Hilton Head Island's Most Popular Public Beach: Coligny Beach Park
86Coligny Beach Park Entrance
Coligny Beach Park Fountains
Coligny Beach Park
Coligny Beach Park is a free oceanfront park on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. It was recently redesigned and features fabulous views of the Atlantic Ocean from wooden swings, rockers and benches. Visitors enter the park at Coligny Circle where synchronized water fountains let them know they are in for a real treat. This park has many features that delight beach goers of any age regardless of how many times they visit.
The photos in this hub were taken by its author, Gail Sobotkin, in January, 2012.
Winter temperatures usually range from daytime highs in the 50's to low 70's so layered clothing is suggested during this season and it can be a great time to play volleyball, beach paddle ball, build sand castles, ride bikes on the hard packed sand, read, fly kites and enjoy special winter events such as the Marsh Tacky Horse Races in March.
Spring brings an abundance of colorful flowers and temperatures that range from the 70's to 80's. It also attracts many young adults who come to celebrate spring break on this lush sub-tropical island, as well as families who love to vacation here. A full service outdoor bar called the Tiki Hut and an outdoor snack bar at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront Hotel are great places to eat and drink as they are adjacent to the park entrance and one need only walk a few hundred feet to get to them. Stunning views of the Holiday Inn oceanfront pool as well as the ocean can be seen from the hut and snack bar and live music is featured beginning in spring and continuing throughout the summer and early fall seasons. The music is loud enough to be heard while just sitting or lying down on the wide public beach that's in front of the hotel.
Summer is the most crowded time of year as throngs of tourists flock to this popular park. The weather remains hot throughout most of the fall season but the crowds begin to thin out as the kids return to school and the prices for lodging at nearby hotels and condos becomes more affordable.
Photos of Coligny Beach Park Facilities and Amenities
Other amenities available at Coligny Beach Park include free Wi-Fi, outdoor showers and pay per view telescopes that overlook the ocean.
Shore Beach Service offers beach rentals and you can order daily or weekly chairs and umbrellas from their friendly lifeguards and even rent water-sports equipment like body boards, aqua cycles, fun cycles, banana peels, kayaks, and sailboats from March through October.
Photos of Fun Activities on the Beach
Coligny Plaza
Coligny Plaza is located directly across the street from Coligny Beach Park and offers many dining and shopping options. The Plaza has ponds, fountains and statues which makes a stroll through the lovely grounds very enjoyable.
Photos of Coligny Plaza
Ride Bike to Compass Rose Park
Hope you have enjoyed this pictorial tour of Coligny Beach Park and the nearby Coligny Plaza. In June 2011 the editorial staff of Parents Magazine reviewed over 1,000 different U.S. beaches to find the top 10 that are kid-friendly plus great for adults and they named Coligny Beach Park as the second best family beach in the country. This exceptional public beach offers something for everyone. Be sure to visit it if you're ever in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Bonus for those who do make it to Hilton Head: I'm adding an additional section to this hub highlighting a scenic bike ride to nearby Compass Rose Park which is the newest park on the island and has a meditative garden, waterfalls and reflecting pools.
One of the Reflecting Pools at Compass Rose Park
Bike Path to Compass Rose Park
Bike Path From Coligny Beach Park to Compass Rose Park
Biking from Coligny Beach Park to Compass Rose Park is fun for the whole family as the two parks are only a few miles apart and connected by a bike path that is separate from the main road. Just follow these simple directions for the most scenic route:
- Proceed around Coligny Beach Circle to South Forest Beach Rd. (.1 mi.)
- Turn left onto S. Forest Beach Dr. bike pathway. (1.3 mi.)
- Pathway turns right at Cordillo Parkway. Proceed along Cordillo pathway. (1.4 mi.)
- Cross Pope Ave. at light, then make an immediate left onto Pope Ave. pathway. (.6 mi.)
- Turn right into Compass Rose Park.
- Enjoy the park.
To return to Coligny Beach Park via the shortest pathway:
- Turn left out of Compass Rose Park onto the Pope Ave. pathway and go straight until you reach Coligny Circle. (.9 mi.)
- Enter Coligny Circle and return to Coligny Beach Park. (.1 mi).
I took the photos shown at the right during a bike trip along the above route. As you can see, the bike path is lined with live oak and palm trees and there are wooden bridges that traverse marshy areas where it's common to see beautiful wildlife and flowers. You may even see alligators but please obey the signs that warn you not to disturb or feed them.
Hilton Head Island has more than 50 miles of biking trails, most of which are separate from the roads which makes them great for family biking activities.
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Hi Gail,
I have just come over from Peggy W's latest which was amazing and then straight into this gem.
I have so many bookmarked hubs all ready for a gloomy afternoon's 'Armchair Travelling.'
Take care my friend and enjoy your day.
Eddy.
Hi Mar,
Wow, how cool that your brother and his family took you to HHI as a high school graduation gift. You must have some really great memories.
I'm sure a lot has changed since then but young people having fun is one constant.
Thanks for leaving such a lovely comment and for the vote up which is greatly appreciated.
January has been a wonderful month so far. Hope you're enjoying the New Year.
Hugs,
Gail
Hi Eddy,
Thanks so mucch for the lovely comments. Am so glad you enjoyed it.
I saw Peggy W.'s latest hub also and as usual, thoroughly enjoyed my cyber travel.
Hub hugs across the miles...
Gail
Hi Gail,
It is no wonder that this was voted the 2nd best family beach in America by Parent's Magazine. Wonder what the first one looks like? Thanks for giving us this great view of Coligny Beach and the area via your words, photos and videos. All the up votes except funny.
As always your photographs are lovely and your research perfect. You are so nice to travel this way and share with us here at home:)
Hilton Head is not too far for us. Perhaps we will get down there this summer. You certainly have inspired me to go.
Oh Gail what Beautiful Breathtaking Photos that are such a Treat for the eyes, having never been to "Hilton Head". The Lunches at the "Big Bamboo" sounds so reasonable...with awesome Seafood, as well as "Early Bird Specials". It looks like you guys had a Wonderful time.
Maybe we'll visit "Hilton Head" on the way home in May! Thanks for an Inspiring Hub!
The picture of the little girl with her dad was adorable. As usual, your photos are gorgeous. Voted up, awesome and beautiful.
Hi Peggy,
So glad you enjoyed the hub and thanks for the vote up.
Hi Hyphenbird,
Thanks for the kind words and feedback. I hope you do make it to Hilton Head for a visit especially since you live nearby. It's truly a great place for all family members.
Hi b. Malin,
Hope you do get to see it on your way home in May. It's only a 30 to 40 minute detour off I-95 and I can't imagine anyone who loves beaches not liking this one!
Hi Danette,
Am so glad that you enjoyed it and thank you so much for your feedback and encouragement.
I would love to visit there in the spring. Thanks for an interesting hub with beautiful pictures. Rated useful and beautiful!
I have just asked Nick if we can go there, I haven't had a definite 'no' yet, so you never know...
Your photos are fabulous, the little girl massaging her daddy's back is so endearing.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful hub and voted up.
Hi Pamela,
Thanks so much for the feedback and the vote up. Hope you do get a chance to visit.
Hi MM,
The photo ops in Hilton Head are truly astounding. From fabulous resorts, private plantations (planned communities with gated entry), public parks and beaches (like the one in this hub), wildlife and nature centers, marinas, historical plantation museums and more. Also, the sunsets and sunrises are simply amazing.
Hope you do get to visit someday.
Another great hub Gail. A beautiful place to visit. What impressed me was the wheelchair access right onto the beach, how wonderful.
You have taken some wonderful photos. Love the hibiscus and the little girl with daddy. I do like that statur too.
Voting up
Hi Rosemay,
So glad that you enjoyed it, and yes, the wheelchair access is an awesome feature.
Thanks so much for the vote up and your ongoing support which is greatly appreciated.
Hello Gail, these photos are wonderful! I really hope to visit Coligny park sometime now. I had never heard of it before. You did an excellent job of capturing what was going on in several different areas. I absolutely loved it and what you wrote about it. So many different spots to view the ocean, I would just love to see it right now. Voted up all but funny. Thanks for sharing. :)
Hi Oceansnsunsets,
The whole island is a wonderful place to visit. I focused on Coligny Beach in this hub because it has so many outstanding features and is open to the public.
Voted up and all across but funny. HBN, another great quality article. Your photography is amazing. You really have a talent for it. I must say, they are always very professional looking and they go great in your articles. It was fun learning about Coligny Beach and enjoying the sight seeing. As I have said before, I plan to visit these areas when I am in the position again. Very well done. Hope you are doing great and enjoy the new day. Take care.
Hi Lyricwriter,
Thanks so much for leaving such a heartfelt comment and for all your support. Am thrilled that you enjoyed another pictorial visit to a place I love to visit.
I love the ocean and beaches, but Hilton Head is one I've never visited. Now I wonder why! Your photographs are beautiful, and this looks like a tropical paradise of palm trees and tiki huts. It's definitely on my "to visit" list after your terrific hub!
As usual I love your photos, and oh how wonderful to be able to play on the beach in January! My favourite photo is the kids and dog in the wading pool. Just lovely.
Looks like you’ve been having a good time so far this year! :-)
Awesome. Beautiful.
Hi Stephanie,
Can't believe you've never been here! There is a beautiful RV site called, Hilton Head Harbor RV Resort and Marina. You can view their website at: http://www.hiltonheadharbor.com/ I've never stayed there but it has excellent reviews. Hope you get to visit sometime.
Thanks so much for your kind words and support which are greatly appreciated.
Hi Melovy,
Am so glad you liked your cybervisit. The "wading pools" are really cool as they run parallel to the ocean and create ever changing scenes, especially near sundown.
Yes, this has been a great year so far and I'm appreciating every moment of it.
Thanks so much for your kind words and ongoing support. Hope all is well with you and your family.
Gail
You got south with this one Gail. Very nice hub on Hilton Head. The pics are fantastic. Maybe their Chamber of Commerce should offer you a position in tourism and travel! Yep, the islands a great place to visit, especially if you like golf and pretty beaches!
Hi Alastar,
Yeah, being south in winter is a special treat! I love HHI for the abundance of wild life, history and culture, proximity to Savannah and all the festivals and events.
I don't golf but I love the miles of bicycle trails and riding a bike on the hard packed beach.
Thanks for your kind words and support which is always greatly appreciated.
Coligny Beach Park is a very beautiful beach for many fun activities which made me dream of visiting this place someday.
Hi Agusfanani,
Glad you enjoyed the hub and hope you do get a chance to visit Hilton Head Island and Coligny Beach Park someday.
Thanks for taking time to leave a comment.
Happyboomernurse, you always share such a wonderful weekend jaunt with us. The photographs are a real treat. It looks like a very pleasnt place to spend some leisure time. I have that very color hibiscus plant growing by the front porch.
Hi Mckbirdbks,
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I love hibiscus plants, especially in that color. They produce so many blooms and require very little care.
Thanks for the kind words and for taking time to leave a comment.
Beautiful pictures and wonderful hub filled with great information. I cannot tell you what year I was there but it was many ion's ago..Such a beautiful beach. It makes me want summer to get here fast..Thanks Gail!
Sunnie
I miss Coligny Park and Beach! I use to visit there once or twice a year when my in-laws lived on HHI! Thanks for blast from the recent past:)
Hi Sunnie Day,
The entrance to Coligny Beach would have looked very different back then, but the beach itself would have been lovely.
All of the current facilities and amenities were added within the past 2 to 3 years.
So glad you enjoyed the hub and thanks for leaving a comment.
Gail
Hi Sunshine,
So glad you enjoyed your cyber visit. Yes, HHI is a great place to visit and I can see why you'd miss coming every year.
Thanks so much for reading the hub and leaving a comment.
This looks like a really fun place. I realize I gotta get out more. Love the pictures and an very enjoyable read. Love it!
Hi Bobbi,
So great to "see" you here. Glad you enjoyed the cyber visit and thanks so much for leaving such a lovely comment. It's greatly appreciated.
Great hub, Gail. My youngest daughter is looking for somewhere south to travel for a change and I will be sure to mention this to her. Intriguing photos as always. Voted up and across. :)
Hi Denise,
Hilton Head is a great place for families. There's much to do besides visiting Coligny Beach Park and there are rental accomodations of every size, type and price range from condos, resort luxury hotels, beach houses and chain hotels.
Thanks for the vote up. It's greatly appreciated.
This hub is so beautiful HBN. I love all your tours yet am feeling a little jealous because I want to visit these wonderful places. I must keep saving my penny's. In the meantime, thank you so much for giving us this virtual visit. Your hubs are awesome!
Sharyn
Hi Sharyn,
Am so glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for all your support and feedback. Hope you do get to visit Hilton Head Island one day.
Howdy - We travel down to SC. once or twice a year to visit family. I have never been to the ocean in SC., but plan to this year, so my youngest son can see it. Very nice hub. I enjoyed the pictures and the read. I was reminded of when I lived in Virginia Beach Virginia. Thanks.
Hi Paddyboy,
So glad to hear that you plan to take your youngest son to a South Carolina beach this year. Hilton Head is my favorite, especially by Coligny Beach Park, but there are also a lot of other SC beaches that are very beautiful.
Thanks so much for leaving such a lovely comment. It's greatly appreciated.
To WD Curry 111,
Please go to my hub about "Best Winter Festivals of Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry" to view my response to the very informative comment that you originally placed here about the Hilton Head Island Gullah culture. As the comment expounded on several comments in the other hub, I felt it best to paste the comment into the other hub where readers can follow the whole line of discussion in the comments section.
Thanks again, for your insight and research. It's greatly appreciated.
We are heading down for our first trip to Charleston, Savannah and Hilton Head in about a month. These pictures make me even more excited to go....looks like a blast. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Janices7,
That should be a great time to visit and it's wonderful that you're going to be able to explore all three places. Each has its own charm and so very much to explore and do!
Hope you love it as much as I do.
Wow, another great Hilton Head article! With all the beautiful photos, I can already imagine myself relaxing on the beach. Thank you!
Hi Vespawoolf,
It's easy to write about Hilton Head because I love it so much!
So glad you're enjoying this series of articles and hope you enjoy Hilton Head as much as I do when you visit.
Hi Gail - Your photos are beautiful! You have talent as a photographer. As for the park, the improvements look great. I liked this beach when I visited Hilton Head about a decade ago, and it looks even better today!
Hi Tipstoretireearly,
Yes, Coligny Beach Park has been totally made over and is better than ever.
Glad you enjoyed the hub and thank you for leaving such a lovely comment.
marcoujor Level 8 Commenter 4 months ago
Oh wow, my last (only) trip to this magical land was '1979' when my brother/ his family took me for my HS graduation!!
Thank you, Gail, for reminding me of how beautiful this paradise is! Your photography is exquisite-- the little girl giving her Daddy the back rub is precious and the hibiscus is gorgeous, a favorite! A fabulous piece, as usual from you, dear friend!
Voted UP & UABI. Hope your January is aweome. Hugs, Maria