You can drive to Hilton Head Island using the Byrnes Bridge, which connects the island with the neighboring Pinckney Island and the city of Bluffton on the mainland. The Byrnes Bridge is a 4-lane expressway and the final part of US-278, which runs 1,074 miles from Wickes in Arkansas. The bridge is the only route by road onto the island, and the good news is there is no cost for using the bridge after the toll was removed in 2021.
Hilton Head Island is located off the east coast of South Carolina. It is 12 miles in length and 5 miles in width, covering 41.4 square miles. The island is located 8 miles by road to the east of Bluffton and 33 miles by road to the northeast of the larger city of Savannah.
Despite the good road connection to the mainland via the Byrnes Bridge, there are still several different ways that you can travel to the island.
Boat – While there are no scheduled ferry services from the island to the mainland, local tour operators run a daily return trip from Hilton Island to Savannah. Traveling through the low country waterways, the journey takes 2 hours each way and allows for 4 hours in Savannah.
The Daufuskie Ferry links the island with the neighboring Daufuskie Island. Traveling 4 times daily, the 45-minute journey takes a scenic route through the bay, with frequent dolphin sightings. Note this is purely a passenger service, so no vehicles apart from bicycles can travel onboard.
Air – Hilton Head Island Airport is a regional airport that services a surprisingly wide range of destinations. The airport offers scheduled and charter American, Delta, and United Airlines flights. Connecting destinations include New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington and Philadelphia. Longer haul travel is possible through the larger and better-connected Savannah Airport, which is 1 hour away by road.
Car – The island only has one connection to the mainland via the Byrnes Bridge. This 4-lane expressway is well placed to deal with the 50,000 vehicles that travel to and from the island daily.
Foot/Bicycle – Crossing the Byrnes Bridge on foot or by bicycle is impossible due to its status as a freeway. You must travel by vehicle to bring your bike onto the island. Once you’re on the island, there are many cycling routes.
Once on the island, it’s easy to drive and navigate your way around. The island is relatively small, so there’s a limited road network. The main road is US-278 which follows a circular route around the island, connecting most of the hotels and golf courses, as well as the airport. During the peak summer months, the roads can become busy, particularly on Saturdays and public holidays.
Hilton Head Islands’ fine climate and good connections to the mainland by both road and air have made it an increasingly popular destination. There are some great things to do on the island, and these are some of the best:
Coastal Discovery Museum – This fine museum offers a detailed look into the island’s flora, fauna, and ecosystems. Boasting 2000 square feet of indoor exhibits and 68 acres of outdoor areas, it’s a great place to learn, discover, and explore. It’s a great option for an alternative day out rather than hitting the beach or golf course.
Biking – There are 117 miles of shared-use pathways on the island, making biking both enjoyable and a great way to get around. The island also has 12 miles of hard-packed beaches which are traversable by bike, particularly during low tide. Combined with the spectacular coastal views and the green interior, it’s a great place to clock some miles up on the bike.
Beaches – Hilton Head Island is blessed with beautiful long, sandy Atlantic beaches. Covering over 12 miles, they’re regularly voted among the best in the U.S., and all are publicly accessible. Some of the best beaches include South Beach, Driessen Beach, Coligny Beach, and Folly Field Beach. Whichever beach you choose, you won’t be disappointed.
Pinckney Island national Wildlife Reserve – Not strictly on the island but just a very short hop away, this wildlife reserve covers 1,200 acres. There are no amenities on the island beyond the car park and some hiking trails, but this is very much part of the attraction. During the summer months, it’s a great place to spot plants, butterflies, and birds. Note there’s very little shade on the island, so if you visit during the summer months come suitably prepared.
Golf – Home to 23 championship courses, you’ll never be short of a fairway on the island. Featuring courses designed by some of the greats, including Jack Nicklaus, it’s one of the best places to play in South Carolina. The Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and Harbour Town Golf Links receive rave reviews and should feature highly on your must-play list.
Dolphin Watching Tours – The waters around Hilton Head Island are home to over 200 dolphins who regularly appear and entertain visitors. There’s a host of different boat trips and cruises, which include dolphin spotting. Our pick is the sunset cruise, which is spectacular even without the dolphins. If you do see them, it makes the whole experience even more magical.
Hilton Head Island has a great year-round climate. Mild winters are complimented by a warm spring and fall and a hot summer. While there’s precipitation throughout the year, the highest months for rainfall are June through September, as these fall within the Atlantic hurricane season. The peak season for tourists coincides with much of the hurricane season, with mid-June to mid-August especially busy. During this time, accommodation, tee times, and restaurants are all in high demand, so availability is limited, and prices are higher. Overall, the best time to visit is during May and October, when the weather is largely warm and dry and visitor numbers are notably lower.
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