How to Navigate Hilton Head Island’s Sea Pines Circle [A Visitor’s Guide]

I’ve always found traffic circles to be confusing. That wouldn’t be at all surprising if you knew me. My special gift is getting lost. I can get lost in the most familiar places; places I’ve visited over and over. It’s probably one of the reasons I chose the human equivalent of a GPS as my life partner. He and I and our 7-year-old son moved from Michigan to Hilton Head less than 3 months ago, in May 2021. Along with all the usual trials that come with moving to a new place, Hilton Head Island presented a particularly confusing new normal for me, The Sea Pines Circle. For those of you unfamiliar with this “traffic circle” or “round-a-bout”, Sea Pines Circle can be a bit overwhelming. The good news is, with a little guidance and a few quick tips, you’ll be navigating this infrastructural phenomenon like a pro in no time. Understanding this 4-exit exchange is your all-access pass to this amazing Lowcountry destination. So buckle up!

For starters, let’s talk traffic circle rules.

1. When entering the Sea Pines Circle from any of the roads that feed into it, you must do so from the left lane. If you’re in the right lane, you’ll have to turn right when you reach the circle.
2. You must yield to all traffic in the circle when entering. Drivers in the circle always have the right of way.
3. Signal when exiting. Traffic will flow more easily through the circle if people waiting to enter know that others are going to exit.
4. If you miss your exit, don’t worry. Just take another lap around the circle until you reach your desired destination road.
5.  Once you’ve mastered the rules of the circle, your options are plentiful. Whether you’re trying to get to the beach, looking for your resort, hoping to enjoy some of the many island activities, or just making a quick grocery run, chances are, you’re going to encounter the Sea Pines Circle. Knowing which exit leads to which destination will be helpful. Let’s break it down.   Grocery Shopping on Hilton Head Island There are plenty of options for picking up essentials on the island.  Harris Teeter is accessible from the Pope Avenue/Coligny Beach exit.  Looking for Publix? Take the Palmetto Bay Road/Cross Island Parkway exit. Whole Foods and Fresh Market can be reached via William Hilton Parkway (Highway 278), as can Kroger and others. The Piggly Wiggly, where I’m told you can get the BEST fresh, locally caught seafood, is in Coligny Plaza, accessible from the Pope Avenue exit. Hilton Head Island Beaches
   If you’re headed to Coligny Beach, take the Pope Avenue exit toward the south end of the island.  Shipyard Beach Access is reached via William Hilton Parkway, as are Singleton Beach, Folly Field Beach, and Islanders Beach. Shipyard Beach Access is inside the gated community, so be sure you have a pass if you’re planning to go there.

        Best Restaurants on Hilton Head For amazing pizza, try Local Pie, accessible from both the Pope Avenue and 278 exits, or Mellow Mushroom, which can be reached from either the Greenwood Avenue/Sea Pines exit or the Pope Avenue exit.  There are multiple seafood options off every exit. We like The Sea Shack off Pope Avenue, Carolina Crab Company off Palmetto Bay Road, and Nick’s Steak & Seafood off William Hilton Parkway just to name a few. If your kids are hangry and you need something FAST, drive through McDonald’s from the William Hilton Parkway exit, Five Guys Burgers and Fries on Palmetto Bay Road, or Zaxby’s also on William Hilton Parkway.  Hilton Head Diner, a breakfast favorite, is reachable from the William Hilton Parkway exit, and Wild Wing Cafe is a favorite for chicken wing enthusiasts. Get there from the Pope Avenue exit. These are just a few of the many fantastic dining options on Hilton Head. Click here for a more complete list of Hilton Head Restaurants.   I’ll admit, with all the options for things to do, I’ve only experienced a few of the amazing island offerings in my 3 short months as a South Carolinian. But suffice it to say, I’m confident there’s something for everyone. I  hope these tips for navigating Sea Pines Circle have been helpful. If I, the perpetually lost, can learn my way around, you can too. But if the thought of driving during the HHI busy season still has you feeling anxious, head on over to Wheelz of Hilton Head to rent bikes for the whole family. With over 60 miles of bike trails, you can easily hang up the car keys for a week and experience Hilton Head from a new perspective.  (editing to add: my colleague and I hopped on a couple of Wheelz bikes and peddled down to The Circle to take some pictures for this article. I hadn’t been on a bike in years, but am happy to report that, despite the blazing HHI summer temperatures, my first experience with the Island on a bike was fantastic. 5 out of 5 stars! Highly recommend it.) Did you know that you can purchase tickets for many of these activities for up to 60% off through Hilton Head Guest Services? Call (843) 341-2370 or fill out the short form below. One of our local experts will guide you through making the absolute most of your time on Hilton Head. Just for filling out the form, you’ll receive our Mini Island Discount Packet, which includes coupons for some of our favorite restaurants and excursions.