Compass Rose Park on Hilton Head Island
A small Town of Hilton Head park on Pope Avenue with public art, water features and covered plazas that tell the island’s development story.
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; to 6 p.m. in winter
- Parking: free, limited
- Features: public art, water features, covered plazas, Wi-Fi
- Run by: Town of Hilton Head Island
Compass Rose Park is a small public park on the corner of Pope Avenue and St. Augustine Place on the south end of Hilton Head Island, run by the Town. It has covered plazas, water features and public art that, in the Town’s words, relate the story of the island’s historic development. It is a place for a short walk, a bench and a photograph rather than a full outing.
The Statue and the Alligator
The park’s best-known feature is a life-size bronze, unveiled in 2011, of a man in a hat and suit using an umbrella as a walking stick, striding alongside a big alligator. Two artists made it, one for the man and one for the alligator. Visitors photograph it, and reviewers also report real baby alligators in the water lilies, so look but keep your distance.
Visiting the Park
Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter, after daylight saving time ends.
Parking: free and limited.
Also there: free Wi-Fi, per the Town. Visitors also mention accessible restrooms and plenty of cameras.
Bring: mosquito spray for the water features.
Compass Rose Park is one of the island’s public parks; the full list, with beaches, nature preserves and playgrounds, is on our Hilton Head parks page.
More Hilton Head Parks
Hilton Head SC parks worth a visit: a pirate-ship playground, Pinckney Island trails and Mitchelville, plus every Town park, address and amenity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Compass Rose Park on Hilton Head?
At 4 St. Augustine Place, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, on the corner of Pope Avenue and St. Augustine Place, on the south end of the island.
What are the hours at Compass Rose Park?
The Town lists 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. after daylight saving time ends.
What is the alligator statue in Compass Rose Park?
A life-size bronze, unveiled in 2011, of a man in a hat and suit with an umbrella walking beside an alligator. Two artists made it, one for the man and one for the alligator.
Is there parking at Compass Rose Park?
Yes, the Town lists free parking, which is limited.
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