Resort-oriented barrier island featuring Atlantic beaches, golf courses, maritime forests, nature preserves, and an extensive network of recreational trails.
General Information
Public areas, beaches, and outdoor spaces accessible year-round
Individual attractions, tours, and activities priced separately
How to Get There
From Charleston, SC (≈95 mi): Take US‑17 S or I‑26 W to I‑95 S, then exit onto US‑278 E and follow it across the bridge directly onto the island.
Overview
Hilton Head Island, sometimes referred to as simply Hilton Head, is a Lowcountry resort town and barrier island in Beaufort County, South Carolina. It is 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Savannah, Georgia, and 95 miles (153 km) southwest of Charleston. The island is named after Captain William Hilton, who in 1663 identified a headland near the entrance to Port Royal Sound, which mapmakers named "Hilton's Headland." The island features 12 miles (19 km) of beachfront on the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular vacation destination.
Things to Do
Relax on World-Famous Beaches
Hilton Head Island is one of the premier beach destinations in the United States, offering more than 12 miles of beautiful Atlantic coastline. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, paddleboarding, and breathtaking ocean views while exploring some of the most scenic beaches in South Carolina.
Explore the Island by Bike
Hilton Head Island is renowned for its extensive network of more than 60 miles of paved multi-use pathways. Visitors can easily bike between beaches, parks, shopping districts, and natural areas while enjoying the island's scenic maritime forests and coastal landscapes.
Visit Harbour Town and the Iconic Lighthouse
Harbour Town is one of the island's most recognizable attractions, featuring the famous red-and-white Harbour Town Lighthouse, waterfront shops, restaurants, and marina views. Visitors can climb the lighthouse, learn about local history, and enjoy views of Calibogue Sound and Daufuskie Island.
Enjoy Wildlife Viewing and Nature Experiences
The island's beaches, salt marshes, lagoons, and maritime forests provide habitat for dolphins, sea turtles, alligators, shorebirds, egrets, herons, and numerous other species. Eco-tours, dolphin cruises, kayaking excursions, and birdwatching opportunities are available throughout the year.
Play Golf and Experience Resort Recreation
Hilton Head Island is internationally known for its championship golf courses, including several designed by world-renowned architects. Visitors can also enjoy tennis, pickleball, boating, fishing charters, spas, shopping, and a variety of outdoor recreation activities.
Top Trails
Sea Pines Forest Preserve Trail System
Length: Variable distances available
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Located within Sea Pines Resort, these trails pass through forests, wetlands, boardwalks, and lakes while providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore historic sites, wildflower habitats, and scenic natural areas.
Hilton Head Island Beach Walking Route
Length: Up to 12 miles available
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
The island's continuous shoreline provides one of the most scenic walking experiences in the Southeast. Visitors can enjoy ocean views, sunrise walks, shell collecting, dolphin sightings, and access to several of the island's most popular beaches.
Jarvis Creek Park Trail
Length: Approximately 1.5 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
This family-friendly trail circles a scenic lake and passes through wooded areas and open spaces. The park is popular for walking, jogging, birdwatching, fishing, and enjoying peaceful views of the surrounding landscape.
Audubon Newhall Preserve Trail
Length: Approximately 1 mile loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
This nature preserve offers a short but scenic trail through maritime forest habitats. Visitors can observe native wildlife, learn about local ecosystems, and enjoy a quieter natural setting away from the island's busier attractions.
Sources: Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau information, including details on beaches, biking trails, Harbour Town, golf, wildlife viewing, outdoor recreation, and visitor attractions. https://www.hiltonheadisland.orghttps://www.hiltonheadisland.org Additional information regarding Sea Pines Forest Preserve, island pathways, nature preserves, parks, and recreational opportunities verified through Town of Hilton Head Island and local conservation resources. https://www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov
Fort Howell, Fort Mitchel, the Zion Cemetery and Baynard Mausoleum, Cherry Hill School, Daufuskie Island Historic District, Fish Haul Archaeological Site (38BU805), Green's Shell Enclosure, Hilton Head Range Rear Light, Sea Pines, Skull Creek, SS William Lawrence Shipwreck Site, and Stoney-Baynard Plantation are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Alder Lane Beach
- Burkes Beach
- Coligny Beach Park
- Driessen Beach Park
- Fish Haul Park
- Folly Field Beach Park
- Islanders Beach Park
- Mitchelville Beach Park
- Audubon Newhall Preserve
- Barker Field
- Broad Creek Boat Ramp
- Chaplin Community Park
- Compass Rose Park
- Cordillo Tennis Courts
- Crossings Park & Bristol Sports Arena
- Green Shell Park
- Hilton Head Park (Old Schoolhouse Park)
- Jarvis Creek Park
- Marshland Road Boat Landing
- Old House Creek Dock
- Sea Pines Forest Preserve
- Shelter Cove Community Park
- Xeriscape Garden
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Hilton Head Island, South Carolina", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0
