Hilton Head Island Travel Guide

Hilton Head Island Beaches

Public Beach Access on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island’s official beach season is April 1st through September 30th of each year. Many Hilton Head resorts offer private access to the beach, which is public from the ocean to the high water mark.

Other town beach public accesses are available at:

• Coligny Beach Park, a popular beach off Coligny Circle near the Holiday Inn


• Alder Lane Beach Access, off South Forest Beach Drive with 22 metered parking spaces


• Driessen Beach Park, at the end of Bradley Beach Road with 207 long term parking spaces


• Folly Field Beach Park, off Folly Field Road with 51 metered parking spaces


• Burkes Beach Access, at the end of Burkes Beach Road with 13 metered parking spaces


• Fish Haul Park on Port Royal Sound, at the end of Beach City Road with free parking


• Islanders Beach Park, off Folly Field Road with parking reserved for annual beach pass holders

Official swimming areas have been designated for the Alder, Coligny, Driessen, Folly Field, and Islanders beaches. During the beach season lifeguards are stationed in each of the designated swimming areas and other heavily populated beach areas. Check with a lifeguard before entering the water if a yellow caution flag is flying.

Animals on the Beach

Animals are not permitted on the beaches between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Animals must be on a leash between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. from April 1 through the Thursday before Memorial Day and the Tuesday after Labor Day through September 30. At all other times, animals must be on leash or under positive voice control. Any messes that animals make on the beach must be removed and disposed properly by the person(s) in control of the animals.

Additional Information

Map of Hilton Head Parks and Beaches - PDF
Beach Regulations - Prohibited Activities and Items