‘Pretty as a postcard’. These are the 5 best beaches on Hilton Head, TripAdvisor says
With recent sunny weather and warming temperatures, what better way to enjoy it than by walking along one of Hilton Head Island’s numerous, beautiful, white sand beaches.
Along your walk, you may experience the changing of the tides or spot a number of local wildlife such as sandpipers, ibis, dolphins, starfish, sand dollars, jellyfish or horseshoe crabs.
No matter the beach locale you choose, there’s no wrong choice.
Here are the five best beaches on Hilton Head Island to visit, according to TripAdvisor.
5. Singleton Beach
Found off of William Hilton Parkway, near a street behind the popular Harold’s Diner called Singleton Beach Road, is Singleton Beach. This beach is perfect for the average beachgoer.
As many Hilton Head visitors prefer to bike as their primary mode of transportation, the beach is toward the upper middle area of the island for those vacationing away from the south end.
One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote, “We love this unspoiled beach! And so does our dog. This week we saw a dolphin! It is peaceful in the mornings and the ocean continually changes, making each day a new delight. We see a variety of activity there: people on paddle boards, folks fishing, sunbathers, yoga classes, and beachcombers like ourselves.”
Other reviewers described beach biking and evening walks as their favorite thing to do on Singleton Beach.
4. Burkes Beach
Just to the left of Singleton Beach, Burkes Beach extends from mid-island to the north end and encompasses a large amount of coast that is perfect to bike or walk along near low tide.
This beach is also a favorite for pet-owners who have furry friends that are also fans of saltwater. Just remember, Hilton Head’s pet rules for the beach vary by season, so check those out before heading to Burkes Beach.
Aside from being pet, bike and running friendly, a TripAdvisor reviewer applauded the beach for another genuine attribute.
“Hilton Head Island is a marvel of restrained development, for sure, but Burkes Beach offers a glimpse of what the island may have looked like pre-1950s. The grasses, marshes, oyster beds, and palmettos give way to the beach and gentle ocean. It’s a momentary escape from development,” the reviewer commented.
3. Driessen Beach Park
Driessen Beach Park can be found on Bradley Beach Road off of William Hilton Parkway.
Driessen Beach Park offers visitors ample parking and a boardwalk to the beach that winds through a natural, Lowcountry environment, leading to beach matting that helps guests of all ages navigate across the coast’s sandy surface.
In addition, this family-friendly area possesses a playground on-site with nearby picnic tables and a pavilion, including other amenities such as a rinse station and restrooms.
“Off-season, we were the only ones here on this quiet stretch of beach accessible by a boardwalk winding through towering trees. Pretty as a postcard with the morning sun glistening off the calm blue water. Facility includes restrooms, outdoor showers and even a playground. Lots of parking (200 spaces)! Make note of parking space number because you need it when you pay at the master meter,” one TripAdvisor user commented.
2. Folly Field Beach Park
Folly Field Beach Park is located off of Folly Field Road on Starfish Drive on the island.
A boardwalk leading to the beach winds through Hilton Head’s flora and fauna until it meets incorporated beach matting once you reach the sandy terrain. This helps provide support and transportation ease for guests of all ages as well as wheelchair access. Metered parking spaces, outdoor showers, restrooms, beach rentals and seasonal lifeguards are also offered at this location.
“Loved that they had a borrow toy bin for both people and dogs!
Also had a very nice walkway to the beach and a cleaning station to rinse your feet off. One of the better beaches in the area!,” a TripAdvisor reviewer commented last September.
“We spent a week on Hilton Head Island and spent each day at Folly Field Beach and each night to watch the sunset. The sand was soft, waves and breeze constant and plenty of room to spread out. There are bathroom facilities and outdoor showers to rinse off. The beach was clean and plenty of trash cans to contain litter. They had dog visiting hours as well. I plan to return on my next visit to HHI!,” another reviewer commented in July of 2022.
1. Coligny Beach
Coligny Beach took center stage on TripAdvisor’s list as the best beach on Hilton Head Island, according to the website’s reviews and ratings.
Located adjacent to Coligny Plaza Shopping Center, Coligny Beach offers much of what beachgoers want.
The beach has a vast amount of parking that is free of charge, restrooms, children’s play water fountains, swinging benches, restrooms, restaurants, shopping, an outdoor park and more.
Described as pristine just last month, this TripAdvisor user commented, “We were at this beach several times during the week we were in Hilton Head and it was amazing! There’s matting on the walk to the beach, doggie waste stations, and basket trees where beach-goers can take a basket and pick up trash to keep the beach looking as lovely as it did! They ask that you dump the trash and replace the basket! Gorgeous white sand, too. And great parking areas for no charge, as well as restrooms.”
