One Of South Carolina's Best Beaches Is Known For Its Sparkling Blue Water And 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.

Coligny Beach Park isn't just a place to soak up the sun (although that's definitely a big attraction). You'll find lots of activities in the park for a full beach day. For the bluest waters and most relaxing swimming, visit when the tides are low and the waves are extra calm. Shallow waters also make for the best family-friendly swimming, especially for young children who can splash around safely in the tide pools revealed during low tide. An "I Spy" game can keep everyone on the lookout for marine creatures like crabs and sand dollars.

For fans of water sports, the calm surf is ideal for activities like paddleboarding and boogie boarding. Or bring a group for some friendly competition on the beach's volleyball courts. Keep in mind that the courts are first come, first serve, unless you rent one two weeks in advance. For cyclists, there are lots of bike trails around the park to explore, and bike rentals are nearby if you haven't brought your own. In fact, the whole island is really bike-friendly. While you're in the area, hop over to Harbour Town, one of the most photogenic U.S. destinations to add to your bucket list. 

The area around Coligny Beach has plenty more to do after you're done enjoying the sun. Nearby is The Sandbox Children's Museum (tickets are $12), as well as Coligny Plaza, a shopping center with over 60 specialty shops and restaurants. Here, you'll find a ton of dining options, from casual beachside snacks to gourmet meals. (Don't forget that Hilton Head is a popular East Coast island for seafood lovers.) The plaza often features live entertainment, making it the perfect place to round off a beach day.

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.

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).