Find your beach
Written by Barry Kaufman
Everyone’s idea of the perfect beach looks different. To some, it’s a tranquil slice of sand and sea at the edge of the world where you can put your toes in the sand and forget about your cares to a soundtrack of gently crashing waves. To others, the best beach is more of a sun-soaked bacchanalia, one where they can join in on a pickup game of volleyball in the sand, crank up the tunes and celebrate another day in the sun.
The good news? This is Hilton Head Island. Here, we have a beach for everyone, whether you’re looking to unwind in the sand or frolic in the surf. And while oceanfront homes and communities might have their own private stretches of beach, there are a wealth of different beach parks, each with their own amenities, just waiting for you.
Read on, then find your perfect beach. Because if you can’t find it here, it doesn’t exist.
Coligny Beach Park: Coligny is a high-energy party beach. It’s the most popular beach on the island, and for good reason. Enjoy all its splendor. There’s plenty of ample parking and brand-new bathrooms, benches, swings, and a massive splash pad, it’s the ultimate beach experience.
Alder Lane Beach Access: This is the beach for those looking to curl up with a good book (or a terrible book, we won’t judge) and spend the day in the sand. With minimal amenities, this beach is quiet and peaceful, offering a tranquil atmosphere that’s hard to find on the island. It’s a great escape from the crowds at Coligny Beach.
Mitchelville Beach Park: This beach is another great option for solitude and peacefulness, but it adds a touch more cultural interest than Alder Lane due to its wide stretch of sand and historical significance. Great for a day out with a side order of history, since it’s situated close to the historic Mitchelville.
Burkes Beach: The quintessential bare-bones beach for those looking for a day in the surf without the frills, with only a few parking spots and a sandy trail leading to the beach. Since the currents ensure that swimming isn’t as much of an attraction than other beaches on the island, it’s perfect for letting dogs run free off-season and exploring the winding banks along the folly.
Folly Field Beach Park: Though this beach lacks amenities, it hits the sweet spot in terms of crowds, climate, and great spot to swim. It’s not too crowded, and the winds make it an excellent spot for kite flying. If you want to see a few of the locals take to the skies on their kiteboards, this is your beach.
Islanders Beach Park: Included here just for the sake of completion. Despite its top-notch amenities, including a picnic pavilion, playground, and showers, this beach is off-limits for visitors due to permit parking for locals only. Unless you have the permit, the long walk to the beach isn’t worth it.
Driessen Beach Park: With plenty of amenities, this beach has something for everyone. You can play a pickup game of ultimate frisbee or soccer in the nearby park, while the playground is perfect for kids. A true swimmer’s beach, Driessen Beach Park has the ideal waves.
