Local Spotlight: Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum

It’s extremely hard not to think of the Harbour Town Lighthouse when Hilton Head Island is mentioned. The iconic, red-and-white striped structure has welcomed visitors for more than five decades, and its likeness has traveled around the country on many a bumper sticker and T-shirt.

It just wouldn’t be Harbour Town without the Harbour Town Lighthouse.

And honestly, that’s pretty close to what Charles Fraser, the visionary behind Hilton Head’s beginnings as a resort destination, was thinking. The creative genius and developer of the Sea Pines property, Fraser insisted there be a gathering place for people to socialize.  After extensive research, the plans of Harbour Town were developed with Mediterranean influences, mainly open-air central plazas with gorgeous backdrops. There was really only one thing missing—a centerpiece. And so, the Harbour Town Lighthouse was created, making it the first lighthouse built since the early 1800s that was privately financed.

Visitors are often surprised to find out how old the lighthouse actually is, since it really isn’t compared to other prominent lighthouses on the East Coast. Construction on the Harbour Town Lighthouse began in 1969 and was completed in 1970–just in time for the inaugural Heritage golf tournament–making the original Hilton Head Lighthouse, or Leamington Lighthouse (located in what is now Palmetto Dunes), more than 100 years older.

Visiting the Museum

Something else that seems to surprise people is what’s inside the iconic lighthouse itself. Like many lighthouses, you can certainly climb all 114 steps to the viewing platform. Talk about a picture-perfect moment! Yet, within the striped outer shell is the Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum.

A must-see for first-time vacationers to the island, especially for those interested in the region’s history, a visit to the Harbour Town Lighthouse will complete your trip to the island. Purchase your ticket on the ground level–admission is $7 per person, and children 5 and under are free. Before making your ascent, take your time looking at all of the curated curiosities and treasures meticulously placed on the gift shop’s shelves. This is a great stop for those looking for unique or elevated souvenirs or gifts to remember your trip by. Don’t worry, this won’t be your last chance for momentos as there’s another gift shop located at the very top of the lighthouse!

Easy to get to and worth the trip, keep in mind that there is a gate fee when entering the Sea Pines property.  Plan to drive into Harbour Town, as bikes aren’t permitted through the gate unless you’re a guest staying within Sea Pines.  Parking does tend to fill up later in the day during peak seasons, so we recommend making the excursion after breakfast or brunch on a beautiful, clear morning. You’ll arrive just in time for the museum’s opening at 10 am and can enjoy the shops or have lunch in Harbour Town afterward.

Walking Through History

Although the lighthouse itself was constructed in 1969, it holds a collective history of Hilton Head within its walls. With 9 landings documenting the island’s history dating back to its Native American populations, visitors can climb the steps to the very top for the best panoramic views of Harbour Town and the surrounding Calibogue Sound, learning along the way. With new discoveries around every staircase corner, including exhibits, photographs, and artifacts telling the island’s story piece by piece, the Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum makes learning about the Lowcountry fascinating and fun! The museum also includes a Coast Guard Exhibit, the first of its kind in the United States.