This sea island is only 13 miles long and 5 miles wide, but within this space are diversions galore including several highly ranked beaches. All are open to the public and the terrain is solid enough for a number of activities, including shoreline jogging, game-playing, bicycling or even a beach wedding. Most of the area is backed by natural dunes, serves as a home to sand critters like crabs, clams, Sand Pipers and Loggerhead turtles, and hosts a generally safe and inviting atmosphere from one end to the other.
Lifeguards are on duty at major beach sites, including Coligny Beach located at Pope Avenue and South Forest Beach Drive. Restroom facilities, showers, changing rooms, bike racks, vending machines and a playground provide visitors with all they need for a day on the shore here at this popular spot, and parking is free.
Similar conveniences can be found at many other beaches including the North Island area, known for being broad and accessible. Driessen Beach is one portion of this region, and is fairly new to the scene. Lots of parking spaces as well as all the standard amenities make it a favorite for fun seekers, and overcrowding is not considered a problem here. Another nearby attraction, Folly Field Beach, is also outfitted with an array of public facilities, but tends to be more popular; thus if it's peace and quiet you're after it might not be your number one choice.
Alcohol is banned on all Hilton Head beaches, as are fires, fireworks, shark fishing, disturbing the wildlife and littering. Family friendliness and conservation reign supreme. While the beach is entirely public, access to it is often limited to owners of adjacent property or guests of the vacation rentals facing the sea. In other words, it's possible to discover a stretch of sand and sun with little traffic, even amidst the hubbub of this vacation hot spot.
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