How to pay to park at some Hilton Head beach lots now they have hourly or daily fees
The days of free parking for many visitors at Hilton Head Island’s public beach parks are long gone. But payments won’t be made with quarters at the closest parking meter, they will be made on your phone.
Here’s what you will need to have at the ready to complete the transaction:
- A charged cell phone that is connected through cell service to the internet.
- Your license plate number.
- Your debit/ credit card information.
Here’s how it works for non-residents parking at most of the town’s beach parks:
- Find the nearest sign in the parking lot labeled “Pay for parking upon arrival.” They are scattered throughout the parking lot.
- Either text the letters “HHI” to the number posted on the sign, or use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code on the sign. Click on the link that appears on your screen. It will take you to a web browser. Important note: You will not need to download an app to your phone.
- You will be prompted to type in your mobile number, then your license plate number, then the number of hours you intend to stay at the beach.
- You will then proceed to payment, where you will be asked to enter your card number, name, expiration date and CVC from the card’s back.
- Once you confirm the payment, you are set to go to the beach. You will receive a warning text when your paid time is about to expire. You are able to add additional time from your cell phone if you are not ready to finish your beach day.
- If you are having trouble paying, call 843-489-8980. There will also be parking ambassadors among the public lots who can assist visitors that have questions or are experiencing difficulty completing the payment process.
Which parks are charging?
Parking fees will be enforced at Alder Lane, Driessen, Fish Haul, Folly Field and Islanders beach parks during the peak beach season of March 1 through September 7. The hours of payment are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mandatory fees at Chaplin Community Park at Burkes Beach will only be enforced later, starting May 19, following the end of the youth sports season. Coligny Beach Park, which has 397 free spots for vehicles, is currently exempt from the fees.
Island residents can still receive free parking permits for up to two vehicles per household. This does not extend to other residents of Beaufort County.
Non-residents will pay $3 per hour with a cap of $15 each day to park their cars during the weekdays. On the weekends, visitors will have to pay a flat rate of $20 regardless of how long they visit.
This story was originally published March 12, 2025 at 3:36 PM.
