Hilton Head Island Beach Conditions
Historically rich and shaped like an old fashioned shoe, the ‘sole’ or twelve miles of Hilton Head’s beaches draws millions of visitors each year. Once home to Captain William Hilton who loved the beaches for their “clean air” and “sweet water”, Hilton Head, South Carolina is now the vacation home of sun-seeking families and nature enthusiasts.
Five public beach accesses are safely protected with over 50 life guards from spring to fall. Check out the map of lifeguard postings; their focus is helping endangered swimmers, and to keep visitors abreast of changing conditions or dangerous wildlife. It’s also a good idea to remember the mile marker that is posted at each beach so that the family can know exactly where to meet back or to let officials know their exact location in the event of an emergency.
The shallow waters of Hilton Head extend further out than most beach destinations and while not great for surfers they provide ideal locations for families with small children and stand up paddle boarders. Plus, the sand gets relatively hard packed below the mid tide line creating opportunities to bike ride on the beach-one of the rare pleasures that Hilton Head beaches offer.
Hilton head has several interesting beach bike riding routes, with detailed information on the six public access points. Start at Coligny Beach, the island’s busiest beach complete with beach bars and volleyball nets then walk just a few hundred yards north or south to enjoy a quiet and peaceful sunset over the Atlantic.
