Forest Beach

Discover Forest Beach Real Estate

Forest Beach is one of Hilton Head Island’s original oceanfront communities, encompassing the North and South Forest Beach areas. It’s known for an eclectic mix of housing – from cozy cottage-style beach homes and villas to magnificent oceanfront mansions – all nestled along three miles of pristine shoreline on the island’s south end. Unlike the gated “plantation” communities on Hilton Head, Forest Beach is open to the public, which means no security passes are needed and beach access is available to everyone. In fact, every home in the Forest Beach neighborhood lies within a short walk (just a few hundred yards) of the Atlantic Ocean, making it a paradise for those who love being close to the beach.

Many locals affectionately refer to Forest Beach as “Downtown Hilton Head” because of its vibrant hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment centered around Coligny Circle. With 100+ specialty shops, restaurants, boutiques, and beach bars in and around Coligny Plaza, there’s always something fun to do in this area. The atmosphere is lively year-round, attracting both tourists and residents – you’ll find the beaches and streets bustling in summer and pleasantly active even in the quieter winter months. Walkability is a key part of Forest Beach’s charm: residents and visitors love that they can stroll or bike to grab coffee, dine out, or enjoy live music without ever needing a car. This laid-back, coastal lifestyle – “like its own little town” as one resident describes – truly sets Forest Beach apart as one of Hilton Head’s favorite communities.

Forest Beach: A Local Favorite

Forest Beach offers a diverse range of real estate options, and there’s something for everyone here. You’ll find classic 1950s-era beach cottages (many lovingly renovated or rebuilt), modern condo complexes, timeshare villas, and multi-million-dollar oceanfront estates side by side. Thanks to this variety, home values in Forest Beach span a broad range. The area is also popular for investors and second-home owners – a significant number of properties serve as vacation rentals or seasonal homes, with a relatively small full-time resident population (adding to the lively, tourist-friendly feel).

In terms of pricing, single-family homes in Forest Beach tend to command premium prices due to their size and proximity to the ocean. In North Forest Beach, for example, the median sale price for homes over the last year was about $1.45 million, reflecting a strong demand for beach-area houses (a ~17% increase year-over-year). By contrast, the plentiful villas and condominiums in the Forest Beach area offer a more affordable entry into the community. Smaller condos (e.g. one-bedroom units) often sell in the mid to upper $400s – the median price for a one-bedroom was around $460,000 recently – while larger or oceanfront condos can range much higher (two-bedroom villas have a median around $900K, and some luxury penthouse units approach seven figures). Overall, the average condo in Forest Beach tends to hover in the mid-$500K range; recent listings showed an average asking price around $540,000 for villas in this area.

According to Zillow’s Home Value Index, the typical property value in Forest Beach (across all home types) was approximately $528,000 as of late 2025. This figure has seen a slight dip (about 5% lower than the year before), indicating a minor market correction after the rapid appreciation of previous years. Current market trends suggest inventory is limited but growing (around 99 homes for sale in the Forest Beach area in fall 2025) and buyer demand remains steady. In summary, Forest Beach real estate is characterized by high desirability and a wide price spectrum – whether you’re looking for a quaint beachside condo or a lavish oceanfront home, this community has options to suit various budgets and lifestyles.

Amenities and Attractions in Forest Beach

One of the biggest draws of Forest Beach is the incredible array of amenities and attractions available just steps from your door. This area truly offers a live-work-play environment where recreation and convenience go hand in hand. Here are some of the highlights in and around Forest Beach:

Coligny Beach Park – Forest Beach is home to Hilton Head’s most popular public beach access, Coligny Beach Park. This award-winning beach park offers free access to miles of beautiful sandy shoreline along with great facilities for visitors. There are clean restrooms, outdoor showers, changing rooms, and even a fun splash fountain for kids to cool off in. Charming gazebos, bench swings under the shade, and wooden boardwalks create a welcoming entrance to the beach. Coligny Beach Park is wheelchair accessible and even provides free Wi-Fi, and there’s ample free parking across the street, making a day at the beach hassle-free for everyone. It’s no surprise this spot draws thousands of beachgoers and families year after year as the heart of Hilton Head’s beach scene.

Lowcountry Celebration Park – Opened in 2020, the Lowcountry Celebration Park is the newest jewel of Forest Beach’s amenities. Situated on a 10-acre site just off Pope Avenue (right across from Coligny Beach), this sprawling park features something for all ages. Its centerpiece is The Adventure Playground, an elaborate pirate-ship themed play area inspired by the ship of Captain William Hilton, perfect for children to climb and explore. The park includes large open lawns and a performance pavilion that host frequent free concerts, festivals, and seasonal events – from food festivals to outdoor symphony performances. You’ll also find walking paths (great for an evening stroll, with subtle lighting), fitness stations, and the ever-popular Sandbox Children’s Museum on site. Lowcountry Celebration Park has quickly become a community gathering place – essentially a “community clubhouse” for Forest Beach – where neighbors and visitors come together for fun and fitness throughout the year.

• Coligny Plaza Shopping & Dining – Just a block from the beach, Coligny Plaza is Hilton Head’s original shopping district and remains a cornerstone of Forest Beach life. This bustling plaza offers over 60 stores and restaurants (and more than 100 shops and kiosks in the vicinity) ranging from beachwear boutiques and souvenir shops to cafés, ice cream parlors, and upscale restaurants. Notably, Coligny Plaza is home to the island’s first movie theater and first grocery store (the famous Piggly Wiggly), adding a touch of local history to its modern-day convenience. During the summer, the plaza often features live entertainment, such as musicians or magic shows, in its open-air courtyard – delighting both kids and adults. Whether you need to pick up essentials, enjoy a nice dinner, or browse local art, Coligny Plaza has something for everyone in a relaxed, pedestrian-friendly setting.
• Restaurants & Nightlife – Forest Beach boasts some of Hilton Head’s most beloved eateries and beach bars. You can start your day with breakfast at a local cafe like Skillet’s, grab a casual lunch at a beachside grill, and dine on fresh seafood at places like The Sandbar or Fish in the evening. After dinner, satisfy your sweet tooth with ice cream from a nearby parlor, or step out for a bit of nightlife. The famous Tiki Hut bar, located oceanfront behind the Beach House, is a must-visit for live music and tropical cocktails right on the sand. This iconic open-air bar features live bands almost every night, beach volleyball courts, and a festive atmosphere where you can sip a cold drink with your toes in the sand. Other popular spots include Pool Bar Jim’s (known for frozen drinks) and the Frosty Frog Café, both offering laid-back vibes just steps from the beach. From wine festivals at the park to nightly music at the Tiki Hut, Forest Beach offers a little bit of entertainment for everyone.
• Outdoor Activities – Living in Forest Beach means you’ll never run out of outdoor activities. The community is extremely bike-friendly, with miles of paved leisure trails running parallel to the ocean and connecting through South and North Forest Beach. It’s easy to rent a bike and explore the area – many residents love biking to Coligny Plaza for errands or just cruising under the oak and palm canopies along quiet neighborhood streets. Of course, the beach itself provides endless recreation: sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, and even kiteboarding or paddleboarding for the adventurous (Forest Beach’s shoreline is known for relatively gentle waves, ideal for families and water sports beginners). For golf and tennis enthusiasts, world-class facilities are only a short drive away in neighboring communities, but Forest Beach’s own pick-up volleyball games and informal beach activities are often just as enjoyable. The nearby Shipyard and Sea Pines resorts (each adjacent to Forest Beach) offer golf courses and tennis centers if you’re looking for more structured play, and the Hilton Head Island Trail network lets you reach those areas by bike as well. In Forest Beach, the days can be as active or as relaxing as you choose – start with a morning jog along the surf, spend an afternoon shopping or surfing, and cap it off with a sunset stroll or music by the beach.

Why Locals Love Forest Beach

It’s no accident that Forest Beach remains one of the most popular communities on Hilton Head. The combination of convenience, charm, and coastal beauty here is hard to beat. Residents often rave about the “hassle-free” atmosphere – the neighborhood’s open layout and lack of strict regulations give it a casual, friendly vibe reminiscent of Hilton Head’s earlier days. Neighbors know each other, shopkeepers greet you by name, and there’s a true sense of community despite the area’s resort-like energy. Longtime locals and newcomers alike appreciate that in Forest Beach, you can park your car and genuinely live local – everything you need (beach, groceries, coffee, parks, nightlife) is either a quick walk or bike ride away.

Another big draw is the year-round appeal of Forest Beach. In summer, it’s a hub of beach fun, live music, and family activities. In the off-season, it quiets down just enough to feel peaceful yet still has plenty of open restaurants and community events, giving full-time residents the “best of both worlds” – a balance of excitement and tranquility. The recent addition of Celebration Park has further solidified Forest Beach’s reputation as a community that truly has it all: gorgeous natural surroundings, recreation and cultural events, and convenient amenities all in one place. As one local Realtor aptly put it, Forest Beach offers “downtown living but on the beach,” meaning you get an urban level of convenience and entertainment coupled with the laid-back Lowcountry beach lifestyle.

In short, Forest Beach is a gem of Hilton Head Island. Whether you’re drawn by the real estate opportunities (from quaint villas to luxury homes), the sunny beaches and parks, or the vibrant shopping and dining scene, this community delivers a unique blend of island charm and modern convenience. It’s easy to see why Forest Beach continues to be a favorite neighborhood for so many – a place where every day can feel like a vacation, and where the Hilton Head spirit of warmth and hospitality is on full display.