Folly Beach – South Carolina, USA
- Folly Beach Pier, 101, East Arctic Avenue, Folly Beach, Charleston County, South Carolina, 29439, United States
- +1 (843) 588-2447
- October 21, 2025
About This Beach
Kiawah Island, South Carolina, is the epitome of coastal elegance — a serene barrier island just 25 miles southwest of Charleston, renowned for its pristine natural beauty, five-star resorts, and world-class golf. With over 10 miles of uncrowded shoreline, maritime forests, and winding lagoons, it’s one of the most exclusive and breathtaking destinations on the Atlantic Coast.
This private island community blends luxury living with deep respect for nature. Whether you’re biking along shaded trails, kayaking through salt marshes, or relaxing on wide stretches of golden sand, Kiawah offers an atmosphere of tranquility that’s hard to match. It’s home to the prestigious Kiawah Island Golf Resort, the Ocean Course, and countless opportunities for wildlife encounters in an unspoiled coastal setting.
📜 History & Unique Features
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Originally inhabited by the Kiawah Native Americans, from whom the island gets its name.
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The island was later settled by English colonists in the 1600s and remained largely undeveloped until the late 20th century.
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In the 1970s, the Kiawah Island Resort was established, turning the island into a premier luxury destination.
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Home to The Ocean Course, host of the 1991 Ryder Cup, 2012 PGA Championship, and 2021 PGA Championship.
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Strict environmental regulations preserve wildlife habitats, including sea turtle nesting sites and bird sanctuaries.
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Spring (Mar–May): Ideal for golf, biking, and nature walks.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm ocean temps and family vacations.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Fewer crowds, mild weather, and perfect for outdoor adventures.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Quiet luxury with lower rates and peaceful scenery.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm ocean temps and family vacations.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Fewer crowds, mild weather, and perfect for outdoor adventures.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Quiet luxury with lower rates and peaceful scenery.
Things To Do
Popular Activities
- Relax on Kiawah Beachwalker Park: The only public beach access on the island — clean, quiet, and scenic.
- Play Golf: Tee off at one of five championship golf courses, including the world-famous Ocean Course.
- Explore by Bike: Ride over 30 miles of scenic paved trails and firm, flat beach sand.
- Kayak & Paddleboard: Navigate the Kiawah River and tidal marshes for birdwatching and dolphin sightings.
- Wildlife Watching: Spot alligators, deer, and sea turtles in their natural habitats.
- Spa & Wellness: Indulge in luxury treatments at The Sanctuary Spa.
- Dining & Shopping: Visit Freshfields Village for fine dining, boutique shops, and local art.
- Take a Sunset Cruise: Experience breathtaking Lowcountry sunsets over the Atlantic.
Amenities
Nearby Amenities
- Lifeguards (seasonal at Beachwalker Park)
- Restrooms, showers, and picnic areas (Beachwalker Park)
- Parking lot with daily rate ($5–$15/day)
- Bike rentals and guided nature tours
- Beach wheelchair rentals
- Dining, shopping, and spa services within Kiawah Island Resort
- Pet-friendly access (seasonal)
- Public access limited to Beachwalker Park; rest of island is gated/private
Where to Stay
Where to Stay
The Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island Golf Resort: Five-star oceanfront luxury with spa and fine dining.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort Villas: Private condos and homes near golf courses and beaches.
Private Vacation Rentals: Gated community homes with access to trails and lagoons.
Nearby Charleston Hotels: Great alternative for day trips to Kiawah.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort Villas: Private condos and homes near golf courses and beaches.
Private Vacation Rentals: Gated community homes with access to trails and lagoons.
Nearby Charleston Hotels: Great alternative for day trips to Kiawah.
Beach Hours
Beach Hours
Open Now
Open 24/7
Hours/Lifeguards
Hours/Lifeguards
Beach Access: 8:00 AM – Sunset
Beachwalker Park: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (seasonal)
Lifeguards: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Memorial Day – Labor Day)
Beachwalker Park: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (seasonal)
Lifeguards: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Memorial Day – Labor Day)
Pricing
Pricing
Beach Access: Free (parking required)
Parking: $5–$15/day (seasonal rates)
Bike Rentals: $20–$30/day
Kayak Tours: $45–$65/person
Golf (Ocean Course): $300–$450/round
Spa Services: $150–$300/session
Parking: $5–$15/day (seasonal rates)
Bike Rentals: $20–$30/day
Kayak Tours: $45–$65/person
Golf (Ocean Course): $300–$450/round
Spa Services: $150–$300/session
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Attractions
Folly Beach: Vibrant surf town with bars and live music (~1 hr).
Seabrook Island: Neighboring private island community.
Charleston: Historic city with world-class dining and culture (~40 min).
Angel Oak Tree: One of the oldest living trees east of the Mississippi.
Botany Bay Plantation: Scenic coastal preserve with driftwood beaches.
Seabrook Island: Neighboring private island community.
Charleston: Historic city with world-class dining and culture (~40 min).
Angel Oak Tree: One of the oldest living trees east of the Mississippi.
Botany Bay Plantation: Scenic coastal preserve with driftwood beaches.
Food & Drinks
Food & Drinks
Dining on Kiawah Island is a gourmet experience infused with Southern coastal flair.
Top Picks:
The Ocean Room: AAA Five Diamond steakhouse at The Sanctuary Hotel.
Jasmine Porch: Elegant Southern dining with ocean views.
Loggerhead Grill: Poolside dining and cocktails overlooking the sea.
Tomasso at Turtle Point: Italian cuisine in a resort setting.
Hege’s Restaurant (Freshfields Village): Fine dining with French influence.
King Street Grille: Casual sports bar perfect after a round of golf.
Top Picks:
The Ocean Room: AAA Five Diamond steakhouse at The Sanctuary Hotel.
Jasmine Porch: Elegant Southern dining with ocean views.
Loggerhead Grill: Poolside dining and cocktails overlooking the sea.
Tomasso at Turtle Point: Italian cuisine in a resort setting.
Hege’s Restaurant (Freshfields Village): Fine dining with French influence.
King Street Grille: Casual sports bar perfect after a round of golf.
Events & Festivals
Events & Festivals
Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon (December): Scenic race through the island.
Freshfields Village Music on the Green (Summer): Free outdoor concerts.
Kiawah Art & House Tour (April): Exclusive look inside luxury homes.
4th of July Celebration: Fireworks and live music at Night Heron Park.
Lowcountry Oyster Festival (January): Local seafood and Southern tradition.
Freshfields Village Music on the Green (Summer): Free outdoor concerts.
Kiawah Art & House Tour (April): Exclusive look inside luxury homes.
4th of July Celebration: Fireworks and live music at Night Heron Park.
Lowcountry Oyster Festival (January): Local seafood and Southern tradition.
Travel Tips & Local Insights
Travel Tips & Local Insights
Public access is only through Beachwalker Park — the rest of the island is private or resort-owned.
Arrive early to secure parking during summer weekends.
Alcohol and glass are not allowed on public beach areas.
Respect wildlife nesting areas — sea turtle protection is a top priority.
Biking is the best way to explore; roads and trails are shaded and scenic.
Visit Freshfields Village for groceries, coffee, and local boutiques before entering the island.
Arrive early to secure parking during summer weekends.
Alcohol and glass are not allowed on public beach areas.
Respect wildlife nesting areas — sea turtle protection is a top priority.
Biking is the best way to explore; roads and trails are shaded and scenic.
Visit Freshfields Village for groceries, coffee, and local boutiques before entering the island.
Safety & Rules
Safety & Rules
No alcohol or glass containers on the beach.
No fires, fireworks, or tents larger than 10x10 ft.
Dogs allowed year-round but must be leashed (strict enforcement).
Respect private property and restricted resort zones.
Follow wildlife and turtle protection guidelines.
No fires, fireworks, or tents larger than 10x10 ft.
Dogs allowed year-round but must be leashed (strict enforcement).
Respect private property and restricted resort zones.
Follow wildlife and turtle protection guidelines.
FAQs
Is Kiawah Island public?
Partially — only Beachwalker Park is open to the public; the rest is private/resort-owned.
Can you stay overnight?
Yes, at The Sanctuary Hotel, resort villas, or private rentals.
Can you surf here?
Small, gentle surf suitable for beginners and paddleboarding.
Contact Information
Primary Phone
Website URL
Location
Beach Address
Kiawah Beachwalker Park, 8, Beachwalker Drive, Oyster Rake, Kiawah Island, Charleston County, South Carolina, 29455, United States
Access Points
Getting There:
From Charleston: ~40 minutes via SC-700 and Betsy Kerrison Pkwy
Nearest Airport: Charleston International Airport (CHS), ~45 miles away
Parking: Limited daily parking at Beachwalker Park ($5–$15/day, early arrival recommended)
From Charleston: ~40 minutes via SC-700 and Betsy Kerrison Pkwy
Nearest Airport: Charleston International Airport (CHS), ~45 miles away
Parking: Limited daily parking at Beachwalker Park ($5–$15/day, early arrival recommended)
Kiawah Beachwalker Park, 8, Beachwalker Drive, Oyster Rake, Kiawah Island, Charleston County, South Carolina, 29455, United States
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