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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Mitchelville Freedom Park
If you’re looking for a less crowed, quiet beachside escape then Mitchelville Beach might just be for you! Located at 124 Mitchelville Road, this beach is one of the less populated even during the busiest parts of the day. The trees inch up right up to the beach and there is some grass in the water that looks beautiful in the mornings and evenings. It’s a great place for little explorers who like to look for shells, driftwood and animal tracks in the sand.
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.