Burkes Beach, Hilton Head Island, SC
Burkes Beach is a small, mid-island access point off William Hilton Parkway, near Port Royal Plantation. It doesn’t have a parking lot of its own to speak of — just 13 metered spaces right at the access — which keeps it quieter than the island’s bigger beach parks even in high season. If those spaces are full, Chaplin Community Park a short distance down the road has more parking and the nearest restrooms.
- Location: 60 Burkes Beach Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
- Hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily
- Parking: 13 metered spaces on-site, plus Chaplin Community Park nearby
About Burkes Beach
Burkes Beach sits at 60 Burkes Beach Road, roughly midway up the island between Port Royal Sound and Port Royal Plantation. It’s one of the seven town-designated beach access points, alongside Coligny, Driessen, Folly Field, Islanders, Fish Haul, and Alder Lane — but with none of a full beach park’s buildings or crowds, just a boardwalk down to the sand. The beach itself is open water year-round, good for swimming, and wide enough for a quiet walk even on a busy weekend elsewhere on the island.
Parking at Burkes Beach
Parking at Burkes Beach itself is limited to 13 metered spaces, paid from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. between mid-May and early September (free the rest of the year). Once those fill up, the overflow lot is at Chaplin Community Park, 35 Cast Net Drive, a short walk or drive back toward William Hilton Parkway — it also has the nearest public restrooms, since Burkes Beach itself only has outdoor showers.
Amenities at Burkes Beach
Outdoor showers and beach matting over the boardwalk are right at the access. Seasonal lifeguards are on duty in summer, and a seasonal beach-rental stand (chairs, umbrellas) sets up nearby. Restrooms, a playground, and picnic space are at Chaplin Community Park down the road rather than at the beach access itself.
Nearby
For a beach with a full parking lot, restrooms, and more going on, Coligny Beach Park is the island’s busiest public beach. For the full list of Hilton Head’s public beaches, start at the Hilton Head beaches guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there parking at Burkes Beach?
Yes, but it’s limited — 13 metered spaces right at the access, paid 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from mid-May through early September and free the rest of the year. When those are full, Chaplin Community Park at 35 Cast Net Drive has additional parking a short distance away.
Where is Burkes Beach on Hilton Head Island?
At 60 Burkes Beach Road, off William Hilton Parkway near Port Royal Plantation, roughly mid-island.
What amenities does Burkes Beach have?
Outdoor showers, beach matting over the boardwalk, and seasonal lifeguards and beach rentals. Restrooms, a playground, and picnic space are next door at Chaplin Community Park rather than at the beach access itself.
Is Burkes Beach crowded?
No — it’s one of the island’s quieter public beach accesses, mainly because on-site parking is limited to 13 metered spaces. It’s a good option if Coligny or the bigger parks feel busy.
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