The locals love the area around Hilton Head and have so much that they could do in their free time; take a page from their book while you’re staying in one of our Hilton Head condos!
There are so many trails and outdoor adventures for you to go on. You could explore the shops around Hilton Head or spend the night out at one of the fine eateries. But if you want to travel like a local, then you have to ride the Hilton Head Trolley!
Here’s what you can expect from the Hilton Head Trolley.
History of the Trolley
The trolleys around Hilton Head are more than just trolleys. Each of them has a historical connection! The Breeze Trolley service is owned and operated by Palmetto Breeze and the Lowcountry Regional Transportation Authority. The name of each trolley pays homage to the history of transportation on Hilton Head Island. “Comet” is named after the coastal Discovery Museum’s Marsh Tacky horse Comet. This rare breed of horse helped transport islanders around Hilton Head in the earliest days of travel.
“The Alligator” is another name for their trolleys. Hilton Head Island native Charlie Simmons was called “Mr. Transportation.” He got this nickname because of his contribution to the transportation around the island before any bridge connecting Hilton Head to the mainland of South Carolina. He had many freight boats that would go back and forth between Hilton Head and the mainland. One of his boats was called the Alligator, and it was used to ferry people and goods between Hilton Head, Savannah, and other areas along the mainland. After a while, the trolleys were invented, making it so much easier for people to ferry back and forth, traveling over the new bridge to the mainland.
The Breeze Trolley offers free transportation to the public from April through Labor Day Weekend. With 20 stops over the three routes, the trolleys will be able to get you where you need to go in no time! The trolleys run every weekday from 1 p.m. through 10 p.m. The weekdays include Sunday through Thursday. The trolley runs on the weekends (Friday and Saturday) from 1 p.m. through 12 midnight. The trolleys will reach each of the 20 stops approximately every 30 minutes.
The Routes
There are many routes you can take when riding the Hilton Head Trolley. The first route is the South Island Route, which leaves from Shelter Cove Towne Center before passing King Neptune at Shelter Cove Harbor and Marina. Next, it goes to the Village at Wexford, then to the HHI Motorcoach on Arrow Road, then to Park Plaza. They then go to DeAllyon at Cordillo Parkway and the Lowcountry Celebration Park and Circle Center. Finally, it ends at the Coligny Circle. There is a Northbound South Island route that follows a similar path. The trolley will make stops at the Courtyard by Marriot Hotel and Coligny Plaza as well as the Waterside Resort on Pope Avenue. Next, it will head to the Hilton Head Island Motorcoach on Arrow Road. Then it will stop at the Village at Wexford on Dunnegan’s Alley. Finally, it will stop at the transfer stop of Shelter Cove Towne Center.
The Mid-Island trolley route that heads Northbound departs from the Shelter Cove Town Center. It then heads to the Hilton Head Resort, then to the Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort as well as Fiddler’s cove. Next, it stops at the Island Club, then over to Barony Beach Club. It will then stop at the Westin. The Southbound route will follow a similar path. The southbound route starts at the Westin, then goes to the Port Royal Golf and Racquet Club. Next, the trolley stops at the Island Links Resort. It then travels down Highway 278 and Shelter Cove Lane near Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department. Finally, it ends its route at the Shelter Cover Town Center. The Shelter Cove Towne Center is a transfer stop for the Mid-Island and South Island trolleys.
There are many routes that the trolley can take. But, if you’re looking to save some money, then there are times the trolley runs for free! The Weekend Breeze Trolley runs from the USCB Hilton Head campus to Coligny Beach every Saturday and Sunday for free! From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., there are shuttles on demand from the campus to Coligny Beach Park and back. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., there are shuttles every 20 minutes from the campus to Coligny Beach Park and back.
FAQs on the Trolley
Many visitors would like to know when the trolleys run each day. It’s simple! The trolley operates each day between 1 p.m. and 10 p.m. They reach their stops approximately every 30 minutes. On Fridays and Saturdays, the trolley operates until midnight, allowing for visitors to go out dining and enjoy some entertainment.
For those wondering how much the trolley costs, it’s free!
The trolleys feature nostalgic wood interiors, bike racks with space for two bikes, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and plenty of seating and space for those who need to stand. The trolleys are fully accessible for anyone and are compliant with all ADA rules and regulations. The trolleys are “low-floor” vehicles with plenty of room for accommodations for mobility devices. There is a ramp the operator can let down for those who need easier access boarding. While animals are not allowed on the trolleys, guide dogs and trained personal assistant animals are allowed.
Speaking of things not allowed on the trolleys, beach carts, open strollers, eating, drinking, smoking, alcohol, and firearms are all prohibited on the trolleys.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re thinking about planning a vacation to Hilton Head Island, there’s no time to waste! Contact us today to get started on your own Hilton Head Island adventure!
Stay at HHI Beach & Tennis Resort
After a day of traveling around Hilton Head Island on the Trolley, collapse into your nice and cozy bed at one of our amazing Hilton Head Island condos. There are plenty of options for you to choose from. Whether you need a cozy 1-bedroom condo or a 2-bedroom for you and the family, the options are all there. You can walk outside of your Hilton Head condo rental and witness the beauty of the ocean. With the ocean view villas, you can take in the beauty that is Hilton Head Island when you stay with us.
Each room is designed for comfort and luxury. You’ll be staying in your own little paradise away from home. You’ll have fully stocked kitchens, ready for you to cook or heat up leftovers from your day out. There are TVs in the living room and the bedrooms that are perfect for sitting back and relaxing. Best of all, your comfy beds are the best way to end the night after a long adventure. What more would you need when you stay at our amazing Hilton Head Island condo rentals?