Beachwalker Park: The Crown Jewel of the Carolinas
Charleston County has some exciting news to share! Beachwalker Park, located on beautiful Kiawah Island, has just been named the best beach in the Carolinas. This recognition comes from the esteemed Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research, run by none other than Stephen “Dr. Beach” Leatherman. For over 30 years, Dr. Beach has been ranking America’s best beaches, and this year, Beachwalker Park not only topped the Carolinas but snagged a remarkable fifth place nationwide!
A Coastal Treasure
Beachwalker Park is truly a coastal gem. With its stunning tidal inlets, an inviting boardwalk, and miles of soft, fine sand, it has something for everyone. Imagine strolling along the beach, soaking in the sound of the waves and feeling the sun on your skin. Dr. Beach is a well-respected figure in coastal sciences, having authored 16 books and testified about coastal issues in Congress multiple times. If he’s giving Beachwalker Park such high praise, you can bet it’s deserving!
How Did They Decide?
So, how exactly does Dr. Beach come up with these rankings? Each beach gets a numeric score based on 50 different criteria that cover everything from natural beauty to human factors. The categories are scored on a scale from one to five, and they look at important factors, including sand softness, water temperature, and the presence of wildlife. Beyond that, they also consider human elements such as amenities, lifeguards, and the amount of litter. It’s a thorough process that ensures only the best beaches make the cut!
What Makes Beachwalker Park Stand Out?
This year, Beachwalker Park has a special nod from Dr. Beach for its unmatched natural charm. He describes it as a nature lovers’ paradise where visitors can paddle through tranquil inlets or walk and bike along the beach. While the waters might not be crystal clear, they are clean and teem with life, offering fantastic opportunities for seafood lovers to catch a delightful meal.
The Competition
This year’s rankings did not feature any other beaches from the Carolinas, but Beachwalker Park still shines brightly among the competition. Last year, Ocracoke Lifeguard Beach in North Carolina took home the top spot, but this year it’s all about Kiawah Island!
Eight other beaches also made the top ten this year, with states like Florida and Hawaii dominating the rankings. Beach enthusiasts will be delighted to know that Hawaii grabbed the top honors this year with Duke Kahanamoku Beach on Oahu claiming the number one spot. Here’s a quick look at the full 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
Wrap Up
If you haven’t visited Beachwalker Park yet, now is the perfect time to plan your adventure! With its breathtaking scenery and abundant nature activities, this beach is sure to steal your heart. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Charleston County, Beachwalker Park is a slice of coastal heaven just waiting to be explored.
