Hilton Head Sight Seeing

The Beaches

Nothing Could Be Finer

Twelve miles of beautiful, sandy beaches stretch along the Atlantic coastline on the east side of the Island. The beaches are exceptionally wide due to the seven-foot tides and provide a spacious, year-round playground for strolling, shell collecting, sunbathing, swimming and a variety of watersports.

The entire beach is considered public, though in many places access is private. The seven public beach accesses are Alder Lane Beach Access, Coligny Beach Park, Fish Haul Park, Driessen Beach Park, Burkes Beach Access, Folly Field Beach Park and Islanders Beach Park. The popular Coligny access, across from Coligny Plaza, features a pavilion, restrooms and various equipment rentals.

The Mall at Shelter Cove features well-known stores such as Ann Taylor, Off Fifth Avenue, Williams-Sonoma and Banana Republic. Outside the mall, the marina is home to dozens of charming restaurants, sidewalk cafes, galleries and boutiques, and prides access to dozens of watersports. With its quaint, gray-shingled shops, the South Beach Marina will remind visiting New Englanders of Nantucket or Cape Cod. Discover the unique craft galleries, souvenir shops and beach boutiques. Stock up on groceries at the South Beach General Store or hit the Salty Dog for a hearty meal and cold brews.

BLUFFTON

Located just over the bridge, situated on a bluff overlooking the May River, Bluffton's original square mile is now its Old Town historic district.

An arts district is springing to life downtown with galleries, potters, photographers, and an assortment of artists. Bluffton offers a variety of shopping, accommodations and restaurants.

A number of houses and churches are on the National Register of Historic Places. To reach the Bluffton Welcome Center call 757-6293.

BEAUFORT

Just 33 miles away, taking Hwy. 278 to Hwy. 170, to Beaufort. A city filled with intriguing history, stunning architecture and much more.

Take in the city's historic highlights by horse-drawn carriage or walking tour. You'll discover how many well-known movies were filmed in this lovely city. To reach the Visitors Center call 800-638-3525

CHARLESTON

Sometimes called "The Holy City by the Sea" by its natives, Charleston is two hours north. Take Hwy. 278 west, to I-95 north. Exit Hwy. 17 to Charleston. To reach the Charleston Visitors Center call 800-774-0006.

The city blends the Old World and the new and the architecture of the historic district along the Ashley and Cooper Rivers is amazing.

Narrated tours are available by horse-drawn carriage or trolley. Children and adults alike will enjoy a visit to the South Carolina Aquarium for an up close look at native sea life.

SAVANNAH

Just an hour's drive away, Savannah offers a taste of history in its downtown and River Street districts. Founded in 1733, Savannah was one of the first planned cities in America.

Two popular areas are City Market, lined with restored shops, restaurants, taverns, studios and art galleries; and River Street, a narrow cobblestone drive along the Savannah River. Narrated tours of the city are offered on trolleys and horse-drawn carriages, as well as on riverboats. To reach the Savannah Visitors Center call 877-SAVANNAH.

DAUFUSKIE ISLAND

Only five miles long and a few miles wide and is located one nautical mile from Hilton Head Island. Secluded Daufuskie Island offers golf, accommodations, restaurants, three miles of pristine beach and tours of important historical sites including background on the settlement of the island.

The primary mode of transportation is golf carts. Although there is no bridge to Daufuskie Island, there are two passenger water ferries that can take you there. Easy accessibility includes, the island's resort ferry that leaves from Squire Pope Road every even hour from 8 am - 10 pm. Call 842-2000 for visitor information.