Getting Around Hilton Head
Forest Beach is one of the most walkable and bikeable neighborhoods on Hilton Head Island. Here's everything you need to know about getting around — from the beach to the golf course and everywhere in between.
Your Transportation Options
Biking
Most PopularBiking is the most practical way to get around Forest Beach. The paved beach path runs the length of the neighborhood and connects directly to Coligny Beach Park, Coligny Plaza, and the broader island trail network. Most Forest Beach rentals can reach Coligny in 5–15 minutes by bike depending on location. Two rental shops are close to Coligny: Hilton Head Bicycle Company on Pope Avenue and Pedals Bicycles on South Forest Beach Road. Both rent cruisers, kids' bikes, and bike trailers.
- Hilton Head Bicycle Company — Pope Avenue, near Coligny Beach Park
- Pedals Bicycles — South Forest Beach Road, also near Coligny
- Reserve bikes in advance for summer weeks — both shops fill up
- The beach path connects Forest Beach to Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, and beyond
- Lock your bike at Coligny Plaza — theft does occur in busy areas
Driving & Parking
Most FlexibleA car is useful for reaching Skull Creek restaurants, Sea Pines, and the far ends of the island. For beach access near Forest Beach, the main public option is the free lot at Coligny Beach Park off South Forest Beach Road — it fills by 10 AM on summer weekends. North Forest Beach access points on Bradley Beach Road and Dune Lane have limited street parking. Most vacation rentals include one or two dedicated parking spots.
- Coligny Beach Park lot (off South Forest Beach Road) — free, fills fast in summer
- North Forest Beach street parking on Bradley Beach Road and Dune Lane — limited
- Traffic on US-278 can be heavy during peak season — allow extra time
- The Cross Island Parkway (toll road) bypasses most traffic heading to the north end
- Sea Pines requires a gate pass (~$10–15) for non-guests — factor this in for Harbour Town visits
Rideshare & Taxis
ConvenientUber and Lyft both operate on Hilton Head Island and are the easiest option for evenings out when you don't want to drive. Wait times are generally 10–15 minutes from Forest Beach, though summer Friday and Saturday evenings around Coligny can run longer. Local taxi companies offer flat-rate transfers from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.
- Uber and Lyft available island-wide — most reliable for evening restaurant runs
- Wait times from Forest Beach typically 10–15 minutes; longer on summer weekend evenings
- Useful for Hudson's, Skull Creek Boathouse, and other off-bike-path dinner spots
- Local taxi companies offer flat-rate airport transfers from SAV
Distances from Forest Beach
Approximate distances to popular island destinations and beyond.
Arrival & Departure Tips
Avoid Friday afternoon arrivals
The US-278 bridge onto the island gets heavily congested on Friday afternoons in summer. If possible, arrive Thursday evening or Saturday morning to skip the traffic.
Savannah vs. Hilton Head Airport
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is 45 miles away and has far more flight options than the small Hilton Head Airport (HHH). Most visitors fly into Savannah and rent a car for the 45-minute drive to the island.
Find your Forest Beach home base
Stay in Forest Beach and enjoy easy access to everything Hilton Head has to offer — by bike, on foot, or by car.