Hilton Head Island parking fees resume March 1. Here’s what to know
Starting March 1, beachgoers will once again have to pay to park at most of Hilton Head Island’s beaches.
The paid parking season on Hilton Head is scheduled to start next week. Drivers without a residency permit will have to spend $3 per hour Mondays through Fridays; on weekends, the rate shifts to $5 per hour.
This will be the second peak beach season with parking fees on the island. The system gives the town the ability to enforce parking violations as opposed to law enforcement.
Fees will be enforced from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Alder Lane, Driessen, Fish Haul, Folly Field and Islanders beach parks. Paid parking at Chaplin Community Park at Burkes Beach will start later, on May 18, and parking at Coligny Beach Park remains free.
Island residents can still receive free parking permits for up to two vehicles per household. This does not extend to other Beaufort County residents.
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. 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 in the public lots who can assist visitors that have questions or are experiencing difficulty.
