Kiawah Beachwalker Park
Kiawah Beachwalker Park: Charleston's only public beach on Kiawah Island, famous for dolphin strand feeding and uncrowded shores.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Kiawah Beachwalker Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kiawah Beachwalker Park: Charleston's only public beach on Kiawah Island, famous for dolphin strand feeding and uncrowded shores.
"The place is just absolutely stunning. No other beach in the area can simply compare!"
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The 150-spot lot fills quickly! Aim for early morning or late afternoon to guarantee a spot .
🐬 Dolphin Viewing Tips
Ask locals or park staff about tide times for the best chance to see dolphins strand feed .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dolphin Strand Feeding
Along the shoreline
Witness bottlenose dolphins expertly beach themselves to catch fish – a rare and magical sight!

Uncrowded Beach Access
Main beach area
Enjoy a wide, beautiful stretch of sand with ample space to relax, play, and soak up the sun.

Scenic Boardwalk
Entrance to the beach
A picturesque walk through maritime forest and dunes leads you to the pristine shoreline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Parking
Strand Feeding Dolphins
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The 150-spot lot fills quickly! Aim for early morning or late afternoon to guarantee a spot.
🐬 Dolphin Viewing Tips
Ask locals or park staff about tide times for the best chance to see dolphins strand feed.
💰 Parking Fee
Expect a daily parking fee, which varies by season. An annual pass covers all Charleston County Parks.
🏖️ Rentals Available
Chairs and umbrellas can be rented seasonally, making your beach day more comfortable.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The 150-spot lot fills quickly! Aim for early morning or late afternoon to guarantee a spot.
🐬 Dolphin Viewing Tips
Ask locals or park staff about tide times for the best chance to see dolphins strand feed.
💰 Parking Fee
Expect a daily parking fee, which varies by season. An annual pass covers all Charleston County Parks.
🏖️ Rentals Available
Chairs and umbrellas can be rented seasonally, making your beach day more comfortable.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a lunch or grab takeout from nearby Freshfields Village for a delightful beach picnic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty and cleanliness of Kiawah Beachwalker Park, often highlighting the unique opportunity to witness dolphin strand feeding. The amenities, including restrooms and changing rooms, are praised, and the beach is noted for being less crowded than other local options. However, the parking fee is a recurring point, and some find the lot capacity limiting.
"Very beautiful and clean beach. Has restrooms, changing rooms, shop to buy refreshments, and picnic areas. People are polite and it's not over crowded."
Meika
"Paid $25.00 to park. Nice boardwalk to bathrooms/changing rooms. Pretty drive to get to the beach also. We enjoyed this beach. Weekends, go early or in the early evening otherwise lot may be full of cars already."
J N
"A great place to go to spend a day at the beach. A lot of beach to walk on."
William
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kiawah Beachwalker Park is located at the end of Beachwalker Drive on Kiawah Island, SC. It's the only public beach access point on the island.
The drive itself is scenic, passing through beautiful Lowcountry landscapes.Public transportation options directly to Kiawah Beachwalker Park are limited. It's best to drive or use ride-sharing services. Parking is available on-site, but can fill up quickly.
From Charleston, take Maybank Highway (SC-700) to Johns Island. Turn right onto Betsy Kerrison Parkway, which leads to Kiawah Island. Follow signs for Beachwalker Park at the end of Beachwalker Drive.
Yes, Beachwalker Park is well-signposted once you are on Kiawah Island. Follow Beachwalker Drive to the very end, and you'll find the entrance.
Driving is the most convenient way to reach Kiawah Beachwalker Park. If you're staying on the island, it's easily accessible. For day-trippers, plan your route and consider arriving early to avoid potential traffic on Johns Island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a parking fee to enter Kiawah Beachwalker Park. The cost varies depending on the season, ranging from $5 to $20 per day.
An annual Charleston County Parks pass can cover entry to all county parks, including this one.The park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. Specific hours for amenities like restrooms and snack bars may vary seasonally. Lifeguards are also present during certain times of the year.
Tickets are typically purchased upon arrival at the park entrance. It's advisable to have cash or a card ready for the parking fee.
An annual Charleston County Parks pass offers free entry to all county parks, which can be cost-effective if you plan to visit multiple parks throughout the year.
The parking fee grants you access to the beach, boardwalk, restrooms, and changing facilities. Seasonal chair and umbrella rentals are available for an additional cost.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
The park offers restrooms, changing rooms, outdoor showers, picnic areas, and a snack bar. Seasonal lifeguards are on duty, and chair/umbrella rentals are available.
There are even dog wash stations.While it's the only public access on Kiawah Island, it's generally less crowded than other Charleston-area beaches, especially on weekdays.
Arriving early on weekends is recommended to avoid full parking lots.Absolutely! Kiawah Beachwalker Park is famous for bottlenose dolphins that strand feed, a unique behavior where they herd fish onto the shore.
This is a major draw for visitors.Yes, lifeguards are typically on duty during the peak season. It's always wise to check the park's official website or inquire upon arrival for current lifeguard status.
Besides swimming and sunbathing, you can enjoy long walks on the beach, birdwatching, picnicking, and the incredible opportunity to witness dolphin strand feeding.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a snack bar at Kiawah Beachwalker Park that offers refreshments and snacks.
For more substantial meals, consider packing a picnic or visiting nearby Freshfields Village.Freshfields Village, located a short drive away, offers several dining options, including Fuji (Japanese) and Jersey Mike's Subs.
Many visitors also pack their own lunches.Absolutely! Beachwalker Park has designated picnic areas, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a meal with a view of the ocean.
The snack bar typically offers typical beach fare like drinks, chips, and light snacks. Some reviews even mention surprisingly good pretzels.
The closest major grocery options would be on Johns Island before you reach Kiawah Island. Freshfields Village also has some shops that might carry picnic supplies.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo opportunity is capturing the bottlenose dolphins during their strand feeding.
The scenic boardwalk through the dunes and the wide, uncrowded beach also offer beautiful shots.Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a golden glow. These times also tend to be less crowded.
Drone usage is typically restricted in county parks to ensure safety and preserve the natural environment. It's best to check the official Charleston County Parks regulations before flying a drone.
Besides the famous dolphins, you might spot various shorebirds, pelicans, and other coastal wildlife along the beach and in the surrounding maritime forest.
The end of the boardwalk offers a great vantage point for beach and ocean shots. For dolphin photography, staying near the water's edge during feeding times is ideal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing beach toys, snacks, and plenty of sunscreen. The boardwalk provides a pleasant, shaded walk to the beach, which can be nice for strollers. While the dolphin feeding is a huge draw, it might require some patience for younger children to observe. An annual Charleston County Parks pass is a great investment if you plan on visiting multiple county parks throughout the year.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you're visiting Charleston for an extended period and plan to explore other county parks, purchasing an annual Charleston County Parks pass can be more economical than paying daily fees for each visit. Weekday visits also tend to be less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience without the weekend rush.
🐾 Pet-Friendly Options
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Dolphin Strand Feeding
This behavior is most commonly observed in specific locations like Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island, making Beachwalker Park a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The best times to witness this spectacle are often during specific tidal cycles, so it's worth inquiring with park staff or local guides about optimal viewing periods. Patience is key, but the reward of seeing these magnificent creatures in action is unforgettable.
Remember to observe from a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the dolphins or their environment. The experience is amplified when you appreciate the natural behavior without interference. Many visitors describe it as a highlight of their trip to the Charleston area.
Planning Your Beach Day Essentials
For those who prefer not to lug their own gear, seasonal chair and umbrella rentals are available on-site. This can be a convenient option, especially if you're traveling light. Many visitors also opt to pack a picnic, taking advantage of the designated picnic areas and the beautiful ocean views. This is a great way to save money and enjoy a leisurely meal without leaving the beach.
Don't forget to check the weather forecast and tide charts before you go. While the beach itself is beautiful, understanding the conditions can help you make the most of your visit, especially if you're hoping to catch the dolphin strand feeding.
Kiawah Island's Only Public Beach Access
Because of this, the park can become quite popular, especially during peak seasons and weekends. The parking lot has a capacity of about 150 spots, so arriving early is highly recommended to secure a place to park. This exclusivity also contributes to the park's generally well-maintained and less crowded atmosphere compared to more accessible public beaches, offering a more tranquil beach experience.
Despite being the only public access, Beachwalker Park is part of the Charleston County Parks system, meaning it's well-managed and offers good amenities. This ensures that visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of Kiawah Island while having access to necessary facilities for a comfortable day out.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit