Did you know that watching the sky at sunset actually relieves stress?
It’s true! Research has shown long-lasting physical and psychological benefits for those who make time to watch sunsets. Luckily, Hilton Head sunsets are some of the Lowcountry’s most beautiful spectacles. For generations, visitors have been captivated by the silhouettes of long docks, lush marsh grasses, fishing boats and lighthouses. If you’re looking for a quiet place to take in one of nature’s most dramatic shows, we’ve got you covered!
Folly Field Beach Park
55 Starfish Drive, HHI, SC
Folly Field is on the northern end of the Island and can feel quite secluded out on the beach. Restrooms and outdoor showers make it easier to spend the afternoon and then settle in to wait for the sunset. This is a favorite spot for locals, and they say sunset here is a must-see. Also, the reflections in this beach’s vast tide pools make for wonderfully dramatic photographs!
Sea Pines Forest Preserve
The Sea Pines Resort, 32 Greenwood Drive, HHI, SC
For nature lovers, this 605-acre preserve has a lot to recommend it: forest, wetland, lakes and a wildflower meadow! There are a number of ways to explore these wild places, including boardwalks, bridges, bridle paths, fishing docks, beaches and more. You can choose from a wide variety of tours or go solo with just a map. Check it out for a sunset you won’t forget!
Squire Pope Community Park
137 Squire Pope Road, HHI, SC
If you’re really looking to get off the beaten path, this is an atmospheric and isolated option for sunset viewing. The park itself has restrooms, covered picnic tables and benches but if you’re out on the dock, you may only have to share it with the fiddler crabs!
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Located near the bridge to Hilton Head
This wonderfully secluded 4,000-acre marine preserve has 14 miles of trails winding past ponds and wetlands and is brimming with wildlife. With miles of nothing but marsh to the west this is an ideal place to catch the sunset. Even if you don’t plan to try to capture the excellent skies, you may want to bring your camera!
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
2 Grasslawn Avenue, HHI, SC
The stretch of beach in front of the Westin has more than just a beautiful sunset going for it, as there is another spectacle that begins when it gets dark. If you’re here between May and July, you may witness sea turtles leaving the water for the beach in order to start work on their nests. Beginning in July and through October, the hatchlings will be emerging and making their way by moonlight to the water. If you do decide to go the double feature route, try to make your presence invisible by leaving the beach how you found it, keeping the noise to a minimum and resisting the urge to flash any kind of light. Find everything you need to know about interacting with wildlife on Hilton Head here!
Palmetto Bay Marina
86 Helmsman Way, HHI, SC
This is one of Hilton Head’s oldest working marina’s, and you could spend a whole day in this lively spot choosing among water sports, shopping, and visiting its popular restaurants. With a prime location at the base of the Cross Island Bridge and western facing views of Broad Creek and Spanish Wells, there is plenty for the sunset to dramatize! Also, there is no gate fee here and plenty of parking.
