Harbour Town Lighthouse stands at the south end of Hilton Head Island, in the Sea Pines Resort district, beside the Yacht Basin. Its red and white stripes make it the island's best-known landmark. The climb is 114 steps to a deck about 90 feet up, where you look over Harbour Town Golf Links, the marsh and Calibogue Sound. Exhibits and plaques along the stairs cover the lighthouse's construction, Coast Guard history and the island's past. Leave time for the small gift shops, one at the entrance and one at the top.
The lighthouse and its setting
The lighthouse was built in 1970 and designed under Sea Pines developer Charles Fraser. It sits in Harbour Town, within the Sea Pines Resort, next to the Yacht Basin. The tower was never used as an active navigation light, so it works today as a landmark and a museum.
The lighthouse stands beside the 18th hole of Harbour Town Golf Links. Golfers finishing that hole pass the base of the tower, which gives the grounds a steady flow of people even on quiet days.
What the museum covers
The exhibits follow the island's history from its first inhabitants to the present. Other displays cover the building of the lighthouse, photography and the long history of the Coast Guard in the area. A Coast Guard exhibit is one of the stronger displays on the way up.
A hand-built model of the Eagle, a historic cutter, is among the objects on show. The Lighthouse Legends Tour takes visitors through the climb and the exhibits together. Each level has facts and artifacts to read while you rest.
The lighthouse also has an ATM, a photo booth and penny souvenir machines on several floors.
Climbing the stairs
The tower has 114 steps, and the top deck is about 90 feet above the ground. The stairs are wide enough to pass comfortably, and visitors have found them easier than the tight spiral stairs at some other lighthouses on the coast.
Fans and hand sanitizer are placed on the floors, which helps on warm days. Each level has room to stop, so the climb can be taken at your own pace.
The entrance and the restroom are wheelchair accessible, and so is the parking lot. The tower itself is a climb, so visitors who cannot manage stairs should plan a visit to the grounds and the museum entrance instead.
Views and the surrounding waterfront
From the top deck, you can see the harbour, the marsh, the golf course and Calibogue Sound. On a clear evening, the sun sets over the water and yachts and fishing boats come and go in the harbour below.
The Quarterdeck restaurant sits next to the lighthouse and specializes in seafood, with an outdoor patio. Harbour Town also has shops, art galleries and boutiques within walking distance. A pier on the grounds is used for crabbing, and shells are easy to find along the nearby beach.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. Visitors pay to enter and to climb. The amount has been reported at several different prices, so check the official website for the current fee.
How many steps are there to the top?
There are 114 steps. The top deck sits about 90 feet above the ground.
Should I buy tickets in advance?
Yes. Buying tickets in advance is recommended.
Is the lighthouse good for children?
Yes. The museum exhibits and the climb keep older children busy, and toddlers can enjoy watching the boats and birds in the area.
Is the lighthouse wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, the restroom and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible. The tower itself requires climbing 114 steps.
