One of South Carolina’s Top Beaches Shines with Sparkling Blue Waters and Excellent Amenities

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One of South Carolina's Top Beaches Shines with Sparkling Blue Waters and Excellent Amenities

Coligny Beach Park on Hilton Head Island is one of the area’s most popular beaches, and it’s easy to see why. The park gives visitors free public access to miles of gorgeous shoreline, with some of the most stunning blue waters you’ll ever see. The waters off Coligny are extra shallow and calm, reflecting lots of light and enhancing its blue shimmer. On top of that, the soft, white sands of Hilton Head brighten the blue color with extra contrast.



The park itself, situated toward the end of Pope Avenue, offers an amazing blend of natural beauty and amenities, making it an ideal spot for everyone from families and couples to solo travelers. Beyond the beach, convenient features like outdoor showers, restrooms, beach rentals, and Wi-Fi make it easy to spend a day here. If you’re looking to relax, snag a seat under the shaded gazebos with swings or wooden chairs where you can unwind and take in the coastal scenery. The park also gets bonus stars for accessibility — there’s beach matting to accommodate wheelchairs so that everyone can enjoy the beachfront. Visitors can even reserve specialized beach wheelchairs for free.​

You might want to check the local tide schedules before visiting — low tide times can reveal expansive areas of the beach and interesting tide pools for an even cooler experience. Photographers and nature lovers might also want to plan their visit around turtle season when endangered loggerhead sea turtles nest from May through October. Coligny Beach Park is also home to the “Myrtle the Turtle” sculpture celebrating a real turtle that has nested a record number of times on the island.



What to do at Coligny Beach Park

beach chairs with umbrella on white sand at Coligny Beach Park

Planning your trip to Coligny Beach Park

three people walking on wooden boardwalk at Coligny Beach Park



If you’re flying in, Hilton Head is located less than an hour from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. It’s only about a half-hour drive from I-95 for visitors making a road trip. There are plenty of vacation rentals to choose from around the island, but if you want that all-inclusive vibe, check out our list of the best resorts on Hilton Head Island for your family vacation. The price of accommodations can vary widely, from just over $100 per night to over $1,000 for luxury stays during peak season, so every type of traveler can find something that works for them.

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Coligny Beach Park is open daily, with operating hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., though it closes early at 6 p.m. during the winter season. Parking is available, with free spaces located off Pope Avenue. ​If you’re in town without a car, Hilton Head has a free trolley service called The Breeze, which can easily get you to Coligny Beach Park and around the island. 

Pets are allowed to tag along, with the exception of daytime hours from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. The beach is clean and well-maintained, so bring your “leave no trace” mentality to preserve its natural beauty (and yes, that includes dog poo).

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.