Parking News

There is major news to report on Hilton Head Island regarding paying for parking near parks and beaches, we are sorry to report!  Starting March 1, 2025, only full-time residents of Hilton Head Island with a parking permit will enjoy free parking at all Town beach parks. However, visitors will need to pay for parking at all locations, except for Coligny Beach Park. (Which will be a relief to many of those reading this post!) 

In October 2024, the Hilton Head Island Town Council approved an ordinance introducing new parking fees for Town-managed beach parks as part of a broader initiative to enhance parking management and improve experiences for both residents and visitors. “This decision underscores our commitment to maintaining a positive and well-organized environment at our public beach parks,” stated Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry. “Our thorough research into beach parking regulations across South Carolina has led us to a viable solution that meets our community's needs while helping us sustain and improve our parks.”

Parking fees will be set at $3 per hour from Monday to Friday, with a maximum daily fee of $15 per vehicle. On Saturdays and Sundays, a flat daily rate of $20 per vehicle will apply.

These fees will be enforced daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the peak beach season, which runs from March 1 to September 7. Visitors will need to pay online through a digital parking application accessible via their smartphones, as cash payments will no longer be accepted. Noncompliance with payment or other parking violations may result in citations and fines ranging from $50 to $500.

The parking fees will apply at the following beach parks:

• Alder Lane Beach Park (2 Woodward Avenue)

• Driessen Beach Park (64 Bradley Beach Road)

• Fish Haul Beach Park (124 Mitchelville Road)

• Folly Field Beach Park (55 Starfish Drive)

• Islanders Beach Park (94 Folly Field Road)

Free parking for youth recreational sports will continue to be available at Chaplin Community Park (Burkes Beach). Beach parking fees will be enforced from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting May 19 and continuing through September 7, following the end of the youth sports season.

“The new parking fees are designed to help us maintain our public beaches, ensuring they remain accessible and enjoyable for everyone,” remarked Town Manager Marc Orlando.

Parking violations, such as failure to pay or parking in undesignated spaces, will result in the following penalties:

• First violation: A written warning and/or a $50 fine, with notification of potential towing or immobilization for future violations.

• Second violation: A $100 fine and possible towing or immobilization at the owner's expense.

• Third violation: A $250 fine and mandatory towing or immobilization at the owner's expense.

• Fourth and subsequent violations: A $500 fine and mandatory towing or immobilization at the owner's expense.

A $25 late fee will apply to any original fine not paid within 30 days of issuance. Additionally, the Town or the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office may tow, immobilize, or impound any vehicle deemed necessary for public safety.

Hilton Head Island residents who reside primarily within the Town limits can obtain free parking permits for up to two vehicles per household, allowing access to non-handicapped parking spaces at Town-managed parks. For more information or to apply for a permit, please visit https://hiltonheadislandsc.gov/beach/parking/permit/.

Both residents and visitors can access maps of local beach parks and their parking lots, as well as additional details regarding beach rules and expectations, through the MyHHI app (available for free on Google and Apple stores) and the Town of Hilton Head Island website.