This barrier island along South Carolina's coast has 12 miles of Atlantic beaches, 24 golf courses, and more than 60 miles of cycling paths through pine forests.
Hilton Head Island, a barrier island in South Carolina, has 12 miles of Atlantic beaches where you can watch dolphins play in the waves, walk through maritime forests, or tee off at Harbour Town Golf Links. You'll find local Gullah craftspeople weaving sweetgrass baskets at the Coastal Discovery Museum, families cycling on 60 miles of paved trails, and kayakers paddling alongside great blue herons in Port Royal Sound. The island's strict building codes keep structures under five stories tall, preserving the natural canopy of pine trees, magnolias, and oak trees.
Getting to Hilton Head Island
Drive to Hilton Head Island via I-95 to Exit 8, then take Route 278 East directly to the island. The Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) connects to Charlotte and Atlanta, while the larger Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is 45 miles south. From Savannah's airport, you can reach the island in about an hour by car, taxi, or shuttle service.
Weather and Best Times to Visit
Plan your visit during April, May, September, or October when temperatures range from 70-80°F (21-27°C), making it comfortable for beach activities with smaller crowds and lower accommodation rates. Summer temperatures reach 90°F (32°C) with higher humidity and more visitors. Winter stays mild at around 60°F (16°C), suitable for golf, biking, and beach walks.
Exploring the Beaches
Access the Atlantic shoreline through several public entry points. Coligny Beach Park has restrooms, outdoor showers, and wooden gazebos for shade. Driessen Beach Park includes a playground and picnic areas, while Alder Lane Beach Access has a boardwalk through the dunes. Rent chairs and umbrellas at beach rental stations, and fish or surf in designated areas.
Golf Experience
Play at more than 20 championship courses across the island. The Harbour Town Golf Links, home to the annual RBC Heritage PGA tournament, requires precise shots through its narrow fairways lined with pine trees. At Palmetto Dunes, the Robert Trent Jones course includes a par-5 hole overlooking the Atlantic, and the Arthur Hills course winds through salt marshes and live oak forests.
Wildlife and Nature
Paddle through salt marshes on guided kayak tours to spot bottlenose dolphins and great blue herons. Walk the trails at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge's 4,053 acres, where you might see white ibis, painted bunting, and other coastal birds. The Coastal Discovery Museum's walking paths lead through a butterfly garden and past century-old live oaks draped with Spanish moss.
Local Food Scene
Try Lowcountry specialties like shrimp and grits or the traditional Lowcountry boil - a one-pot meal of shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage seasoned with Old Bay. Many restaurants at Shelter Cove Marina and South Beach Marina serve fresh-caught fish and shellfish with views of boats coming in from the day's catch.
Getting Around
Rent bikes to explore 60 miles of paved trails connecting beaches, shopping areas, and attractions. The flat terrain makes cycling easy for all ages. By car, you can reach most island locations within 30 minutes. During peak season, catch the Breeze trolley between popular spots like Coligny Plaza and Shelter Cove.
