Hilton Head is famous for golf, fishing, and our personal favorite, biking. The island is also known for its 12 miles of pristine shoreline. Summer is the classic time to swim and soak up the sun, but visit in any season, and you’ll find that beaches and bikes make a perfect pair.
As longtime Hilton Head cyclists, here’s what we’d tell any visitor about riding along our beaches.
Where can you ride?
The island has seven public-access beaches: Alder Lane, Burkes, Coligny, Driessen, Fish Haul, Folly Field, and Islanders. Biking is permitted on all of them, and with the exception of Fish Haul, their hard-packed sand makes for a smooth, easy ride. It’s one of the best ways to experience the coastline, and one we can’t recommend enough.
Know the seasonal rules
Beach regulations shift during the year, so check what’s allowed before you roll out.
Traveling with a four-legged companion? Dogs face tighter restrictions in those warmer months, but from October 1 through March 31 they’re welcome on every beach. Leash rules vary, and cleaning up after your pup is always expected. Pop your furry friend in a basket or pet trailer and enjoy the ride together.
Cruising the beach on an e-bike
Class I and II e-bikes are allowed on the beaches (unless a private entrance restricts access), and we highly recommend them. We are one of the only rental companies that allow our bikes to ride on the beach.
The extra boost of an e-bike is helpful when you encounter softer or loose sand because an e-bike can quickly gain more traction than a traditional bike. They are also particularly wonderful on the beach when you need to ride into the wind!
Our favorite time to ride
Summer is lovely, but we think the island’s beaches are at their best in fall and winter, when the crowds thin out, the air is comfortable, and you can ride at your own pace.
And one more perk: when you bike to the beach, you’ll never pay for parking.