Ready for your next Hilton Head vacation? Visit the two lighthouses located on Hilton Head, high on the list of things to do on Hilton Head Island for many vacationers. Many travel sites list the lighthouses and their surrounding areas among the top places to see when vacationing on Hilton Head Island.
There are many reasons for the popularity of these Hilton Head Island attractions, from providing the opportunity to get in touch with the area’s history to create the perfect backdrop for vacation photos! Not to mention that lighthouses are normally unique landmarks and their proximity to the coastline always gives onlookers the chance for picturesque views of the waters.
Visiting Hilton Head lighthouses is one of many exciting things to do in Hilton Head and these two structures are among the most visited Hilton Head Island attractions.
So, when preparing for your good time on Hilton Head Island, start by setting up from among the best Hilton Head oceanfront condos, then plan your itinerary, and be sure to add at least one lighthouse in Hilton Head to the list!
Let’s explore these two Hilton Head lighthouses as well as some Hilton Head condo rentals you can choose from to make your trip the best it can be.
Harbour Town Lighthouse
The 114-step, 90-ft. red-and-white striped candy cane landmark that is the Harbour Town Lighthouse has stood as a beacon on Hilton Head Island for more than 50 years.
Located on the Harbour Town Marina, the privately built lighthouse was constructed in 1969-1970. It rises over the final hole of the public Harbour Town Golf Links and one of its claims to fame might be that it has appeared in various telecasted golf games over the years, most notably when the golf course hosts the Heritage Golf Tournament on the PGA Tour every April. Golf greats such as Arnold Palmer and Payne Stewart have won tournament championships under the shadow of this great lighthouse.
As envisioned by the lighthouse’s founder, Hilton Head real estate developer, and “founding father” of Hilton Head Island Charles Fraser, Harbour Town Lighthouse was not simply designed to be a beacon but a celebration of the island’s history and culture as well. Thus, the structure is also a museum, housing such artifacts as Civil War photographs, PGA Tour memorabilia, a Coast Guard history exhibit, and representations of the island’s historical eras. You will also learn more about the building and history of this lighthouse.
The lighthouse also contains a gift shop filled with souvenirs, local arts and crafts, jewelry, books, and apparel.
In 2021, the Lighthouse added the Lighthouse Legends Tour. Guests can engage in a fun, educational experience as they walk to the top of the lighthouse, wander through the museum, and learn about the history of not only the building but of the area as well.
Not only is Harbour Town Lighthouse among the top things to do in Hilton Head, but it’s also one that fits any budget. A portion of admission fees is donated to local charities (with continuous donations made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation).
From HHI Beach and Tennis Resort Hilton Head condo rentals, simply turn left on William Hilton Parkway. After five miles, you will continue to Greenwood Drive and Plantation Drive for another 3.5 miles. Then, turn right onto Lighthouse Road.
Harbour Town Lighthouse and Museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. until sundown.
Plan Your Visit to Hilton Head Island
At this resort you’ll find eight tennis courts, six pickleball courts, a beach volleyball court, a playground, a catch and release fishing area, walking trails, and of course the swimming pool complete with waterslide and kiddie pool. Start planning the Hilton Head vacation of a lifetime by contacting us today.
Hilton Head Rear Range Lighthouse
Less known but more of a “true” lighthouse than Harbour Town Lighthouse is the late 1800s-built Hilton Head Island Rear Range Lighthouse. The skeletal structure was erected as part of a navigational system to guide ships entering Port Royal Sound. The “front” range and “rear” range lighthouses were activated in 1880.
The 92-foot lighthouse’s authenticity is reflected by its listing on the National Register of Historic Places and inclusion in the Inventory of Historic Light Stations. It is known as one of the few remaining original lighthouses in South Carolina. Use of the lighthouse ceased in 1932. Originally made of wood, the lighthouse was restored and opened to the public in 1985 and was again renovated in 2019.
The lighthouse is also known as the Leamington Lighthouse due to it being located in the Leamington neighborhood of Palmetto Dunes Resort.
The original lighthouse site featured a keeper’s house that was renovated and moved; today, it is found at Harbour Town Marina, where it houses businesses. Other original structures still found at the lighthouse are a brick oil house and a water cistern; the former was constructed in 1892.
If you’re staying at HHI Beach and Tennis Resort, make a left onto William Hilton Parkway. Go 3.2 miles, then turn left onto Queen’s Way. After a half-mile, turn right onto Leamington Lane. The lighthouse is located on the private property of the Arthur Hills Golf Course, between the 5th and 15th greens. You will come to a guardhouse before being able to proceed to the structure. You will be given a pass to the lighthouse. Drive straight on Ocean Lane to the Leamington Gate, then call the guard to let them know you have a pass to the lighthouse. Passes to the lighthouse are not handed out after 5 p.m.
Parking is on the road. Being a golf community, it bears reminding to take heed of golfers and golf carts when you park and walk the area.
Note: unlike the Harbour Town Lighthouse, the interior of the Hilton Head Rear Range Lighthouse is not open to the public.
Stay at HHI Beach & Tennis Resort
From its direct beach access to its oceanfront outdoor pool, HHI Beach & Tennis Resort has everything you’d want and need in a vacation resort. Its one- and two-bedroom oceanfront and ocean view Hilton Head Island condos and its tennis villas provide convenience, comfort, and luxury with:
- Full-sized, fully stocked kitchens
- Provided linens and towels
- Private, furnished balconies
- High-speed internet
- Queen-sized beds in the master
- Laundry facility
- 24/7 emergency and security service
Other amenities could include a sleeper sofa, patio, DVD/DVR, designer décor, and much more. Hilton Head condos at HHI Beach & Tennis Resort sleep between six and eight guests, based on your chosen unit.
At our Hilton Head Island resort, you can also play tennis or pickleball, visit the fitness center, and join in on outdoor activities such as dance parties and an outdoor movie at the pool. You can even get lessons at the resort from an onsite tennis pro! You’re also never far from bike rentals, kayak rentals, boat and dolphin tours, museums, shopping, and so many other things to do in Hilton Head.