The Harbour Island Lighthouse is situated within and is the centrepiece to the exclusive golf and leisure resort of Sea Pines close to the picturesque Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The lighthouse is 90 feet high and when climbing its winding stairway there are displays along the way showing visitors various historic events of Hilton Head and the nearby area and the story of the construction of the lighthouse itself. It is classified as a facsimile lighthouse and based on a similar design to that of a lighthouse in Lancashire, England.
As you would expect if provides an excellent view once the climb has been completed and there is also a webcam when you get there, so be sure to give a wave! It's a fully functional lighthouse and its light flashes every two and a half seconds marking the entrance of the Calibogue Sound and there's also gift shopping at The Shop At The Top.
The red and white striped building was completed in 1970 by Sea Pines founder Charles Fraser becoming the first lighthouse built with private funds since the 1800's. Many were sceptical of the project and thinking it a waste of time and money, however Charles Fraser proved everyone wrong and it has since become an important landmark and one of the most popular attractions on Hilton Head.
The Harbour Island lighthouse is open every day of the week and has an entry fee of $1.50 (with Sea Pines carrying an entry fee of $5).
