Islanders Beach Park
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
2-5 hours
Best Ages
Best for all ages
About
Islanders Beach Park is Hilton Head Island's premier fully public beach facility — and it's free, including parking, which makes it genuinely rare in a resort community where most beach access involves resort memberships, gate fees, or paid parking. For families not staying at a resort with direct beach access, this is the answer.
The park is comprehensively equipped in a way that transforms the beach day experience. A boardwalk path leads from the parking area to the beach. Clean, well-maintained restrooms and changing facilities handle the post-beach logistics.
Outdoor showers at the boardwalk exit wash sand off children before they get back in the car — which any parent of beach-aged kids knows is worth its weight in gold. A snack bar provides food without requiring a separate lunch stop. Chair and umbrella rentals are available on-site for families who want the full setup without hauling gear from the rental house.
The beach itself is wide and beautiful — typical of Hilton Head's Atlantic-facing oceanfront, with relatively gentle waves, firm sand for walking, and the space to spread out even on busy summer days. The north end of the island location (Folly Field Road) puts the park in a less congested area than the Coligny Beach section.
Open daily 6AM-9PM. Arrive before 10AM on summer weekends for easy parking — it fills quickly. The park is stroller-friendly with paved paths from parking to beach access, and nursing facilities are available in the bathhouse. For families visiting HHI who aren't resort guests, Islanders Beach Park is the foundation of every beach day.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Limited
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Morning before 11AM for the best shade and lighter crowds; avoid peak afternoon sun
Wait Times
Parking fills on peak summer days — arrive early
Nearby Food
Snack bar on-site. Multiple restaurants on Folly Field Rd nearby for lunch options. The northern HHI restaurant corridor is a short drive.
Why Kids Love It
Islanders Beach Park is Hilton Head's best fully public oceanfront beach park — free admission, free parking, a boardwalk to the beach, clean restrooms, outdoor showers, and a snack bar, all within a clean, well-maintained facility. Kids get the full beach experience without the hassle of resort-area parking or gate fees. The beach itself is wide, the water is calm by Hilton Head standards, and the park facilities make long beach days genuinely manageable.
What Parents Say
“Really nice beach! Lots of parking, showers to rinse off, a real bathroom for him and her. Dog friendly and primed for family fun. Can't wait to get back there.”
Pro Tips from Parents
- One of the only fully free beaches on Hilton Head with all facilities — no resort or private beach access required
- Chair and umbrella rentals on-site for families who don't want to bring gear
- Outdoor showers at the boardwalk exit — critical for getting sand off kids before the car
- Snack bar is a convenient alternative to packing a full lunch
- Opens at 6AM — early morning beach walks before the crowds are a beautiful option
- Arrive before 10AM on summer weekends for easy parking
What to Bring
- Sunscreen (reapply every 90 minutes)
- Water (beach concessions exist but water is essential)
- Beach toys
- Towels
- Cash for chair rentals or snack bar if needed
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0 admission and parking.
Budget $20-$40 for food from the snack bar.
Tips to Save
- Completely free including parking.
- Chair and umbrella rentals available on-site if you don't want to haul gear.
- The snack bar saves a separate food stop.
