The Town of Hilton Head Island formed Beach Rules & Regulations in 1995. The Rules are to assure a safe, clean and pleasant atmosphere on our 12 miles of beautiful Island Beaches. We ask all of our Island Visitors and Residents to observe the Beach Rules & Regulations.
6.5 miles of our Beach were renourished during 1997. Another renourishment program was completed in early spring 2007.
New Rules governing people who operate personal watercraft in Beaufort County waters began May 6, 1997. The Rules are contained in the South Carolina Personal Watercraft and Boating Safety Act of 1996.
Regulations
Animal Regulations:
- April 1, 2008 - May 30, 2008 - Animals must be on a leash between 10 AM and 5 PM.
- May 30, 2008 until Monday of Labor Day weekend - NO animals allowed on the beach between 10 AM - 5 PM.
- Tuesday after Labor Day - September 30, 2008 - Animals must be on a leash from 10 AM - 5 PM.
- October 1, 2008 - April 1, 2009 - No leashes required at any time. The animal IS required to be under positive voice control.
- On the beach or not, local law requires owners to clean up after their pets
Seasonal Rules from April 1 - September 30, 2008:
- No Stunt Kites between 10 AM - 6 PM.
- No sand-sailing between 10 AM - 6 PM.
- No fishing or surf casting in designated swimming areas.
- No surfboards, boogie boards or other articles to ride the surf in designated swimming areas.
- No frisbees or other team sports involving a ball in designated swimming areas.
- No games with metal components (such as metal horseshoes) in designated swimming areas.
Prohibited at the Beach all year long:
- Liquor, beer or wine.
- All forms of glassware.
- Shark fishing.
- Horses.
- Sleeping on the beach after midnight.
- The operation, launching or landing of motorized watercraft ( except in emergencies ).
Public Access to Hilton Head Island Beaches
The Town of Hilton Head Island provides four (4) Public Beach Accesses as follows:
- Alder Lane Beach Access off South Forest Beach Drive - Parking available.
- Beachfront at Coligny Circle - Parking available.
- Driessen Beach Park at the end of Bradley Beach Road - Parking available.
- Folly Field Beach Park off Folly Field Road - Parking available.
- All Plantations with beaches have numerous beach access points for their guests.
- All major Island Hotels have beach access for their guests.
Note: Islander Beach Park at the end of Folly Field Road opened in early 1999. The Beach Park is for Property Owners on Hilton Head Island and all cars parking there must have a beach bumper sticker obtained from the Town of Hilton Head Island. The annual cost is $15 per car.
The newest beach access point opened 4/7/05 at Fish Hall Creek Park located on 31 acres next to Fish Haul Creek at 284 Beach City Road. Facilities include a bathroom, picnic pavilion, trails leading to Port Royal Sound ad an observation deck overlooking the marshes.