Frequently Asked Questions

Questions:

Answers:

  • Where can I pick up information about Accommodations, Activities, Dining and Shopping?

    Visit our Welcome Center at 100 William Hilton Parkway.  It is located on the right side of US Hwy. 278, about one mile from the foot of the bridge as you come onto the Island.  We share a building with the Coastal Discovery Museum and our parking lot is connected to that of the Crazy Crab Restaurant.
  • Where can I go to the beach?

    All of the beach is public, from the ocean to the high water mark. Access to the beach, however, is often private. The Town of Hilton Head Island provides beach accesses at the following locations: Alder Lane Beach Access, off South Forest Beach Drive; Coligny Beach Park, off Coligny Circle; Fish Haul Park, at the end of Beach City Road; Driessen Beach Park, at the end of Bradley Beach Road; Burkes Beach Access, at the end of Burkes Beach Road; Folly Field Beach Park, off Folly Field Road; and Islanders Beach Park, off Folly Field Road.  Restrooms, changing areas, sand showers and vending are available at the beach parks. View a map of public beach locations (beaches marked with umbrella symbol).
  • Where can I park my car while I am at the beach?

    There are 22 metered spaces at Alder Lane; 51 metered spaces at Folly Field, 29 metered spaces at Coligny, and 13 metered spaces at Burkes Beach Road. Parking fee for metered spaces is a quarter for each fifteen minutes.

    Additionally, there are 345 spaces at Coligny Beach Park and 207 spaces at Driessen Beach Park for long term parking. The fee is a quarter for each thirty minutes during the week. Parking is free at Coligny Beach Park.

    Parking spaces at Islanders Beach Park are always reserved for
    annual beach passes. Parking at Coligny and Driessen Beach Parks for annual beach passesis reserved from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Parking is free at Fish Haul Park.  Handicap parking is available at no fee at all beach parks.
  • Are there parks on the Island?

    The Town of Hilton Head Island has twelve parks:
    Click here for a map of park locations

    1. Crossings Park, located near the Cross Island Expressway off Helmsman Way, has baseball fields, a soccer field, open space, a playground, interpretative trails, picnic areas and restrooms.
    2. Bristol Skate Park, located next to Crossings Park, has a roller hockey court (which doubles as a basketball court), a skate park and restrooms.
    3. Barker Field, located in the Fish Haul and Baygall area, has baseball fields, a multi-purpose field, a boardwalk, observation deck and restrooms.
    4. Chaplin Community Park, just off US Highway 278 between Singleton Beach Road and Burkes Beach Road, has tennis courts, basketball courts, multi-purpose fields, a playground, a dog park, walking trails, beach access and restrooms.
    5. Cordillo Tennis Courts, located on Cordillo Parkway off Pope Avenue, has three tennis courts.
    6. Fish Haul Creek Park, at the east end of Beach City Road, has a nature trail, boardwalk, picnic areas and restrooms.
    7. Green Shell Park, on Squire Pope Road, has a playground, picnic area, historic site, basketball court and restrooms.
    8. Hilton Head Park, off US Highway 278 across from Wild Horse Road, has tennis courts, a basketball court and a soccer field.
    9. Honey Horn, located at the intersection of US Highway 278, the Cross Island Expressway and Gum Tree Road, has historic structures and hosts community events.
    10. Jarvis Creek Park, off US Highway 278 across from Wilborn Road, has a freshwater pond for fishing (catch and release only!), a floating dock, a playground, a grass meadow, picnic facilities, grills, swings, paved pathways, mulched trails and restrooms.
    11. Shelter Cove Community Park, off Shelter Cove Lane, has walking trails, views of Broad Creek, picnic areas and hosts community events.
    12. The Island Recreation Center, at 20 Wilborn Road, has tennis courts, a pool, gymnasium, playground, multi-purpose field, restrooms, and is ADA compliant.

    The Town of Bluffton has four parks:

    1. Shults Park at 77 Shults Road has a community center, baseball and soccer fields, picnic area and restrooms.
    2. The Bluffton Recreation Center at 61B Ulmer Road offers varied programming for all ages.  The Bluffton Pool is located at 55 Pritchard Farms Road.
    3. Bluffton Linear Trail, off SC Hwy 46 near the New River, offers 3.2 miles of unpaved trail for hiking, biking and horseback riding.
    4. Bluffton Oyster Company Park, located along the May River at Wharf Street, offers views of the May River, picnic areas, boat launching facilities and hosts community events.
  • Where can I visit a nature preserve?

    There are several nature preserves on and near Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. Click here for more:

    1. Audubon-Newhall Preserve, Palmetto Bay Road, Hilton Head Island
    2. Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, US Hwy 278, Hilton Head Island, SC
    3. Sea Pines Forest Preserve, The Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Island, SC
    4. Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve, Sawmill Creek Road, Bluffton, SC
  • Where can I launch my boat?

    The Hilton Head Island – Bluffton area has several public access landings:

    • Alljoy Landing, County Road 13, Bluffton, SC  
    • Bluffton Oyster Factory, 63 Wharf Street, Bluffton, SC  
    • Bluffton Public Dock, 113 Calhoun St, Bluffton, SC  
    • Buckingham Landing, 55 Ford Island Rd, Bluffton, SC  
    • CC Haigh Jr Landing, 1640 Fording Island Rd, Bluffton, SC  
    • HE Trask Landing, 325 Sawmill Creek Rd, Bluffton, SC
    • Pinckney Island Landing, off US Hwy 278, Pinckney Island, SC
    • Broad Creek Landing, 98 Marshland Rd, Hilton Head, SC
    • Old House Creek Landing, 55 Sam Frasier Retreat, Hilton Head, SC
    • Outdoor Resort Marina, Jenkins Road, Hilton Head Island, SC
    • Palmetto Bay Marina, Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC
    • Daufuskie Island Dock, 13 Haig Point Rd, Daufuskie Island, SC
  • What can we do if it rains?

    There many activities to keep you busy if the weather is too wet for outdoor pursuits:

    • Movie theatres are located on the north and south end of the Island, and a new theater complex is open in Bluffton. Coligny Theater : Coligny Plaza, Hilton Head Island, 686-3500; Northridge Cinema 10: 435 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island, 342-3800; Park Plaza Cinema: 201 Park Plaza, Hilton Head Island, 785-5001; Sea Turtle Cinemas: 106 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton, 706-2888. For movie show times, visit: http://www.islandpacket.com/cinema/.
    • The Beaufort County Public Library has branches on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton which offer children’s programs and internet access. 
    • There are many shopping areas in Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, several of which are outlet malls.  Video and DVD rentals are available both on and off Island. 
    • Adventure Cove offers video games.  Goin’ Bananas (another video game arcade) is located at the Mall at Shelter Covel. 
    • The Coastal Discovery Museum has exhibits and special programs for all ages.
    • Go bowling at AMF Main Street Lanes.
    • Take in a live production at one the local theatres, or visit one of the many art galleries in the area.
    • Visit The Sandbox: An Interactive Children's Museum. Most suitable for children age 8 and under.
    • Island Playground offers indoor inflatable fun and creative play for children.
  • What can we do with the kids besides go to the beach and the pool?

    There are many activities available for younger children:

    • Take a dolphin or nature cruise with one of the many boat tour companies.
    • Visit the Coastal Discovery Museum and participate in their programs.
    • Visit The Sandbox, a Children’s Museum, especially good for younger children.
    • Play miniature golf at one of three locations on the Island.
    • Take your inline skates to the Bristol Skate Park.
    • Visit one of the local nature preserves.
    • Go to one of the many parks and play on the playgrounds or play Frisbee or catch.
    • Ride a bicycle.  The Island has over fifty miles of paved bike and walking paths.
    • Take lessons at a golf course or a racquet club.  Or take art lessons at the Art League’s academy. (Age minimums may apply to these programs.)
    • Check with the local resorts and hotels for special programs for children.  The Sea Pines Resort offers many activities geared for younger children and families.
    • Watch the fireworks on Tuesday night at Shelter Cove during June, July & August.
    • Visit Island Playground, an indoor playground offering active and creative play for kids.
  • What can we do with our teenagers?

    They may enjoy many of the same activities that are available to younger children.  In addition they may consider:

    • Take a guided kayak tour with one of the local kayak companies.
    • Participate in programs for teens offered by Outside Hilton Head or The Sea Pines Resort recreation department.
    • Spend some time at Adventure Cove or go to the mall and play in the arcade at Goin’ Bananas.
    • Participate in special programs at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, the Hilton Head Art League’s Art Academy, or Hilton Head Community & Main Street Theatre.
    • Go horseback riding in Sea Pines.
    • Go bowling at AMF Main Street Lanes.
    • Go shopping.
    • Go to the movies.
  • We want to go fishing.  Where can we find fishing charters?

    Fishing charters operate out of several marinas in the area.  Here are some you can contact: 

    1. Aqua Sports - Seawolf Charters - Port Royal Landing Marina, Port Royal, SC - 843-525-1174 - www.seawolfcharter.com
    2. Bonanza Sportfishing – 48 Jenkins Road, Hilton Head Island, SC - 843-689-LURE(5873) - www.bonanzasportfishing.com
    3. Capt. Hook Party Fishing Boat, Shelter Cove Harbour, Hilton Head Island, SC - 843-785-1700 -www.fishinghiltonhead.com
    4. Drifter Excursions, South Beach Marina, Hilton Head Island, SC - 843-363-2900 - www.bitemybait.com
    5. The Fishin’ Coach Charters, Inc. – 16 Rainbow Road, Bluffton, SC – 843-757-2126 – www.fishincoach.com
    6. Outside Hilton Head, The Plaza at Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island, SC – 843-686-6996 – www.outsidehiltonhead.com
    7. Runaway Fishing Charters, 405 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island - 843-689-2628 -www.worldwidefishing.com/southcarolina/b348/index.html
    8. Triple Threat Sport Fishing – 95 Matthews Drive Suite E7, PMB 123
      Hilton Head Island – 843-689-3337 – www.triplethreatsportfishing.com
    9. Whipple Charterboat Company, LLC - Skull Creek Marina, Hilton Head Island, SC  29926 - 843-681-8943 - www.whipplecharterboats.com
  • What sights should we not miss while we are in the area?

    Visitors’ favorite sights include Harbour Town and the Lighthouse (the heart of The Sea Pines Resort), the Coligny Circle area (the beach, shopping and dining all at one location), Shelter Cove Harbour (with fireworks every Tuesday night from Memorial Day to Labor Day) and Old Town Bluffton (historic structures, art galleries and eclectic shopping).
  • A member of our party has limited mobility and/or is handicapped. Where can we stay?  Can we go to the beach?

    Most properties, hotels and home & villa companies, have a limited number of handicapped accessible accommodations available, so call early to make your reservation.  The Town has installed beach matting at all of the beach park access points.  Wheelchairs and scooters can cross the loose sand on the matting and roll on the packed sand.  Beach Wheelchairs can be rented from:
  • Where can we rent bicycles?

    You can rent bicycles from any of the following companies:

    • AAA Riding Tigers Bike Rentals/Palmetto Bike Barn - 101 Arrow Rd., Hilton Head Island - 843-686-5833 - www.aaaridingtigers.com
    • Coastal Bike Rentals – 79 Pine Ridge Rd., Bluffton – 843-247-0082
    • Hilton Head Bicycle Company - 112 Arrow Rd., Hilton Head Island - 843-686-6888 - 800-995-4319 - www.hiltonheadbicycle.com
    • Island Cruisers - #6 Heritage Plaza, Hilton Head Island - 843-785-4321
    • Pedals - 71A Pope Ave., Hilton Head Island - 843-842-5522
    • Peddling Pelican Bike Rentals, Inc. - P.O. Box 3378, Hilton Head Island - 843-785-5470
    • Simmonds Bike Rentals – 33 Office Park Rd., Suite A117 – 843-842-3464 – www.patriotbikerentals.com
    • Vacation Comfort Rentals - 3C Enterprise Lane, Hilton Head Island - 843-342-6673 – www.comfyrentals.com
  • Where can we rent baby cribs or a roll-away bed for our child?

    Baby's Away, P.O. Box 23524, Hilton Head Island - 843-681-8722 or www.babysawayhhi.com

    Vacation Comfort Rentals at 3C Enterprise Lane, Hilton Head Island - 843-342-6673 or www.comfyrentals.com
  • Where can we rent beach chairs, umbrellas and other beach equipment?

    You can contact Shore Beach Service, 116 Arrow Road, Hilton Head Island, at 843-785-3494 - www.shorebeach.com, or just ask the lifeguard at the beach.
  • Can we bring our pet with us?

    Many accommodations will allow small pets (some only allow dogs), but be sure to ask.  If you bring a pet to a property that does not allow them, you could be asked to leave and forfeit the remainder of your rental fee.  They may charge an additional fee, which may or may not be refundable.  Many properties charge a separate cleaning fee. You can also board your pet in one of our kennels.

    You may not have your pet on the beach between the hours of 10am to 5pm from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day.  For a complete list of beach rules, see the Town of Hilton Head Island’s website:  www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov. Click here for more about bringing your pet.
  • We want to get married on the beach.  What do we need to do?

    You must get a permit to be married on the beach from the Town of Hilton Head Island. You can go to their website, www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov, to check their requirements.

    You will also need a marriage license. Both applicants must apply in person at the Probate Court office at the county courthouse. The Beaufort County Courthouse is located at the Government Center at 102 Ribaut Road on the corner of Ribaut Road and US Hwy. 21. The office hours are 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday. The telephone number is 843-528-7440. Marriage licenses can also be obtained on Hilton Head Island at the Satellite County Offices located at 539 William Hilton Parkway (US Hwy. 278 Bus.) across from the First Presbyterian Church. The judge is available only on Wednesday and Fridays from 9am-2:30pm by appointment only. An appointment must be made in advance by calling 470-5319 or locally 341-8413. To hear a recording of this information, call 470-5322.

    A marriage license does not have an expiration date, but it is preferred that you use it within three months. It may be used state wide, i.e. a license purchased in one county may be used in any other county in South Carolina.

    Valid identification is required. The clerk will ask for your social security number and another piece of identification showing your picture, such as a driver’s license, passport, military ID, military dependents’ ID or state ID.

    The minimum age for applicants is 18 without parental consent and 16 with parental consent. A CERTIFIED copy of the BIRTH CERTIFICATE issued by a state or other appropriate agency is required for proof of age for applicants under the age of 18. The court will retain all certified copies permanently if either party is under 18 years of age. Applicants over 18 may furnish other forms of documentary evidence such as passport, driver’s license, military ID or state ID. All applicants are required to furnish proof of Social Security Number, if any.

    The cost of the license is: $50.00 if either applicant is a resident of Beaufort County. $75.00 if neither applicant resides in Beaufort County, but at least one resides in the state of South Carolina. $95.00 if both applicants reside outside of South Carolina.

    All fees must be paid in cash in the exact amount

    A blood test is not required. However, there is a 24 hour waiting period. The Probate Judge enforces this state requirement by holding the license until 24 hours following the application.

    The marriage ceremony may be performed by a minister or Notary Public. South Carolina does not have Justices of the Peace. The person performing the ceremony returns one of the certificate portions of the license package to the Office of the Probate Judge that issued the license for the recording in official records.
    For assistance with the details of your wedding you can contact one of the many Wedding Coordinators in our Business Directory.

 

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