Hilton Head Island Beach Rules

You Should Know...

Noise Ordinance

The Town of Hilton Head Island has a noise ordinance every night from 10pm to 7am. Please limit volume levels in all homes and villas after 10pm.

Lights Out Ordinance

The Town of Hilton Head Island recognizes the need to protect the Loggerhead Sea Turtles and has enacted an ordinance requiring that all outdoor lights on oceanfront properties be turned off after 10pm between the months of May 1st and October 31st. Violation of this ordinance can result in a $1000 fine.

Beach Rules

Town of Hilton Head Island Beach Rules:

NOT Allowed on the Beach, Dunes or Adjacent Waters

• Possession or consumption of alcohol, beer or wine
• Littering (items left overnight will be removed)
• Glassware (bottles, containers, etc.)
• Shovels, except those that are made of wood and/or plastic and that are less than 30 inches in length and 6 inches in width
• Digging holes in the sand that are more than 12 inches in depth
• Leaving personal belongings on the beach overnight; if left, are subject to confiscation and disposal
• Shark Fishing
• Harming, harassing or removing any live beach fauna (sea turtles, birds, or their eggs; sand dollars, conchs, starfish, etc.)
• Damaging dunes, sea oats, or other dune flora
• Unauthorized motor vehicles
• Operation of motorized watercraft
• Unauthorized commercial activity, solicitation or distribution of handouts
• Unauthorized wearing of lifeguard emblems
• Fires and Fireworks
• Stunt kites or wind powered vehicles between 10 am and 6 pm form April through September
• Sleeping on the beach between midnight and 6 am
• Nudity
• Storage of boats on beach without a permit
• Disorderly conduct
• Disturbing the peace

Beach goers are required to fill all holes so that the sand is returned to its original state before you leave the beach for the day.

NOT allowed in Designated Swim Areas April thru September from Sunrise to Sunset

• Fishing or surfcasting
• Surfboards, boogie boards, etc.
• Frisbees
• Use of balls or horseshoe games
• Stunt kites
• Games with metallic components

ANIMALS ON THE BEACH

Not Permitted

• Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day

Must be on a leash:

• Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. April 1 through Thursday before Memorial Day
• Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday after Labor Day through September 30

Must be on leash or under positive voice control at all other times. Persons in control of animals on the beach are required to remove and properly dispose of the animal's waste.