Curious about the Harbour Town Lighthouse on Hilton Head Island SC? Find out everything you need to know about the history of this iconic South Carolina lighthouse, plus tips to visit and climb in it on your next trip.
Planning a trip to Hilton Head? Start with my Hilton Head Travel Guide, Hilton Head Restaurant Guide, 25 Can't-Miss Hilton Head Activities & Things to Do in Hilton Head with Kids.
Harbour Town Lighthouse Hilton Head Island SC
The Harbour Town Lighthouse (also called the Hilton Head Lighthouse) is the most iconic spot and most distinctive landmark on Hilton Head Island SC. With its candy-caned colored stripes, it sits in Harbour Town as a symbol of the island for many. This 90-foot landmark is located in Sea Pines resort rising above Calibogue Sound in Harbour Town. It's only 50 years old but is now one of the most recognizable parts of the island.
The lighthouse was completed in 1970 and has been open to the public since then. Generations of families have taken their kids to the top as part of their family vacation.
It was the first privately financed lighthouse built since the early 1800s and was built to bring more interest to the island. It was the the dream of visionary developer of the Sea Pines resort, Charles Fraser and has also been nicknamed Fraser's Folly. Charles Fraser is the developer responsible for Hilton Head's more natural approach to development, including limiting the size and scope of development on the isalnd, shaping it into what it is today.
The hexagonal structure lighthouse is 93 feet tall and looks over the 18th hold of the Harbour Town Golf Links. It still aids in maritime navigation by emitting white light every 25 seconds, helping guide boats into the Harbour Town Marina.
Can you go to the Hilton Head Lighthouse?
Yes! You can go in and climb to the top of the lighthouse, Harbour Town Lighthouse, which is also the Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum which has been a part of the lighthouse since 2001. It has 114 steps and is filled with tons of local history, Civil War era artifacts, photographs, and historic relics on the walls of the island's past. The inside museum along the steps holds a fascinating perspective on the history of the region and island. You can take a self-guided tour of the museum.
At the top, you are greeted with gorgeous panoramic views from the Hilton Head Island lighthouse, including Harbour Town and Daufuskie Island. If you are looking for something more to do than visiting sandy beaches on Hilton Head, this is it!
Harbour Town Lighthouse Logistics
- Hours: It's open daily to the public between 10 AM- sundown.
- Cost: $7 per person. 5 and under are free. Buy tickets here.
- Time: You can complete the climb, enjoy the views from the top, and climb down in less than an hour.
- Food: There is no food inside, but Harbour Town is filled with lots of delicious restaurant options, including the Quarterdeck Restaurant, which is built right next to the lighthouse.
- Who Should Go?: If you have the mobility to climb 114 stairs, it's a fabulous thing to do while you are on the island! If you are not great with stairs, are claustrophobic, or don't like heights, I'd skip it. We took our kids for the first time when they were 4 and they were fine.
What's Inside the Harbour Town Lighthouse?
If you've been curious about what's inside the Harbour Town Lighthouse, I'll share some real photos of a few of our trips to the top so you can decide if you want to make the trip yourself. It's a fun thing to do on Hilton Head Island and gives you amazing views from the top, plus a unique perspective on history. Visiting the candy-striped lighthouse gives you a rich history of Hilton Head Island and a stunning Lowcountry landscape. It is a self-guided tour with signs to read.
There are 114 steps, that aren't too see-through, steep, or flimsy. Some lighthouse stairs feel wobbly and scary, but these don't.
There's a handrail and it was easy to climb. It can get hot in the summer, but there are fans.
We first took my boys up at 4 years old.
Along the climb to the top of th Harbour Town Lighthouse is all sorts of interesting history and relics dating back to 3000 BC.
There are lots of signs to read and you can take as much time as you'd like exploring the history.
At the top is a super charming lighthouse shop called "Shop at the Top" that lighthouse lovers will adore. They have a lighthouse and Hilton Head Island souvenirs.
You can step outside, where there is a metal guardrail and lots of room to walk around.
The view from the top is spectacular, especially at sunset.
We just love going to the top and taking in the views at the Harbour Town Lighthouse.
The Harbour Town Lighthouse
Visiting the Harbour Town Lighthouse in Hilton Head SC is one of the highlights of any trip to the island. Make sure to give yourself time to explore the lighthouse and the surrounding Harbour Town, which is full of shopping and restaurants. The resort restaurants are wonderful and we are a big fan of the attached Quartderk Deck restaurant, which got a huge remodel a few years ago.
Do you have to pay to go to Harbor Town Hilton Head?
Yes, if you are not staying in Sea Pines, you need to pay to get into the development. A single-day pass is $9 and you have to pay cash at the gate.
How much does it cost to go to the Harbour Town lighthouse?
In addition to paying to get into Sea Pines, you need to also pay to go into the lighthouse. It is $7, with kids 5 and under free.
More Hilton Head Travel Guides:
- Hilton Head Travel Guide
- Best Hilton Head Restaurants
- Best Hilton Head Takeout Eats
- Best Waterfront Hilton Head Restaurants
- Top Things to Do on Hilton Head
- Top Things to Do in Hilton Head with Kids
- Top Things to Do on Hilton Head in the Off-Season
- Coastal Discovery Museum Guide
- Hilton Head Babymoon
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