Hilton Head Island is famous for its beaches. Sure, we've got great shopping centers, world-class golf courses, and plenty of fine dining. But beyond all of that, the island boasts more than 12 miles of pristine beaches.

Islanders spend much of their free time fishing, swimming and sunbathing. There is amazing marine life to see and beautiful shells to collect. Can't you just feel the sand between your toes, the sunshine on your shoulders and the waves lapping at your feet?

Hilton Head Island's official beach season runs April 1 through Sept. 30. There are five public beach accesses. Parking meter fees range from 25 cents (quarters only) per 15 minutes to 25 cents per 30 minutes. Lifeguards are stationed at designated areas. Restrooms, water fountains and soda machines are also available. All beaches are public, but access to the beach may be private as in plantations or other residential areas.

Coligny

Coligny Beach, located off Coligny Circle at Pope Avenue has 32 metered spaces, two of them are handicap accessible. A long-term lot with 314 spaces is across the street. The designated swimming area is from the Breakers to the Holiday Inn Oceanfront.

Driessen

Driessen Beach Park is located mid-island, at the end of Bradley Beach Drive. The parking lot has 212 regular spaces and six handicapped spaces. The swimming area extends 400 feet to the north and 400 feet to the south.

Alder Lane

Alder Lane beach is near Marriott's Grande Ocean Resort, off South Forest Beach Drive, with parking across the street on Woodward Drive. Twenty-four metered spaces are available, two are handicap accessible. The designated swimming area is 100 feet to the north, and 100 feet to the south.

Islanders

Islanders Beach Park is located near the end of Folly Field Road, just south of the rear entrance to The Westin Resort. The park's 100 parking spaces are reserved for island property owners who buy an annual beach parking pass. For more information on beach passes, call 341-4630. There are changing rooms, restrooms, showers, a boardwalk, a playground and a pavilion with picnic tables and grill.

Folly Field

Folly Field Beach Park is located mid-island at the end of Folly Field Road. The parking lot accommodates 52 vehicles with two handicap-accessible spaces. The designated swimming area is 100 feet north and 200 feet south.

Beach rules

Keep in mind a few regulations, which are enforced by the Town of Hilton Head Island and/or Beaufort County Sheriff's Office.

• The stretch of beach under town jurisdiction extends from the southern shores of Fish Haul Creek (Port Royal Sound) southward to Calibogue Sound.

• Animals on the beach must be on a leash between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. from April 1 through the Thursday before Memorial Day. Animals are not permitted on the beach between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. from the Friday before Memorial Day through the Monday of Labor Day weekend. From Oct. 1 to March 31, dogs and other animals must be on a leash or under positive voice control. Owners are required to pick up and dispose of their animal's waste.

• Alcoholic beverages are not allowed, nor are glass containers.

• Motorized vehicles, except wheelchairs, are prohibited.

• Motorized water craft may not be launched, operated or anchored on any beach. However, boats (except Jet Skis and Wave Runners) are allowed between Tower Beach Club and Braddock Cove in Sea Pines, for a distance of 75 yards from shore.

• Stunt kites are prohibited in designated swimming areas, or in other areas from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during beach season. Parasailing is prohibited from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during beach season.

• Fishing, surf casting, surfboards and similar articles for surfing, flying discs, any kind of ball, and metal game pieces (such as horseshoes) are prohibited in designated swimming areas from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during beach season.

• On all local beaches it is illegal to harass or disturb sea turtles and their nests; remove live sand dollars, starfish or other live sea creatures from the ocean or tidal pools; fish for sharks; make fires (except for cooking on portable liquid fueled stoves); discharge fireworks; sleep on the beach between midnight and 6 a.m.; appear nude or be indecently exposed; pick sea oats or other dune vegetation; solicit for donations or business; or wear lifeguard emblems or insignias if you are not a lifeguard.