Where is it OK to park and use golf carts in Hilton Head? Here are the latest rules
Golf carts are a popular and convenient way to explore Hilton Head, but with the recent changes to the island’s beach parking, it can be confusing to know where and how you can park your cart.
From locations to permits to hours, it’s important for folks to understand the specific rules around parking and operation, especially at beach access points, to avoid any unwanted fees during your beach day.
Whether you’re a visitor renting a cart for the week or a long-time resident, here’s everything you need to know about where and how to park a golf cart on Hilton Head.
Can you park a golf cart at Hilton Head’s beach parking?
Short answer: Yes, golf carts are allowed at Hilton Head beach parking areas, but they must follow the same rules as cars:
Park only in designated areas.
Obey all posted signs.
Golf carts are not allowed on beaches themselves or on bike paths.
Golf carts must also follow other state and local rules for use:
Operate during daylight hours only.
Must have a valid driver’s license and keep headlights on when in use.
Stay within 4 miles of the rental location or residence.
Only allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
Passengers under 12 years old must wear seat belts while riding on public roadways.
Golf carts are only allowed on certain roads throughout Hilton Head; some of the main roads that allow carts include:
South Forest Beach Drive & North Forest Beach Drive
Pope Avenue
Cordillo Parkway
Coligny Circle
Mathews Drive
Folly Field Road
For a map of all roads on the island that are golf cart-friendly, click here.
While golf carts are allowed at beach parking areas, there are some differences in how it works for residents and golf cart owners versus those who rent:
Resident & golf cart owner parking: How it works
If you live on Hilton Head Island and want to obtain a parking permit, which lets you park for free at many beach access locations, you’ll need a valid vehicle registration and proof that you’ve lived within town limits for at least 183 days or more.
Permits are limited to two vehicles per address. That includes golf carts, which also need a permit to avoid parking fees.
Requirements for a Golf Cart Parking Permit:
Must have valid South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles golf cart registration.
Permit counts as one of the two allowed vehicles per address.
Proof of residency (tax bill, lease or closing documents).
Permits are valid from January 1 to December 31.
How to Apply:
Online: Use the application on the Town of Hilton Head’s website.
By Mail: Send the application and documents to PCI Municipal Services, 32 Office Park Road, Suite 108.
In-Person: Bring your proof of residency and vehicle registration(s) to PCI Municipal Services at 32 Office Park Road, Suite 108, to fill out a form in person. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Note: If the property is a short-term rental, the owner can’t use it to get a resident parking permit.
Golf cart rental parking: How it works for visitors
If you’re renting a golf cart during your stay, Hilton Head’s beach parking fees will apply.
Golf cart renters are advised to treat their carts like a car:
Renters must pay regular parking fees.
Be sure to park only in designated vehicle spaces.
Always check with your rental host about parking policies for carts.
Parking Fees & Season Info
Fee season: March 1 to September 7
Enforcement hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Weekday parking (Monday to Friday): $3 per hour
Weekend parking (Saturday & Sunday): $5 per hour
For more information on parking fees, click here.
Where can you park at the beach?
Here are the key beach access locations and the number of spaces available. Handicap parking is available at no fee at all beach parks.
Paid locations:
Alder Lane: 22 spaces, 1 ADA space
Burkes Beach: 246 spaces, 12 ADA spaces
Driessen Beach Park: 27 resident permit spaces, 168 spaces, 71 ADA spaces
Fish Haul Beach Park: 93 spaces, 4 ADA spaces
Folly Field Beach Park: 51 spaces, 3 ADA spaces
Islander Beach Park: 127 resident permit spaces, 25 spaces
Free locations:
Coligny Beach Park: 397 spaces, 7 ADA spaces
USCB Hospitality Campus (1 Sandshark Drive): 220 spaces, 8 ADA spaces
Mitchelville Freedom Park
Lot sites of the former Aunt Chiladas and Wild Cafe locations on Pope Avenue.
Hilton Head Island beach parks are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Parking is free before 7 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
For additional information on Hilton Head Beach Parking, visit parkhhi.org.
This story has been updated to include South Carolina’s newest seat belt law for passengers under 12 on public roadways.
This story was originally published July 9, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
