Beaufort, SC to Hilton Head, SC: The Drive
Beaufort to Hilton Head is about 33 miles, under an hour’s drive across the Broad River and past Bluffton, and the island’s beaches make an easy day out from Beaufort.
Going the other way? Hilton Head to Beaufort
How Far Is Hilton Head from Beaufort?
From downtown Beaufort it is about 33 miles to the bridges onto Hilton Head, 50 minutes without traffic, and about 42 miles to Coligny at the south end, just over an hour. So Beaufort, SC to Hilton Head, SC is under an hour to the island and about an hour to the busiest beaches.
Take SC 170 west out of Beaufort and across the Broad River, then US 278 east past Bluffton and over the bridges onto the island. It is the same road the other way, so the trip from Beaufort to Hilton Head Island takes the same time as the trip back.
When to Drive onto the Island
US 278 is the only road onto the island. On summer Saturdays, when most vacation rentals change over, the traffic onto the island backs up from late morning into the afternoon, and weekday evening rush hour is slow in both directions. For a beach day, come early and leave after dinner.
A Day on Hilton Head from Beaufort
Every named beach on Hilton Head Island — Coligny, Driessen, Folly Field, Burke's, and more — with parking, amenities, and which one is right for your trip.
Coligny Beach Park: parking, ADA access, restrooms, and shuttle info for Hilton Head’s most popular beach, steps from Coligny Plaza shopping.
Harbour Town, Hilton Head: the red-and-white lighthouse, the marina, waterfront dining and shops, and Harbour Town Golf Links, home of the RBC Heritage.
Shelter Cove, Hilton Head: the marina and its charter boats, Towne Centre shops, HarbourFest fireworks, the waterfront park and where to stay.
Coligny Plaza, Hilton Head: 60-plus shops and restaurants a short walk from Coligny Beach, with the address, free parking, store hours and what is there.
Where to eat on Hilton Head Island: restaurants by meal, cuisine and area, from Sea Pines and Coligny to Shelter Cove, plus private chefs and catering.
Downtown Beaufort sits on a river, not the ocean, so most people from Beaufort come to Hilton Head for the beach. Every beach on the island is public from the ocean to the high-water mark, and the town’s beach parks have the parking, restrooms and showers. Folly Field and Driessen, on the north half of the ocean side, are the nearest to the bridges; Coligny, at the south end, is the busiest, with shops and restaurants next to it. The Hilton Head beaches guide compares them all.
Hunting Island State Park, 25 minutes the other way past Beaufort, is the wilder alternative: see Hunting Island State Park. On Hilton Head, add Harbour Town’s lighthouse in the afternoon or dinner on the water at Shelter Cove before the drive home.
Going the other way, from Hilton Head for a day in Beaufort? See Hilton Head to Beaufort. Drive times from other cities are on how to get to Hilton Head.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Hilton Head from Beaufort, SC?
About 33 miles from downtown Beaufort to the bridges onto the island, and about 42 to Coligny at the south end: 50 minutes to an hour by car.
What is the best way to drive from Beaufort to Hilton Head?
SC 170 west across the Broad River, then US 278 east past Bluffton and onto the island.
Which Hilton Head beach is closest to Beaufort?
Folly Field and Driessen, on the north half of the island’s ocean side, are the nearest beach parks to the bridges. Coligny, at the south end, is a few minutes farther and much busier.
Is Hilton Head or Hunting Island better for a beach day from Beaufort?
Hunting Island is closer, about 25 minutes, and wilder, with no shops or restaurants. Hilton Head is under an hour, with beach parks, bike paths, restaurants and shops.
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