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Bike Like a Local on Hilton Head Island

By Hilton Head Insider

Hilton Head Island is a place that’s rich in nature, historic sites, and top-rated restaurants — all surrounded by views of the ocean and picturesque beaches. And, if you ask us, there’s no better way to explore America’s Favorite Island® than by bike. After all, with over 60 miles of pathways and trails, you can quickly and easily get just about anywhere you want to go on two wheels during your time here. So, if you’re ready to put the (foot) pedal to the metal, here’s a look at everything biking through the Lowcountry has to offer.

BEAUTIFUL PATHWAYS, BEAUTIFUL NATURE, AND BEAUTIFUL WEATHER

If you’re looking to explore the outdoors and soak up the sunshine, biking on Hilton Head Island is the ideal way to do it. With many parks and pathways, you’ll find yourself cycling through everything from lush forests of tall pines, palmettos, live oaks, and magnolias to sea marshes and long stretches of pristine beaches. With access to the Island’s parks and natural scenery, you’ll see an abundance of wildlife, including native deer, otters, minks, and over 230 bird species. Want to immerse yourself in the natural habitat of the Island’s wildlife off the pathway? Then you can visit Lawton Stables or take a tour of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. 

And if you’re not sure where to start your biking adventure, visit the Sea Pines bike trail and explore a local Hilton Head Island favorite. This beginner-friendly trail offers over a little bit of everything with 15 miles of wildlife and beautiful scenery. Enjoy multiple stop points along the ride, including Harbour Town, the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, and Stoney Baynard Ruins, just to name a few.

Check out Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park if you’re looking for something a bit more off the beaten path. This remote 16-acre park features a maritime forest, wetlands, a salt marsh and a beach, complete with an observation boardwalk out to the salt marsh and a shaded trail that winds through the live oaks to the sandy shore of Port Royal Sound.

Looking for a more relaxed day along the water? Visit Coligny Beach Park, which features a wide-open boardwalk to meander and enjoy the views of the ocean. Stop to enjoy the beach with easy access to on-site bike racks.

VISIT WORLD-RENOWNED BEACHES ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND

With over 12 miles of some of the best beaches in the United States, take in the coastal trails and enjoy the panoramic views of Hilton Head Island’s pristine stretches of sand and warm waters. Bike along Ocean Lane Drive with the warm breeze in your hair, then take a break at one of the access points to the beaches along the path and stop for a bite to eat while watching the sunrise.

VISIT THE ISLAND’S HISTORICAL SITES

There’s not much you can’t do on a bike on Hilton Head Island. While taking in the scenery, get to know the history of the Lowcountry by visiting some of our historical sites. Or learn about Hilton Head Island’s history on a tour offered by the Heritage Library Foundation.

EAT AT THE ISLAND’S TOP-RATED RESTAURANTS

If you’re a foodie and want to find great bites on the Island, you won’t have to pedal far to enjoy the many flavors of Hilton Head Island. Stop by one of the 250 restaurants on the Island to satisfy your culinary cravings. Or, plan your day around the Island’s culinary events. The best thing about biking in the Lowcountry is no matter where you go, you’re never very far from delicious flavors along your adventure.

PREPARE FOR YOUR BIKE ADVENTURE ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND

We have you covered for your next adventure on Hilton Head Island. With easily accessible resources, you’ll be pedaling in no time. If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one with ease from one of the Island’s 30 bicycle rental shops. They’ll even happily accommodate by bringing the wheels to you! 

Start planning your adventure by looking at our biking map or find maps of the pathways with places to go, bicycle routes, and things to do. These are usually posted at bike rental shops, pathway kiosks, hotels, and more commercial areas around the Island.

A CYCLING EVENT TO ADD TO YOUR ITINERARY

With many upcoming events to choose from, a great one to highlight for national bike month this May is the Cycle Celebration. Taking place on May 6, Cycle Celebration is an opportunity to gather in the park, listen to some live music and meet with health and wellness experts from across the Island. 

Pedal HHI kicked off Bike Month on May 1st, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to mark your calendars for next year! Pedal HHI will be happening on May 7th, 2023 and is a great way to celebrate the #Lowcountry culture and experience an award-winning cycling community, while raising funds to support the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island. 

With all this biking knowledge at your fingertips, there’s only one thing left to do — start planning your getaway to Hilton Head Island. And we’ll make it easy with our helpful vacation guide. Whether it’s your first time visiting the Lowcountry or it’s your second home, finding your way around here on a bike is a special way to explore America’s Favorite Island®.

Still have biking questions? We have answers! Be sure to check out our Biking FAQ to help start your journey.

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