outwest713

Heard that beach access in HH can be tricky. I understand there are several public access points, but sounds like parking is very limited. Can anyone confirm? Also, if you stay in one of the "plantations" like Sea Pines, is beach access anywhere within the plantation open to residents or are there still limited access points, parking issues, etc. In other words, if we're not staying right on the beach, will we be sorry? Appreciate any insights on this issue.

aileen679

I think that "public" as it pertains to HHI is the public that isn't staying or living on the Island. It's very limited for those people that just want to drive over for a day at the beach.

Not all of the "plantations" are on the beach. Some are more oriented to the golf courses. Staying at one of those might not give you good access to the beach.

Your best bet would be to ask at whatever facility where you plan to stay. If you are not staying right on the beach, being within walking distance is very good. Having to drive to the beach isn't fun.

It's been years since I've been over there, and so, I doubt that it's gotten easier.

Lex1

Sea Pines has "public" beach access, though unless you live or stay on the plantation near the beach, access is quite limited. There are public parking spaces around south beach, but during the high seasons parking is a big issue. Unless you are staying well west of Sea Pines Drive you can walk to the beach across well defined beach paths, if you are in fair condition. That road does veer from the beach in places for several rows of houses.

outwest713

Thanks. Appreciate the suggestion.

GoTravel

outwest, know this, all beaches in South Carolina are public but sometimes access can be hard to find.

A plantation cannot keep you out of their property if it keeps you from accessing public beach access.

GoTravel

http://www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov/Island/beaches.html

stumpworks73

If you are staying in Sea Pines, two parking lots are available for beach access: one at South Beach the other at the Beach Club next to Monarch. Parking is virtually always available at the South Beach lot and only fills at Beach Club at peak days in peak season.

Access to the beach at Coligny Plaza has limited parking and frequently would be a challenge.

aliska

There are a number of condo buildings up and down North & South Forest Beach area near Coligny Plaza. IMHO, if you are beach oriented, as we are, this is the best part of HHI in which to stay. The price range, as well as amenities, range widely. You don't mention your budget, but if you don't mind walking a little, you can get a "2nd row" condo for reasonable, even in high season. Check out VRBO.com or one of many HHI realtors can help you. You definitly DO NOT want to drive to the beach. And, be aware, there are limited beach facilities, basically just rental of beach chairs.

maryanne1

Stayed at the Hilton last weekend. Right on the beach. Lovely place.

suec1

We have been to Hilton Head many times - I prefer to stay in Sea Pines mainly because I love riding bikes there. If you stay in Sea Pines you will get a permit to come and go - otherwise you will have to pay to enter that part of the island. It is less developed there and there are may beautiful homes and bike paths to ride thru. As an earlier poster said, there are several parking lots where you can access the beach if your accommodations are not beach front - and many are not but I would still advise staying there than in other parts of the island. You can walk a long ways on the beach past mostly residential areas. There is a wide range of condos and a few time share connected hotels, most with their own pools. If you want busy and happening stay elsewhere but to relax and natural beauty, IMO Sea Pines is the winner.

suec1

a further thought about the set up of Hilton Head since perhaps it is not clear how the island is set up. Parts of Hilton Head are designated as "plantations". Some of these are almost all private residential that are pretty much non accessible unless you are golfing on their $$$ golf course. Some "plantations" include public areas like Shipyard, I think, where there are shops and restaurants but have limited access to the residential parts. Sea Pines is at the end of the island - about the last third. To enter Sea Pines Plantation you must either be staying there or pay an entry fee - I think $6 per car. There are hotels in several of the plantations as well. There is also a large part of the island, near Folley Beach I think, that is more public access. The beach in that part of the island will be crowded but it is still a nice, wide beach that you can walk a long ways on. The whole set up with the plantations sounds odd until you get there but you will not be seeing Tara! just gated communities with limited entry.

outwest713

Thanks everyone for your comments. Definitely helping to clear the picture a little for me. Some asked for more detail. There are 8 of us looking for a house to rent for week. Planning on early May. We can easily handle walking couple of blocks to beach. Was concerned the access issue might mean that even though rental house might be , for instance, 2 blocks from beach, that we might not be able to walk on from end of our street as we'd hit private property, ie., can't cross private beachfront property to get to the public beach. My basis for reference is beach in Maryland and Delaware. Sounds like this would not be the issue if we stayed in place like Sea Pines?? As for price range, $2500/wk for 4 bedroom house would be great, but quick search of rental sites suggests this might be low for close to ocean. I assume May in high season??

suec1

Hilton Head should be wonderful in May - later in the summer it will be hot and muggy but May is much pleasanter and ahead of the families on summer vacation. Great for golf, biking and walking on the beach tho the water may be chilly. In Sea Pines there will be pathways out to the beach about every two "blocks" plus at the parking areas alrady mentioned. Try to find a rental house that includes bikes - that will make it very easy. Not sure when high season starts - I would actually think early May would not be - maybe kind of a shoulder season.

outwest713

suec1 - thanks for add'l comments. Very helpful.