coastline and several public beach access points. Below is a guide to each public beach, including parking, amenities, and what makes each one unique.

Coligny Beach Park

Located in the heart of Hilton Head Island, Coligny Beach Park is the island's most popular beach destination. Its central location next to Coligny Plaza makes it easy to spend an entire day enjoying the beach, shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Location: Off Coligny Circle

Parking: Free

Amenities:

• Restrooms

• Outdoor showers

• Seasonal lifeguards

• Beach rentals

• Beach mats for accessibility

• Nearby restaurants and shopping

Best For: Families, first-time visitors, and anyone looking for a full beach-day experience.

Driessen Beach Park

Driessen Beach Park is one of Hilton Head's largest public beach parks and is a favorite for families thanks to its playground, picnic pavilion, and spacious boardwalk leading to the beach.

Location: 64 Bradley Beach Road

Parking: Metered and Permit Parking

Amenities:

• Restrooms

• Outdoor showers

• Seasonal lifeguards

• Beach rentals

• Boardwalk

• Picnic pavilion

• Grills

• Playground

Best For: Families, large groups, and full-day beach outings.

Folly Field Beach Park

Folly Field Beach Park offers a relaxed atmosphere with convenient amenities and easy beach access. It's a popular choice for visitors staying in nearby resorts and vacation rentals.

Location: 55 Starfish Drive

Parking: Metered

Amenities:

• Restrooms

• Outdoor showers

• Seasonal lifeguards

• Beach rentals

• Boardwalk

Best For: Families and visitors looking for a quieter alternative to Coligny.

Islanders Beach Park

Islanders Beach Park provides a peaceful beach experience with shaded picnic areas and direct beach access. Parking is reserved by permit, helping keep the beach less crowded.

Location: 94 Folly Field Road

Parking: Permit Only

Amenities:

• Restrooms

• Outdoor showers

• Seasonal lifeguards

• Boardwalk

• Picnic pavilion

• Grills

• Playground

Best For: Residents and those looking for a quieter beach.

Burkes Beach Access

Burkes Beach Access is one of Hilton Head's hidden gems. Without large crowds or extensive facilities, it's perfect for those looking for a peaceful walk along the shoreline.

Location: 60 Burkes Beach Road

Parking: Metered

Amenities:

• Outdoor showers

Best For: Walking, biking, shell collecting, and enjoying a quieter beach.

Alder Lane Beach Access

Conveniently located near South Forest Beach, Alder Lane Beach Access offers easy public access with all the essentials for a relaxing day by the ocean.

Location: 2 Woodward Avenue

Parking: Metered

Amenities:

• Restrooms

• Outdoor showers

• Seasonal lifeguards

Best For: South-end visitors, beach walks, and easy public access.

Fish Haul Beach Park

Located on the north end of Hilton Head Island, Fish Haul Beach Park is known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and peaceful setting. It's a favorite for photographers, birdwatchers, and anyone looking to experience a quieter side of the island.

Location: 124 Mitchelville Road

Parking: Free

Amenities:

• Restrooms

• Outdoor showers

Best For: Nature lovers, birdwatching, photography, and sunset walks.

Beach Rules & Parking Information

Before visiting Hilton Head Island's beaches, be sure to review the current beach regulations, including seasonal rules for dogs and other beach activities.

If you qualify, annual beach parking passes are available for select public beach parks.

Helpful Resources: