Biking is a beloved pastime of Hilton Head visitors and locals alike. The island earned a Gold Level Biking Community status from the League of American Bicyclists for its network of pathways and biking-friendly culture. From a coastal tour to a ride through the park, getting around on wheels is a great way to see Hilton Head from a new perspective. There’s no better way to spend your vacation than to discover something new along the road less traveled.
With nearly 30 bicycle rental shops offering approximately 15,000 bicycles for rent and 60-plus miles of multi-use trails, it’s easy to plan a day on the road – but there’s no need to spin your wheels figuring out where to start. Follow these five tips for a successful ride.
Book a tour
If you want to experience Hilton Head like a local, hire one to show you around. Allow the professionals to bring the bikes and plan the route so you can relax and go along for the ride – literally. Learn something new about the island’s history on an educational tour, or get an up-close look at the island’s ecosystem as you pedal through a nature preserve. We recommend booking a tour with Outside Hilton Head.
Visit a bike shop
Don’t feel like bringing a bike from home? All of Hilton Head’s bike shops offer rentals. Choose from cruisers, hybrids, road bikes and more, all in pristine condition. If you do bring your own bike, you can take it in for any last-minute tune-ups or repairs. Check out Island Life Bike Rentals and Hilton Head Bicycle Company for bike reservations.
Biking is one of the best ways to experience Hilton Head’s natural beauty first-hand. If you want a real taste of the island, take a trip down one of these paths:
- Fish Haul Creek Park – Cycle through 16 acres of wetland, salt marsh, maritime forest, and beach.
- Greens Shell Community Park – Travel back in time to find an oyster shell ring that once belonged to a Native American Farming Village in 1335 AD.
- Palmetto Dunes Biking Paths – Bike along five miles of paved pathway under ancient oak trees.
- Barker Field Observation Deck – Pedal to the end of the boardwalk for an expansive view of the Sound.
- Jarvis Creek Park – Cruise the 1.1 mile paved loop that runs through wooded areas and across marshes.
- Old House Creek Pier – Cycle along this secluded fishing and crabbing pier across from the Intercoastal Waterway.
- Shelter Cove Community Park – Ride through the park to find a white granite memorial honoring American veterans.
Download an app
Riding solo? Download the Hilton Head Island Compass App so you can navigate your way around the island. Track your location and search for nearby activities and restaurants. Other apps like Map My Ride and Cyclemeter will track your progress and provide detour ideas.
Practice safe cycling
Hilton Head may be one of the top 25 biking communities in the United States, but it’s still important to practice bike safety. If you decide to bike on the beach, stay away from the tide – saltwater is highly corrosive. Remember that bikes are always subject to the same traffic laws as vehicles, even on a pathway; ride on the right hand side and pass on the left. And, although our island is full of crosswalks, to get safely across the street, our island is also full of visitors who may not be aware that there is a crosswalk and they need to stop. Please look both ways before you cycle out onto a road.
