Hilton Head Island may be best known for its beaches, golf courses, and family vacations, but the island’s lighthouses offer another way to explore the area. Two places in particular tell very different stories: the recognizable Harbour Town Lighthouse and the historic Hilton Head Rear Range Lighthouse.
Visiting these landmarks is an easy addition to a day of sightseeing. Guests staying in our Hilton Head Island condo rentals can explore local history, enjoy scenic views, and learn a little more about the island beyond the beach.
Harbour Town Lighthouse
About the Lighthouse
The red-and-white Harbour Town Lighthouse is one of Hilton Head Island’s most recognizable landmarks. Completed in 1970, the 90-foot tower overlooks Harbour Town Yacht Basin and Calibogue Sound. Unlike many traditional lighthouses, it was privately funded and was not originally intended to serve as an official navigational light.
Today, the lighthouse has become an island symbol and a popular stop for families visiting Harbour Town.
Climb to the Top
Visitors can climb 114 steps to reach the top of the Harbour Town Lighthouse. The climb is part sightseeing experience and part history lesson, with displays along the way that make it easy to stop, read, and take a break.
At the top, visitors are rewarded with wide views over the yacht basin, Calibogue Sound, and surrounding areas. It is easy to see why the lighthouse remains one of the best-known Hilton Head Island attractions.
Lighthouse Museum
The Harbour Town Lighthouse is also home to a museum that shares stories about Hilton Head Island and its maritime past. Its Lighthouse Legends Tour takes visitors through different periods of island history as they make their way upward.
The lighthouse also houses an official Coast Guard Museum exhibit. One highlight is a 16-foot model of the Coast Guard cutter Eagle, along with information about Coast Guard missions and maritime history.
Hilton Head Rear Range Lighthouse
Lighthouse History
The Hilton Head Rear Range Lighthouse, also called the Leamington Lighthouse, offers a much older look at the island’s maritime history. Built between 1879 and 1880, it was part of a range-light system designed to guide ships into Port Royal Sound.
The cast-iron tower stands about 92 feet tall and once produced a light visible from roughly 15 miles away. It was deactivated in 1932 and later used as a lookout tower during World War II. The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Explore the Grounds
While visiting the Rear Range Lighthouse, take time to look beyond the tower itself. A historic brick oil house and water cistern remain on the grounds, offering more clues about how the lighthouse once operated.
Another highlight is the nearby Live Oak. A 2019 survey estimated the tree to be approximately 435 to 450 years old, making it one of the oldest living Live Oaks on Hilton Head Island. Its canopy stretches about 150 feet across.
The Blue Lady of Palmetto Dunes
The Rear Range Lighthouse is also connected to one of Hilton Head’s best-known ghost stories. According to local legend, lighthouse keeper Adam Fripp died during a powerful hurricane in 1898 after working to keep the light burning. His daughter, Caroline, continued his work but died several weeks later.
The story says Caroline’s spirit, known as the Blue Lady, can sometimes be seen near the lighthouse on dark and rainy nights. It adds a memorable piece of local folklore to an already historic site.
Plan Your Visit
There’s so much to do and see on Hilton Head Island! Choose from our full selection of Hilton Head Island rentals to discover the ideal accommodations for your stay.
Final Thoughts
Hilton Head’s two best-known lighthouses offer very different experiences. Harbour Town provides a climb, museum exhibits, and waterfront views, while the Rear Range Lighthouse connects visitors to the island’s 19th-century maritime history.
Together, they make an interesting addition to a Hilton Head itinerary, especially for families looking to mix beach days with history and sightseeing.
Book Your Hilton Head Condo with HHI Beach & Tennis Resort
After exploring the island, come back to a comfortable place to relax near the beach. Our Hilton Head Island vacation rentals give families a convenient home base for enjoying the coast, local landmarks, dining, recreation, and everything else Hilton Head has to offer. At HHI Beach & Tennis Resort, we are committed to friendly, personalized service and helping guests make the most of their time on Hilton Head Island.