Hilton Head Island offers 12 miles of wide, hard-packed Atlantic beach, one of the most elegant beach resorts in the Southeast. South Carolina's generous tidal range of 6–7 feet creates dramatic changes: high tide can leave little beach, while low tide reveals a broad, firm surface popular for cycling and running along the shore.
South Carolina's tidal range of 6–7 ft creates one of the most dramatic tidal beaches on the East Coast: low tide exposes a vast expanse of hard-packed, flat sand up to 400 ft wide — perfect for cycling, running, and exploring the wide inter-tidal zone; high tide can reduce the dry beach to a narrow strip. Swimming is safest and most comfortable at mid tide; shelling for olive shells and whelks is best at low tide after storms; surf fishing and crabbing in the tidal creeks behind the island are productive at any tide. Local note: beach access is via resort crossover boardwalks (some require parking fees); over 60 miles of paved bike paths cover the island; Harbour Town and Shelter Cove Harbour are the main dining and marina hubs.
Nearby Beaches