South Carolina is home to eleven lighthouses. While only two are located in Hilton Head, there are six more less than four hours' driving distance away! Lighthouse lovers won't want to miss out on the chance to take a day trip across South Carolina's lowcountry and see some great lighthouses while they're visiting!
Photo from https://www.roverboattours.com/tourinfo
1. Georgetown Light
(Georgetown, SC) (travel time: approximately 3 hours from Hilton Head Island to Rover Tours)
Georgetown Light is South Carolina's oldest lighthouse, constructed back in 1811 and functional for roughly two centuries. It is only accessible by boat, but visitors hoping to see it should have an easy time fitting one of Rover Tours' expeditions into their schedules.
Photo from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Romain_Lighthouses
2 and 3. Cape Romain
(Awendaw, SC) (travel time: approximately 2.5 hours from Hilton Head Island to Bull Island Ferry)
Cape Romaine has two lighthouses located side-by-side in Cape Romaine National Wildlife Refuge. One was constructed in 1827, and the other in 1857. They are only open for tours four times a year, but you can take the Bulls Island Ferry past them year-round.
Photo from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charleston_Light
4. Charleston Light
(Sullivan's Island, SC) (travel time: approximately 2 hours from Hilton Head Island)
Charleston Light was originally lit in 1962. At the time, it was the second most powerful lighthouse in the Western Hemisphere. It is triangular in shape, with an odd "cap" at the top. This lighthouse is accessible by foot, so it is easy to see up close and personal.
Photo from https://www.follybeach.com/lighthouse/
5. Morris Island Light
(Folly Island, SC) (travel time: approximately 2.5 hours from Hilton Head Island)
A cherished icon of the lowcountry, this pretty lighthouse stands alone just off of Folly Beach. The best way to see this lighthouse is to drive to the end of East Ashley Avenue on Folly Beach and then take the marked path to the beach.
Photo from https://southcarolinaparks.com/stories/167-steps-to-the-top-climb-the-hunting-island-lighthouse
6. Hunting Island
St. Helena Island, SC (travel time: approximately 1 hour from Hilton Head Island)
Located within Hunting Island State Park, South Carolina's most popular state park, this lovely lighthouse is open for tours. For a small fee, visitors can hike 167 steps to the top and take in some spectacular views of the park.
Photo from https://harbourtownlighthouse.com/photo-gallery/
7. Harbour Town
Hilton Head Island, SC
Harbour Town Light is an icon of Hilton Head. While it is believed to be a real estate prop, it does light up, and some local vessels use it for navigation. A small fee will get visitors inside. At the top, you'll be able to see the full, long-range majesty of Hilton Head.
Photo from https://www.hiltonheadlighthouse.com
8. Leamington Lighthouse
Hilton Head Island, SC
This unusual lighthouse is located on the 15th hole of Arthur Hills Golf Course. While it is in a gated community, I've heard that prospective visitors can call the gate and that, if they tell them they'd like to photograph the lighthouse, they'll be let in. This lighthouse doesn't look like any lighthouse I've seen before. You won't want to miss the spectacle!
What is your favorite lighthouse to visit?
