Hilton Head Beaches

Even though beach access is private at many places, all Hilton Head beaches are public from the ocean to the high water mark.

Public beach access is available at Alder Lane Beach Access, off South Forest Beach Drive; Coligny Beach Park, off Coligny Circle; Fish Haul Park, at the end of Beach City Road; Driessen Beach Park, at the end of Bradley Beach Road; Burkes Beach Access, at the end of Burkes Beach Road; Folly Field Beach Park, off Folly Field Road; and Islanders Beach Park, off Folly Field Road.

Go and enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of Hilton Head Island beaches while having a cocktail at the Tiki Hut and watching the locals play volleyball or dine at an oceanfront restaurant featuring Low Country favorites.

Town Of Hilton Head Island Beach Regulations

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department patrols the beaches and enforces all beach regulations. Violators of beach regulations are subject to fines up to $500 per each offense.

The following are PROHIBITED on all beaches:
Alcoholic liquor, beer, wine
Glass (bottles, containers, etc.)
Littering
Indecent exposure (nudity)
Disorderly conduct
Disturbing the peace
Unauthorized vehicles
Fires and Fireworks
Shark Fishing
Removal, harming or harassment of any live beach fauna (sea turtles, sand dollars, conchs, starfish, etc.)
Removal, alteration, or damage to dunes, sea oats, or other dune flora
Operation, launching, or landing of unauthorized motorized watercraft
Unauthorized commercial activity
Sleeping on the beach between midnight and 6 a.m.
Unauthorized wearing of lifeguard emblems, insignias, etc.
Solicitation or distribution of handouts
Kites not under manual control
Stunt kites 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. April 1 through September 30
Sand-sailing

For the added protection of sunbathers and swimmers, the following activities are prohibited in Designated Swimming Areas between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. April 1 through September 30:

Fishing or surf casting
Surfboards, boogie boards, etc.
Frisbees or other team sports involving a ball
Games with metal components

Animals on the Beach

Are not permitted - Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day
Must be on a leash
- Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. April 1 through Thursday before Memorial Day
- Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday after Labor Day through September 30
- Must be on leash or under positive voice control at all other times.
Persons in control of animals on the beach are required to remove and properly dispose of the animal's excrement.