There’s a beach for every type of traveler on Hilton Head Island.

Fact checked by

Jillian Dara

Hilton Head Island is a blissful year-round beach paradise off the coast of South Carolina. More than 12 miles of uninterrupted sand beaches are ideal for long romantic walks, family bike rides, and exciting wildlife viewing.

Though Hilton Head has seen an influx of beachfront housing and resort developments, eco-friendly and aesthetic guidelines still limit all buildings to five stories in height. Restrictions on light and motorized watersports curb sound and light pollution, offering visitors and locals the perfect star-studded night skies and small-town tranquility.

Most of the beaches on Hilton Head are connected, creating the image of one long white sand coastline. When it’s low tide, hop on a bike and head out to explore all the beaches in an afternoon. Here are some of the best beaches on Hilton Head Island for every type of vacationer.

Folly Field Beach Park

Popular with locals as well as visitors, Folly Field is a public beach that offers plenty of room to spread out. The sand is clean and beautiful, and the sunrise here is worth waking up for.

Amenities include nearby parking, restrooms, outdoor showers, water stations, and a lifeguard station. There is also a ramp to push strollers and for handicap access.

The Beach at The Westin

Located at the backside of Port Royal Plantation, next to a quiet residential area, The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa offers a full-service oceanfront experience without having to worry about finding parking or large crowds. Access to the secluded beach is limited to Westin hotel guests, as well as beach club members. Because of its exclusive access, you will find more private space to stretch out in a luxurious private cabana with a cold cocktail. After a refreshing swim, you can paddleboard or kayak in the Atlantic Ocean, and then head up directly to your room for an afternoon siesta.

Coligny Beach

If you are not staying at one of the beachfront resorts on the island, you can still find similar facilities at the lively Coligny Beach. The family-friendly public beach offers clean restrooms, private changing stations, and lots of porch swings to relax in the shade. Coligny is a short walking distance to some of the most popular beachside bars on Hilton Head Island, as well as the 10-acre Lowcountry Celebration Park. Here, you can enjoy the Hilton Head Island Children’s Museum and a playground featuring a kid-friendly replica of Captain William Hilton’s historic ship that took him to the island centuries ago.

Islanders Beach

People who live on Hilton Head try to keep Islanders Beach a local secret. This is where you can experience a typical local atmosphere, watching residents spending the day with their families and dogs. There are grills for cooking your fresh catch and a picnic pavilion to enjoy an afternoon dining by the water.

Parking is by permit only, with some metered spaces available, so it’s advisable to ride a bike directly to the beach.

Driessen Beach

The south end of the island is generally more crowded in the summer, making Driessen Beach a preferred spot among locals. There is a long boardwalk over a salt marsh for easy access to the beach, as well as ample sand for a game of beach volleyball. With plenty of shells, nesting crabs, and a playground, Driessen’s sandy beach is perfect for keeping the children entertained. It is advisable to wear shoes to protect your feet on the boardwalk and shell areas.

Singleton Beach

Even during high tide, Singleton Beach still maintains a large spread of sand. Located in the middle of the island, it is also a popular hangout for locals. Bring a cooler and snacks, and enjoy the scenery revealing colorful corals, loggerhead sea turtles, pelicans, snowy egrets, bald eagles, and dolphins.

The sea turtle nesting season along South Carolina’s coast runs from May through October. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may witness hundreds of turtle nests on the beach or see baby hatchlings making their way to the sea.