Hilton Head beach parking is a hot topic. Paying at Coligny? $100 county resident passes?
After waiting in traffic on the U.S. 278 bridge, and finding a parking spot in a crowded lot, the last thing any visitor or beachgoer on Hilton Head Island wants to do is pull out their phone, scan a QR code and navigate an online payment system while their impatient children run through rows of parked cars.
Today, the town’s Community Services and Public Safety Committee discussed the idea of giving all Beaufort County residents the option of purchasing parking passes for the public lots on the island but ultimately decided to move the discussion and decision to the full town council with a recommendation against passage.
With new beach parking fees in effect this year, that’s now the reality for Hilton Head’s beachgoers who don’t live on the island. As part of the ruling from earlier this year, town residents can apply for a beach parking pass to park for free.
The parking debate has been the focus of years of discussion and contention among residents. Now, the rules could change again. Here’s how:
- Parking passes for non-islanders: A proposal on the table, introduced by Mayor Alan Perry, would offer $100 beach parking passes to Beaufort County residents. The pass would not apply to Islanders Beach Park. However, some councilmembers are against the idea, and are recommending that the council reject it.
- $5 rate: Change hourly rate from $3 to $5 with no maximum daily fee
- Pay to park at Coligny: Introduce paid parking at Coligny Beach Park, not including the new lots located at the former Aunt Chiladas and Wild Wing Cafe.
Free parking for youth sports: Parking at Chaplin Beach Park during all seasons for youth recreational sports could become free.
Pay your fees: If you owe any outstanding fees to the town, your parking pass application could be denied.
How much does parking cost on Hilton Head Island this summer?
Without a pass, here’s how much it costs to park on Hilton Head beaches.
This fee applies to most beach lots other than the ones near Coligny - which remains free.
- Monday through Friday: $3 per hour, up to a $15 maximum
- Saturday and Sunday: $20 flat fee
Where to get free parking on Hilton Head Island
Currently, you can park for free on Hilton Head Island:
- Outside of enforcement hours: Parking is free after 5 p.m. and before 7 a.m. each day. The beach parks are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
- At certain beaches: Parking at town-owned lots at Coligny Beach is currently free.
This story was originally published May 19, 2025 at 1:54 PM.
