Being a local in Hilton Head has it’s struggles. How is one supposed to choose from the 250+ bars and restaurants to eat from? What are we supposed to do in the near-perfect yearly average temperature of 76 degrees? Will we be able to decide on one of the 24 championship golf courses to play? All jokes aside, we’ve got it pretty good. However, one choice to make for many vacationers and locals alike is which beach to go to. From the outside, it may seem like our 12 miles of beautiful Atlantic Beach are pretty similar in each area but there are some key differences to each. From public to private, soft sand to hard sand, beach bars to low key, we have it all.
Our most popular public beach is Coligny Beach. Located at the end of Pope Avenue, this hot spot is perfect for all ages. The boardwalk is clean with public restrooms and children’s play fountain areas. Free public parking is across the street and restaurants/shops surround the area. Take a stop at the Tiki Hut for an adult beverage and lunch overlooking the beach or enjoy an active day playing beach volleyball at one of the many courts. Rent a bike nearby and bike for miles along the water (yes, our sand is so compact you can bike the beach!)
For a quieter day, choose Burkes Beach. Ample parking and a low key atmosphere with a soccer field nearby, tennis courts, and dog park bordering the beach (dogs are not permitted on the beach from Memorial Day through Labor day during 10am-5pm). You’ll be able to find restrooms here as well as wash-off points to leave the beach here instead of in the car. You won’t find massive crowds or bungalow services but you will find a friendly and causal beach experience. A short walk from Cocos On The Beach in one direction or the Westin incase you are feeling thirsty for an island treat too.
Not everyone enjoys laying out in the sun for hours or the vacationers with coolers. For those who enjoy the beach but can’t sit still, Mitchelville Beach is a great place to take a walk, run, shell hunting, or observe wildlife. Located at 124 Mitchelville Road, this beach is a secluded nature-lovers paradise that isn’t known by all. Here you’ll find birds flying through the marshes, tons of unique shells to sort through, animal tracks, and different treasures washed ashore. Even on the busiest day, you could walk down the beach and not pass another person. Free parking and bathrooms await, and the beach is just steps from the car- an easier alternative for those who cannot walk long distance too. One of my personal favorite things to do is watch the planes fly low over the beach since the airport just is nearby. Wave to the new set of visitors coming onto our island each day.
There are some beaches on Hilton Head that are private or semi-private (pay to get in). One beach that is worth visiting if you have not been before is at the Sea Pines Beach Club. Accessible through the Sea Pines Plantation gate for a small daily fee (currently $8), you’ll find a beautiful indoor/outdoor restaurant right on the beach with a beach bar overlooking the gentle waves and colored umbrellas. Fire pits on the deck in the winter and cool drinks in the summer, the Sea Pines Beach Club is a great place for the family year round. Enjoy swimming or lounging in the water on hot days (did you know the ocean temperature in the summertime gets to around 88 degrees?) If you’re staying in Sea Pines, park your bike at the club and grab some ice cream. Outdoor bathrooms and showers are located on property as well as a beach store in case you forgot your sunscreen. Parking the car can be limited but there is overflow parking across the street. Depending on the season, parking may be an extra fee.
In addition to these beaches, there are a number of other great sandy spots to catch a great tan, enjoy a beverage, or get active. The best part about having all of our different beaches is that you get to make it what you want. We take pride in our beaches and our natural setting- with many locals contributing and advocating the protection of our dolphins, sea turtles, sand dollars, and so much more. Enjoy!
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