Accessibility on Hilton Head Island

If you’re looking to get out into nature and see some wildlife, explore the Island’s trail system on paved pathways that are smooth and navigable on wheels. There are over 60 miles of public pathways on Hilton Head Island that are paved with asphalt and are ready to be explored at your own pace. There is a specific allowance on these trails for electric-powered wheelchairs to allow for a pleasurable experience for all our guests.
 

Hilton Head Island is home to 12 miles of pristine white-sand beaches, and many of them have accessibility features so all visitors can enjoy them. All of the public beaches on the Island, including Alder Lane, Burkes Beach, Coligny Beach, Driessen Beach, Fish Haul Beach, Folly Field Beach, and Islanders Beach, are equipped with beach matting for easier maneuverability. The matting is made from a rigid, non-slip surface and extends to the hard sand at the high tide line to allow for mobility up and down the beach. The mats are designed to provide a sturdy and safe pathway for wheelchairs, knee-rollers, walkers, strollers, beach wagons, and bikes to get to and from these beach parks.

Make sure you also check out the newly built Overlook Pavilion at Islanders Beach Park, which was specifically crafted with wheelchair and scooter users in mind. It has a wide entryway, gently-sloping ramp, and built-in benches so you can relax and take in the sounds of the ocean, watch for birds and other wildlife, and enjoy the shade. You can find this new pavilion next to the existing boardwalk at Islanders Beach Park.

Another great accessibility feature on the Island is the beach wheelchairs provided by the Town of Hilton Head Island. They are waterproof, have oversized wheels to traverse the sandy terrain, and feature wider bases for increased stability. There are currently three beach wheelchairs available for use at both Islanders Beach Park and Coligny Beach Park, with more coming to more locations soon. You can reserve a beach wheelchair through the Town’s website with a refundable deposit that provides you with the code to unlock and relock the wheelchair at your preferred location. There are also beach wheelchairs for rent at some of our outfitting partners, such as Hilton Head Outfitters & Bike Rentals. This is a good option if you are here for an extended visit, as rentals from the Town are only available for two days at a time. 

The public trolley system is a convenient and accessible way to get around on Hilton Head Island in the summer. The Breeze trolleys are free for all passengers and operate seasonally from the end of March until Labor Day (September 1st). They run 7 days a week from 1 PM to 10 PM, and until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Now you can ride in style on the newly unveiled Loggerhead Express, a sea turtle-themed trolley featuring illustrations by local artist Mira Scott and poetry by local writers on its interior panels. All trolleys have low-floor designs and ramps for accessibility, free Wi-Fi on board, and comfortable seating. Catch “The Breeze” this summer and get around effortlessly on America’s Favorite Island®. See all routes and the full trolley schedule here.

Searching for the right place to stay, fun things to do during your visit, and places to grab a bite to eat has never been easier. Many of the Island’s attractions, restaurants, and hotels are now fully accessible or offer accessible accommodations for their patrons.

Select hotels feature prominent accessibility features for guests in wheelchairs and scooters, or who have hearing or vision loss. Sonesta Resort offers designated accessible rooms featuring widened doorways, lowered peepholes, accessible light switches and thermostats, and roll-in showers or tubs with grab bars. Beach House is another excellent option for low-mobility and hearing-impaired visitors, with accessible rooms that provide ADA resources including an ADA tub with grab bars (shower chairs available upon request), visual emergency and communication features, and a lowered peephole. Omni Oceanfront Resort also has a selection of 11 accessible rooms with wide entries, grab bars, audible alarms, lowered light switches, peepholes, and closet rods, as well as roll-in showers in select rooms. Lastly, The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa offers newly renovated guest rooms with a choice of tub or roll-in shower and visual alarms and notification devices for door and phone. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your accommodation’s guest services when planning your trip if you require additional information, advice, or specific requests for bed/bedding or room layout.

When making dinner reservations, make sure you call ahead to all restaurants to ensure the available seating and bathrooms are wheelchair accessible if required. Many restaurants on the Island have wide entry points for wheelchairs to get in and out, as well as accessible parking spots near the entrances. Skull Creek Boathouse, Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks, Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, Old Oyster Factory Restaurant, A Lowcountry Backyard, and Black Marlin Bayside Grill all have accessible entrances and highlight some delicious Lowcountry specialties. Learn more about Hilton Head Island’s local cuisine here!

In addition to restaurants, there are plenty of accessible attractions to frequent on Hilton Head Island. First, a visit to the Coastal Discovery Museum is a must! With a wheelchair-accessible entrance, smooth gravel paths to explore the butterfly garden, and bus tours upon request, you’ll want to learn all about the wildlife, nature, history, and art of the Lowcountry. If you’re looking to shop, eat, and wander all at the same time, head to Coligny Shopping Plaza or Shelter Cove Towne Centre, both featuring accessible entrances and cement walkways and paths that accommodate wheelchairs. If you have any other specific questions about accessibility points or paths, your accommodations site or rental provider can help with planning and preparation!