HHI has some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast — and dogs are welcome on all of them, with a few rules that change by season. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Beach parks are open daily from 6 am to 10 pm.
Beach Hours & Dog Rules
|
Season |
Times |
Rules |
|
October – March |
Anytime |
On leash or under voice control |
|
April – the Thursday before Memorial Day |
10 am – 5 pm |
On leash only |
|
5 pm – 10 am |
On leash or under voice control |
|
|
Friday before Memorial Day – Labor Day |
10 am – 5 pm |
Dogs not allowed on beach |
|
5 pm – 10 am |
On leash or under voice control |
|
|
Tuesday after Labor Day – September |
10 am – 5 pm |
On leash only |
|
5 pm – 10 am |
On leash or under voice control |
“Voice control” means your dog reliably responds to your commands and stays close. When in doubt, use a leash.
The Rules
- Dogs must be on leash or under positive voice control at all times
- Pick up after your dog — waste bags are your responsibility
- Fill in any holes your dog digs before you leave the beach
- Violations can result in fines and animal seizure
Rules are governed by Town of Hilton Head Island Municipal Code, Title 8, Chapter 1, Article 2, Part A, Section 8-1-21.
Sea Turtle Nesting Season: May – October
HHI is an active sea turtle nesting area. During nesting season, marked nests appear on the beach. Keep your dog away from all marked nests and away from the waterline at night when turtles come ashore to lay eggs. Dogs can cause serious damage to nests and hatchlings.
For more information: Sea Turtle Protection — Town of Hilton Head Island
Parking
- $3/hour Monday–Friday
- $5/hour Saturday–Sunday
- Enforced 7 am – 5 pm, March 1 – September 7
- Payment is digital — no cash accepted
- Violations: fines from $50–$500
Free parking: Coligny Beach Park and Mitchelville Beach Park
Handicap placards park free in designated spaces. Disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients with qualifying license plates also park free.
The Beaches
Coligny Beach Park
1 North Forest Beach Dr.
Free parking, showers, restrooms, wheelchair-friendly beach mats, Home to The dog friendlyTiki Hut beach bar. HHI’s most-visited beach.
Alder Lane Beach Access
Off South Forest Beach Drive near Woodward Ave.
Quiet, less crowded. Wheelchair beach mats, showers, restrooms.
Burkes Beach Access
60 Burkes Beach Rd.
Small lot, showers, restrooms. Good for families.
Driessen Beach Park
64 Bradley Beach Rd.
Playground, picnic shelter, showers, restrooms.
Fish Haul Beach Park
124 Mitchelville Rd.
Wheelchair-friendly mats, showers, restrooms. Popular for sunrise walks.
Note: Some areas are marked off-limits to dogs to protect the wildlife habitat — watch for signs and respect the boundaries.
Folly Field Beach Park
55 Starfish Dr.
Large parking area, restrooms, showers, playground, volleyball net.
Islanders Beach Park
94 Folly Field Rd
Grills, picnic tables, playground, wheelchair beach mats.
Mitchelville Beach Park
124 Mitchelville Rd.
Restrooms, outdoor shower, picnic tables. Free parking.
Palmetto Dunes Beach
Palmetto Dunes Resort area.
Parking is reserved for resort guests and property owners. However, the beach itself is publicly accessible on foot via beach access points — walk up from beach marker 83.
Bonus: The Dunes House restaurant and a General Store are an easy walk from the beach access point — great spots for a beach picnic lunch or a drink.