Historic Black Beaches

Bradley Beach stands out as a prominent historic Black beach on Hilton Head Island. In 1949, Dr. Stephen Maxwell McDew Jr., a Savannah-based gynecologist, and his wife Mary purchased approximately 10 acres of land from the Gullah Christopher family. This property stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to what is now Highway 278, in the area currently known as Bradley Beach Road. Named in honor of Mary’s late brother, John Bradley, the beach became a cherished retreat for the McDew family and their community.

Recognizing the importance of land ownership and safe recreational spaces during the Jim Crow era, Dr. McDew developed the area to include a motel and sold parcels to friends and colleagues, fostering a close-knit community. Bradley Beach also became a cultural hotspot, hosting performances by renowned artists like Ike and Tina Turner as part of the Chitlin' Circuit in the early 1960s.

Burkes Beach holds a special place in the local Gullah community. It was renowned for "The Hideaway," a juke joint that operated daily, providing music and food to families. During events like Labor Day family reunions, the beach became a communal gathering spot where everyone was welcomed, fostering a sense of unity and celebration.

Driessen Beach Park is both a scenic retreat and a living testament to Hilton Head Island’s African American legacy. Named after Henry Driessen Sr., a prominent Black landowner who acquired part of the former Chaplin Plantation in 1921, the park honors a family lineage rooted in land stewardship and civic leadership, including Henry Driessen Jr., the island’s first African American town councilman. During segregation, Driessen Beach served as a safe coastal haven for the Gullah Geechee community, fostering cultural celebration and intergenerational connection. Today, the park blends modern amenities with historic reverence, offering boardwalk access, family-friendly facilities, and a revitalized landscape that continues to reflect the resilience and heritage of Hilton Head’s Black community.

Fish Haul Beach Park is adjacent to the historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, the site of the first self-governing town of formerly enslaved African Americans in the United States. Established in 1862, Mitchelville was a symbol of freedom and self-determination. Today, Fish Haul Beach Park offers a serene environment for reflection and connection to this significant heritage.

Singleton Beach is named after the Singleton family, one of Hilton Head's original Gullah families. Namen Singleton, who purchased his first land at age 12 after emancipation, and his son Ezekiel, acquired over 200 acres, including the area now known as Singleton Beach. This beach became a popular destination for African Americans from cities like Atlanta, Charleston, and Savannah, offering Black-owned establishments such as restaurants, diners, and nightclubs.