This Quiet Seashore Was Named the Greatest within the U.S. South—and It is Well-known for Its Sunsets, Dolphin Sightings, and Pristine Tender Sand

The better Charleston space is much from missing in seashores. From the relaxed vibes and browsing waves of Folly Seashore to the jaw-dropping beachfront properties alongside Sullivan’s Island, a number of top-tier stretches of coast tempt native Charlestonians and guests alike. A type of seashores additionally occurs to be the very best seashore within the South, in accordance with Dr. Seashore himself.

Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, in any other case often called “Dr. Seashore,” is a scientist, writer, professor, and director of the Laboratory for Coastal Analysis at Florida Worldwide College. His experience and his curiosity in seashores led him to create his official seashore rating system, which he then makes use of to curate his annual America’s Greatest Seashores checklist. Whereas Coopers Seashore in Southampton, New York, obtained prime honors this 12 months, Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island was the highest-ranked seashore within the South, coming in at No. 6.

Most of Kiawah is a gated non-public group, however Beachwalker Park, on the west finish of the island, is open to the general public. “This can be a nature-lovers’ coast, so guests can carry their canoes and kayaks to paddle via the tidal inlets. It’s also enjoyable to stroll or bicycle down the fine-grained sand seashore to Captain Sam’s Inlet to see 1000’s of birds,” Dr. Seashore acknowledged. “The water will not be clear, however it’s clear and gives implausible seafood.”

With a purpose to discover the perfect seashores, Dr. Seashore evaluates every coastal vacation spot utilizing 50 completely different standards, together with noise, trash and litter, entry, and “depth of seashore use,” that means how crowded or uncrowded it’s throughout peak season. Beachwalker Park is much from an undiscovered gem, but it surely’s sometimes much less crowded than different Charleston seashores in the summertime—thanks, partially, to the truth that it’s a few 45-minute drive from downtown. Notably, that drive will be even longer throughout peak season.

Together with providing a basic seashore day, Beachwalker Park is a good spot to see dolphins feeding or watch the sundown. Stroll right down to Captain Sam’s Inlet, previous the tip of the park, at low tide; it’s an space that’s additionally conducive to kayaking or standup paddleboarding.

There’s a snack bar at Beachwalker Park throughout the summer time. Nevertheless, if you would like a extra substantial seashore lunch—otherwise you’re visiting within the low season—swing by Freshfields Village earlier than establishing your chairs and umbrella. The open-air buying middle has a grocery retailer, espresso store (Java Java), a connoisseur deli (The Station), and a grab-and-go seashore bodega (The Co-Op).