You don’t have to stay on Kiawah to gain access to the beautiful beach. Just before the gate entrance to the Island, take an immediate right and proceed down Beachwalker Drive to Kiawah’s Beachwalker Park. This park is one of many Charleston County Parks throughout the area. The park is situated on the very west end of the island and offers a good sample of the key attractions to the Island which is its great beaches. While this part of the island is considered “public” there is a small fee charged by the county for vehicles ($7.00).
The park is open from March through October with life guards on duty during the peak season (warmer months). The park also has several amenities such as concessions, picnic areas, chair and umbrella rentals, showers, and dressing rooms. Pets are also allowed as long as they are leashed.
For those staying in or near Charleston and have never experienced Kiawah, I recommend a day spent at Beachwalker County park to get a good sampling of Kiawah life. The experience of the Island is not only phenomenal on the ocean side. The park also offers up river access where one can view the beauty of the intercoastal habitat featuring several different species of wildlife such as herons, bobcats, gators, and blue crabs. A day spent at Beachwalker may be all you need to be hooked on this fun destination.
