Want to visit a Lowcountry lighthouse? Here are 5 within 60 miles of Hilton Head SC
Many are familiar with one of Hilton Head Island’s two lighthouses.
That’s correct!
The island is home to not one but two different lighthouses. In fact, there are several more lighthouses located around the Lowcountry. Want to know where?
Below is a list of five lighthouses within 60 miles of Hilton Head Island to fulfill any visitor or local’s Lowcountry sightseeing dreams.
Harbour Town Lighthouse
Located on Hilton Head Island in Harbour Town within the Sea Pines community, the Harbour Town Lighthouse has come to be synonymous with the island. Next to the newly renovated and reopened Quarterdeck restaurant, its classic red and white stripes are instantly recognizable to many. Open to the public every day of the week, families can climb to the top for only $5.75 per person. Children 5 and under, active military and military veterans are granted free admission. After descending the 90-foot lighthouse, spend some time in the museum located on the bottom level. If you are a member of the U.S. Lighthouse Society, make sure to get your passport stamp.
Hilton Head Island Rear Range Lighthouse
Also known as the Leamington Lighthouse, the Hilton Head Island Rear Range Lighthouse is located in the Leamington community of the Palmetto Dunes Resort on Hilton Head Island. This lighthouse can be entered through Palmetto Dunes, is free to visit and can be found between the 5th and 15th greens of the Arthur Hills Golf Course. The inside of this lighthouse is closed and no longer allows entry. However, it is featured on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the Inventory of Historic Light Stations. Additionally, visitors can get their U.S. Lighthouse Society Passport Book stamped at three different nearby locations. These include the Arthur Hills Pro Shop, Palmetto Dunes General Store and the Palmetto Dunes Welcome Center.
Haig Point Lighthouse
Although not accessible to the public unless visitors are within the Haig Point community, Haig Point Lighthouse has been standing on Daufuskie Island since construction began in 1872. Full of history, the lighthouse now acts as a two-story guesthouse and the host of special events. It has a 40-foot tower and looks over Calibogue Sound. If visitors wish to stay within Haig Point, a ferry or private boat is needed to get to the island.
Bloody Point Lighthouse
Also located on Daufuskie Island, this lighthouse can only be reached by private boat or ferry. Once on Daufuskie, guests can reserve one of many golf cart options available to visit Bloody Point. Although visually not what someone might think looks like a typical lighthouse, Bloody Point Lighthouse is a two-story structure modeled after a keeper’s house at Tybee Island Light and contains an abundance of history. It has been relocated several times, each time moving more inland, due to shoreline recession and erosion. This lighthouse is free to enter and is now a museum and gift shop. It also is listed by the United States Lighthouse Society as a passport stamp location.
Hunting Island Lighthouse
Although closed presently due to recent safety concerns, Hunting Island Lighthouse is a towering symbol at Hunting Island State Park. Although varying fees apply to enter the park based on the visitor’s age, viewing the lighthouse is a free activity once admitted. Stamps are provided for those with a U.S. Lighthouse Society Passport book and informational dockets are provided. The original construction of this lighthouse was completed in 1859, but it has since undergone several renovations and rebuilds throughout history.
Looking for more lighthouses?
If you have a day to spend and you’re looking for other lighthouses along South Carolina’s coast with a driving range greater than 60 miles, check out:
Cape Romain Lighthouse in Awendaw, SC
Georgetown Lighthouse in Georgetown, SC
Morris Island (Old Charleston) Lighthouse in Folly Beach, SC
Sullivan’s Island (Charleston) Lighthouse in Sullivan’s Island, SC
More information on South Carolina lighthouses that offer stamps for the United States Lighthouse Society Passport is offered here.
United States Lighthouse Society Passports can be purchased here.
Join the U.S. Lighthouse Society Passport Club.
This story was originally published April 6, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
