Condé Nast Traveler just ranked the 10 Best Beaches in the U.S. and we couldn’t agree more with the South Carolina beach that made the list. South Carolina has more than a couple dozen beaches and we love them all equally. So when one of our amazing beach destinations makes the list at Condé Nast Traveler it’s a big deal. So without further ado, let’s take a look at that beach now.
You may be surprised to learn the beach that made the list is a public beach on Kiawah Island - and also a Charleston County Park!
TripAdvisor/Aliesha S The beach at Kiawah Beachwalker Park made the list, according to Condé Nast Traveler, because it’s “a public beach known for drawing nature-lovers, Beachwalker Park has tidal inlets perfect for canoeing and kayaking.” But we know for a fact that there are so many more reasons to love this beach. We made our own list of reasons this beach deserves to be on the Top Ten List.
- It’s a beautiful drive getting there.
TripAdvisor/Randall M Unless you really don’t like driving through tree tunnels with swaying Spanish moss overhead.
TripAdvisor/BUGI_70 Or the sweeping marsh and tidal creek views you’ll have along the way.
- The park has some necessary amenities.
Yelp/Larry Y Restrooms are always a plus when you’re spending the day at the beach. Beachwalker Park also has showers, dressing rooms, a place where you can buy drinks - and a picnic area with grills.
- Paved parking.
TripAdvisor/55refman Unless you have your 4-wheel drive vehicle, paved parking is a must at the beach. The parking is also a small drawback to this beach. Once the lot is full they don’t let anyone else in the gate. But that’s also an advantage. It means the beach will be less crowded!
- ADA ramps and boardwalks for better beach access for everyone.
TripAdvisor/Joan W Bring the cooler with wheels so getting all your gear to the beach will be a breeze.
- Wide open beach.
TripAdvisor/Aliesha S And dunes that, for the most part, don’t have houses and development staring at you and your relaxing day by the sea.
- Manageable surf.
TripAdvisor/Aliesha S If this raises question marks in your mind about what constitutes manageable surf, then spend the day at the beach at Breach Inlet between Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms - where you’ll get fined upwards of $1,000 for so much as dipping your toes in the water. The waves, the current and the undertow are completely swimmable at Beachwalker County Park.Which leads us to #7 on this list:
- Lifeguards.
Facebook/Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission, South Carolina In season, Charleston County provides lifeguards. It’s a big deal. Not all beaches in South Carolina have them. If you have any question about when lifeguards are on duty you can refer to this link at the Charleston County Parks’ website.
- The perfect kayak and canoe venue.
TripAdvisor/Kandy R
TripAdvisor/Joan W The front side of the park faces the ocean. And the back side is along this tidal creek, which is perfectly suitable for your kayak or canoe.
- This.
TripAdvisor/markandmichele_w And the fact that dogs are allowed on the beach as long as they are on a leash at all times. Some beaches make rules allowing dogs only at certain (weird) times. Not at this park…your buddy is not only welcome, but they also have a shower for him! Awwwww.
- Convenience rentals.
Facebook/Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission, South Carolina Kiawah Beachwalker Park has beach chair and umbrella rentals. And they’re pretty nice too, right?
There are so many reasons to LOVE this beach - which happens to be a County Park in South Carolina.
TripAdvisor/David C A few things to know before you go: Get there early. If the parking lot is full you will be turned away. Also, there’s a fee to park. Depending upon the season and the day of the week, the fee varies from $5.00 to $15.00 per vehicle. RVs and campers are $20.00. Non-motorized bikes are free “parking.” More info can be found at this link. Kiawah Beachwalker Park is located at 8 Beachwalker Dr, Kiawah Island, SC 29455.
Congrats to both Kiawah Beachwalker Park and Charleston County Parks for making this Condé Nast Traveler list of the 10 Best Beaches in the U.S! We just listed 10 fantastic reasons why this beach deserves some love. Can you think of other reasons? We’d love to hear them in our comments!
TripAdvisor/Aliesha S
The beach at Kiawah Beachwalker Park made the list, according to Condé Nast Traveler, because it’s “a public beach known for drawing nature-lovers, Beachwalker Park has tidal inlets perfect for canoeing and kayaking.” But we know for a fact that there are so many more reasons to love this beach. We made our own list of reasons this beach deserves to be on the Top Ten List.
TripAdvisor/Randall M
Unless you really don’t like driving through tree tunnels with swaying Spanish moss overhead.
TripAdvisor/BUGI_70
Or the sweeping marsh and tidal creek views you’ll have along the way.
Yelp/Larry Y
Restrooms are always a plus when you’re spending the day at the beach. Beachwalker Park also has showers, dressing rooms, a place where you can buy drinks - and a picnic area with grills.
TripAdvisor/55refman
Unless you have your 4-wheel drive vehicle, paved parking is a must at the beach. The parking is also a small drawback to this beach. Once the lot is full they don’t let anyone else in the gate. But that’s also an advantage. It means the beach will be less crowded!
TripAdvisor/Joan W
Bring the cooler with wheels so getting all your gear to the beach will be a breeze.
And dunes that, for the most part, don’t have houses and development staring at you and your relaxing day by the sea.
If this raises question marks in your mind about what constitutes manageable surf, then spend the day at the beach at Breach Inlet between Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms - where you’ll get fined upwards of $1,000 for so much as dipping your toes in the water. The waves, the current and the undertow are completely swimmable at Beachwalker County Park.Which leads us to #7 on this list:
Facebook/Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission, South Carolina
In season, Charleston County provides lifeguards. It’s a big deal. Not all beaches in South Carolina have them. If you have any question about when lifeguards are on duty you can refer to this link at the Charleston County Parks’ website.
TripAdvisor/Kandy R
The front side of the park faces the ocean. And the back side is along this tidal creek, which is perfectly suitable for your kayak or canoe.
TripAdvisor/markandmichele_w
And the fact that dogs are allowed on the beach as long as they are on a leash at all times. Some beaches make rules allowing dogs only at certain (weird) times. Not at this park…your buddy is not only welcome, but they also have a shower for him! Awwwww.
Kiawah Beachwalker Park has beach chair and umbrella rentals. And they’re pretty nice too, right?
TripAdvisor/David C
A few things to know before you go: Get there early. If the parking lot is full you will be turned away. Also, there’s a fee to park. Depending upon the season and the day of the week, the fee varies from $5.00 to $15.00 per vehicle. RVs and campers are $20.00. Non-motorized bikes are free “parking.” More info can be found at this link. Kiawah Beachwalker Park is located at 8 Beachwalker Dr, Kiawah Island, SC 29455.
Make this your year to get out and explore South Carolina’s coast. Take this road trip to some fun, hidden beaches in the Palmetto State.
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