Charleston County’s Beachwalker Park Named Best Beach in the Carolinas
If you’re dreaming of sandy shores and the gentle sound of waves lapping at your feet, you might just want to pack your bags and head over to Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island, Charleston County! According to a fresh ranking by none other than Stephen “Dr. Beach” Leatherman, Beachwalker Park is officially the best beach in the Carolinas. And it didn’t stop there—it snagged the impressive fifth spot in the entire United States!
The Ranking That Matters
Dr. Beach has been keeping tabs on American beaches for over 30 years. His expert opinion holds weight as he evaluates these sandy paradises based on 50 criteria, scoring them on a scale from one to five. Everything from the softness of the sand to the clarity of the water and even the amenities like lifeguards and cleanliness come into play. This year, Beachwalker Park not only shone as a local favorite but also stood out on a national level.
A Closer Look at Beachwalker Park
Located on Kiawah Island, Beachwalker Park is a hidden gem just waiting to be explored. The park boasts stunning tidal inlets, a convenient boardwalk, and long stretches of fine sand perfect for a leisurely day at the beach. Whether you’re strolling along the shore, biking down the beach, or paddling through the serene inlets, Beachwalker Park provides plenty of opportunities to get close to nature. Who doesn’t love a beach where you can truly unwind and connect with the natural surroundings?
Dr. Beach himself reflects on the park’s charm, noting that while the water may not be crystal clear, it is “clean and provides fantastic seafood.” Sounds like a perfect outdoor adventure, doesn’t it?
A Competitive National Beach Scene
While Beachwalker Park stole the spotlight for the Carolinas, it’s worth mentioning that it was the only beach from the region to make the cut this year. The top spot for 2022 went to Ocracoke Lifeguard Beach in North Carolina, reminding beachgoers that there are plenty of beautiful coastal options nearby. This year, though, it’s all about Kiawah Island!
Dr. Beach’s rankings don’t just spotlight South Carolina; they also highlight stunning shores from Florida to Hawaii. Florida and Hawaii both showcased three of their beaches in the top ten rankings, with beautiful Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Oahu, Hawaii, claiming the top honor! Here is the complete rundown of the 2024 America’s Best Beaches list:
- 10. Fort De Soto Park, St. Petersburg, Florida
- 9. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
- 8. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida
- 7. Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
- 6. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
- 5. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
- 4. Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin Clearwater, Florida
- 3. Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii
- 2. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
- 1. Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Plan Your Next Visit
With such an incredible ranking, it might be time to start planning your visit to Beachwalker Park! Grab your sunscreen, pack a picnic, and get ready to enjoy the stunning coastal beauty of Kiawah Island. The beach may be calling your name, and it’s clearly recognized as one of the best places to soak up the sun and enjoy the great outdoors!