If you’re planning on biking across the island, be sure to stop at some of the many parks along your way! There are a variety of different parks on the Hilton Head – everything from beach parks with playgrounds, pavilions and sand showers to refined parks off with public art and reflecting pools. Whether you’re looking for a fun trip with kids or a relaxing stop in the shade, be sure to check out some of the parks on the island!
Parks
Hilton Head Featured Listings
The Rowing & Sailing Center
The Rowing and Sailing Center, 133 Squire Pope Rd., of Hilton Head is designed for everyone to enjoy the water sports of rowing and sailing on the waterways around Hilton Head Island. Non-motorized boat access to Skull Creek, fixed pier, floating dock, picnic pavilion and restroom facilities.
Honey Horn Plantation
Honey Horn, 70 Honey Horn Plantation Rd., home to the Coastal Discovery Museum has many community events and one of the only preserved island plantations. Visit the salt marsh, see historic buildings, and learn about the gardens, plants and trees on site.
Green Shell Park
Green Shell Park, 99 Squire Pope Rd., is one of the first community parks to greet visitors entering the island from 278. It may be one of the smaller parks, but it still has two sets of playground equipment for kids of different ages. There’s a pavilion located in between the playgrounds, so parents can keep an eye on their kids under the shade. With a grill located off to the side, this pavilion could be the perfect place to stop and have a little lunch.
Chaplin Community Park
Chaplin Community Park, 11 Castnet Dr., has all the makings for a great afternoon with beach access, basketball and tennis courts, a playground and even a dog park! This large park is all connected by pathways, so it’s easy to get from one place to another, whether that be on foot or bike.
Mitchelville Freedom Park
Mitchelville Freedom Park, a historic landmark, holds great significance in American history as it was the first self-governing town for freed slaves during the Civil War. History: In 1862, Union troops advanced on Hilton Head Island and surrounding areas, forcing plantation owners to flee and leaving behind thousands of enslaved people. In this chaotic environment, these newly liberated individuals formed their own community known as Mitchelville. Mitchelville was named after General Ormsby M. Mitchel who led the Union forces that captured Hilton Head Island. Under the direction of General Mitchel and Brigadier General Rufus Saxton, a group of educated African American men and women were selected to lead the new community. One of the most unique aspects of Mitchelville was its self-governing structure. The town had its own elected officials, including a mayor and council members, who made decisions for the community. This gave freed slaves a rare opportunity to govern themselves and their own affairs. The village also had its own public school system, churches, businesses, and a military training camp for black soldiers. It was a thriving community that provided refuge and hope for many former slaves. Recent History and Today: Much of the land for Mitchelville was purchased by March Gardner and later managed by his son, Gabriel. Through a combination of lawsuits and land acquisitions, ownership of Mitchelville eventually transferred to the Hilton Head Company in 1950. Designated as the Fish Haul Archaeological Site, Mitchelville was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. This recognition underscored its vital role in understanding the challenges faced during Reconstruction. By 2005, a dedicated group of citizens from Hilton Head Island began working to preserve and promote Mitchelville’s heritage. Four years later, in 2009, they invited Mr. Thomas C. Barnwell to lead this renewed effort as chairman. The following year, the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park (HMFP) was officially established with Barnwell at the helm. Over the next few years, HMFP formalized its operations by drafting by-laws, designing an initial land layout for the site, and securing 501(c)(3) status. Today, HMFP is a thriving initiative committed to educating the public about the residents of Mitchelville and their pursuit of education, self-reliance, and inclusion in a free society. The organization achieves this through exhibits, signature events, guided tours, and learning opportunities, including lectures, forums, and cultural experiences. Collaborating with the Town of Hilton Head and Beaufort County, HMFP is working to establish Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park as a significant cultural destination. Thanks to financial support from the Beaufort County Council, the park’s Master Plan is now in development. This blueprint will guide the transformation of the site, expanding its offerings to include replicas of historic homes, churches, stores, and other structures. These reconstructions will align with the park’s interpretive themes, which highlight the importance of education, the drive for land ownership, the pursuit of laws and citizenship, and the resilience of everyday life before Reconstruction. Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park stands as a powerful testament to a community’s spirit and determination, inspiring visitors to connect with its rich history and enduring legacy.
Barker Field
Located next to Mitchelville Beach is Barker Field, 70 Baygall Rd., a recreational park complete with an open multi-purpose field as well as three baseball fields. It’s a great place to get a little sunshine if you’re looking to get off the sandy shores and run around. There’s plenty of green grass to play a game of football or soccer on the field so be sure and bring a ball!
Crossings Park
Be sure to check out one of the very first recreational parks on Hilton Head – Crossings Park, 4 Haig Point Circle! It’s one of the biggest parks with plenty of land and trails to explore, and a hot spot for activity year-round with three baseball fields, a concession stand plaza, meadow, playground and sports arena nearby. In 1992 the city purchased 85 acres to build the first recreational facility on the island, which became Crossings Park.
Jarvis Creek Park
There’s a lot to do at Jarvis Creek Park, 100 Jarvis Park Rd., especially if you’re in the mood to move! This 53-acre park boasts all kinds of amenities and promotes activity for everyone – from toddlers and their older siblings to parents and grandparents. Pathways extend all over the park and around the lake creating a 1.1 mile loop. Runners, joggers and walkers are all welcome to explore the lakeside paths that extend out into wooded areas.
Lowcountry Celebration Park
Lowcountry Celebration Park is nestled on a 10-acre expanse just a stone's throw from Pope Avenue near the bustling Coligny Beach parking area. Designed for both activities and tranquil leisure, this park features picturesque spots that cater to families, solo adventurers, various organizations, and community collectives alike. Merely moments from Coligny Beach Park, Lowcountry Celebration Park complements your beach experience with its Adventure Playground, inspired by Captain William Hilton's discovery voyage, and cultural events at the Open Pavilion and Lawn.
Hilton Head Park
If you’re looking for a park that’s away from the crowds, then Hilton Head Park just might be for you. This solitary stretch of land, located at 152 William Hilton Parkway, has two tennis courts, a basketball court as well as a large grassy field for other games or maybe even a nice picnic.
Shelter Cove Community Park
Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Lane offers locals and visitors alike a lively line-up of year-round festivals and events, planned by the Towne Centre, Island Recreation Center and the community. The park not only features a playground with swings and slides, but also a performance pavilion, peaceful picnic spots, a public art display, restrooms, walking paths with plenty of places to sit down, as well as a board walk with breathtaking views of Broad Creek.
The Bristol Sports Arena
For those looking for something other than golf and tennis, head on over to the Bristol Sports Arena, 4 Helmsman Way next to Crossings Park. This sports complex is a great place to get a little energy out with its multipurpose rink and skate park. This area next to Crossings Park got its name after the Bristol Family, who donated money to fund the building of the roller hockey rink.
Compass Rose Park
One of Hilton Head’s newest parks offers guests a serene space amid the bustling activity on the island. Its four water features create a calming oasis, even though it’s right off the popular Pope Avenue. Compass Rose Park, 4 St. Augustine Place was designed by Edwin Byrd Drane and finished in the spring of 2008, just in time for the summer crowds. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a pavilion with “Compass Rose Park” across the top (a great place for a photo op).
All Listings
Mitchelville Freedom Park
124 Mitchelville Rd. | Hilton Head
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Lowcountry Celebration Park
94 Pope Ave. | Hilton Head
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Honey Horn Plantation
The Rowing & Sailing Center
Shelter Cove Community Park
Hilton Head Park
152 William Hilton Pkwy | Hilton Head
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Jarvis Creek Park
Green Shell Park
Crossings Park
Compass Rose Park
4 St. Augustine Place | Hilton Head
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Chaplin Community Park
11 Castnet Dr. | Hilton Head
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The Bristol Sports Arena
4 Helmsman Way | Hilton Head
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Barker Field
70 Baygall Rd. | Hilton Head
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