Beachwalker Park — Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Beachwalker County Park provides public access to the beach on Kiawah Island. The rest of the island has been developed into a private resort community that bars non-residents and non-guests from entering. The beach is also accessible via boat at any time. All beaches in South Carolina are publicly-owned up to the high-water mark. However, many upscale beaches prevent outsiders from entering by blocking roads with gates.

Located at the west end of the island, Beachwalker County Park offers pristine views of the Atlantic Ocean and Kiawah River (seen above). Visitors can walk further west and reach Captain Sam’s Spit, one of the most ecologically significant spots in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Here one can witness dolphins strand-feeding. Other wildlife, like shorebirds, water fowl, deer, and even bobcats are present as well.

Lifeguards are on duty seasonally to watch over swimmers, and the park offers restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic areas with grills, a seasonal snack bar, and boardwalk trails. Dogs are allowed but should be on a leash.

Reflections on the Holliday Farm

This photograph of Beachwalker Park, submitted by Melanie Thomas of Johns Island, won our South Carolina Swimming Holes” photo contest in July 2009.

Melanie says, “One of my favorite activities, and main form of exercise, is to bicycle to Beachwalker County Park and bike on the beach. It is great exercise, wonderfully relaxing, and offers a chance to observe the ever-changing and beautiful coastline. On this particular evening I had rushed home after working at the Hollings Cancer Center, and hurried to the beach to catch the last minutes of daylight. The tides were extremely high this week due to the new moon. This beautiful view of the Kiawah River from Beachwalker Park forced me to slow down, focus on the moment, and appreciate my good fortune to be living in the SC Lowcountry.”

Add your own reflections here.

Beachwalker Park Map

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