Harbour Town Lighthouse
Hilton Head Island, SC
A red-and-white lighthouse at the edge of a small yacht harbour on Hilton Head Island, with a climb to a view over the marina and the sound. Arrive early, as parking near the harbour fills quickly on busy days.
Harbour Town Lighthouse was built in 1970 at the Harbour Town yacht basin on the southern tip of Hilton Head Island, within Sea Pines Plantation. It stands on Lighthouse Road and looks out over Calibogue Sound. 114 steps lead up to the observation deck, and exhibits on maritime themes, among others, line the climb.
Allow about an hour for the climb, exhibits and views. According to the operator, the tower is open daily from 10 a.m. until sunset and is reached by stairs only (as of October 2026). The approach leads through the Sea Pines gate, where a fee applies; RVs and motorcycles are not permitted in Sea Pines according to the operator (as of October 2026). Ask about parking and access in advance. If you want to climb for sunset, plan to arrive 45 to 60 minutes beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Hilton Head Island, SC
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 32.1385, -80.8093
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- HHIMR Welcome CenterMotorhome stopover3 mi from Harbour Town Lighthouse · 401 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Hilton Head Motorcoach ResortMotorhome stopover3 mi from Harbour Town Lighthouse · 401 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWi-Fi
- River's End Campground and RV ParkCampsite8 mi from Harbour Town Lighthouse
- Savannah Lakes RV ResortMotorhome stopover18 mi from Harbour Town LighthouseMotorhomes
- Tuck In The Wood CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Harbour Town LighthouseWi-Fi
- Sunshine RV ParkMotorhome stopover24 mi from Harbour Town LighthouseMotorhomes
All campsites in South Carolina · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Harbour Town Lighthouse?
Harbour Town Lighthouse is in Hilton Head Island, SC, at GPS 32.1385, -80.8093. It is about 10 mi from Tybee Island.
Can you camp near Harbour Town Lighthouse?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is HHIMR Welcome Center, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 10 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Harbour Town Lighthouse?
Places worth a stop nearby: Bonaventure Cemetery (15 mi), Forsyth Park (17 mi), Beaufort Historic District (22 mi) and Hunting Island Lighthouse (27 mi).
When is the best time to visit Harbour Town Lighthouse?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)