Personal Injury Attorney in Hilton Head, SC.

As vacationers gear up for spring getaways to Hilton Head Island, many are scrutinizing gas prices along their routes to determine the most economical places to refuel.

While South Carolina generally boasts lower fuel costs than neighboring states, Hilton Head Island and its surrounding areas often see slightly higher rates due to factors like tourism demand and limited competition.

According to data from AAA, formerly the American Automobile Association, these are the national and local gas price averages as of Monday, April 14:

In Hilton Head Island, gas prices tend to be higher than in other parts of South Carolina. The higher prices on the island can be attributed to its status as a year-round tourist destination, leading to consistently high demand for fuel.

Regular gas prices in Hilton Head Island now range from $2.89 to $3.09 per gallon, depending on the station and payment method.

Here are some cheaper locations to stop for fuel on the island and in nearby Bluffton, according to GasBuddy. These prices reflect the cost per gallon of regular fuel using card payment.

Cheap locations in Hilton Head:

Cheap locations in Bluffton:

If you need to stop for gas off of Interstate 95, Exit 8 to Hardeeville, which takes you straight onto Highway 278 toward Hilton Head, has a few places to stop, with one of the cheapest options being Circle K at 574 Independence Boulevard, which offers gas for $2.89 per gallon.

There is also a Buc-ee’s coming to Exit 8 as well, with anticipated completion by 2028.

Hilton Head’s popularity contributes to its elevated gas prices compared to other South Carolina cities like Myrtle Beach, where prices can ebb and flow year-round.

The most expensive spot for gas on Hilton Head this April is $3.09 per gallon at the Exxon located at 651 William Hilton Parkway, near Burkes Beach.

For travelers coming from neighboring states, it’s advisable to plan fuel stops strategically to avoid stressing out your wallet.

Here are some cheaper locations to stop for gas, according to GasBuddy and AAA. These suggestions may vary depending on your travel route:

Membership-based retailers like Sam’s Club and Costco often provide discounted fuel prices.

Of these membership locations, visitors and locals can find competitive prices at the Bluffton Sam’s Club located on 14 Bluffton Road, with regular gas priced at $2.99 per gallon.

While Hilton Head Island itself doesn’t have these other outlets, nearby cities like Savannah and Charleston have locations that might offer savings for members:

Other Sam’s Club locations: Fayetteville, Florence, Raleigh, Charlotte, Charleston and Columbia.

Costco locations: Pooler, Wilmington, Raleigh, Charlotte, Charleston and Columbia.

Several elements contribute to the elevated gas prices on Hilton Head Island:

To ensure you’re getting the best deal at the pump and visiting cost-effective locations, consider using the following apps and websites during your road trip:

This story was originally published April 15, 2025 at 6:00 AM.

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Summertime is right around the corner for the Lowcountry, meaning that beach season is officially here.

While everyone can appreciate a day laying in the sun, building sandcastles and exploring the shore, there are some safety aspects to keep in mind to make sure everyone can have a great beach day.

From flags to bacteria, jellyfish, stingrays, riptides and more, here are some important things to know before spending your day in the summer sun in Hilton Head.

Hilton Head’s Shore Beach Services uses flags to alert beachgoers on current conditions. These flags are used during peak beach season from March through October to signify the status of the water.

These are the flags that you will see and what they stand for:

Shore Beach Services Beach Patrol surveys four different beach areas around Hilton Head; you can view all of their survey areas here.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control conducts beach water quality monitoring from May 1 to Oct. 1, when the beaches are visited most frequently.

According to the SCDHEC, the department tests water samples from more than 120 beach locations between Cherry Grove Beach and the Southern end of Hilton Head Island once or twice a week.

If high numbers of bacteria are found, the department issues an advisory for that portion of the beach. An advisory means that you should not swim in those areas.

The advisories are categorized as follows and a sign will be posted near the area you should avoid:

These advisories are especially important to follow for young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, according to the SCDHEC.

You can check official advisories issued by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services on an interactive map here.

Sand dunes can’t go unnoticed around Hilton Head beaches.

Sand dunes are the taller piles of sand you see before making your way to the shore. The dunes provide important storm barriers that protect beach property from the effects of wave energy, store storm water to minimize flooding and help animals and wildlife travel along the beaches.

Due to their importance, beachgoers should avoid climbing on them, storing items around or in them and messing with any of the vegetation or wildlife on the dunes.

Rip currents can be one of the most dangerous aspects of swimming in ocean waters, as they can quickly sweep swimmers away.

Rip currents are responsible for hundreds of deaths per year. They are caused by waves generated by offshore winds that create a fast-moving current.

To identify a rip current, look for these patterns in the water:

If you do get caught in a rip current, here’s how to swim back to safety:

No matter where you swim, make sure not to consume any alcohol before taking a dip.

Drinking before swimming can cause issues with your vision impairment, balance and overall judgment, which causes over 3,000 deaths a year, according to the Town of Hilton Head.

Jellyfish and stingrays are also frequent visitors of the Hilton Head beaches; they typically arrive sometime between March and May.

Jellyfish season has already started for Hilton Head and stingrays are slowly creeping in too. Here are some ways to identify these creatures and stay safe:

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For stingrays, make sure to shuffle your feet when you walk into the water to alert them that you are near. The vibrations from the shuffling cause the stingrays to swim away.

If you do spot a jellyfish, stingray or other form of wildlife in the water, you can always alert a lifeguard on duty from Shore Beach Services.

One easily forgotten aspect that can quickly ruin your day out in the sun is forgetting to apply sunscreen.

The Environmental Protection Agency provides a daily forecast that shows the ultraviolet index, which is always helpful to check before setting out for your day on shore.

A UV index less than 3 is considered low and safe for folks outside, and an index between 3 and 5 is moderate, though the EPA recommends taking precautions. For all indexes over 5, protection against sun damage is necessary, according to the EPA.

A high index is between 6 and 7, an index between 8 and 10 is very high and 11 or above is extreme, but no matter what the index, wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and reapplying every two hours is always the best idea.

Remember, bright surfaces like water and white sand reflect UV and can even double UV exposure, so take extra precautions on the beach.

Wearing hats, long clothes and opting to stay in the shade in the middle of the day is also recommended by the EPA.

Heading to the beach soon and want the best spot to eat at without having to sacrifice a waterside view?

Hilton Head is home to dozens of restaurants that have a variety of ever-changing and mouthwatering dishes. No matter if you’re searching for Lowcountry seafood, fine dining or American cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

From coastal views, riverside tranquility, upscale and casual flip-flop spots, here are the top 10 waterfront restaurants in Hilton Head with a 4.3 star rating or higher, according to Google reviews.

Coast

87 N. Sea Pines Drive, Hilton Head

4.5 stars with 1,391 Google reviews

Located inside the popular Sea Pine Resort, Coast offers a true Lowcountry seafood dining experience with an upscale and classy atmosphere for you to enjoy. With beachfront views, Coast is the perfect spot for a nice dinner after a beach day, a fancy date and all things in between. Sea Pines does require a $9 gate fee for entry.

“Gorgeous location, right on the beach! Food was fresh, flavorful and came out promptly,” a visitor wrote.

The Sandbar

101 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head

4.5 stars with 2,879 Google reviews

The Sandbar is conveniently located inside Coligny Plaza, another hot spot for locals and tourists heading to the beach. With a more casual dining vibe, The Sandbar offers a mix of Southern and Caribbean cuisine and comfort foods, including burgers, tacos, seafood and more. Just a few short steps away from the beach, The Sandbar has been welcoming beachgoers for years.

“This is our favorite place to eat on Hilton Head,” wrote one reviewer. “Seriously, you have to try the giant pretzel and cheese. Go now!”

Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks

1 Hudson Road, Hilton Head

4.6 stars with 7,867 Google reviews

A can’t-miss spot for any seafood lover is Hudson’s Seafood House. From menu items including shrimp, swordfish, crab, scallops, hush puppies and more, Hudson’s has been serving up Lowcountry favorites since 1975.

“We love eating outside at Hudson’s. The view is so beautiful, the sunsets are amazing, and the food is great,” a reviewer wrote. “We live on Hilton Head Island, and every time we go to Hudson’s, we feel like we’re on vacation.”

Skull Creek Boathouse

397 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head

4.5 stars with 7,489 Google reviews

Skull Creek Boathouse is the place to be for Lowcountry cuisine. As a bustling waterfront spot with a menu full of seafood, sushi and Southern classics, it’s a perfect location for families, date night, or a sunset dinner by the waterside. An added plus is being able to watch nearby boaters come in and out of the warehouse to the water.

“We really enjoyed our dinner,” a reviewer posted. “A great way to spend an evening looking out over the bay while dining!”

Skull Creek Dockside

2 Hudson Road, Hilton Head

4.5 stars with 4,070 Google reviews

The location neighboring Skull Creek Boathouse is Skull Creek Dockside. This separate dining location offers a relaxed spot with local charm that specializes in seafood and barbecue dishes. Known for the burgers, flatbreads, cocktails and Sunday brunch, Dockside is perfect for visitors and locals to the island.

“This was a really amazing waterfront experience,” one reviewer wrote. “Waterfront dining is always an awesome feature, and this particular restaurant was located on the north end of the island, so you can see the bridge that connects the island to Pinckney Island across the water!”

Up the Creek Pub & Grill

18 Simmons Road, Hilton Head

4.5 stars with 1,088 Google reviews

Up the Creek Pub & Grill is known for its relaxed, casual and affordable waterfront deck dining experience. From oysters, burgers, tacos and a full bar, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation no matter when you visit. Located right on the Broad Creek Marina, diners are bound to see a boat (or a few) passing by.

“Our new favorite place, such a beautiful hidden gem,” a visitor wrote. “The food was delicious and the view was so amazing.”

Fishcamp on Broad Creek

11 Simmons Road, Hilton Head

4.5 stars with 3,461 Google reviews

Serving up Southern–style seafood and Lowcountry dishes, Fishcamp is another top spot for any seafood connoisseur. Giving a true waterside dining experience, Fishcamp is located in a cabin-like space, fully equipped with a patio and fire pit area where visitors can enjoy the view of Broad Creek.

“I’ve visited Fishcamp multiple times, and I have to say, their hush puppies are hands down the best I’ve ever tasted,” wrote one reviewer. “The atmosphere is fantastic and the service is equally impressive. It’s a five-star experience all around! We’ll definitely be returning soon.”

Benny’s Coastal Kitchen

75 Shrimpers Row, Hilton Head

4.6 stars with 410 Google reviews

One of the newer dining locations on the island is Benny’s Coastal Kitchen, which opened its doors in early 2024. With a main focus on seafood, their dishes add a unique twist of flavor and excitement to Lowcountry classics. Located right along Skull Creek, no matter where you sit, you’ll have an unforgettable view.

“This place is amazing,” wrote one visitor. “The food is absolutely delicious. It has a unique mix of flavors and the menu plays with your senses, combining colors and smells.”

The Old Oyster Factory

101 Marshland Road, Hilton Head

4.3 stars with 4,150 Google reviews

With a menu inspired by some iconic Lowcountry lingo, including Broad Creek gumbo, oysters Savannah, dayboat scallops and more. The Old Oyster Factory is a fan favorite for seafood and waterside dining. With rustic-chic style atmosphere, The Old Oyster Factory is the perfect spot for any beachgoer or local.

“The mussels and clams were some of the best in the Carolinas I’ve ever had,” one reviewer wrote. “Beautiful atmosphere and great service.”

Poseidon

38 Shelter Cove Lane, Suite 120, Hilton Head

4.3 stars with 3,906 Google reviews

Tucked inside Shelter Cove, Poseidon offers a one-of-a-kind coastal dining atmosphere. This waterfront location is known for its seafood, steaks and rooftop bar area. A go-to spot for visitors and locals in need of a night out, Poseidon has an extensive food and beverage menu that you can savor while soaking in the views of Broad Creek.

“The food and the service was first rate,” a reviewer posted. “We ordered every kind of seafood we could think of and they did a great job with the presentation. Their quality of food and service has remained consistently good over the years. Make sure to stop by!”

The Island Packet

(843) 626-0211

Anna Claire Miller is the Service Journalism Reporter for The Island Packet. Originally from Georgia, she has experience in magazine writing, non-profit communications and city government. Anna Claire has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, legal studies and English from High Point University.

Hilton Head Island’s pristine beaches are a paradise for locals and visitors alike. But for those with mobility challenges, accessing the sand and surf hasn’t always been easy.

Thankfully, the island has made significant strides in improving beach accessibility, from wheelchair rentals to specialized beach matting and a new pavilion designed for all visitors to enjoy the ocean breeze.

No matter what your needs are, Hilton Head has several resources available to make beach days enjoyable for everyone, regardless of mobility limitations.

Here is a rundown of the resources and rentals to help you plan your beach visit and enjoy Hilton Head.

One of the ways access is provided to all beachgoers is through the Town of Hilton Head’s Beach Wheelchair Program.

These beach wheelchairs have wide tires that are specifically designed to move you through the sandy terrain and get you up close to the water.

The beach wheelchair program offers an easy way for people with disabilities to access the beach. This service is available to residents and visitors who are mobility-challenged.

Wheelchairs are available at two beach locations:

To secure a chair, you must reserve a wheelchair through the Town’s website and pay a $25 refundable deposit, which will be returned to you within three business days once you return the chair.

Upon making a reservation, a code will be sent to the user so they can unlock the reserved wheelchair at the specific beach park location and lock the wheelchair once it is returned.

Wheelchairs can be reserved for a maximum of two days.

To ensure you can get a chair, it’s recommended to make your reservation at least three days ahead of your beach journey.

If you can’t get a wheelchair through the Hilton Head rental program, then no need to fret; there are other locations available to make sure you can enjoy the sand and sea.

To further enhance accessibility, all public beach parks and access points on Hilton Head Island feature sturdy, non-slip beach matting.

These mats make it easier for wheelchairs, strollers and beach wagons to traverse the sand.

The beach park locations where you can find this matting include:

The matting extends to the hard sand at the high tide line, allowing for smoother mobility along the shore.

If you’re looking for a tranquil spot to enjoy stunning beach views, then the pavilion dedicated and designed for individuals with disabilities and special needs at Islanders Beach Park is the spot for you.

Located at 94 Folly Field Road, this pavilion features:

While open to all visitors, the pavilion was specifically designed to offer a welcoming space for those who may have difficulty accessing the beach.

To make the most of Hilton Head’s accessible beach features, here are a few key tips:

The Island Packet

(843) 626-0211

Anna Claire Miller is the Service Journalism Reporter for The Island Packet. Originally from Georgia, she has experience in magazine writing, non-profit communications and city government. Anna Claire has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, legal studies and English from High Point University.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND — Working in less-than-ideal weather, a crew boarded a barge under tow as it rode open-ocean waves roughly 15 miles southeast of Sea Pines Resort.

They set about opening valves that had been welded to the barge's hull, which measured 180-feet long and 80-feet wide. Sea water surged in through open valves and started to fill the vessel. From that point, the barge's fate was sealed. It was simply a matter of time before it slid beneath the waves and then settled some 50 feet below on the ocean floor.

"We used to blow them up, but they don't let us do that anymore," said Ryan Yaden, program coordinator for the S.C. Department of Natural Resources artificial reef program.

It can take as little as 45 minutes for a barge to sink in particularly unpleasant waters, Yaden said. If conditions are glass smooth, the process can take 10 hours.

Far from being the end of the barge's useful life, its sinking on March 13 was an addition to PA-49, an artificial reef also known as Hilton Head Reef. For decades, it will contribute to the ecology and economy of the region.

DNR has been building artificial reefs off of the coast from Myrtle Beach to the Savannah River since 1973. To date, 43 reefs have been built, some in water as shallow as 35 feet. Others are in water much deeper. Most reefs are less than 130 feet below the surface, which is the depth limit for recreational divers.

When the barge settled in the mud and sand it joined a surprising variety of the other objects in the depths below, including tanks, armored personnel carriers, three other barges, a 35-foot Navy boat, 20 shipping containers and more.

DNR's reef program experienced a spike in the 1980s and 90s. That's likely when the Hilton Head Reef got its start. Deciding which of the 43 reefs should get new materials added is usually a balancing act based the location of the item to be sunk and an intention distribute materials as equally as possible along the entire coast.

A 2007 economic analysis conducted by DNR explored the benefits of artificial reefs, said Yaden. The study determined the reefs added $83 million a year to the state's economy based only on the impact of fishing and diving. That figure is not adjusted for the 18 intervening years of inflation, so the actual impact in today's dollars would likely be well in excess of $100 million.

"It was surprising to us. We didn't think it was going to be that high," Yaden said.

From an ecological perspective, more than 50 years of reef building has revealed that artificial reefs behave nearly the same as natural reefs.

"The main reason the program was started was that we do not have a lot of natural reef structures off the coast like they do in Florida. The artificial reefs give fishermen other places to fish and reduce fishing pressure on the natural reefs," explained Yaden.

Only days after its sinking, it's likely that fish are already using the barge for shelter. In as little as 30 days, invertebrates will begin to accumulate on its structure, which will provide food for larger fish. The process will continue to develop and be more productive into the foreseeable future. To make this barge more attractive to sea life, 10 shipping containers were welded to the deck to give it a deeper profile, as it was only about 8-feet deep.

"By adding the shipping containers on there, it gives more area for fish to hide," Yaden said, adding that it will also give more opportunities for fisherman trolling over it.

This is likely the last reef addition to occur in Beaufort County this year, though other projects further north are planned, including the sinking of a 102-foot barge near Cape Romain in Charleston County and a shrimp boat that will be placed off Little River in Horry County.