Car Accident Attorney inKiawah Island, SC

The beaches along the 187 miles of South Carolina coastline all offer up individual characteristics to love. Whether you're seeking a campground on the beach, a fun pier to enjoy some fishing, or in this case, a tropical beach with the clearest water in South Carolina, you're going to find it here in the Palmetto State.

One of our favorite blue-water beaches is little known simply because it's located on an island that is considered to be exclusive.

In fact, most South Carolinians don't realize that Kiawah Island even has a public beach!

Or that the beach is as wide as it is and filled with soft, white sand.

Kiawah Island has some of the whitest sand on the entire South Carolina coast. It also has some of the bluest waters too. The location of Kiawah's Beachwalker Park is on the South end of the island, where the coastline is recessed a bit allowing for those murkish waters to the north to sweep right on by — slightly off the coast.

As a result, the sand stays a more pristine white and the waters are less filled with sediment churned up from underneath the surface.

Perhaps part of the misconception of South Carolina's lost blue water beach stems from a belief that you have to be a guest on Kiawah Island to access all of the beaches. But nothing could be further from the truth. There are no gates in which to pass through to get onto Kiawah Island, so no pass is required.

And the only requirement to use the public beach at Beachwalker County Park is to get there before the parking lot fills up, and pay the daily parking fee.

Parking fees vary by day and by season, but currently range from $5-$20 per vehicle, per day. You'll find more info in the hours and fees section of the Kiawah Beachwalker Park webpage.

The park is located on a narrow strip of Kiawah island and has both beach and backwater access.

The back side is an ideal spot for picnicking and for launching a kayak. You'll be pleasantly surprised to learn the tidal waters in the Kiawah River on the backside of the park are also a dreamy blue!

So how about it? Now that you know about this 'lost' and little-known Charleston County Park and the extra blue water will you be able to fit it into your plans before the end of the season?

Kiawah Beachwalker Park is open year-round. However, beach rentals and lifeguards may be seasonal. The hours vary by season and are January - April 10:00 a.m. - Sunset; May - Labor Day 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.; September - December 10:00 a.m. - Sunset. Restrooms and changing facilities are provided. There is no entry fee for the park, however, a daily parking fee is charged, and once the lot is completely filled you may be ticketed or towed if you park outside the authorized parking spots. Learn more on the official page for Kiawah Beachwalker Park on the Charleston County Parks website.

Need more reasons to make the trek all the way out to Kiawah? This public beach was ranked one of the ten best beaches in the country, which would naturally make it the best beach in South Carolina!

KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - Opposition to proposed development and development already in the works on Kiawah Island has prompted the developer, Kiawah Resort Associates, to file not one, but two lawsuits.

One lawsuit is solely against the Town of Kiawah Island, but the second lawsuit is against the town, property owners and the Homeowners Association.

The first suit involves a condominium complex development already being built, The Cape.

It claims that following the town’s approval of the site plans and parking requirements back in 2020, in January of this year, the town changed its position to require all parking in a different location from what was originally decided. The developers say that’s impossible at this point in the process.

The second suit concerns two proposed developments along Beachwalker Drive, that residents have expressed concerns about to the town. Residents believe the projects violate the provisions of the island-wide general covenants.

“Even someone back in high school probably read the Bill of Rights and knows that part of the first amendment is the inherent right to petition the government for redress of grievances,” PreserveKiawah Chair Larry Rutkowski said.

The lawsuit seeks a ruling from a judge saying the opposite and seeks damages for “the intentional actions of these Homeowners Associations for attempting to keep these projects from proceeding.”

Rutkowski said this action from the developer completely rubs him the wrong way.

“Effectively they are seeking a declaratory judgment that what they did is okay, and they should be allowed to proceed, but most people on the island think that hasn’t been the case, there is clearly inadequate parking,” Rutkowski said. “This trampling of citizen rights because they had the nerve to actually point out what they perceived to be a failing in the development plans is just intolerable to me and a strange way to build a relationship with your neighbors.”

Kiawah Resort Associates said in a statement, We have attempted to work with the town and the associations on many occasions to resolve this situation and have offered a myriad of practical solutions to address this. Kiawah Resort Associates regrets having to take legal action but at this stage, we were forced to do so. We are being deprived of our valuable property rights, largely due to politics and a desire by some to prevent us from proceeding with our development entitlements. Because the town and associations refuse to change their positions, we seek the decisions of an independent, unbiased court as to whether we have been treated fairly in accordance with the law or not.

When asked about the lawsuits, Kiawah Island Mayor Bradley Belt provided the following statement:

I don’t have any comment regarding the pending litigation, other than to note that the town continues to pursue the appropriate process to mediate this issue with the applicant.

For more background on this story, click here.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Given that they share a name and are positioned within just a few miles of each other, it’s little wonder why people may confuse the beach resort of Kiawah Island with Kiawah River, the waterfront Johns Island neighborhood in which our 2024 Southern Living Idea House is located. While each community has its singular charms, there’s no denying that you’re in for beautiful scenery and a little R&R, whichever your destination. Read on for the difference between Kiawah Island and Kiawah River.

What Is Kiawah Island?

Named for the Kiawah Indians who first called the barrier island home, Kiawah Island has been a celebrated destination for sun-and-sand seekers since the resort first opened in the 1970s. Today, Kiawah Island Golf Resort touts five public world-class golf courses; a luxury hotel, The Sanctuary; 10 miles of pristine beaches that unfurl along the Atlantic; and a wildlife population that includes sea turtles, bobcats, shorebirds, and deer, among others. Thirty miles of paved bike paths meander across the island, winding through maritime forest and past lagoons that reinforce this area’s wild sense of wonder.

While much of the island (and many of its amenities) are accessible only to those staying at The Sanctuary or in one of the resort’s rental properties, there is one public beach access on the west end; Beachwalker Park features wide, unspoiled sandy shoreline along the Atlantic, as well as views of the Kiawah River.

The Best Islands In South Carolina, According To Our Readers

What Is Kiawah River?

Just a few miles down the road from Kiawah Island is the newly developed Kiawah River community on Johns Island. Comprising 20 miles of shoreline and 2,000 acres, this neighborhood has been planned with the area’s natural riches (like maritime forest and salt marsh) and long-standing agricultural history in mind. “It’s a beautiful, pretty much one-of-a-kind place,” says Jeff Snyder, the neighborhood’s Chief Environmental Officer. “There are maybe only two or three places like this left.” From some 500 acres of saltwater brackish ponds to the working farm (which is home to produce, wildflowers, goats, cattle, and bees), much of the property is designated to remain green space. It’s a commitment celebrated by the residents who have chosen to make the place home, many of whom participate in Kiawah River’s environment- and sustainability-focused efforts, which range from bluebird population tracking to composting.

Beyond the homes built there, including our own 2024 Idea House, Kiawah River is also welcoming those who want to experience the lifestyle without a residential commitment. A boutique resort designed by Amanda Lindroth, The Dunlin, is set to open in September; and Rosebank Farms Market is open daily, peddling fresh produce from folks who have farmed this land for decades, as well as a selection of locally made goods.

Located on South Carolina’s coveted Kiawah Island, this three-bedroom, marsh-facing modern home incorporates nature at every turn.

Modified on July 19, 2024 , Published on July 18, 2024

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Have you heard of the Kiawah Beachwalker Park? This park is one of the nation’s top ten-rated beaches, and it’s just a few hours away from Charleston, SC. Find out why the Kidding Around team enjoys this beach so that you can plan out the perfect beach trip.

If you are planning on taking a trip to the coast soon, we have a huge Guide to Charleston, SC with tips for things to do, places to stay, and adventures to enjoy!

Kiawah Beachwalker Park: Making the Top Beach List

A lot goes into deciding what beaches get bestowed with being named to one of Stephen Leatherman’s beach lists. Stephen, AKA Dr. Beach isn’t just some permanent beach bum. He is a doctor of coastal science and knows what makes a great beach.

Kiawah Beachwalker Park is #5 on the Dr. Beach Top Ten List in 2024

One of the first years he created the list the beach local to me in Florida was named number one in the entire country! Siesta Beach is Sarasota county has made the top lists of beaches in the world, too. I was intrigued to see a South Carolina beach on the list. Siesta Beach has sand that looks like talcum powder, and usually, the Gulf of Mexico is a beautiful shade of turquoise. Would this beach in South Carolina be similar?

Planning a Trip To Kiawah Island

At a little under four hours from the Upstate, I don’t think Kiawah Island is suitable for a day trip. Grabbing a hotel for the night is the best way for you to enjoy a day at this exceptional beach.

The Andell Inn on Kiawah Island is a Marriott boutique hotel. The hotel has all the amenities you’d expect from a Marriott property, plus they provide a free shuttle to Kiawah Beachwalker Park.

The island isn’t very commercialized, so you’ll need to grab any picnic provisions or beach snacks before you leave the Charleston area. They do have a picnic area with grills, but they are first come first serve, so keep that in mind when packing your lunch. There is a convenience store a few blocks away from the beach to grab ice and anything you may have forgotten.

Make sure you stop at Five Below or another discount retailer and grab the kids some boogie boards! I had the idea to grab them and didn’t realize that they were the cool thing to have at the beach. Every kid there had one, and at just $5, it was the best decision ever.

Spending The Day at Kiawah Beachwalker Park

If you don’t already own a beach-style wagon or a rolling cooler, I suggest you look into getting them. The walk from the parking lot to the shore includes a trek down a long boardwalk. I have never regretted leaving my rolling cooler at home more than on that boardwalk.

Once you arrive at the park, you will need to pay for parking. During the summer months, an attendant is on duty to take payments. On weekdays in the summer, the cost is $15 and weekends it is $20. The parking fee is slightly less after Labor Day and before Memorial Day. Should the park be at capacity, you can leave your name and number, head to the open-air market Freshfields Village and they will notify you when you can head back.

Even when the parking lot is at capacity, there is plenty of space on the beach. You can rent a beach chair and umbrellas at the beach or bring your own. One of the wonderful things about Kiawah Beachwalker Park is that, unlike other South Carolina beaches, there are no restrictions here on tents and sunshades. You can set up camp for the day and have your family protected from the sun while they enjoy the beach!

There must be a pod of Bottlenose dolphins that love this beach just as much as the humans. They are a famous sight in the water there, just take note that getting too close or harassing them is illegal.

After A Long Day At Kiawah Beachwalker Park

Once it’s time to head home, you can clean up all the gear and the kids at the top end of the boardwalk. There are changing rooms and showers available. I’m going to warn you after a long day in the sun; the fresh cold water feels SO GOOD coming out of that shower. My kids just stood there staring at me, while I enjoyed it for way too long.

Before I had left, I was already planning a return trip. Due to the calmer, family-friendly nature of this beach and the non-commercialization of the island, the beach here is quite enjoyable.

Have you been to Kiawah Beachwalker Park? What did you think?