Hilton Head Tours

South Carolina coast · Hilton Head Island

12 Miles of Public Beach and 60 Miles of Bike Paths on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head sits on the South Carolina coast, about 17 miles east of I-95 Exit 8 via Highway 278 and the Intracoastal Waterway bridges. All 12 miles of shoreline are public up to the high-tide line, and beach parks like Coligny have restrooms and showers. Sea Pines, home to the 90-foot Harbour Town Lighthouse, needs a gate pass to enter. Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park marks the first self-governing Freedmen's Village in the US.

Browse tours & activities
  • I-95 Exit 8, then Highway 278 east
  • Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH), 5 miles
  • Beaches public to the high-tide line
  • Sea Pines entry by gate pass

Why visit Hilton Head

  1. Living Gullah heritage

    Tour with guides of Gullah heritage, visit the Gullah Museum founded by Louise Miller Cohen and walk Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park.

  2. Cycling on the sand

    Beyond the paved paths, families can ride bikes along the hard-packed beach at low tide.

  3. Loggerhead turtle hatchlings

    From May through October, visitors may spot loggerhead hatchlings or their tracks in the sand.

  4. Daufuskie Island by ferry

    An express ferry crosses to Daufuskie; rent a golf cart on arrival or bring your bike on board.

  5. Coastal Discovery Museum

    Programmes on local ecosystems and history, plus basket weaving with local Gullah artisans.

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Things to do in Hilton Head Island

Where to stay

Sea Pines

Golfers and anglers

Gated community on the island's south end with shaded bike paths, beachfront homes, Harbour Town's lighthouse and yacht basin, and South Beach's Salty Dog.

Quick pick

Palmetto Dunes

Nature lovers

Gated resort community mid-island with old trees, shaded bike and walking paths, and far more beachfront condos than Sea Pines.

Quick pick

Shelter Cove

Boat trips and dining

Waterfront area within Palmetto Dunes with restaurants, shopping, boat tours and water activities.

Quick pick

Shipyard

Tennis players

Plantation community that one guide rates as the island's top base for tennis.

Quick pick

When to go

  1. March–May

    Often called the best time to visit: pleasant weather and peak festival season, including the Wine and Food Festival and the RBC Heritage PGA Tour event.

  2. June–August

    Busiest and hottest months, with peak crowds and warm ocean swimming. Turtle-nesting beach rules apply and hurricane season begins in June.

  3. September–November

    Ocean stays warm into October and crowds thin. Crescendo arts festival and the Concours d'Elegance car show; November is among the driest months. Hurricane risk peaks to mid-October.

  4. December–February

    The quietest time of year, suited to a calm, uncrowded stay.

Tips before you go

  • You need a gate pass to enter Sea Pines by car, bike or on foot, and resort guests get two free passes.
  • Park in the free public lot across from Coligny Beach Park; other beach lots take cash or card.
  • Alcohol is banned on public beaches, and South Carolina liquor stores close on Sundays, though some supermarkets sell beer and wine.
  • Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) is 5 miles from the resorts, while Savannah's airport (SAV) is about 45 miles away.
  • During turtle nesting season, cover or switch off beach-visible lights from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and fill in any holes you dig.

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