BEACHES

All of the beach is public, from the ocean to the high water mark. Access to the beach, however, is often private. For beach access within the resort, use the Dunes House, the Disney Beach House, or any of the access paths along Mooring Buoy or Ocean Lane.

Parking is available at the Dunes House and at the Disney Beach House. You may also call on the Palmetto Dunes Buggy daily from March-Labor Day 8am-9pm at 843-689-4222 for free rides.

HANDICAP BEACH ACCESS

Handicapped Beach Access is available at the Disney Beach House. Two companies that rent beach-ready wheelchairs are Burke’s Main Street Pharmacy 843-681-2652 or A Day at the Beach 843-684-1220.

PROTECTING THE BEACH

The beach is a favorite gathering place for many islanders. Although it provides a tranquil, stress-relieving and beautiful place to be, it also performs many other natural services.

It provides wildlife habitat for our native species, many of which are found only in dune fields, including dwarf live oak, prickly pear cactus, sea oats, six-lined racerunner lizards and Spanish bayonet.

Beaches and dunes provide important wildlife corridors that can get animals from one end of the island to the other without crossing roadways.

Dense dune vegetation can protect your house and landscape from damaging salt spray. Dunes provide important storm barriers that protect upland property from the effects of wave energy, and can store storm water in the troughs between the dune peaks to minimize flooding. Our beaches also are a major draw for tourists year-round. For all these reasons, we need to protect our beach-dune system and encourage the formation of new dunes.

Please note that while the resort is private, the beach is public and is under the jurisdiction of the Town of Hilton Head Island.

BEACH RULES & REGULATIONS

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department patrols the beaches and enforces all beach regulations. Violators of beach regulations are subject to fines up to $500 per each offense.

The following are PROHIBITED on all beaches:
Alcoholic liquor, beer, wine
• Glass (bottles, containers, etc.)
• Littering
• Indecent exposure (nudity)
• Disorderly conduct
• Disturbing the peace
• Unauthorized vehicles
• Fires and Fireworks
• Shark Fishing

Removal, harming, or harassment of any live beach fauna (sea turtles, sand dollars, conchs, starfish, etc.)
• Removal, alteration, or damage to dunes, sea oats, or other dune flora
• Operation, launching, or landing of unauthorized motorized watercraft
• Unauthorized commercial activity
• Sleeping on the beach between midnight and 6am
• Unauthorized wearing of lifeguard emblems, insignias, etc.
• Solicitation or distribution of handouts
• Kites not under manual control
• Stunt kites 10am-6pm April 1 through September 30
• Sand-sailing

For the added protection of sunbathers and swimmers, the following activities are prohibited in Designated Swimming Areas between 10am and 6pm April 1 through September 30:
• Fishing or surfcasting
• Surfboards, boogie boards, etc.
• Frisbees or other team sports involving a ball
• Games with metal components

Animals on the Beach

  • Are not permitted
    • Between 10am and 5pm Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day
  • Must be on a leash:
    • Between 10am and 5pm April 1 through Thursday before Memorial Day
  • Must be on leash or under positive voice control at all other times.
    • Between 10am and 5pm Tuesday after Labor Day through September 30
  • Persons in control of animals on the beach are required to remove and properly dispose of the animal’s excrement.