A Quick Guide to Hilton Head Beaches
Michael Gonzalez
Broker/Owner
Broker/Owner
With nearly 12 miles of white sand to choose from, Hilton Head Island offers a variety of beaches where you can beat the heat and make the most out of your day.
From kayaking, to surfing, and even just lying around and soaking in the sun, you can never go wrong with the options available! Check out our recommended beaches to see which one will fit your anticipated activity!
Coligny Beach
Coligny Beach is the island's most popular beach. Located right in the heart of Hilton Head’s busiest area, it is frequented by tourists and locals alike. It is home to the world famous Tiki Hut, one of Hilton Head’s only beach bars, and is also the only place on Hilton Head where you can enjoy a game of beach volleyball. Whether you're looking for a competitive game, or just something to pass the time, you can find it at the courts. Coligny Beach can get crowded, so it's a great place for people-watching, but is not recommended if you're looking to chill out or have a little quiet time.
Mitchelville Beach
Mitchelville Beach is a hidden gem and a great beach for both hiking and coastal kayaking. Well off the beaten path, it has large fallen limbs, dead trees still standing in the surf, and a number of inlets and tidal pools cutting into the shore. The topographical diversity and tidal changes make this beach an ever-changing natural playground, ripe for exploration. The beach is accessible through Mitchelville Beach Park or through Fish Haul Creek Park. Mitchelville Beach Park on a rising tide is a great spot to go kayaking. The short walk from your car to the beach is perfect for carrying your kayak. You can explore along the coast or head up one of the creeks. For a beach hike, Fish Haul Creek Park is a great place to start, as you will cover both wooded forest and sandy beach taking this route.
South Forest Beach
If you're looking for Coligny’s amenities but with a fewer crowd, South Forest Beach is the place to go. There is public beach access via Alder Lane off of South Forest Beach Drive, which will take you right by a great place to grab drinks called Pool Bar Jim’s , a bar known for their frozen tropical delicacies. South Forest Beach is a great place to soak up the sun, so after you've had your drink, go ahead and go down to the water and stretch out. South Forest is perfect for carefree relaxation. Lay out a towel, close your eyes, and don’t forget the sunscreen!
Burkes Beach
Burkes Beach is known for having some of the best surf on Hilton Head, boasting some of the island’s larger waves. On any given day you are bound to find a number of different surfers floating off the coast as they wait for the next set of waves to roll in. If you want to surf with the locals and enjoy some of the island’s best waves, Burkes Beach is the spot for you. It is also a great place to escape the summer crowds.
Folly Field Beach
Folly Field Beach is located slightly north of Burkes Beach. It is also smack dab in the middle of the island’s stretch of beaches. At low tide the waves peel back to expose a broad expanse of flat, firm sand. The central location and wide sandy beaches make it a perfect place for biking, a great way to experience Hilton Head Island. All of the beaches on Hilton Head are public land, from the water line to the dunes, and Folly Field is a good starting point and will put you in a position to follow the beaches north or south.