Overview
Located in the South Forest Beach area of Forest Beach.
Best for
- ✓Off-season visitors who want a heated pool (year-round)
- ✓Couples or small families seeking a quieter alternative to Seaside Villas
- ✓Budget-conscious guests wanting oceanfront without gate fees
- ✓Fitness enthusiasts (on-site fitness center)
Not ideal for
- −Large families (units are 538-800 sq ft)
- −Guests expecting luxury finishes (1980 vintage, budget renovations common)
- −Anyone who needs in-unit laundry (confirm with PM)
Building investment: 2 unit renovations permitted in the last 2 years (county records).
Ocean Dunes is an 82-unit oceanfront building in South Forest Beach on Hilton Head Island, offering a quieter alternative to its much larger neighbor, Seaside Villas. The standout amenity is the year-round heated pool — a figure-eight shape that goes eight feet deep, which is rare for a building this size and price point. Most Forest Beach buildings have seasonal, unheated pools, so this is a genuine differentiator for off-season visitors or anyone who wants a guaranteed swim. A separate kiddie pool, a fitness center, changing cabanas, and a picnic area round out the on-site amenities.
The beach in front of Ocean Dunes is noticeably less crowded than at neighboring Seaside Villas, thanks to fewer units sharing the same stretch of shoreline. A boardwalk leads to the sand, and the grounds feature open grassy areas with scattered palmetto and pine trees — good space for kids to run around that the high-density complexes lack. The building offers compact 1BR units (538 square feet) and 2BR units (800 square feet) with full kitchens, balconies, and ocean views. An elevator serves all four floors, and on-site security provides 24-hour coverage.
Coligny Plaza with its 60-plus shops and restaurants, including Piggly Wiggly grocery, is a 5-10 minute walk. The Tiki Hut beach bar is a short stroll south along the sand. No gate fees — this is an ungated Forest Beach property with designated parking lots. The honest caveat: this is a 1980 building and renovation quality ranges from thoughtful updates to painted-over wood paneling. Always verify your specific unit's condition before booking. The smaller complex size (82 units versus 368 at Seaside Villas) means easier parking and a quieter atmosphere.
Our take: The year-round heated pool is a genuine differentiator — most buildings in this price range have seasonal, unheated pools. Smaller and quieter than neighboring Seaside Villas with a less crowded beach. But this is a 1980 building with compact units, and renovation quality ranges from thoughtful to cut-corner. The fitness center and security guard are nice touches for a Forest Beach building.
Getting around: High. One of the most walkable beachfront setups on HHI. Coligny Plaza with 60+ shops/restaurants (including Piggly Wiggly grocery) is a short walk. No gate fees.
